Island Luxury Retreat - Maalhos
Beachfront on Baa Atoll, steps from one of the Maldives' great house reefs.
A place to stay on Maalhos
Island Luxury Retreat sits on Maalhos island in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve roughly 115 km from Malé. The guest house is part of the Island Luxury group, which runs with 95% local staff and a clear focus on community and sustainability. Accommodation runs to beach villas with private pools and first-floor sea-view rooms with jacuzzis, including family-sized units for groups of up to five. The house reef is directly accessible from shore, and Hanifaru Bay — one of the world's better-known manta ray feeding grounds — is reachable by boat.
The honest verdict
A well-equipped, locally run beachfront guest house with strong water access, solid room specs, and organised dive and excursion options through an on-site dive centre.
Best for
- Snorkellers and divers targeting Hanifaru Bay
- Families wanting a private-pool villa
- Travellers who want a UNESCO-reserve setting without a full resort price
- Guests after a direct house reef experience
Maybe not ideal for
- Those who prefer a large resort with multiple dining venues
- Travellers wanting a very short transfer from the airport
Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Maalhos island sits within Baa Atoll, designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. That status shapes what surrounds the property: coral systems largely intact, Hanifaru Bay within reach, and whale sharks in the wider atoll waters.
House reef from the shore
The reef runs directly off the beach. Guests can enter without a boat trip. For deeper or guided dives, the on-site Underwater Institute — operated by Maldives Passions under the Island Luxury Dive Centre — handles equipment and guidance.
Beach villas with private pools
The ground-floor beach villas each have a private pool, an outdoor ensuite bathroom, and a sala daybed. At 95 m², they sleep up to four. In-room amenities include a Nespresso machine, mini bar, ceiling fan, and air conditioning.
Sea-view rooms with jacuzzis
The first-floor rooms sit at 65 m² and include a private jacuzzi, sala daybed, flat-screen TV, Nespresso machine, and mini bar. The family version occupies a mezzanine floor, sleeps five, and adds a safety deposit box.
In-house restaurant and dining formats
The restaurant covers breakfast through dinner, drawing on Maldivian cooking alongside international dishes. Private beach dinners, poolside BBQs, tree-top dining, and floating breakfasts are all available as alternatives to the main dining room.
Community-run, local-staffed
95% of staff are Maldivian. The property is part of the Island Luxury group, which positions itself around community-focused operations. The practical side: 24-hour reception, free Wi-Fi throughout, and an airport meet-and-greet service.
Rooms & suites
Seaview Room with Jacuzzi
65 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed OR 1 extra-large double bed OR 1 sofa bed
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Spa bath
- Patio
Seaview Family Room with Jacuzzi
75 m² · sleeps 5 · 2 single beds / 1 extra-large double bed / 1 sofa bed
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Spa bath
- Patio
Beach Villa with Private Pool
95 m² · sleeps 4 · 1 single bed AND 1 extra-large double bed AND 1 sofa bed
- Entire villa
- Private pool
- Sea view
- Pool view
- Pool with a view
Inside Island Luxury Retreat - Maalhos
Amenities at Island Luxury Retreat - Maalhos
Great for your stay
- Restaurant
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Spa and wellness centre
- View
- Bath
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bath or shower
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Bathrobe
- Hairdryer
Bedroom
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
- Extra long beds (> 2 metres)
View
- Sea view
- View
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Sun terrace
- BBQ facilities
- Patio
- Terrace
- Garden
Kitchen
- Coffee machine
- Cleaning products
- Electric kettle
Getting there
Island Luxury Retreat is on Maalhos island in Baa Atoll, 115 km from Velana International Airport in Malé. The transfer is by seaplane. The property provides an airport meet-and-greet service. Seaplanes operate during daylight hours, so plan arrival and departure times accordingly.
Seaplane transfers typically run $250–600 per person round trip, booked through the property. A few islands in this band are also served by a domestic flight to a nearby regional airport plus a short boat — ask the property which routing is faster for your dates.
On the map
Where to eat
- Vaataru Cafe cafe 0.4 km
- Cafe Pink Rose cafe 0.42 km
With 12 Google reviews and a rating of 4.3/5, early feedback points positively to the location within the UNESCO reserve and the quality of the house reef access. The small review pool limits detailed theme analysis, but the property has a meet-and-greet transfer service and 24-hour reception, which guests consistently flag as useful on arrival.
- Things to do3.3
- Restaurants1.6
- Airport access1.6
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Island Luxury Retreat from Malé airport?
The property is 115 km from Malé and reached by seaplane transfer. An airport meet-and-greet service is included. Seaplane schedules are typically daylight-only, so factor that into your arrival plans.
What room types are available?
There are three categories: the Seaview Room with Jacuzzi (65 m², sleeps 2), the Seaview Family Room with Jacuzzi (75 m², sleeps 5), and the Beach Villa with Private Pool (95 m², sleeps 4). Family configurations are available in both room and villa formats.
Do the beach villas have private pools?
Yes. The Beach Villa with Private Pool has its own pool, an outdoor ensuite bathroom, and a sala daybed, all at ground-floor level. Room amenities include a Nespresso machine, mini bar, ceiling fan, and air conditioning.
Is there an on-site dive centre?
Yes. The Underwater Institute, operated by Maldives Passions under the Island Luxury Dive Centre brand, is on-site. It handles house reef dives as well as organised trips to Hanifaru Bay and wider Baa Atoll sites.
Can I snorkel or dive Hanifaru Bay from here?
Hanifaru Bay manta ray encounters are among the organised excursions run through the on-site dive centre. Whale shark and coral reef trips in Baa Atoll are also available. The house reef is accessible directly from shore.
What dining options are there?
The in-house restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, Maldivian evening tea, and dinner, mixing local and international dishes. Alternatives include private beach dinners, poolside BBQs, tree-top dining, and floating breakfast, all bookable separately.
What meal plans are available?
Breakfast options include Full English/Irish, vegetarian, halal, Asian, American, buffet, and breakfast to go. Check at booking for current meal-plan packages, as options may vary by season.
Is the property suitable for families?
Yes. The Seaview Family Room with Jacuzzi sleeps five and the Beach Villa with Private Pool sleeps four. Family rooms have safety deposit boxes. The property is listed as having family rooms as a key facility.
What watersports are available?
Water sport facilities are on site. Activities include snorkelling, diving, canoeing, windsurfing, and fishing. Bicycle rental is also available on the island.
Is there a spa?
Yes. There is a Wellness Centre on site offering spa and yoga services.
What is the best time to visit for manta rays at Hanifaru Bay?
Hanifaru Bay manta aggregations are typically strongest during the southwest monsoon season (May to November), with peak activity often between June and October. Conditions vary year to year.
What are the starting room prices?
Rates start from around USD 201 per night for the Seaview Room with Jacuzzi, USD 210 for the Seaview Family Room with Jacuzzi, and USD 229 for the Beach Villa with Private Pool. Prices vary by date and availability.