Skip to content

North Malé Atoll · Maldives

An original Maldivian island of 36 beach bungalows, a turquoise lagoon and a house reef next to Turtle Point, 45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport.

Best rates when you book with us. Opens our secure booking page.

An intimate hideaway

Rediscover the luxury of simplicity, where the sands of time trickle unhurriedly, and nature is your host.

Makunudu Island sweeps you into the warm embrace of an original Maldivian retreat. Where glistening beaches give way to the crystal clear waters of a turquoise lagoon, merging into unending ocean views.

Where tranquility seeps soothingly into your soul, and genuine hospitality welcomes you like a friend. A rare haven, beautifully untouched, that even for those who travel the world, retains a special place in the heart.

Discover the island
Aerial view of Makunudu Island: the bar on its jetty over the turquoise lagoon
A hermit crab climbing a palm trunk
White beach naupaka flowers
36
beach bungalows among the island's greenery
45min
by speedboat from Velana International Airport
Turtle Point
beside our house reef, with hawksbill turtles most days
Natural
a completely natural island, its ecosystem left as it was

Two ways to stay, both on the beach

All 36 of our bungalows are nestled amidst beachfront vegetation, elegantly weaving modern comforts with rustic style, and drawing on the island's Maldivian roots.

  • 50 sqm
  • King or twin beds
  • 16 on the island

Deluxe Beach Bungalow

Our 16 Deluxe Beach Bungalows embody the tropical charm of the island: a private patio facing the ocean, a lush open-air shower, and the lullaby of the waves at night.

  • Daily afternoon canapés in your bungalow
  • A daily sundowner each at the Sunset Bar
  • 40 sqm
  • King or twin beds
  • 20 on the island

Beach Bungalow

Our 20 Beach Bungalows are dotted along the edges of the island with the crystal-clear lagoon only a short stroll away, their nature-inspired furnishings connecting you with the island beyond.

Step off the beach, onto the reef

Makunudu's house reef offers unforgettable snorkelling and diving. Located next to the famous Turtle Point, it gives daily chances to see graceful hawksbill sea turtles gliding through crystal-clear water.

Its thriving marine life and healthy coral gardens make it a truly exceptional spot, and every dive brings you closer to nature in its purest, unspoiled form.

The house reef
A hawksbill turtle swimming over the house reef
Anthias and reef fish over hard corals

Dive sites on either side of the atoll

The island sits near the edge of the atoll, with famous dive spots on either side: gentle sites for beginners and channels for experienced divers.

  1. Turtle PointSnorkel and dive

    Right beside our house reef: hawksbill turtles glide through the clear water almost every day.

  2. Manta PointBeginners

    Reef manta rays, close enough to marvel at even on your first dives.

  3. Madi GaaAll levels

    An abundance of marine life over the reef, from schooling fish to rays.

  4. Blue Canyon

    A canyon of rare soft corals.

  5. Shark PointAdvanced divers

    Sharks, schools of eagle rays, tuna and silver jacks in the channel.

Makunudu Dive Ocean

Small-group dives to famous sites on either side of the atoll. New to diving? Get your PADI Open Water certification under the attentive care of our instructors.

Dive price list

Riyaa Watersports

Learn to windsurf, take the catamaran out, paddleboard or kayak the lagoon, try traditional handline fishing, or learn to sail our antique sailboat.

Watersports menu

When the sun goes down

Connect with your fellow islanders around the bonfire, watch a film on the sand, or sail into the sunset on a little piece of history.

This week on the island (PDF)
  • At sunset, for two

    Romantic dhoni cruise

    Champagne and canapés on a carefully restored riyaa dhoni, a traditional Maldivian sailboat: a private cruise for two into the sunset.

  • Sundays, 21:00 · Miyaru Beach

    Movie under the stars

    Our tropical twist on movie night: popcorn, drinks and a film at our beach cinema under the night sky. Private screenings on request.

  • Tuesdays, 21:00 · Miyaru Beach

    Bonfire with live music

    Sit around the bonfire on the beach with your fellow islanders while our live musician plays some chill tunes, with light snacks and drinks.

