ILAA BEACH
A local-island base on Gulhi, close to coral and open water.
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A local-island guesthouse on Gulhi
ILAA BEACH MALDIVES is a guest house on Gulhi, a small local island in Kaafu Atoll roughly 23 km from Velana International Airport. It sits steps from Gulhi Beach and a private beach area with sunset sea views, making it one of the more accessible budget options in the outer islands. The guest house runs its own restaurant serving local food across lunch, dinner, brunch and high tea. A snack bar is also on site. Staff arrange diving, snorkelling, canoeing, fishing and sandbank trips through local operators, and can set up a beach BBQ with freshly caught fish.
The honest verdict
A straightforward, budget-friendly guest house on a lived-in local island, with helpful staff and easy access to nearby dive and snorkel sites.
Best for
- Budget-conscious travellers
- Divers and snorkellers targeting nearby reefs
- Travellers wanting a local-island experience
- Those looking for a short transfer from Malé
Maybe not ideal for
- Travellers expecting resort-level facilities
- Those who prioritise a fully private beach setting
- Visitors wanting alcohol on-island
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.
Beach area and sunset views
The guest house has its own private beach area facing the water. From here, the sunsets are a genuine draw — the west-facing aspect means the sky lights up directly over open sea most evenings.
Room types across the property
Rooms include sea view, garden view, city view, double, family and deluxe configurations. The range means solo travellers, couples and families can each find a fit without paying for space they don't need.
On-site restaurant and snack bar
The restaurant is family-friendly and leans on local Maldivian cooking. It runs through lunch, dinner, brunch and high tea. Staff can arrange a separate beach table with a BBQ of fish caught the same day.
Close to Gulhi's best dive sites
Miyaru Faru is 0.32 km away, Dhigu Thila 0.89 km, and Shark Point 1.26 km. All are reached by arranged boat trips. The guest house coordinates diving and snorkelling with local operators.
Standout features
Inside ILAA BEACH MALDIVES
Getting there
ILAA BEACH MALDIVES is on Gulhi in Kaafu Atoll, about 23 km from Velana International Airport (MLE). Reach it by the scheduled public ferry from Malé, or a shared or private speedboat the guesthouse can arrange.
The public ferry costs only a few dollars but runs on set days; a shared speedboat is typically $25–50 per person one way. The guesthouse usually arranges the speedboat — confirm days and fare.
On the map
Gulhi sits in Kaafu Atoll. Kaafu (North & South Malé Atoll) is the most accessible region, a short speedboat ride from Velana International Airport.
Things to do nearby
- Miyaru Faru attraction 0.32 km
- Dhigu Thila attraction 0.89 km
- Shark Point attraction 1.26 km
Where to eat
- Seaside Cafe restaurant 0.23 km
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.
Across 62 Google reviews, the property holds a 3.6/5. Service is the most-reviewed topic — 26 of 31 mentions were positive. Cleanliness scores well relative to its mention count (9 of 10 positive). Location and nature each drew strong positives. Rooms and bathrooms generated a more mixed picture, with a higher share of critical comments than other topics.
- Things to do4.7
- Restaurants4.4
- Airport access4.7
Share of positive mentions per theme, from Google reviews.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do you get to Gulhi Island?
The guest house is roughly 23 km from Velana International Airport. Transfer is by speedboat, taking around 20 minutes. The guest house can arrange a private speedboat (reported at approximately US$200) or a shared speedboat via the Maafushi route (reported at approximately US$25 per person one way).
Can the guest house arrange my speedboat transfer?
Yes. Staff coordinate both private and shared speedboat options. Contact the property in advance to confirm timing and price, as the shared route depends on scheduled departures.
What room types are available?
The guest house has Double, Family, Sea View, Garden View and City View rooms, plus Deluxe rooms in sea, beach and city view variants and a Superior Double Room with garden view. No room sizes are published.
Is there a restaurant on site?
Yes. There is an on-site restaurant serving local Maldivian food at lunch, dinner, brunch and high tea, plus a snack bar. Staff can also arrange a private beach table with a BBQ of freshly caught fish.
Can I go diving from the guest house?
Diving is arranged through local operators coordinated by the guest house. Nearby sites include Miyaru Faru (0.32 km), Dhigu Thila (0.89 km) and Shark Point (1.26 km). There is no named on-site dive centre.
What other water activities are available?
The guest house arranges snorkelling, canoeing, fishing and night fishing through local operators. Sandbank trips and sunset cruises are also available on request.
Is ILAA BEACH MALDIVES suitable for families?
There is a Family Room available, and the on-site restaurant is described as family-friendly. The island's local setting means families get a more everyday Maldivian experience rather than a resort environment.
Is alcohol available at the guest house or on Gulhi island?
Gulhi is a local Maldivian island and, like all local islands, is alcohol-free. No bar is listed at the guest house.
Is there a beach?
The property has a private beach area with sunset sea views, and is described as steps from Gulhi Beach. This is not a resort-style private island beach — it is a beach area on a local inhabited island.
What is the guest rating?
ILAA BEACH MALDIVES holds a 3.6/5 on Google from 62 reviews. Service and cleanliness are the most positively reviewed topics. Rooms and bathrooms drew a more mixed response.
What is the best time to visit Gulhi?
No specific seasonal data is provided in the facts for this property. The Maldives dry season broadly runs November to April, with calmer seas and better visibility for diving and snorkelling.
How do I book?
The guest house appears on major OTA platforms where the full room range is listed. You can also contact the property directly to arrange transfers and excursions before arrival.
Is Gulhi a local island?
Yes, Gulhi is an inhabited local island. Staying at ILAA BEACH MALDIVES means local rules apply: the island is alcohol-free and modest dress is expected outside designated bikini beaches.