[2025 Dhonakulhi Hotels] Travel Guide for Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa (Updated Sep)

Maldives Travel Guide (Including Prices & Practical Info) 1. Must-Visit Attractions & Unique Experiences Malé Island Highlights: The capital of Maldives, rich in culture and history. Must-visit spots include Sultan Park, Friday Mosque, and Independence Square. Price: Free entry, recommended to allocate half a day for exploration. Centara Grand Island Highlights: The benchmark for all-inclusive services, perfect for families or laid-back travelers. Features a fully transparent glass chapel, private pools, and wedding services. Price: ¥15,000-20,000 per person (5-day/4-night package including round-trip speedboat transfers, accommodation, meals, and water activities). Hideaway Beach Resort Highlights: A 6-star luxury island with excellent snorkeling conditions. Frequently spot turtles and dolphins near the shore, and enjoy a 750 sqm infinity pool. Price: ¥25,000-35,000 per person (5-day/4-night package including seaplane transfers, overwater villa accommodation, full board, and complimentary spa experience). Kuramathi Island Highlights: Home to the longest sandbank in the Maldives, offering great value for honeymooners and families. Price: ¥10,000-15,000 per person (5-day/4-night package including domestic flight transfers, beach villa accommodation, breakfast & dinner, and snorkeling gear rental). Ayada Maldives Highlights: Crystal-clear turquoise waters and a relaxed resort vibe. Dive Kingdom offers professional diving courses. Price: ¥20,000-30,000 per person (5-day/4-night package including seaplane transfers, overwater villa accommodation, full board, and complimentary sunset cruise). 2. Transportation Costs International Flights: Direct/connecting flights from China to Malé, round-trip economy class fares range from ¥3,000-10,000 (as low as ¥3,000 in low season, up to ¥10,000+ during peak seasons/holidays). Transfer Options: Speedboat: For nearby islands, approx. ¥1,000-2,000 per person (one-way). Seaplane: For distant islands, approx. ¥3,000-5,000 per person (one-way). Domestic Flight + Speedboat: Mid-range island combo, approx. ¥2,000-3,000 per person. On-Island Transport: Free bicycles or buggies (provided by some resorts), or explore on foot. 3. Dining Costs Resort Meal Plans: BB (Bed & Breakfast): Budget-friendly, approx. ¥500-800 per meal per person. HB (Half Board): Includes breakfast & dinner, approx. ¥800-1,200 per meal per person. FB (Full Board): Includes all meals, approx. ¥1,200-1,800 per meal per person. AI (All-Inclusive): Includes all meals, drinks, and some activities, approx. ¥2,000-3,000 per day per person. Specialty Dining: Underwater Restaurants (e.g., Ithaa Undersea Restaurant): ¥3,000-5,000 per person (advance booking required). Beach BBQ: ¥800-1,500 per person (includes seafood platters, grilled meats, and drinks). 4. Accommodation Costs 4-Star Islands: ¥6,000-12,000 per night per person (includes breakfast & dinner + basic activities). 5-Star Islands: ¥10,000-16,000 per night per person (includes full board, drinks & complimentary spa). 6-Star+ Islands: ¥15,000-30,000 per night per person (includes private pools, butler service & customized experiences). 5. Recommended Itinerary (6 Days/5 Nights) Day 1: Arrive in Malé, check into resort Morning: Arrive at Malé International Airport, transfer to resort via speedboat/seaplane. Afternoon: Check-in and enjoy resort facilities (e.g., pool, beach). Evening: Resort dinner, experience Maldivian nightscapes. Day 2: Snorkeling & Sunset Cruise Morning: Snorkeling lesson & coral reef exploration. Afternoon: Free time (e.g., spa, beach volleyball). Evening: Sunset cruise with dolphin watching. Day 3: Island Hopping & Cultural Experience Full Day: Visit nearby islands (e.g., Maafushi) to experience local fishing village life. Evening: Seafood BBQ at the resort. Day 4: Water Sports & Private Time Morning: Kayaking, windsurfing, etc. Afternoon: Private beach picnic or pool relaxation. Evening: Dinner at an underwater restaurant (if available). Day 5: Malé City Tour Morning: Check out and explore Malé (Sultan Park, National Museum). Afternoon: Souvenir shopping (e.g., handwoven crafts, coconut oil). Evening: Return to resort or stay overnight in Malé. Day 6: Departure Morning: Transfer to airport based on flight schedule. 6. Money-Saving Tips Travel Off-Peak: May-Oct (rainy season) offers lower prices for flights & hotels. Book Early: Reserve 3-6 months in advance for early-bird discounts (e.g., stay 4 nights, pay for 3 or free room upgrades). Choose All-Inclusive: AI packages minimize extra dining/activity costs, ideal for families or relaxed travelers. Group Transfers: Share speedboat/seaplane costs with friends or family. 7. Important Notes Visa & Entry: Free visa-on-arrival; passport and return ticket required. Up to 200 cigarettes allowed. Currency & Payments: USD widely accepted. Small tips in cash; credit cards accepted at resorts. Cultural Etiquette: Respect Islamic customs—no alcohol in public or revealing clothing. Eco & Safety: No unauthorized fishing/coral collection (fines up to $5,000). Swim only in designated areas. Conclusion The Maldives is famous for its "one-island-one-resort" privacy. Whether for honeymoons, family trips, or diving enthusiasts, there's an ideal island for everyone. Plan your budget wisely, book early, and respect local customs for a perfect tropical getaway!