  • Thursdays, 18:30 · Sand Bar

    Marine life talk

    Get to know the turtles, sharks and reef fish you have been swimming with, from the people who know the reef best.

  • Fridays, 21:00 · Sand Bar

    Bodu Beru night

    The enthralling beat of the bodu beru, the big Maldivian drum, with song and dance at the Sand Bar.

Ara Iru restaurant under its thatched roof
Grilled seafood with prawns and corn
Cocktails raised over the lagoon

Ara Iru means Rising Sun

From east to west, flavours to delight every palate

From the familiar to the exotic, our restaurant serves international buffets of meats, fish and tropical fruits, table-served set menus and, once a week, a sizzling barbecue and a magnificent Maldivian buffet dinner.

Ara IruAll day, on the eastern end
Meaning “rising sun” in Dhivehi, our all-day restaurant serves a breakfast and lunch buffet and a diverse set menu for dinner, with a barbecue every Friday and a Maldivian special barbecue every Tuesday.
Sand Bar10:00 to 23:00
Our main bar: cocktails, hand-picked wines and bar snacks with ocean views by day; musicians and traditional Bodu Beru on select evenings. Sand Bar menu
Miyaru Bar16:00 to 18:00
A fresh coconut after a dip in the sea, by the arrival jetty. Named after the lagoon's gentle sharks: look out for baby blacktip reef sharks and juvenile nurse sharks.
Sunset Bar17:30 to 18:30, clear days
Popping up on the western beach only for the golden hour: aperitifs before dinner as the sun goes down.
Dining at Makunudu

Dinner, just the two of you

  • Malaafaiy Treehouse

    A romantic dinner nestled up in the greenery, overlooking the ocean, from a bespoke menu.

  • Dinner on the Rocks

    Over the bridge to Rock Island, at the very edge of the lagoon: a private barbecue under the stars in total seclusion.

  • Sandbank dinner

    Chargrilled local lobster, jumbo prawns and lamb chops, the soft sand beneath your feet, and the moon rising.

Disturbed by nothing but the soft whispers of nature

Aavun Spa

Treatments that combine the best of Maldivian, Asian and European traditions: a Maldivian massage with seashells and pure coconut oil, a custom facial, an Ayurvedic Indian head massage or reflexology.

Spa menu

Yoga programme

Personalised yoga on the beach or in a private space like the Malaafaiy Treehouse. Beginner or experienced, move at your own pace, building strength, flexibility and calm.

Yoga class menu
Aavun Spa
Yoga programme

Say I do

With the Indian Ocean as your witness

Exchange your vows or reaffirm your commitment on a pristine white-sand beach, in the golden glow of the sunset, with Maldivian traditions and the beat of bodu beru drums. Our experienced team takes care of every intimate detail.

Weddings and vow renewals

Offers & packages

Escape to the ultimate Maldivian hideaway with our exclusive offers, from early booking savings to romantic stays.

All offers
  • Simply Romantic Package

    US$2,825 net for 4 nights, for two

    Four nights for two in a Deluxe Beach Bungalow with all meals, a romantic beach dinner, a massage each and guided snorkelling.

  • Renewal of Vows

    Reaffirm your commitment on the beach, with a Bodu Beru procession, a five-course candlelit dinner and breakfast in bed the morning after.

  • Early Bird Offer

    Book in advance and enjoy special savings! Plan ahead for your dream getaway and lock in the best rates.

    Stays from 1 November 2025

Forty-five minutes from the airport

  1. Land at Velana International Airport

    On Hulhulé, beside Malé, the Maldives' main gateway.

  2. 45 minutes by speedboat

    Across North Malé Atoll to the island's jetty.

  3. Slip off your shoes

    You won't need them again until you leave.

Plan your stay

Our reservations team can help with dates, transfers, celebrations and anything else you'd like arranged.

Check availability

Check availability

Choose your dates and guests; we'll open our booking page with them filled in.

Best rates when you book with us. Opens our secure booking page.

Check availability