Stay Mikado
A working surf and dive base on a local island in Thaa Atoll
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A local-island guesthouse on Thimarafushi
Stay Mikado is a guest house on Thimarafushi, a local island in Thaa Atoll roughly 225 km from Velana International Airport. It runs 12 standard rooms and 2 family suites, a spa, two restaurants, a coffee shop, and a land-based surf camp with transfers to Mikado surf point and other Thaa Atoll breaks — an unusual setup for a property at this price point. The surrounding waters have around 25 dive sites across reefs and channels, plus fishing grounds that see regular use. Guests rate it 4.8/5 across 174 Google reviews, with service and the property itself drawing the most consistently positive mentions.
The honest verdict
A well-run local-island guest house with genuine surf and dive access, on-site dining, and a spa — practical rather than plush, but highly rated for what it delivers.
Best for
- Surfers wanting land-based access to Thaa Atoll breaks
- Divers exploring 25 nearby sites
- Couples or families after affordable Maldives stays
- Travellers who want a local-island feel over a resort
Maybe not ideal for
- Those wanting an overwater villa experience
- Travellers unwilling to take a domestic flight to reach the property
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.
Surf camp on a local island
Stay Mikado runs a land-based surf camp with organised transfers to Mikado surf point and breaks across Thaa Atoll. This kind of structured, affordable surf access from a local-island property is rare in the Maldives.
Diving in Thaa Atoll
Around 25 dive sites sit within reach, covering reefs and channels typical of Thaa Atoll. Scuba excursions are arranged through the guest house, giving divers a straightforward base without the resort price tag.
Restaurants and coffee shop
Two restaurants serve Maldivian cuisine using locally sourced ingredients, with buffet dinner and room service available. A separate coffee shop rounds out the on-site dining. Breakfast is an extra charge and served buffet-style.
Rooms with private terraces
Each of the 12 standard rooms has a double bed, ensuite bathroom, AC, flat-screen TV, minibar, safe, and a private terrace. Select rooms include a kitchenette with refrigerator, stovetop, and toaster — useful for longer stays.
Spa and fitness on site
An on-site spa handles treatments for guests not in the water. A fitness centre and sun terrace are also part of the property, giving non-divers and non-surfers somewhere to spend the day.
Private beach area
The guest house has its own private beach area — a practical asset on a local island, where beach access is not always guaranteed at this category of property.
Rooms & suites
Double Room
19 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 queen bed
- 1 room
- Balcony
- View
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
Deluxe Double or Twin Room
25 m² · sleeps 4 · 2 twin beds and 1 queen bed
- 1 room
- Balcony
- View
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
Deluxe Suite
33 m² · sleeps 4 · Bedroom 1: 1 full bed and 2 king beds Living room: 1 sofa bed
- Private suite
- Balcony
- View
- Bath
- Air conditioning
Family Room
sleeps 2 · 1 full bed and 1 queen bed
- 1 room
- Private kitchen
- Private bathroom
- Balcony
- View
Standout features
Inside Stay Mikado
Amenities at Stay Mikado
Most popular facilities
- Airport shuttle
- Spa and wellness center
- Non-smoking rooms
- Fitness center
- Room service
- Free Wifi
- 2 restaurants
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
Great for your stay
- 2 restaurants
- Private bathroom
- Balcony
- Air conditioning
- Spa and wellness center
- View
- Terrace
- Free Wifi
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bidet
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
- Shower
Bedroom
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
View
- View
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Sun deck
- Private beach area
- BBQ facilities
- Balcony
- Terrace
Getting there
Stay Mikado lies on Thimarafushi in Thaa Atoll, about 225 km south of Malé (MLE). The journey is a short domestic flight to the nearest regional airport, then a speedboat across the lagoon to the island.
Expect roughly $150–400 per person round trip for the domestic flight + speedboat, arranged by the property. Confirm the fare when booking.
On the map
Thimarafushi sits in Thaa Atoll. Thaa Atoll lies in the south of the Maldives, a chain of coral islands ringed by house reefs and turquoise lagoons.
Things to do nearby
- Thimarafushi airport 1.2 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 174 Google reviews, Stay Mikado holds a 4.8/5 rating. Service draws the most feedback — 83 of 86 mentions positive. The property scores nearly as well (55 of 57), and atmosphere is unanimously positive across all 26 mentions. Nature, dining, cleanliness, breakfast, and fitness all return strong positive ratios too.
- Things to do4.2
- Restaurants1.6
- Airport access5
Share of positive mentions per theme, from Google reviews.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Stay Mikado from Velana International Airport?
You take a domestic flight of around 50 minutes from Velana International (MLE) to Thimarafushi Domestic Airport (TMF), or a scheduled speedboat that takes approximately 4 hours. There is no seaplane transfer. Airport staff meet guests at MLE.
How far is the guest house from Thimarafushi Airport?
Thimarafushi Domestic Airport is about 1.2 km from the property.
What room types are available?
There are 12 standard rooms and 2 family suites. Standard rooms have a double bed, private terrace, and ensuite bathroom; some include a kitchenette. Family suites suit guests needing more space.
Is breakfast included in the room rate?
Breakfast is available at an extra charge and is served buffet-style. It is not included as standard in the room rate.
What dining options are on site?
Two restaurants serve Maldivian cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, including buffet dinner and room service. There is also an on-site coffee shop. Credit cards, debit cards, and cash are all accepted.
Can I surf from Stay Mikado?
Yes. The guest house runs a land-based surf camp with organised transfers to Mikado surf point and other Thaa Atoll breaks. This is one of the few properties in Thaa Atoll offering structured surf access from a local island.
What diving is available?
Around 25 dive sites across reefs and channels in Thaa Atoll are reachable by boat. Scuba excursions are arranged through the guest house. Equipment rental and packages are available.
Is Stay Mikado suitable for families?
Two family suites are available, and the guest house has beach access, snorkelling, and fishing trips that can be arranged. The concierge and 24-hour front desk can help plan activities for families.
Is there a spa?
Yes, there is an on-site spa. A fitness centre and sun terrace are also available on the property.
What is the price range?
Rates start from approximately $186 per night. Breakfast and some activities carry extra charges. Packages are available — ask the front desk for current options.
What is the best time to visit for surfing or diving?
The guest house does not publish specific seasonal guidance, but Thaa Atoll generally sees surf from May through October and good diving year-round. Check with Stay Mikado directly for current conditions before booking.
What practical services are available on site?
The guest house has 24-hour front desk cover, baggage storage, concierge, currency exchange, full-service and self-service laundry, a convenience store, boutique shopping, free Wi-Fi, and a public internet workstation.