#maldiveshotel Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is all about space, privacy, and barefoot luxury. Located in the remote Haa Alifu Atoll, it offers some of the most spacious villas in the Maldives, each with private pools and generous outdoor areas. The island is lush with greenery and fringed by pristine beaches, creating a serene atmosphere. Dining is impressive, from fine dining to casual beachfront meals. Guests also enjoy a superb spa, fitness center, and world-class diving opportunities. Hideaway is an excellent choice for those who want both luxury and the freedom to feel completely secluded in nature.

Just returned from 7 fantastic days and 6 nights at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa! This Maldivian getaway was sheer perfection. Amazing Views: The breathtaking sea views were unforgettable – endless turquoise waters as far as the eye could see. Excellent Accommodation: Our overwater villa was amazing – stepping right into the lagoon felt magical. Also admired the lovely beach villas set in lush greenery， providing peaceful beachfront privacy. Both choices are wonderful. Exceptional Service: Top-notch service from genuinely friendly staff. We felt truly indulged throughout. Great Value All-Inclusive: The all-inclusive package was excellent value and highly recommended! Enjoyed tasty meals， premium beverages， and snacks without a second thought. Heavenly Spa: The SPA was blissful – a peaceful sanctuary with wonderful treatments. The blend of stunning beauty， outstanding service， great value， and luxurious villas made it flawless. We absolutely loved it and will return! Highly recommend it for a slice of paradise!

The flight by Maldivian sea plane from Male lasted an hour and twenty minutes， lacking a restroom， so plan accordingly. We were uncertain about the weather since it was our first visit to the Maldives during the southwest monsoon. Upon arrival， our butler welcomed us and transported us to a spacious Sunset Beach Villa with a plunge pool， which was a delightful surprise as we had booked a non-pool villa. Two bicycles were provided， becoming our primary mode of transportation. The island was extensive. It was 1.4km from the north point to the Sunset Pool Cafe and 1.2km from the farthest Water Villa to Matheefaru. Many guests opted for the buggy shuttle to reach the restaurants. We had breakfast at Matheefaru， lunch at either Meeru or Sunset Pool Cafe， and dinner back at Matheefaru. The evening buffet at Matheefaru was enjoyable because we could sample diverse cuisines. We loved the reef， snorkeling each morning before breakfast when the water was clearest. The prime snorkeling spot was off the beach at Meeru Bar， where we encountered countless fish， a turtle， and a group of spotted eagle rays. We visited the water sports center once. They had equipment for kitesurfing (for those with a license)， windsurfing， stand-up paddleboards， kayaks， and jet skis—all well-maintained and in excellent condition. Finally， a big thank you to staff members: Mr. Adi， Miss Sepi， Mr. Zaryr， Miss Niruta， Miss Kerti， and Mr. Lal. On our departure day， we met Michael， the CEO， whom we previously encountered at Lily Beach Resort， Hideaway’s sister resort in the South Ari atoll in 2010. The Hideaway is clearly well-managed. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the Hideaway. June's weather was surprisingly wonderful. For spacious accommodations， tasty meals， outstanding service， and， most importantly， privacy， the Hideaway is an ideal destination.

