ATHIRIGE PRIVATE VILLA
A private villa stay on a local Maldivian island, 116 km from Malé.
A local-island guesthouse on Dharavandhoo
Athirige Private Villa is a guest house on Dharavandhoo island, roughly 116 km from Malé and reached by seaplane. It runs three accommodation options — a private double room and two standalone villas — each with air conditioning, soundproofing, and a barbecue. The property has a restaurant on site, room service, and a free shuttle service. Dharavandhoo Dive Center is 190 m away, and the dive site Dharavandhoo Thila is just over a kilometre out — making this a practical base for anyone focused on the water.
The honest verdict
A compact, self-contained guest house with villa options, room service, and easy access to dive sites on a local Maldivian island.
Best for
- Divers targeting Dharavandhoo Thila
- Couples wanting a private villa at a local-island price
- Travellers who prefer a non-resort experience
- Anyone who wants kitchen facilities and a BBQ
Maybe not ideal for
- Those expecting a beach-front resort setup
- Travellers who want to avoid seaplane logistics
- Large groups or families needing interconnecting rooms
Villas with their own entrance
The Deluxe Villa (25 m²) and Superior Villa (30 m²) are standalone units, each with a private entrance, ensuite bathroom, and barbecue. Both sleep two on an extra-large double bed and include a flat-screen TV and soundproofing.
Kitchen and living facilities
Rooms and villas come equipped beyond the basics: there is a stovetop, oven, dishwasher, and electric kettle in-unit, plus a dining table and sofa. Hardwood or parquet floors and hypoallergenic bedding feature throughout.
Dining on site and nearby
The property has its own restaurant with a broad menu spanning continental, Italian, Asian, American, vegan, and halal options. Honey Bunny restaurant is 170 m away for a change of scene.
Proximity to the dive sites
Dharavandhoo Dive Center sits 190 m from the property. Dharavandhoo Thila — one of the atoll's better-known dive and snorkel spots — is about 1.5 km out and accessible by arranged boat trip.
Rooms & suites
Private Double Room
sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Garden view
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Dishwasher
- Flat-screen TV
Deluxe Villa
25 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Entire villa
- View
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Dishwasher
Superior Villa
30 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Entire villa
- View
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Dishwasher
Inside ATHIRIGE PRIVATE VILLA
Amenities at ATHIRIGE PRIVATE VILLA
Great for your stay
- Restaurant
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- View
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Shuttle service (free)
- Room service
Internet
- Internet services
Kitchen
- Dining table
- Cleaning products
- Toaster
- Stovetop
- Oven
- Tumble dryer
- Electric kettle
Bedroom
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
- Alarm clock
- Dressing room
- Extra long beds (> 2 metres)
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bidet
- Towels/sheets (extra fee)
- Additional toilet
- Bath or shower
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
Living Area
- Dining area
- Sofa
- Desk
Getting there
Athirige Private Villa is on Dharavandhoo island, approximately 116 km from Velana International Airport in Malé. Access is by seaplane transfer. Once on the island, the property runs a free shuttle service. Dharavandhoo Dive Center and the nearby Dharavandhoo Thila dive site are within easy reach on the island.
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.
On the map
Things to do nearby
- Dharavandhoo Dive Center attraction 0.19 km
- Dharavandhoo thila attraction 1.47 km
Where to eat
- Honey Bunny restaurant 0.17 km
Athirige Private Villa holds a 4.6/5 Google rating from 20 reviews. With a relatively small review pool, patterns are limited, but the location score has been highlighted positively by recent guests. The property's proximity to the dive center and the island's dive sites appears to resonate with guests who came specifically for the water.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Athirige Private Villa from Malé?
The property is reached by seaplane. Dharavandhoo island is approximately 116 km from Malé, so the seaplane leg is the standard way in. The property also provides a free shuttle service.
What room types are available?
There are three options: a Private Double Room, a Deluxe Villa (25 m²), and a Superior Villa (30 m²). All sleep two adults on an extra-large double bed. The two villas are standalone units with private entrances.
What are the room rates?
The Private Double Room starts from around $156/night. The Deluxe Villa starts from $210/night, and the Superior Villa from $260/night. Check current availability for exact pricing.
Is there a restaurant at the property?
Yes. There is an on-site restaurant with room service available. The menu covers continental, Italian, Asian, American, vegan, halal, and other options. Honey Bunny restaurant is also 170 m away.
What breakfast options are available?
Breakfast options include continental, full English/Irish, American, vegetarian, vegan, halal, Asian, buffet, and breakfast to go. Confirm which are included with your rate at the time of booking.
Can I go diving or snorkelling from here?
Dharavandhoo Dive Center is 190 m from the property. Diving and snorkelling excursions to Dharavandhoo Thila (roughly 1.5 km away) are arranged through local operators rather than run on site by the guest house.
Is fishing available?
Fishing trips can be arranged. As with diving and snorkelling, these are excursions coordinated with local operators on Dharavandhoo island.
Is the property suitable for families?
Family rooms are listed among the facilities, so the property does accommodate families. Room configuration is one extra-large double bed per unit, so check specific needs with the property before booking.
Do the villas have cooking facilities?
Yes. Units include a stovetop, oven, dishwasher, electric kettle, and dining table. The Private Double Room also has a dishwasher and minibar. All units have a barbecue.
Is alcohol available at the property?
Dharavandhoo is a local Maldivian island. Local islands in the Maldives operate under Maldivian law, and alcohol is not available on the island itself. No bar is listed among the facilities.
What is the Google rating for Athirige Private Villa?
The property has a 4.6/5 Google rating based on 20 reviews. Guests have noted the location positively in recent feedback.
Is Wi-Fi included?
Free Wi-Fi is listed as a facility. The property also has internet services, a laptop safe, and streaming capability (such as Netflix) on the flat-screen TVs.