Banyan Villa
Family-run guest house on Dhangethi island.
A local-island guesthouse on Dhangethi
Banyan Villa is a family-run guest house situated on the seafront of Dhangethi island in the South Ari Atoll. This property offers a garden, sun terrace, and a private beach area for guests. Its location in the South Ari Atoll is known for year-round whale shark and manta ray encounters.
The honest verdict
A friendly, family-run guest house with good access to marine activities in the South Ari Atoll.
Best for
- Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts
- Whale shark and manta ray tours
- Family stays
- Relaxing on a private beach area
Maybe not ideal for
- Those seeking an all-inclusive resort experience
- Travellers prioritizing on-site alcohol service
What a stay costs
Indicative room-only estimate from the lowest nightly rate — excludes airport transfers, taxes and seasonal price changes. Many Maldives properties also require a minimum stay. Check live rates for your dates.
South Ari Atoll Marine Life
The guest house is located in an area renowned for whale sharks and manta rays, with excursions available year-round. Enjoy snorkeling and diving on the house reef or at nearby sites.
Seafront location and garden
Banyan Villa sits on the seafront and features a garden with a sun terrace. Guests have access to a private beach area, offering a spot to relax by the water.
On-site dining options
The on-site Banyan Cafe serves multi-cuisine dishes, including Indian, Italian, and Cantonese. Options for vegan and gluten-free diets are available, with breakfast and dinner served.
Family-friendly amenities
Accommodations include family rooms, an outdoor play area, and free babysitting services. Some rooms offer spa baths, and the property provides soundproofing.
Rooms & suites
Standard Double Room
23 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 full bed
- View
- Air conditioning
- Attached bathroom
- Dishwasher
- Flat-screen TV
Double Room with Spa Bath
23 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 full bed
- View
- Air conditioning
- Spa tub
- Attached bathroom
- Dishwasher
Deluxe Double or Twin Room with Garden View
22 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 full bed
- Balcony
- Garden view
- Inner courtyard view
- Air conditioning
- Patio
Deluxe Family Room
21 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 full bed
- City view
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Dishwasher
- Flat-screen TV
Standout features
Inside Banyan Villa
Amenities at Banyan Villa
Most popular facilities
- Airport shuttle
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Family rooms
- Free Wifi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Private beach area
Great for your stay
- Restaurant
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- View
- Free Wifi
- BBQ facilities
- Non-smoking rooms
- Family rooms
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bidet
- Towels/Sheets (extra fee)
- Bath or shower
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
Bedroom
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
View
- View
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Sun deck
- Private beach area
- Barbecue
- BBQ facilities Additional charge
- Garden
Getting there
Banyan Villa is on Dhangethi in South Ari Atoll, a local island about 91 km from Velana International Airport (MLE). Most guests come by shared speedboat from Malé or the airport — about 2 hours — which the property can usually book for you. A domestic flight from Malé to Maamigili Airport, with a short onward transfer, is the faster option. Some islands are also on the public ferry network, which is far cheaper but much slower and runs on set days.
Shared speedboats this far from Malé typically cost about $30–100 per person each way, depending on distance, and run to a timetable rather than on demand — confirm the day and time with the property. The domestic flight costs more but takes far less time. Where the public ferry runs, it costs only a few dollars.
On the map
Dhangethi sits in South Ari Atoll. South Ari Atoll (Alifu Dhaalu) is renowned for year-round whale shark sightings and some of the country's best diving.
Maldives tours & activities
Excursions you can book for a Maldives stay — manta & whale-shark snorkelling, sandbank picnics, diving and sunset cruises. Availability varies by island; filter by your dates and location on GetYourGuide.
Guests frequently praise the service, with all mentions being positive. The property itself and dining also receive positive feedback. Cleanliness is highlighted by guests, as is breakfast, though not all comments were positive.
- Things to do4.5
- Restaurants3.7
- Airport access1.6
Share of positive mentions per theme, from Google reviews.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Banyan Villa from the airport?
The guest house is accessible via a speedboat transfer of approximately 2 hours from Malé International Airport, arranged by the property. A domestic flight to Villa/Maamigili Airport is also an option.
What types of rooms are available?
Banyan Villa offers Standard Double Rooms, Double Rooms with Spa Bath, Deluxe Double or Twin Rooms with Garden View, and Deluxe Family Rooms.
What dining options are available?
The on-site restaurant, Banyan Cafe, serves multi-cuisine dishes including Indian, Italian, and Cantonese. Halal, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.
Can I go snorkeling or diving?
Yes, scuba diving on the house reef or nearby sites, and snorkeling are available experiences. Whale shark and manta ray snorkeling excursions are a highlight.
Is Banyan Villa suitable for families?
Yes, the property offers family rooms, an outdoor play area, and free babysitting services. Ground-floor units are also available.
What is the best time of year to visit?
The South Ari Atoll location is known for year-round whale shark and manta ray encounters, suggesting anytime can be suitable for marine activities.
What is the price range for rooms?
Room prices start from $68 for a Standard Double Room.
Hotels near Banyan Villa
- Dhangethi Inn · Dhangethi · 0.1 km
- Sky View by Relax Tours · Dhangethi · 0.2 km
- La Luna Boutique · Dhangethi · 0.2 km
- Sunset Beach View · Dhangethi · 0.2 km
- Dhangethi Retreat · Dhangethi · 0.2 km
- Antares Dhangethi & Spa · Dhangethi · 0.2 km
- Daisy Cottage Dhangethi · Dhangethi · 0.3 km
- Ocean Sunset · Dhangethi · 0.3 km