Karanka Villas
A three-star island escape in Mahibadhoo
A private island in Mahibadhoo
Set on Mahibadhoo in South Ari Atoll, Karanka Villas is a three-star guest house. It offers a house reef for snorkelling and diving, on-site dining and a kids' club for families. Room types include the Budget Double Room and the Deluxe Double Room with Shower. Guests rate it 4.8/5 across 32 reviews. It's about 79 km from Velana International Airport (MLE), reached by seaplane or domestic flight.
The honest verdict
Expect a three-star guest house, guest scores around 4.8/5, seaplane or domestic flight.
Best for
- Value-minded travelers
- Experiencing local-island life
- Divers & snorkelers
- Families with children
Maybe not ideal for
- Guests wanting alcohol on-site or all-inclusive dining — local islands are alcohol-free
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.
Rooms & suites
Choose from 4 room types — including the Budget Double Room, Deluxe Double Room with Shower, Deluxe Double Room with Bath. Rates start from $35 a night.
A house reef at your doorstep
Step off the beach into the lagoon to snorkel the house reef, or join the property's guided diving and water-sports.
The setting
Karanka Villas sits in Mahibadhoo, rated 4.8/5 by guests.
Rooms & suites
Budget Double Room
sleeps 2 · 1 double bed
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
- Coffee machine
- Minibar
Deluxe Double Room with Shower
sleeps 2 · 1 large double bed
- View
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
- Coffee machine
Deluxe Double Room with Bath
17 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 single bed / 1 large double bed
- View
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
- Coffee machine
Family Room
23 m² · sleeps 2 · 2 single beds / 1 large double bed
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
- Coffee machine
- Minibar
Experiences on & off the island
Inside the resort
Amenities at the resort
Great for your stay
- Restaurant
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Room service
- Non-smoking rooms
- Flat-screen TV
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bidet
- Towels/sheets (extra fee)
- Bath or shower
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
Bedroom
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
Outdoors
- Outdoor furniture
- BBQ facilities
- Garden
Kitchen
- Coffee machine
- Cleaning products
- Electric kettle
- Refrigerator
Room amenities
- Socket near the bed
- Drying rack for clothing
- Clothes rack
Getting there
Getting to Karanka Villas on Mahibadhoo in South Ari Atoll means covering about 79 km from Malé (MLE): either a scenic seaplane flight of roughly 25 minutes, or a domestic flight to the nearest regional airport followed by a speedboat. Seaplanes serving South Ari Atoll fly in daylight hours only, so late arrivals may overnight in Malé.
On the map
South Ari Atoll (Alifu Dhaalu) is renowned for year-round whale shark sightings and some of the country's best diving.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Karanka Villas from Malé airport?
Getting to Karanka Villas on Mahibadhoo in South Ari Atoll means covering about 79 km from Malé (MLE): either a scenic seaplane flight of roughly 25 minutes, or a domestic flight to the nearest regional airport followed by a speedboat. Seaplanes serving South Ari Atoll fly in daylight hours only, so late arrivals may overnight in Malé.
How far is Karanka Villas from Velana International Airport?
Karanka Villas is approximately 79 km from Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé.
Is Karanka Villas suitable for families?
Yes — Karanka Villas offers a kids' club and family-friendly facilities, with calm lagoon swimming suited to children.
Can you snorkel or dive at Karanka Villas?
Yes — Karanka Villas has a house reef for snorkelling, with guided diving and water-sports available.
What room types are available at Karanka Villas?
Room options include Budget Double Room, Deluxe Double Room with Shower, Deluxe Double Room with Bath, Family Room.
How much does it cost to stay at Karanka Villas?
Nightly rates start from around $35, varying by date and room type.
How much does the transfer to Karanka Villas cost?
Airport transfers in the Maldives are arranged by the property and charged separately from the room rate. Seaplane and domestic-flight transfers are priced per person and cost more than a speedboat, and fares are usually quoted per person, round-trip. Confirm the exact transfer fee with the property when you book.
Is there a minimum stay at Karanka Villas?
Many Maldives properties apply a minimum-stay requirement — commonly 2–3 nights, and longer (5–7+ nights) over the December–January peak and New Year. Check the rate conditions for your dates, as minimums vary by room type and season.
When is the best time to visit Karanka Villas?
South Ari Atoll is a year-round destination. The dry season (roughly November to April) brings the most sunshine and calm seas, while the quieter wet season (May to October) offers lower rates and excellent diving visibility.
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