The cream of the crop on Maafushi, this high-rise place has an enviable location within the screened-off confines of the bikini beach, where you're free to frolic semi-clad without offending. The 19 rooms all have balconies (many enjoying great views), safes, minibars and TVs. Staff are friendly and there's a decidedly laid-back vibe to the beach restaurant outside.
Arena Beach Hotel
Maafushi
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
16.07 MILES
This is the oldest mosque in the country, dating from 1656. It’s a beautiful structure made from coral stone into which intricate decoration and Quranic…
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15.99 MILES
Maldives' National Museum may be a ferociously ugly building gifted by China, but it nevertheless contains a well-labelled collection of historic…
China-Maldives Friendship Bridge
15.83 MILES
This incredibly impressive piece of engineering connects Male to the airport island of Hulhule, but unlike most of the causeways connecting islands…
25.57 MILES
Himmafushi is famous for its main street selling some of the least expensive souvenirs in the country, such as carved rosewood manta rays, sharks and…
16.18 MILES
Although the squeamish may well object to the buckets of entrails or the very public gutting of fish going on all around, the Fish Market should not be…
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15.85 MILES
A sweet little crescent sand beach has been crafted from the breakwater tetrapods here where locals can swim and enjoy a day on the beach. There’s a whole…
16.08 MILES
The golden dome of this impressive modern mosque dominates the skyline of Male and has become something of a symbol for the city. Opened in 1984 and built…
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27.61 MILES
The island of Huraa is well used to tourists visiting from nearby resorts, but it retains its small-island feel. It is now home to several guesthouses,…
Nearby Maafushi attractions
3.34 MILES
The island of Gulhi, north of Maafushi, is not large but is inhabited by around 900 people. Fishing is the main activity, and there’s also a small…
3.36 MILES
Guraidhoo enjoys good anchorage and is a busy port used by both fishing dhonis and passing safari boats. Sultans from Male sought refuge here during…
3. China-Maldives Friendship Bridge
15.83 MILES
This incredibly impressive piece of engineering connects Male to the airport island of Hulhule, but unlike most of the causeways connecting islands…
15.85 MILES
A sweet little crescent sand beach has been crafted from the breakwater tetrapods here where locals can swim and enjoy a day on the beach. There’s a whole…
5. Tomb of Mohammed Thakurufaanu
15.91 MILES
In the backstreets in the middle of town, in the grounds of a small mosque, is the tomb of Mohammed Thakurufaanu, Maldives’ national hero who liberated…
15.99 MILES
Maldives' National Museum may be a ferociously ugly building gifted by China, but it nevertheless contains a well-labelled collection of historic…
16.02 MILES
Previously known as Sultan's Park and once part of the grounds of the now-demolished sultan’s palace, this former green lung of Male was redeveloped and…
8. Muleeaage & Medhu Ziyaarath
16.04 MILES
Muleeaage was built as a palace for the sultan in the early 20th century, though he was deposed before he could move in and the building was used for…