Hideaway Beach Resort in the Maldives is the perfect family-friendly paradise! A must-stay with kids! The three-bedroom beachfront villas are simply stunning and perfect for families. Not only does the island boast the Maldives' first water park, but it also offers a plethora of activities for all ages, perfect for a fun family vacation. ✨ 👨👩👧👦 Exclusive Family Facilities: 🎪[Maldives' First Water Park] 🏊Located in the shallow waters of the lagoon, this massive water park boasts slides, a climbing wall, and even a trampoline! Kids will have a blast here! 🎨Professional Kids' Club Children aged 3-12 can enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, with professional babysitters available to take care of them, giving parents a truly enjoyable vacation. ⏰ 💎Accommodation Experience: 🏡Extremely spacious apartments! Perfect for families 💯Recommended Three-Bedroom Beach Residence: Features a curved pool, jacuzzi, and fitness area ✨Spacious yet private, it's perfect for the whole family. 🍽️Culinary indulgence: 🌐Main Restaurant: International buffet + themed dinners 🍣Asian Restaurant: Authentic Indian & Japanese cuisine Enjoy a delicious meal while enjoying the ocean view—a truly blissful experience!💗 Hidden Coral Island Resort combines natural beauty, diverse activities, and luxurious service to offer a comprehensive Maldives vacation experience. The island boasts an exceptional ecosystem, a beautiful lagoon, long white sand beaches, and a charming, trailing beach, perfect for photo opportunities and relaxation. Whether you're a family vacationer, a diving adventurer, or an active sports enthusiast, there's something for everyone.

The three-bedroom beach residence at Hideaway Beach Resort in the Maldives is absolutely stunning! 💖 Middle Eastern charm meets Maldivian ocean views—it's my dream home! Every corner exudes luxury! 🏝️ 🔥 Three-Bedroom Beach Residence Highlights 🔥 ▫️ Ultra-luxurious curved pool and jacuzzi ▫️ Handcrafted furniture exudes sophistication ▫️ Each bathroom has its own private jacuzzi ▫️ Even the gym is equipped with treadmills and exercise bikes No more worrying about gaining weight on vacation! 😝 🍴 Favorite Restaurants 🍴 1️⃣ Sunset Pool Café 💯 Poolside restaurant with stunning ocean views Dine at the ocean while enjoying delicious food—it's so chill! 2️⃣ Matheefaru Main Restaurant ▪️ All-day buffet with live cooking ▪️ Overwater private dining area for a truly romantic experience 💑 A must-try for couples! 3️⃣ Samsara Asian Restaurant 🏆Award-winning, luxurious overwater restaurant Authentic Indian and Japanese cuisine is amazing! 4️⃣ Meeru Bar & Grill Fresh-baked pizzas 🍕 and grilled meats Watching the sunset with a cocktail is a truly magical experience~ 🏖️ Absolutely stunning ambiance 🏖️ ▫️A lagoon as clear as a lake of milk ▫️A long, white sandy beach ▫️A stunning beachfront location—perfect for photos! Sighting manta rays and baby sharks every day! The snorkeling is incredible!

