Nala Island Village
Straightforward Maafushi base, priced for the real world.
A local-island guesthouse on Maafushi
Nala Island Village is a guest house on Maafushi, one of the Maldives' most accessible local islands, about 28 km from Malé and reachable by public ferry or shared speedboat. Rooms start at $32 a night, which puts a Maldives stay within reach for travellers who would rather spend their money in the water than on accommodation. The guest house has a restaurant on site and sits within walking distance of several cafes and dining spots. All rooms have air conditioning, a private bathroom, and free Wi-Fi.
The honest verdict
A no-frills, clean guest house on a well-connected local island, suited to budget-conscious travellers who plan to be out exploring most of the day.
Best for
- Budget travellers visiting the Maldives
- Families needing affordable flexible bedding
- Snorkelling and diving day-trip bases
- Travellers wanting local island atmosphere
Maybe not ideal for
- Those wanting resort-style facilities
- Travellers expecting a private beach on site
- Guests seeking alcohol-inclusive packages
Garden-view rooms, simply done
All three room categories look out over the garden. The largest, the Deluxe Family Room, runs to 20 m² with a mix of single and double beds. Rooms include a minibar, safety deposit box, and electric kettle — practical touches for a longer stay.
On-site restaurant and local dining
The guest house runs its own restaurant serving continental, Asian, halal, and vegetarian options, with a buffet format available. Sun Beach Café is 30 metres away; several more restaurants sit within 150 metres of the front door.
Activities arranged from Maafushi
Maafushi has a well-established network of local operators running snorkelling, diving, canoeing, fishing, and windsurfing excursions. The guest house can connect guests with these water-sport facilities on the island.
Rooms & suites
Deluxe Double or Twin Room with Garden View
16 m² · sleeps 4 · 1 extra-large double bed / 3 beds ( 2 single beds / )
- Garden view
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Minibar
- Free WiFi
Deluxe Triple Room
18 m² · sleeps 3 · 3 single beds OR 1 single bed OR 1 extra-large double bed
- Garden view
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Minibar
- Free WiFi
Deluxe Family Room
20 m² · sleeps 4 · 2 single beds / 1 extra-large double bed
- Garden view
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Minibar
- Free WiFi
Inside Nala Island Village
Amenities at Nala Island Village
Great for your stay
- Restaurant
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- View
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bath or shower
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
- Shower
Bedroom
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
View
- Garden view
- View
Outdoors
- Outdoor furniture
Kitchen
- Electric kettle
Getting there
Nala Island Village sits on Maafushi, approximately 28 km from Velana International Airport in Malé. Guests travel by public ferry or shared speedboat. The guest house also offers an airport shuttle service. Confirm the shuttle schedule and any transfer costs directly with the property before arrival.
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
Where to eat
- Sun Beach Café cafe 0.03 km
- Sunrise Beach restaurant 0.04 km
- Kaalamaa restaurant 0.09 km
- Shiny Souvenirs restaurant 0.11 km
- Semili's restaurant 0.12 km
- Sultan Mahal restaurant 0.12 km
Nala Island Village holds a 4.1/5 Google rating across 115 reviews. Recent guests have specifically called out the location as a strength. The property has also been rated highly for its position on Maafushi, which puts dining and the waterfront within easy walking distance.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Nala Island Village from the airport?
The guest house is about 28 km from Malé. You can reach Maafushi by public ferry or shared speedboat. The guest house offers an airport shuttle — confirm timing and cost directly when booking.
What room types are available?
There are three room categories: a Deluxe Double or Twin Room with Garden View (16 m², up to 4 guests), a Deluxe Triple Room (18 m², up to 3 guests), and a Deluxe Family Room (20 m², up to 4 guests). All have garden views.
What are the prices?
Rates start from around $32 per night for the Deluxe Double or Twin Room. The Deluxe Triple Room starts from $89 and the Deluxe Family Room from $118. Prices vary by date and availability.
Is there a restaurant at the guest house?
Yes. The guest house has an on-site restaurant serving continental, Asian, halal, and vegetarian food, including buffet options. Several additional cafes and restaurants are within 150 metres of the property.
What meals are available?
The on-site restaurant covers continental, vegetarian, halal, Asian, and buffet-style dining. Check with the guest house at booking to confirm which meal plans are included in your rate.
Can I go snorkelling or diving from here?
Maafushi has local operators running snorkelling and diving excursions. The guest house has water-sport facilities available on the island, so trips can be arranged. These are operator-run boat excursions, not on-site dive instruction.
What other water activities are available?
Canoeing, fishing, and windsurfing excursions are also available through water-sport facilities on Maafushi. Ask the guest house to help arrange these when you arrive.
Is the guest house suitable for families?
Yes. The Deluxe Family Room sleeps four and the Deluxe Double or Twin Room also accommodates up to four guests. Both have flexible bed configurations. The property is listed as having dedicated family rooms.
Is there free parking?
Yes, free parking is available at the property.
Is Wi-Fi available, and is it free?
Free Wi-Fi is included in all room types.
Is alcohol available on Maafushi?
Maafushi is a local Maldivian island. Alcohol is not served at local island guest houses under Maldivian law, so there is no bar at the property.
When is the best time to visit?
The Maldives dry season runs roughly from November to April, when seas are calmer and skies clearer — generally the most reliable period for water activities. The guest house is open year-round.