A private island in Male
Set on Male in Lhaviyani Atoll, Varu is a five-star guest house. It offers overwater villas, villas with private pools and a house reef for snorkelling and diving. Room types include the Beach Villa and the Water Villa. Guests rate it 4.6/5 across 18 reviews. It's about 145 km from Velana International Airport (MLE), reached by domestic flight + speedboat.
The honest verdict
Expect a five-star guest house, guest scores around 4.6/5, domestic flight + speedboat.
Best for
- Value-minded travelers
- Experiencing local-island life
- Spa & wellness breaks
- Divers & snorkelers
- Families with children
Maybe not ideal for
- Guests wanting alcohol on-site or all-inclusive dining — local islands are alcohol-free
- Very short trips — the far-atoll transfer adds travel time
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.
Overwater & beach villas
Choose from 6 room types — including the Beach Villa, Water Villa, Beach Villa with Pool. Rates start from $737 a night.
Your own pool, your own pace
Many rooms open onto a private pool — the slow mornings that make an island stay.
The setting
Varu sits in Male, rated 4.6/5 by guests.
Rooms & suites
Beach Villa
75 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed OR 1 extra-large double bed OR 1 sofa bed
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Water Villa
95 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Beach Villa with Pool
90 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 large double bed
- Private pool
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Pool with a view
- Air conditioning
Water Villa with Pool
95 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Private pool
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Pool with a view
- Air conditioning
2 Bedroom Beach Villa with Pool
175 m² · sleeps 2 · 2 extra-large double beds
- Private pool
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Pool with a view
- Air conditioning
Majlis Residence
330 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Private suite
- Private pool
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Pool with a view
Experiences on & off the island
Inside the resort
Amenities at the resort
Great for your stay
- 4 restaurants
- Balcony
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Spa and wellness centre
- View
- Bath
- Free WiFi
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bidet
- Towels/sheets (extra fee)
- Bath or shower
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
Bedroom
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
View
- Sea view
- View
Outdoors
- Sun terrace
- Balcony
- Terrace
- Garden
Kitchen
- Coffee machine
- Electric kettle
Getting there
Varu lies on Male in Lhaviyani Atoll, about 145 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.
On the map
Lhaviyani Atoll is prized for excellent diving and sheltered lagoon waters.
Where to eat
- Kandu Bar restaurant 1.38 km
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Varu from Malé airport?
Varu lies on Male in Lhaviyani Atoll, about 145 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.
How far is Varu from Velana International Airport?
Varu is approximately 145 km from Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé.
Does Varu have overwater villas?
Yes — Varu has overwater accommodation, including the Water Villa, Water Villa with Pool.
Is Varu suitable for families?
Yes — Varu offers a kids' club and family-friendly facilities, with calm lagoon swimming suited to children.
Does Varu have a spa?
Yes, Varu has a spa offering treatments and wellness facilities.
Can you snorkel or dive at Varu?
Yes — Varu has a house reef for snorkelling, with guided diving and water-sports available.
What room types are available at Varu?
Room options include Beach Villa, Water Villa, Beach Villa with Pool, Water Villa with Pool, 2 Bedroom Beach Villa with Pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Varu?
Nightly rates start from around $737, varying by date and room type.
How much does the transfer to Varu cost?
Airport transfers in the Maldives are arranged by the property and charged separately from the room rate. Speedboat transfers are the most affordable option, 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 Varu?
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 Varu?
Lhaviyani 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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