Listen to the article
Even though Gulhi island is a stone throw away from Maafushi, the backpacker’s hub of the Maldives, it remains somewhat of a hidden gem. However, the fact that you can reach the island from Malé by a local ferry that takes just over an hour or a 30-minute speedboat makes it one of the most accessible inhabited islands in the region.
Gulhi’s exclusivity is partly because of its small size, resulting in fewer options to eat and stay. Additionally, there are the usual restrictions one sees across the inhabited islands. You won’t find any alcohol here, and while living arrangements are comfortable, they are far less luxurious than some of the private island resorts.
Still, a stay in Gulhi is undoubtedly rewarding. It’s a great spot to explore the beauty of the Maldives on a budget. The island’s proximity to Maafushi means you have plenty of excursions available, including a night out on an alcohol boat.
And while there are entertainment options nearby, Gulhi also allows you to enjoy Maldives’ revered tranquillity that induces a much-needed laidbackness everyone so desires when on a tropical holiday.
So, wondering where to stay in Gulhi?
Well, the homely and charming hotels and guesthouses on Gulhi promise a relaxed and pleasant break. Not only will you have a happy vacation, but also get to interact with the locals up close, one of the main reasons for visiting an inhabited island.
Sandy Heaven Maldives
Among the best places to stay on Gulhi island, Sandy Heaven is always in demand. The hotel has a multi-cuisine restaurant, 24-hour reception, free WIFI, rooms with balconies, and is situated near the beach.
Inside, both city and sea view rooms are aesthetically decorated, keeping in mind Maldivian culture, which gives the space a distinct and alluring character. All modern conveniences, including fridge, TV, aircon, connected bathrooms, and desks, are included, ensuring you have a peaceful visit. Sandy Heaven can also arrange island excursions, in particular, romantic dinners on the beach.
String Wave Maldives
A lovely little guesthouse near Bikini Beach, String Wave provides its guests with unmatched access to the nearby azure waters at competitive prices. The rooms at String Waves are homely and clean. Amenities include comfortable beds, airconditioning, a mini-fridge, desks, and en-suite bathrooms with bathtubs.
Breakfast is typically included in the stay, and you can ask for a Maldivian or a continental meal. The staff is very friendly and always ready to help with any requests. When saying at String Wave, pick the second-floor room, which comes with a balcony, costs roughly $105 per night during peak season, and gives you uninterrupted views of the ocean.
Crystal View Gulhi
Crystal View is a small, no-fuss two-star guesthouse in Gulhi that welcomes guests with open arms. It consists of 5 nicely done rooms, which might be a little crowded, but feature all modern-day amenities you need for an enjoyable sojourn like warm water in the showers, extra beach towels, and free WIFI.
Located just a hop away from the beach, the owner is more than helpful in arranging watersports at bargain prices. The kitchen at the guesthouse serves up delicious local meals but will whip-up any of your special food requests. Crystal View also accepts credit card payments, which is not always the case when staying at guesthouses in the Maldives.
Gurus Maldives
Gurus is a highly-rated guesthouse in Gulhi known for its friendly hosts, large rooms, and picturesque ocean setting. Besides serving breakfast on their lovely terrace, Gurus also has open space around the guesthouse where they host regular barbeques and traditional dance performances.
Convenience is of prime importance at Gurus, where every room has tile-flooring, a fridge, airconditioning, shower rooms, TV, and a desk. The staff is especially good at arranging excursions, particularly if you want to explore the best snorkeling spots in Gulhi. Room rates at Gurus Maldives range from $60 to $100 in December-January.
Gulhi Inn
Gulhi Inn is a quaint family-run guesthouse that oozes the kind of homely warmth you’d expect when staying on any Maldivian island. Its location near Bikini Beach makes it popular with tourists, particularly budget travels who can book a double room during the peak tourist season for as little as $60, including taxes.
The rooms at Gulhi Inn have an aquatic theme with large colorful murals of marine life drawn on the wall behind the bed. Wooden flooring, airconditioning, and flat-screen TVs give the space a more modern look. Gulhi Inn’s common cafeteria area is always bustling and is a great place to mingle with fellow travelers.
Tropic Tree Hotel
Tropic Tree is a proper hotel in Gulhi, albeit a cozy one with 11 rooms. While it is not next to the beach, a short walk will have you standing on golden sand in no time. The hotel comprises a charming courtyard ideal for al fresco dining and a terrace from where you get to admire panoramic views of the island and its surroundings.
Tropic Tree has garden-view superior and deluxe rooms, as well as a triple deluxe perfect for accommodating a small family. Room rates at high season remain below $100 and usually include breakfast. The rooms are spacious and come with en-suite bathrooms with showers and free toiletries, airconditioning, desks, wooden flooring, kettle, and safety deposit boxes. The hotel also has its own speed boat and will take you to a nearby island for a nominal fee.
Hudhuveli Inn
About 100 meters away from Bikini Beach, Hudhuveli Inn is a favorite guesthouse in Gulhi with many returning travelers. Offering services at par with hotels, they have 24-hour reception, room service, staff that speaks different languages, airport transfers, and a separate beach area for their guests.
The bedrooms at Hudhuveli Inn are well-furnished with contemporary amenities such as hardwood flooring, a kettle, desk, shower, and free WIFI. While the inn serves a decent enough breakfast, there are places nearby where you can eat during the day. The common sitting area in Hudhuveli Inn is a wonderful place to congregate and exchange travel notes with the owner and other guests in the evening.
N.B.: all information is correct as of post publication date, and prices are subjected to change.
