Bahaaru Villa surf and Stay
A surfer's base on Himmafushi, open since September 2023.
A local-island guesthouse on Himmafushi
Bahaaru Villa Surf and Stay opened in September 2023 after a full renovation, sitting on Himmafushi island about 14 km from Malé. The guest house pitches itself as a practical, low-key base — part surf lodge, part home rental — with a surf rack on the premises and continental breakfast included in the stay. The whole villa can be rented by a group wanting full privacy, or guests can book individual rooms. Himmafushi is a local island, so the pace is slow and the surroundings are genuinely residential rather than resort-like.
The honest verdict
A compact, recently renovated guest house aimed at surfers and independent travellers who want a clean, comfortable base on a local island with breakfast included.
Best for
- Surfers looking for a rack and a local-island setup
- Small groups renting the full villa
- Budget-conscious travellers on Himmafushi
- Cyclists and snorkellers exploring the island
Maybe not ideal for
- Travellers wanting resort-style facilities
- Those needing alcohol on-site (local island rules apply)
- Guests expecting a private beach
The setting on Himmafushi
Himmafushi is a quiet residential island 14 km from Malé. Sunset View Point is under 400 metres away, and Bikini Beach is accessible for swimming. The surroundings are genuinely local — small cafes and eateries within a short walk.
Rooms and the full-villa option
Rooms range from a cozy standard double to a brighter deluxe space with a window for natural light. Every room has air conditioning, a fan, and a private bathroom with a hot shower. The entire villa can be booked as one unit for groups wanting the place to themselves.
Outdoor and garden spaces
A garden, outdoor dining area, picnic space, and BBQ facilities give the property a lived-in feel. The outdoor furniture area works well for early mornings before a surf session or evenings after a day on the water.
Surf and water activity access
A surf rack is on the premises. Snorkelling, diving, canoeing, windsurfing, and fishing can be arranged through local operators. Bicycle rentals let guests cover the island independently.
Inside Bahaaru Villa surf and Stay
Amenities at Bahaaru Villa surf and Stay
Great for your stay
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Room service
- Non-smoking rooms
- BBQ facilities
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bidet
- Bath or shower
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
Bedroom
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
- Extra long beds (> 2 metres)
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- BBQ facilities
- Garden
Kitchen
- Shared kitchen
- Coffee machine
- Electric kettle
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
Room amenities
- Socket near the bed
- Drying rack for clothing
- Clothes rack
Getting there
Himmafushi sits about 14 km from Malé. The standard transfer is by public ferry or shared speedboat, and the guest house can arrange an airport shuttle on request. The island is a short ride from the capital, making it one of the more accessible local-island destinations in the Maldives.
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
Things to do nearby
- Himmaushi Tours attraction 0.16 km
- Sunset View Point viewpoint 0.38 km
Where to eat
- Taste by Funplace restaurant 0.3 km
- Sea Breeze Cafe restaurant 0.31 km
- By the Sea Restaurant restaurant 2.07 km
Bahaaru Villa holds a 4.8/5 Google rating across 28 reviews, which is strong for a guest house that only opened in late 2023. Recent guests have specifically called out the location, pointing to the island setting and proximity to the beach and surf as a draw. The score suggests early visitors are broadly satisfied.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Bahaaru Villa from the airport?
The property is about 14 km from Malé. You can reach Himmafushi by public ferry or shared speedboat. The guest house can arrange an airport shuttle — confirm the details when you book.
Is breakfast included?
Yes. Continental breakfast is included with your stay.
What room types are available?
There are four options: a Standard Double or Twin Room, a Deluxe Double or Twin Room, a Double Room, and a Double Room with Garden View. The full villa can also be rented for groups wanting the entire property.
Can a large group rent the whole property?
Yes. The entire villa is available for groups or guests wanting complete privacy. Contact the property directly to check availability and pricing for a full-villa booking.
Is there a surf rack at the property?
Yes, there is a surf rack on site. Himmafushi has surf nearby, and the guest house is set up with surfers in mind.
Can I arrange diving or snorkelling?
Scuba diving and snorkelling are available through local operators near the property. These are arranged excursions rather than on-site facilities. Bicycle rentals are also available for exploring the island.
Is there a kitchen guests can use?
Yes. There is a shared kitchen with a coffee machine, electric kettle, microwave, and refrigerator available to guests.
Is Himmafushi alcohol-free?
Himmafushi is a local island and follows Maldivian regulations — alcohol is not available on the island. Plan accordingly if this matters to your trip.
Is the property suitable for families?
Family rooms are available, and the Standard Double or Twin Room can accommodate larger groups. The outdoor garden and BBQ facilities also work well for families.
Is there free WiFi?
Yes, free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Is there parking at the property?
Himmafushi is a small local island; bicycle rental is available on site, and bicycles are a practical way to get around.
When is the best time to visit Himmafushi for surfing?
The Maldives surf season generally runs from April to October, when the southwest swell is most consistent. Himmafushi sits close to surf breaks that are active during this window.