Thanks so much for the reply! Ah yes, the problem is I come from South Africa and earn our rather weak currency!
My friend managed to go to the Maldives just for the cliched Kardashian style resort holiday rather than surfing, but it did sound like a crazy amount of our "Rands". He happens to be a financial advisor who earns big commission.
Luckily, here in South Africa we do have great surf all along our coast line and so a 'Staycation' road trip is actually quite a treat! I hope you come check it out one day.