IRIS Beach Residence
A beachfront base on a local Maldivian island
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A place to stay on Guraidhoo
IRIS Beach Residence is a guest house on Guraidhoo, a local island about 33 km from Malé. The beachfront position puts the sea directly in front of the property, and the guest house holds a Google rating of 4.6/5 across 33 reviews. It runs a practical set of facilities — BBQ, sun terrace, garden, room service, and a shuttle service — and can arrange excursions including snorkelling, diving, fishing, canoeing, and windsurfing through local operators. Dining options cover Continental and Halal meal plans.
The honest verdict
A straightforward, good-value beachfront guest house on a local island, suited to travellers who want direct beach access and easy access to water activities without a resort price tag.
Best for
- Budget-conscious couples
- Travellers wanting local island life
- Snorkelling and diving day trips
- Continental or Halal dining preferences
Maybe not ideal for
- Those wanting an alcohol-inclusive resort experience
- Families needing large group rooms
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.
Beachfront position on Guraidhoo
The guest house sits directly on the beach at Guraidhoo. Outdoor furniture, a sun terrace, and a garden are all part of the grounds, so the sea is genuinely within reach from the property rather than a short walk away.
Outdoor BBQ and terrace
A BBQ area and shaded picnic space give the property a relaxed, open-air character. The terrace and garden add room to sit outside without going to the beach, which suits evenings when the water is calmer.
Sea view rooms with balconies
The Deluxe Double Room has a balcony and direct sea views — the standout feature for guests who want to wake up facing the water. Both room types include air conditioning, an ensuite bathroom, and free WiFi.
Water activity excursions
The property can arrange snorkelling, diving, fishing, canoeing, and windsurfing through local operators. Cultural tours are also available. None of these are on-site facilities — they run as organised excursions from Guraidhoo.
Rooms & suites
Deluxe Double Room
sleeps 2 · 1 full bed
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Attached bathroom
- Free Wifi
Standard Double Room
sleeps 2 · 1 full bed
- Air conditioning
- Attached bathroom
- Free Wifi
- View
- Free toiletries
Inside IRIS Beach Residence
Amenities at IRIS Beach Residence
Most popular facilities
- Room service
- Beachfront
- Free Wifi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Breakfast
Great for your stay
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- View
- Free Wifi
- BBQ facilities
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Shuttle service
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Towels/Sheets (extra fee)
- Additional toilet
- Bath or shower
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
Bedroom
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
- Extra long beds (> 80 inches)
View
- View
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Beachfront
- Sun deck
- BBQ facilities Additional charge
- Terrace
- Garden
Getting there
IRIS Beach Residence is on Guraidhoo in Kaafu Atoll, about 33 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
The island of Guraidhoo is part of Kaafu Atoll. Kaafu (North & South Malé Atoll) is the most accessible region, a short speedboat ride from Velana International Airport.
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.
IRIS Beach Residence holds a Google rating of 4.6/5 from 33 reviews. Recent guests have specifically flagged the location as a strong point. The property's recent highlights also note Continental and Halal dining as well-regarded aspects of the stay.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to IRIS Beach Residence from the airport?
The property is reached by public ferry or shared speedboat from Malé. Guraidhoo is approximately 33 km from the capital. A shuttle service is available through the guest house — confirm timing and arrangements directly when booking.
What room types are available?
There are two room types: a Deluxe Double Room with a balcony and sea views (from $89.76/night) and a Standard Double Room without a view (from $93.50/night). Both sleep two and include air conditioning, a private bathroom, and free WiFi.
Which room has the best view?
The Deluxe Double Room has a balcony and sea view. The Standard Double Room does not include a view or balcony. If looking out at the water matters to you, the Deluxe is the one to book.
What meal options are available?
The property caters to Continental and Halal dietary requirements. Room service is available. Check with the guest house directly for current meal plan options and breakfast availability.
Can I go snorkelling or diving from the guest house?
Yes, though these are arranged excursions rather than on-site facilities. The guest house can organise snorkelling, diving, fishing, canoeing, and windsurfing trips with local operators on Guraidhoo.
Is there a beach at the property?
IRIS Beach Residence has a beachfront setting on Guraidhoo, with outdoor furniture, a sun terrace, and a garden directly at or adjacent to the property.
Is alcohol available at the guest house?
Guraidhoo is a local Maldivian island and, like all local islands, is alcohol-free. Alcohol is not available at the guest house or on the island.
Are cultural activities available?
The guest house can arrange tours or classes focused on local Maldivian culture. Cycling is also listed as an available activity, which is a practical way to explore Guraidhoo island itself.
Is IRIS Beach Residence suitable for families?
The property has double rooms that sleep two. There are no multi-bed or family room types listed in the available facts, so families with children should contact the guest house directly to discuss options.
When is the best time to visit Guraidhoo?
The Maldives dry season typically runs from November to April, with calmer seas and lower rainfall. The wet season from May to October can bring stronger winds, though some water activity operators continue to run trips through this period.
What is the starting price per night?
Rooms start from $89.76 per night for the Deluxe Double Room. The Standard Double Room is listed from $93.50 per night. Prices may vary by season and availability — check directly with the property for current rates.
Is free WiFi available?
Free WiFi is included in both room types. There are also sockets near the bed in the rooms for charging devices.