Paradise Retreat
A local island base for seeing the Maldives without the resort price tag
A place to stay on Maafushi
Paradise Retreat is a guest house on Maafushi Island in Kaafu Atoll, about 28 km from Velana International Airport by public ferry or shared speedboat. The focus is on keeping costs low while giving guests access to a genuine local island experience rather than an all-inclusive enclave. The property has nine double rooms, a restaurant open daily from 8 am to 11 pm, and a sun terrace with outdoor dining. Activities — snorkelling, diving, canoeing, fishing, and windsurfing — are arranged through local operators. Food served covers Chinese, Indian, Thai, and Western options, plus continental, vegetarian, and halal choices.
The honest verdict
A compact, no-frills guest house on a local island, suited to budget-conscious travellers who want proximity to water activities without paying resort prices.
Best for
- Budget-conscious couples
- Travellers wanting a local Maldivian island atmosphere
- Short stays with activity excursions
- Solo or pair itineraries not needing large rooms
Maybe not ideal for
- Travellers expecting resort-level facilities
- Groups or families needing interconnected rooms
- Those wanting alcohol on the island
Maafushi Island setting
Maafushi is one of the more developed local islands in Kaafu Atoll, accessible by public ferry or shared speedboat from the airport. The guest house sits at Bahaaree Higun, a short walk from the island's public beach and main amenities.
Rooms with sea views
The Superior and Premier Superior rooms come with balconies or terraces and sea or city views. At 21-22 m² they are compact, but each has an ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, and a flat-screen TV. The Premier Superior adds a minibar.
Outdoor terrace and garden
A sun terrace and garden area with outdoor furniture give guests somewhere to sit outside the room. An outdoor dining area means you can eat in the open air, which matters on a warm island with limited interior common space.
On-site restaurant
The restaurant runs all day from 8 am to 11 pm. The menu covers Chinese, Indian, Thai, and Western dishes, with continental, vegetarian, and halal options. For a guest house on a local island, that range is broader than average.
Rooms & suites
Deluxe Double Room
21 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 double bed
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
- Free WiFi
Superior Double Room
21 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 large double bed
- Balcony
- Sea view
- City view
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
Premier Superior Double Room with Partial Sea View & Balcony
22 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 double bed
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Inside Paradise Retreat
Amenities at Paradise Retreat
Great for your stay
- Restaurant
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Room service
- Non-smoking rooms
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bidet
- Towels/sheets (extra fee)
- Bath or shower
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
Bedroom
- Wardrobe or closet
Outdoors
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Sun terrace
- Terrace
- Garden
Kitchen
- Dining table
- Electric kettle
Room amenities
- Socket near the bed
- Clothes rack
Getting there
Paradise Retreat is on Maafushi Island in Kaafu Atoll, roughly 28 km from Velana International Airport. The standard route is by public ferry or shared speedboat. The guest house lists an airport shuttle as a service, so confirm pickup arrangements when you book.
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
Paradise Retreat holds a 3.5/5 Google rating across 53 reviews. The property targets travellers looking for an affordable local-island stay rather than a full resort experience. With no detailed review themes available, prospective guests are best served by reading recent reviews directly before booking.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get from the airport to Paradise Retreat?
The transfer is by public ferry or shared speedboat. Maafushi is approximately 28 km from Velana International Airport. An airport shuttle is listed among the property's services, so it is worth confirming arrangements directly when you book.
What room types are available?
There are three room categories: the Deluxe Double Room (ground floor, no balcony), the Superior Double Room (balcony, sea and city view), and the Premier Superior Double Room (balcony, partial sea view, minibar). All are 21-22 m² and sleep two.
What is the starting price per night?
Rooms start from $89.10 per night for a Deluxe Double Room. The Superior starts from $103.95 and the Premier Superior from $118.80. Rates vary by season and availability.
Is there a restaurant on site?
Yes. The restaurant is open daily from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm. It serves Chinese, Indian, Thai, and Western food, with continental, vegetarian, and halal options available.
Can I go snorkelling or diving from the guest house?
Snorkelling, diving, canoeing, fishing, and windsurfing are all activities that can be arranged during your stay, coordinated through local operators. These are excursions rather than on-site facilities.
Is Maafushi a local island? What does that mean for alcohol?
Yes, Maafushi is an inhabited local island, not a resort island. Local islands in the Maldives are dry under Maldivian law, so no alcohol is served at the guest house or elsewhere on the island.
Are family rooms available?
Family rooms are listed as a facility at the property. If you are travelling with children, confirm room configuration options directly with the guest house before booking.
Is free WiFi available?
Free WiFi is included in all three room categories.
Does the property have a sea view?
The Superior Double Room and the Premier Superior Double Room both have sea views from their balconies or terraces. The Deluxe Double Room is a ground-floor room without a sea view.
What dining options are available for specific dietary requirements?
The restaurant offers continental, vegetarian, and halal options alongside its main Chinese, Indian, Thai, and Western menu. If you have other dietary requirements, confirm with the property ahead of arrival.
Is there room service?
Room service is listed as one of the property's facilities.
How do I book a stay?
Bookings can be made through major online travel platforms or by contacting the guest house directly. The property address is Bahaaree Higun, Maafushi Island, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.