KIHA Beach
A beachfront stay in one of the Maldives' most biodiverse atolls
A place to stay on Dharavandhoo
KIHA Beach is a boutique, eco-conscious guest house on Dharavandhoo Island in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Whale sharks feed roughly two kilometres away, manta rays and green turtles frequent the surrounding waters, and the property was designed with a low carbon footprint from the ground up. Rooms each have a balcony, and the public areas include a saltwater infinity pool, a 44-seat restaurant, a juice bar, and a spa. The guest house holds a 4.6/5 Google rating across 213 reviews.
Who this stay suits
A small, environmentally minded beachfront guest house with genuine marine wildlife access, a full-service restaurant, and rooms built around comfort over luxury fittings.
Best for
- Snorkelling and marine wildlife enthusiasts
- Couples on honeymoon packages
- Families wanting a relaxed island stay
- Eco-conscious travellers
Less suited to
- Travellers who prefer larger resort-scale facilities
- Those wanting alcohol on-island
Beachfront setting in Baa Atoll
Dharavandhoo sits inside a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Whale sharks congregate about two kilometres from the guest house, and green turtles and manta rays move through the same waters. Few properties in the Maldives sit this close to that concentration of marine life.
Saltwater infinity pool
The pool is filled with saltwater rather than treated freshwater, a detail that fits the property's eco design thinking. The poolside juice bar serves customisable fresh blends — a practical alternative to the restaurant when you don't want a full meal.
Rooms with low-carbon design
Every room was designed with a low carbon footprint as a stated goal, not as an afterthought. Balconies are standard across the board, and the Ocean Front Room adds a spa bath. Beds draw consistent praise for comfort in guest reviews.
Restaurant with locally sourced fish
The in-house restaurant seats 44 and rotates its menu regularly. The chef brings ten years of experience and focuses on sustainably sourced wild local fish, including a barbecued catch of the day. The kitchen spans Maldivian, Thai, Chinese, and western cooking.
Spa and wellness on site
KIHA Beach has a dedicated spa on the property. Treatment details are not listed publicly, but the facility is a stated part of the guest experience alongside the pool and restaurant.
Rooms & suites
Standard Twin Room with Balcony & Sea View
30 m²
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Garden view
- Pool view
- City view
Deluxe Double Room with Sea View & Balcony
30 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 queen bed
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Pool view
- Air conditioning
- Attached bathroom
Ocean Front Room with Spa Bath & Balcony
30 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Pool view
- Air conditioning
- Spa tub
Family Room with Balcony (Island View)
35 m² · sleeps 3 · 1 twin bed and 1 king bed
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Pool view
- City view
- Air conditioning
Inside KIHA Beach
Amenities at KIHA Beach
Most popular facilities
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Airport shuttle
- Spa and wellness center
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Beachfront
- Family rooms
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
Great for your stay
- Restaurant
- Private bathroom
- Balcony
- Air conditioning
- Spa and wellness center
- Terrace
- Free Wifi
- BBQ facilities
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bidet
- Towels/Sheets (extra fee)
- Bath or shower
- Private bathroom
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
Bedroom
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Beachfront
- Terrace
- Sun deck
- Private beach area
- BBQ facilities Additional charge
- Balcony
Kitchen
- Dining table
- Dryer
- Electric kettle
- Refrigerator
Getting there
KIHA Beach is on Dharavandhoo Island in Baa Atoll, approximately 116 kilometres from Malé. The transfer is by seaplane, with the official site noting a journey of around 20 minutes by domestic flight. A free airport shuttle is included for guests on arrival.
Seaplane transfers typically run $250–600 per person round trip, booked through the property. A few islands in this band are also served by a domestic flight to a nearby regional airport plus a short boat — ask the property which routing is faster for your dates.
Across 213 Google reviews, KIHA Beach holds a 4.6/5 rating. Guests consistently single out the comfort of the beds as a highlight. The location within the Baa Atoll biosphere draws strong approval, and the overall experience appears to land well for those who come specifically for the marine environment.
- Slow Wi-Fi
- Pool maintenance and filter not run frequently enough; sun-bed cushions worn
- Nearby construction noise/visual disruption
- Some guests found better or cheaper food options elsewhere on the island; drinks considered pricey
- Breakfast starts at 7:30 — too late for early diving departures; no lift for a three-floor building with steep stairs
“The staff have been incredibly helpful and kind during the whole stay. Ali managed so well our trip to Hanifaru Bay only going when he was sure the Mantas will be there.”
“For its price, it is absolutely worth it. The restaurant had some of the most delicious food I have ever had. The view from the hotel lobby and from our terrace... I will miss it dearly every day.”
“Kiha Beach offers incredible value for money – great location, amazing food, wonderful people, and unforgettable experiences.”
“Calm place with wonderful beach, recommended for travellers who do not expect the resort vibes and are ready to experience the local Maldivian life. Definitely best hotel on the island.”
“I even got to see small reef sharks and so many colorful fish just in front of the hotel! The pool is small but really nice and relaxing.”
Guest reviews summarised from Booking.com.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to KIHA Beach from Malé?
The transfer is by seaplane, covering roughly 116 kilometres to Dharavandhoo. The official site notes approximately a 20-minute domestic flight from Malé. The guest house provides a free airport shuttle as part of arrival arrangements.
Does KIHA Beach have its own restaurant?
Yes. The in-house restaurant seats 44 guests and is led by a chef with ten years of experience. The menu rotates and covers Maldivian, Thai, Chinese, and western dishes, with a focus on sustainably sourced wild local fish and a barbecued catch of the day.
Is there a pool at the property?
There is a saltwater infinity pool on site. A juice bar sits alongside it, serving fresh customisable blends.
What room types are available, and what do they cost?
There are five room types: Standard Twin (sea view), Deluxe Double (sea view, from $180), Superior Deluxe (double or twin, from $215), Family Room (island view, from $245), and Ocean Front Room (with spa bath). All rooms include a balcony.
Can I see whale sharks from the guest house?
Whale shark viewing excursions go to a site approximately two kilometres from the guest house. Manta ray and green turtle encounters are also available in the surrounding waters of Baa Atoll.
What activities can be arranged through KIHA Beach?
The guest house can arrange snorkelling, diving, canoeing, and fishing trips with local operators. Bicycle rental is available for exploring Dharavandhoo island. Whale shark and manta ray excursions are also on offer.
Is KIHA Beach suitable for families?
There is a dedicated Family Room sleeping three, and the property lists family rooms as a facility. The guest house is a small, relaxed property rather than a large resort environment.
Does the property have a spa?
Yes, there is a spa and wellness centre on site. Specific treatment menus are not publicly listed, but it is a dedicated facility rather than a single treatment room.
Are there any packages available?
Three five-day packages are listed: a Relax Package from $1,890, an Adventure Package from $1,980, and a Honeymoon Package from $2,080. Contact the property directly for current inclusions and availability.
What is the eco or sustainability approach at KIHA Beach?
The property describes itself as eco-conscious and states that low carbon footprint was central to room design. It sits within Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and the restaurant prioritises sustainably sourced wild local fish.
Is there room service?
Room service is listed as a facility. The in-house restaurant and juice bar are the primary dining options on the property.
What is the best time to visit for marine wildlife?
Baa Atoll is one of the most reliably productive areas in the Maldives for manta rays and whale sharks. For specific seasonal timing relevant to your travel dates, it is worth checking directly with the guest house before booking.