Before Arrival
Staying on a local island like Baa Kendhoo offers a unique opportunity to experience the authentic Maldivian way of life. Unlike resort islands, here you’ll share the island with the local community and get a glimpse into their peaceful daily routines—from children going to school, to locals attending mosque, and families tending their gardens.
Our guesthouse is located in a quiet area, but when exploring the rest of the island, we kindly ask that you respect local customs. In particular, women are encouraged to dress modestly, covering shoulders to knees when in public areas outside the guesthouse.
Please note that alcohol is not permitted on local islands. All refreshments we serve are non-alcoholic, but if you wish to enjoy an alcoholic beverage, day trips to nearby resort islands can be arranged.
When visiting the Maldives and especially a remote local island like Baa Kendhoo, packing light yet smart is key. Here are some essentials to bring:
High-SPF sunscreen (at least SPF 30)
Swimwear and a rash vest or UV protection top for time in the sea
Flip flops or comfortable sandals
A hat and sunglasses for sun protection
Loose, breathable clothing for warm weather
Toiletries if you have personal preferences
Medications or remedies you regularly use
Prescription mask if you wear glasses and plan to snorkel
For women, modest clothing that covers shoulders to knees is recommended when walking around the island outside the guesthouse
Since Kendhoo is a remote island, we recommend bringing everything you might need, as certain items may not be readily available locally.
Yes, as the Maldives is a Muslim country, certain items are prohibited by law and may be confiscated upon arrival or lead to legal consequences. Please refrain from bringing the following:
Religious materials that may be deemed contrary to Islamic principles
Alcoholic beverages
Pornographic content or materials
Pork and pork-based products
Illegal drugs or narcotics
Firearms and ammunition
Spear guns or other hunting equipment
We kindly recommend checking with your airline or the Maldives Customs Service for the latest guidelines before you travel.
No vaccinations or special medical preparations are required to visit the Maldives. It’s a safe and healthy destination for most travelers.
No, the Maldives is malaria-free, so there’s no need to take anti-malaria tablets before your trip.
There are two convenient options to reach us:
Option 1: Speedboat Transfer from Malé
Duration: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
Cost: $60 per person (one-way)
Schedule: Departs Malé at 01:00 PM, and from Kendhoo at 07:00 AM
Option 2: Domestic Flight via Dharavandhoo Airport
Duration: 25-minute flight + 25-minute speedboat transfer
Cost: $120 per person for the flight + $95 per trip for the speedboat
Total for 2 persons (one-way): $335
Frequency: Typically 3 domestic flights available daily
We’re happy to assist with booking your transfer and we provide airport pickup and dropoff as well. Just let us know your arrival details!
Accomodation
All our rooms are designed to comfortably accommodate 2 adults. One of our rooms can host a third guest with an extra bed (subject to an additional charge). Up to two children can share the room with their parents. Standard rates apply for two guests; additional charges may apply for extra guests.
Yes, we offer baby cots upon request. Please let us know in advance so we can ensure it’s ready for your arrival.
All rooms operate with 220V electricity.
Each room is equipped with universal multi-sockets, compatible with most international plug types. So, you won’t need to worry about carrying extra adapters.
Yes, all rooms come with a mini fridge, ideal for storing snacks or medications and an electric kettle for making tea or coffee at your convenience.
Yes, every room includes an LCD TV offering a selection of news, sports, nature channels (like Nat Geo), and foreign language options to keep you informed and entertained during your stay.
OUR facilities
Evenings at Dhoani are peaceful and relaxing. Many guests enjoy sipping a mocktail in our outdoor lounge while stargazing under the Maldivian sky. For the more adventurous, we also offer night snorkeling and night diving experiences on request.
Yes, we provide a laundry service for our guests (please note: we do not offer dry cleaning). Irons are available upon request.
Absolutely! Our restaurant offers a variety of European dishes, alongside Asian flavors and local Maldivian specialties, all prepared with care and flavor balance to suit a range of palates.
Yes, we cater to vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets. If you have specific dietary needs such as gluten or lactose intolerance, please contact us in advance so we can do our best to accommodate you.
As we are located on a local island, we are not licensed to serve alcohol. However, we can arrange visits to nearby resort islands where alcohol is available for guests to enjoy.
Yes, we provide both beach towels and bathroom towels for your convenience.
The designated tourist beach is just a 5-minute walk from Dhoani Maldives. This beach is reserved for guests, and bikinis are permitted here.
Yes, we offer complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the guesthouse to keep you connected during your stay.
activities & excursions
The best time to witness large gatherings of manta rays is during the Northwestern monsoon season, which typically runs from July to November. This is when plankton blooms attract hundreds of mantas and occasionally whale sharks to Hanifaru Bay.
Yes, we offer a variety of excursions that can be booked in advance. Please refer to our experience & excursions section for detailed experience and excursion packages.
Yes! We offer daily diving and snorkeling excursions, and guests are welcome to sign up upon arrival. In addition to scheduled group activities, we also offer a variety of private excursions which can be arranged upon request.
Absolutely. We offer a range of fun and safe activities for children, including:
Bubble Maker Program (Ages 8+): A fun, safe introduction to scuba diving.
Discover Scuba Diving & Junior Open Water Course (Ages 10+).
Snorkeling trips (Ages 5+), with life jackets provided.
Fishing, kayaking, and dolphin safaris, which are great for the whole family.
Babysitting services with local caretakers can also be arranged so parents can enjoy some personal time.
Note: We recommend that children participating in snorkeling are confident swimmers or have attended swimming lessons.
Children aged 5 and above are welcome to join our snorkeling excursions. We recommend that children have basic swimming experience, and life jackets are provided for their safety.
We accept cash (preferably in USD or Euro) and card payments for all excursions. For your convenience and to avoid delays, we recommend paying in USD cash whenever possible.
payments
At Dhoani Maldives Guesthouse, a 10% service charge is already included in our rates, so additional tipping is not expected. However, if a team member goes above and beyond to make your stay memorable, you’re welcome to tip at your own discretion as a gesture of appreciation.
There is no ATM on Kendhoo Island. However, at our reception, you can exchange USD or Euros to local currency (MVR) at favorable rates. US Dollars are widely accepted across the Maldives, including at Dhoani and during excursions.
The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). The exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 19.00 MVR, though this can fluctuate. We recommend avoiding currency exchange at the airport, as their rates tend to be less favorable. Since most of our activities and services are priced in USD, paying in dollars is often the most convenient option.
Yes, you can settle your bill using all major debit/credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. We also accept digital payment options such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, BML Pay, AliPay, WeChat Pay, and Union Pay for your convenience
Ready to plan your dream getaway?
Contact us
location
Fehiali, Maarana Magu
06030, B.Kendhoo
Republic of Maldives
Contact
Phone: +960 988 3177
Email: [email protected]