Makunudu

Overview

Our Opinion

Makunudu is one of those rare Maldivian islands that feels genuinely unspoilt. With fewer than 50 rooms, it belongs to a disappearing breed — the kind of small, traditional resort that's increasingly hard to find as the Maldives leans into bigger, pricier developments with all the bells and whistles.

It's an ideal escape if you're looking for peace, quiet, and gentle watersports like snorkelling and paddleboarding. The staff-to-guest ratio is impressively high without ever feeling intrusive, and the service is impeccable. There's one restaurant, three bars, and a lovely low-key atmosphere — all at a price that feels refreshingly sensible by Maldivian standards.

Between the watersports, good snorkelling, dive centre, appealing food, and a small spa, it's the kind of place that sends you home genuinely restored. One of our personal favourites in the Maldives.

Special Offers

2026 30% Summer Special Offer

2027 22% 90-Day Early Bird Offer

2026 22% 90-Day Early Bird Offer

2026-27 10% Honeymooners Discount

2027 Summer Long Stay Offer (Stay 14 Pay 12)

2026 Summer Long Stay Offer (Stay 7 Pay 6)

2027 Repeaters Benefits

2026 Summer Long Stay Offer [Stay 7 Pay 6]

Wedding Anniversary and Birthday Benefits

Summary

Makunudu sits in North Malé Atoll, reachable by a 45-minute speedboat transfer from Malé International Airport. The island is home to just 36 bungalows, dotted around the shoreline beneath dense tropical foliage.

Accommodation
The resort offers 20 Beach Bungalows and 16 Deluxe Beach Bungalows, all set along the beachfront amid lush vegetation. Each bungalow blends contemporary comfort with a rustic, locally inspired feel. Standard features include an open-air garden shower room, air-conditioning, ceiling fan, custom furniture, a rocking chair, teak writing desk, minibar, safe, tea and coffee-making facilities, hairdryer, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The Deluxe Beach Bungalows additionally come with a private patio and daily afternoon drinks with canapés at the Sunset Bar.

Dining
Makunudu's dining scene centres on fresh, tropical cuisine served across the main restaurant, a bar, two beachside bars, and private dining options.

Ara Iru — meaning “rising sun” in Dhivehi — is the island's all-day restaurant on the eastern side, serving breakfast and lunch buffets plus a varied set menu for dinner.

The Sand Bar is the main daytime spot, offering cocktails, hand-picked wines, and bar snacks with ocean views, tropical breezes, and evening entertainment including live music and Bodu Beru on select nights.

Miyaru Bar, near the arrival jetty, provides beachside drinks and fresh coconuts — ideal for sipping while sunbathing. The lagoon here attracts baby black tip reef sharks and juvenile nurse sharks.

The Sunset Bar appears during golden hour each evening, serving pre-dinner aperitifs as the sun goes down.