By The Shade Maldives
Local island life, 74 km from Malé, with a beach at the door.
A local-island guesthouse on Hangnaameedhoo
By The Shade Maldives is a guest house on Hangnaameedhoo island, roughly 74 km from Malé by seaplane. Rooms start from $93 per night and include free breakfast. The property has its own restaurant, making it a self-contained base on a local Maldivian island. With a 4.8/5 Google rating across 44 reviews, the place consistently draws praise for its service, cleanliness, and the natural surroundings. Beach access is included, and bicycles are available to rent for getting around the island.
Who this stay suits
A small, well-run guest house on a local island with meals, beach access, and seaplane transfers — straightforward and good value at this rating.
Best for
- Budget-conscious travellers wanting a local island experience
- Couples or solo travellers in a Deluxe Double or Twin room
- Guests who want meals on-site without hunting for restaurants
- Travellers curious about everyday Maldivian island life
Less suited to
- Travellers seeking a large resort with multiple facilities
- Those wanting a private villa or overwater accommodation
- Guests who prefer alcohol-inclusive stays
Beach access on Hangnaameedhoo
The guest house has direct beach access, putting the water within easy reach. Hangnaameedhoo is a local island, so the setting is authentic rather than manicured — the kind of place where the beach is simply part of daily life.
On-site dining with free breakfast
The restaurant serves buffet dinners and table-service meals, and free breakfast is included with every stay. Room service is also available, so guests are not dependent on finding food elsewhere on the island.
Rooms designed for two
Both room types — the Deluxe Double and the Deluxe Twin — sleep two and include air conditioning, a minibar, refrigerator, coffee maker, and a private bathroom with shower. Simple and functional for the price.
Activities and watercraft on the island
Snorkelling and watercraft rental are available, along with bicycle rental for exploring the island. A small boutique adds a shopping option without leaving the property.
Rooms & suites
Experiences on & off the island
Inside By The Shade Maldives
Amenities at By The Shade Maldives
Most popular facilities
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Free Wifi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Private beach area
- Breakfast
Great for your stay
- Restaurant
- Private bathroom
- Balcony
- Air conditioning
- Terrace
- View
- Free Wifi
- BBQ facilities
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Towels/Sheets (extra fee)
- Additional toilet
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
Bedroom
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
- Walk-in closet
View
- Garden view
- View
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Private beach area
- BBQ facilities Additional charge
- Patio
- Balcony
- Terrace
Getting there
By The Shade Maldives is on Hangnaameedhoo island, approximately 74 km from Malé. The transfer is by seaplane from Velana International Airport. Seaplanes operate during daylight hours only, so it is worth coordinating flight arrival and departure times with the property in advance.
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
Where to eat
- Viva Rooftop Café cafe 0.32 km
Across 44 Google reviews, the property scores 4.8/5. Service draws the most feedback: 10 of 12 mentions are positive. The property itself earns 8 of 9 positive mentions. Nature and cleanliness each achieve a perfect count — 5 from 5 — suggesting the island environment and upkeep are consistent highlights for guests.
- Things to do3.9
- Restaurants1.6
- Airport access1.6
Share of positive mentions per theme, from Google reviews.
- Island has very limited dining options and tourist infrastructure beyond the guesthouse
- Remote location — long, challenging boat transfer from Malé
- Limited excursions offered and little flexibility on pricing
- Host communication and on-site guidance felt lacking for some guests
- Shower reportedly dated; no drawers in rooms; mosquitoes noted
“The team was incredibly professional, friendly, and went above and beyond to make our stay special.”
“The island itself has absolutely no infrastructure. We had a hard time to find any place to eat on the island so we had to finish our trip earlier.”
“Le responsable a manqué de communication, d'accompagnement et d'arrangements dès lors que nous étions sur place. Énormément de moustiques.”
“Lovely rooms and super staff — great option instead of big resorts and for a fraction of the price.”
“Il cibo era fantastico e sempre fresco. L'ambiente è famigliare e questa cosa ci è piaciuta molto.”
Guest reviews summarised from Booking.com.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to By The Shade Maldives from the airport?
The transfer is by seaplane from Velana International Airport. The property is approximately 74 km from Malé. Seaplane schedules are typically daylight-only, so plan arrival and departure times accordingly.
What room types are available?
There are two room types: the Deluxe Double Room and the Deluxe Twin Room. Both sleep two guests and include air conditioning, minibar, refrigerator, coffee maker, and a private bathroom with shower.
Is breakfast included in the room rate?
Yes, free breakfast is included with every stay. The property serves a breakfast buffet. Buffet dinners are also available at the on-site restaurant, along with table service and room service.
Is there a restaurant at the guest house?
Yes, the property has its own restaurant with table service and buffet dinner. Room service is available too, so guests have dining options on-site throughout the day.
Is there beach access?
Yes, beach access is included. Hangnaameedhoo is a local Maldivian island, and the guest house has access to the beach as part of its amenities.
Can I go snorkelling?
Snorkelling is available through the guest house. On a local island, this is typically organised as an excursion with a local operator rather than directly off a private house reef.
Are there bicycles available?
Yes, bicycle rental is available at the property. Hangnaameedhoo is a local island and cycling is a practical way to get around. The nearby Viva Rooftop Café is about 0.32 km away.
What watersports or activities are on offer?
Watercraft rental and snorkelling are available. The guest house also has boutique shopping on-site. For other excursions, arrangements can typically be made through the property.
What is the Google rating for By The Shade Maldives?
The property holds a 4.8/5 Google rating based on 44 reviews. Guests single out service, the property itself, cleanliness, and the natural surroundings as the strongest points.
Is parking available?
Yes, parking is available at the property.
What is the price range for rooms?
Rooms start from $93 per night, which includes free breakfast. Rates may vary by season and availability — check current pricing when booking.
Is By The Shade Maldives suitable for families?
The room types listed each sleep two guests. Families with children should confirm whether connecting rooms or alternative arrangements are available directly with the property before booking.