Dhonakulhi is a stunning island offering the best of both worlds; a gorgeous lagoon on one side and a channel ideal for snorkeling on the other. The long beaches are mostly soft， with the North section of the island being particularly picturesque. The view from North point， gazing along the West beach， is breathtaking and will remain etched in my memory forever. However， some stretches feature narrow beaches， accessible only at low tide. The island's length， around 1400 meters， is quite impressive for Maldives standards， making bicycles the practical mode of transport unless you prefer a buggy. We can’t decide between small islands with everything nearby or larger ones offering exploration. Bicycle tours were a delight every time we ventured out. The winding paths are lovely， adorned with many beautiful flowers! The island's standout feature is its low villa density. The vast spaces and lush greenery between villas provide excellent privacy. This also means that beach strolls feel almost solitary. No other resort matches this in its price range in the Maldives， making Hideaway a fitting name. We stayed in a deluxe water villa (219)， which suited us perfectly. With a total area of 190 sqm， space was ample. The bathroom is spacious， with floor-to-ceiling windows lining the front of the villa， and similarly for the shower and toilet at the back. The design was attractive， except for the white fridge that seemed out of place. However， the outdoor area is always our priority when visiting tropical destinations， and it exceeded our expectations. The deck is long， with one area fully shaded against sun or rain， featuring a round daybed in the corner. The other side included two loungers and a roomy pool (for a plunge pool). We agreed this was our favorite deck in any Maldivian villa we've stayed in. For those concerned， there are wide steps instead of a ladder for easy water access. The rooms are generally in fine condition， though some wear is visible. The pool tiles， in particular， should be replaced soon. A note: our friends stayed in a newer， much larger signature villa—so roomy you could fit 15 people in the shower. A great option， budget permitting. We chose the "white platinum all-inclusive" package， which was well-suited for us. It featured 70 wines， including three Champagnes， with Taittinger being the top quality. But don't expect every wine to be premium. Cocktails were crafted with quality spirits and were generally good. The daily-refilled minibar included 4 beers， 3 half-sized wine bottles (sparkling， white， and red)， and various waters: Hideaway’s own， Evian， and Perrier. An assortment of sodas， juices， mixers， and snacks were also included， though minibar spirits incurred charges. The food was reasonably good， though quality varied. The fresh raw seafood dishes were delightful， yet some meals fell short. We favored à la carte dining over the buffet. Breakfast at the buffet's cooking stations was always good， with a decent fruit selection. If you missed any fruit， just ask; they had additional options not displayed. The service was top-notch throughout the resort. They attended to all our needs promptly and with a smile—some of the best service we've experienced. Another positive is that the resort runs on Male time， so no "island time" here. Lastly， the house reef! What sets Dhonakulhi's snorkeling apart is the channel alongside the West side of the island. Although coral coverage isn't optimal， it surpassed expectations on the South side of the channel (between Matheefaru and the black pole). Especially noteworthy are the branching yellow and grey/brown Porites here， along with Heliopora gardens in the shallows. It features a variety of other species， albeit in smaller quantities. What distinguishes this reef is the abundant marine life， including large and small fish. Rarely have I seen eagle rays so common. Blacktip reef sharks were frequently sighted along with turtles， which are not uncommon in the Maldives. Fish diversity and numbers are impressive， and many appear larger than those elsewhere in the country， suggesting ample food supply. The channel also serves as a shortcut for larger marine creatures， though we weren't fortunate enough to spot whale sharks or mantas. Other snorkeling areas around the island can't rival the channel， which is the standout location. Was it the best house reef I've seen here? No， but quite good. Much time was spent enjoying it， and I long to dive back into those waters. A special thanks to Upul at Meeru for ensuring a great experience and uplifting our spirits. Genuine service from the heart was evident， emphasizing our well-being. Thank you， Bina at Sunset Pool Cafe， for being a star! And to our butler， Zareer， for taking excellent care of us throughout the holiday. Hideaway Beach Resort has become one of our favorite Maldives spots. It stands out in many ways yet is an exceptional all-rounder. We hope to walk barefoot on Dhonakulhi again one day. Until then， THANK YOU!

#maldiveshotel #holiday #vitaminseaoverload #beachlife #naturalwonders My Journey to Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa Maldives Tucked away in the northernmost part of the Maldives, the Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa on Dhonakulhi Island is a secret sanctuary for travelers who crave both barefoot luxury and pure seclusion. Every moment here feels designed to slow down time. Here’s a detailed review of my trip, broken down into the essentials every traveler should know. 1. Arrival & First Glimpse Reaching Hideaway requires a domestic flight from Malé followed by a speedboat ride, but the reward is stepping onto an island that feels worlds away. Palm-fringed beaches, endless turquoise lagoons, and that soft Maldivian breeze instantly make you feel like you’ve arrived at your own private world. 2. Villas & Living Spaces The resort is known for having some of the largest villas in the Maldives. From Beach Residences with private gardens to overwater villas with direct ocean access, each space offers seclusion and luxury. My Water Villa with pool felt like its own little island—complete with sun deck, hammock over the water, and 24-hour butler service that made everything effortless. 3. Dining Experiences • Matheefaru: Fine dining with panoramic views of the ocean, serving international cuisine. • Samsara: A mix of Asian flavors with a romantic lagoon-side setting. • Meeru Bar & Grill: A casual spot for fresh seafood, wood-fired pizza, and cocktails under the stars. The floating breakfast in the villa pool was a highlight, and the seafood BBQ night on the beach felt like a scene from a dream. 4. Activities & Leisure • Snorkeling & Diving: The house reef is thriving, with turtles, rays, and colorful corals just steps from the beach. Diving trips reveal manta rays and whale sharks in season. • Water Sports: Jet-skiing, sailing, and stand-up paddling keep the adrenaline flowing. • Excursions: Sunset dolphin cruises, private sandbank picnics, and fishing trips let you experience the Maldives beyond the villa. • Wellness: The Hideaway Spa offers Balinese, Ayurvedic, and Thai treatments in overwater pavilions where the sound of the waves deepens relaxation. 5. Unique Touches • Every villa comes with a dedicated butler (called a “personal host”), making the stay seamless. • The island is so spacious that privacy is guaranteed—you can walk along the beach and barely see another soul. • A wine cellar with over 9,000 bottles caters to fine wine lovers. 6. Important Things to Know • Transfer time is longer than other resorts, so schedule flights carefully. • The island is large—bicycles are provided and fun to use. • Best time to visit: November–April for calm seas and sunshine. • Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life. • The resort is family-friendly, with kids’ clubs and spacious villas perfect for groups.

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a private retreat with luxurious water villas. My stay included a private infinity pool and unobstructed views of the turquoise ocean. I snorkeled around the nearby coral reef and enjoyed kayaking and paddleboarding. The resort offers exceptional dining, with fresh seafood and local flavors. The friendly staff enhanced the overall experience. Hideaway Beach is perfect for honeymooners or travelers seeking tranquility and high-end comfort. #maldiveshotel

Absolutely adored our vacation at hideaway. Over water villas are huge with balcony and private pool. Restaurants were good and spa amazing.

We recommend Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, a place that offers an ultimate experience for both family trips and honeymoons. This 6-star island is famous for its sandbank and light blue lagoon, making it a paradise for families with two children and honeymooners. 🏨[Address]: Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is located in Haa Alifu Atoll, Maldives. It takes 70 minutes by seaplane or 50 minutes by domestic flight + 20 minutes by speedboat to reach Male. 🌆[Style]: Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa has an elegant environment, good privacy, and low room density, making it a tranquil and comfortable place. 🛏[Room Types/Layouts]: The island has 9 types of rooms with reasonable layouts. Each room type is carefully designed to meet the needs of different travelers. 🚌[Transportation]: From Male, you can take a seaplane or a domestic flight + speedboat to reach Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. 🏨[Check-in]: You need to provide your passport and other relevant documents when checking in. If you are on a honeymoon, it is recommended to inform the hotel in advance to enjoy honeymoon benefits. During the pandemic, you also need to provide relevant information according to the local policies of the Maldives. ⛺[Activities]: Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a variety of activities, including indoor sports such as basketball, billiards, and table tennis, as well as outdoor activities such as golf, badminton, and tennis. You can also enjoy a group sunset dolphin cruise and floating breakfast. 🍩[Restaurant Features]: Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa has 4 restaurants and 1 bar. The restaurants have an elegant environment and offer a variety of food options. Honeymooners can also enjoy special benefits such as a welcome fruit basket, sparkling wine, and a heart-shaped cake. 🧡[Tips]: It is recommended to plan your trip in advance and choose a suitable travel time according to the weather and season in the Maldives. It is also recommended to prepare relevant documents and materials in advance for a smooth check-in and travel experience.

I went on a honeymoon to Maldives Highway ❤️ I was healed by the beautiful scenery~~~ It was amazing to see the clear ocean ㅎㅎㅎ I recommend traveling to Maldives~~~^^ I want to go again if I get another chance!! #Maldives #MaldivesTravel #TripMomentReview #Honeymoon

The evening breeze of the Indian Ocean is so comfortable The sun near the equator, I basked in it recklessly. It was my first time on a seaplane, I was extremely scared when passing through the rainy clouds. The sea was too rough and the boat too shaky, I was also extremely scared. Diving to see the turtles, the sea was too deep, I was extremely scared. Every day was a new adventure. But the Maldives is too beautiful, too worth it... Every time the sightseeing car passes by my favorite bridge, I want to take a longer look, and then another longer look. I really like the breakfast and dinner sessions, where I can take five, six, seven, eight servings of the not-so-favorite delicacies. I don't like to eat but like to take. I like lying on the balcony of the water villa, feeling the breeze, watching the starry sky, enjoying every day's sunset and evening glow, liking the $108 lobster even more, and liking the toilet built over the water even more. The patient diving instructor, the humble old waiter at the restaurant, I can't forget them (the hotel service is really beyond words). Every day after dinner, when I return to my room, it's cleaned very thoroughly. The seawater is the color of the Maldives. Dolphins, turtles, sharks, manta rays, little Ming fish (I made up the name) all live well here, and I even want to contribute to protecting the marine ecology. For the first time, I cried because I had to leave a place, my heart was filled with mixed feelings, my breathing was rapid, and that feeling I will never forget in my life. I have been to the Maldives, like a dream... In the new year, I want to be more determined, braver. Life is vast, Happy New Year🎆 PS: The island I visited is called Fairy Coral Island, which is said to have a higher cost-performance ratio. Maybe other islands are more beautiful, but Fairy Coral Island is also very beautiful and unforgettable.

When it comes to recommended countries for visa-free travel, the Maldives is undoubtedly at the top of the list. Just pick an island you like and grab your passport to set off. The Fairy Coral Island we visited is truly sparsely populated with beautiful scenery; the sand houses are even bigger than the water villas. Whether you're lying flat in your own yard, snorkeling in the sea, or heading to the restaurant, everywhere is comfortable.