HomeIsland staysMalé & HulhumaléThe Beehive
The Beehive
A three-star city hotel on Malé, scoring 3.8 out of 5 from 283 reviews, used mainly as a comfortable base for a night before or after a flight. The trade-off is clear: central access to the city's shops and sights and a helpful front desk, but no beach, pool or house reef on site, so the sea is something you travel to rather than step into.
- City island
- Malé & Hulhumalé
- 3-star
- 3.8 / 5
- Road / ferry
Decide
Who The Beehive suits
- Stay typeCity island
- AtollMalé & Hulhumalé
- IslandNot named in the record
- Star class3 stars
- Guest score3.8 / 5 (283 reviews)
- TransferRoad or ferry from the airport island
- From Velanaabout 3.5 km
- Live sampleBookable on 4 of 5 sampled stays
- Relative price bandValue
Suits
- Travellers with an early or late flight who want a short road or ferry transfer from the airport island, 3.5 km from Velana in a straight line
- City-focused visitors who want Malé's tourist spots and shopping within a walk of up to 20 minutes, as one guest review describes
- Guests who value a responsive front desk: reviews describe staff arranging taxis and guiding tourists
- Divers and surfers using the city as a stopover before sites such as the Maldive Victory wreck or the North Malé breaks
- Families, since family rooms, a playground and a picnic area are listed
May not suit
- Anyone expecting a beachfront or resort-style stay: no private beach, beachfront access, pool or house reef appears in the record
- Guests who want alcohol with dinner, since Malé is an inhabited city island where alcohol is not sold or served
- Light sleepers or heat-sensitive guests, as one review notes rooms take time to cool in hot weather
- Travellers wanting to snorkel or swim from the property, as no snorkelling or lagoon access is listed
Live availability
Seen bookable on 4 of 5 sampled dates
- Mon, 30 Nov 2026, 1 night: returned
- Mon, 30 Nov 2026, 2 nights: returned
- Mon, 28 Dec 2026, 1 night: returned
- Mon, 25 Jan 2027, 1 night: returned
- Mon, 22 Feb 2027, 1 night: not returned
The Beehive came back from the booking search on 4 of the 5 sampled stays searched near it, for check-ins on 30 November 2026, 28 December 2026 and 25 January 2027; on the others it was not returned, which usually means no room was on sale for those nights. Against the other stays the sample returned, its lowest rates sit in the value band; the site shows no figures, so the booking page gives the rate for your dates.
In the sweep the search returned this stay 18 times across the searches near it. Rates are not shown on this site; the booking card opens them for your dates.
Getting there
Getting to The Beehive
- Usual transferRoad or ferry from the airport island
- From Velana airportabout 3.5 km, straight line
- Nearest domestic airportMaamigili, about 108 km
The usual transfer is by road or ferry from the airport island, and the property sits 3.5 km from Velana International Airport in a straight line, so the final leg is short. The nearest domestic airport named is Maamigili, 108 km away, which is relevant only for onward domestic flights rather than for reaching the hotel. Seaplanes fly in daylight only, so late arrivals cannot rely on them.
Because the airport is so close, this is a workable night-before or night-after stop, and one review calls it perfect for one night before or after a flight. The listing does not set out a specific transfer arrangement or who meets guests, so confirm the road or ferry leg in advance. Ten resorts lie within 10 km, which makes short onward connections feasible.
More on transfers: getting from Velana to your island.
The island
a city island
The Beehive is a three-star city hotel at M. Shaheed Ali Hingun on Malé, an inhabited city island rather than a resort island. That shapes the stay: guest reviews describe it as centrally located, with the city's tourist spots and shopping destinations within a walk of up to 20 minutes. Rooms are described as well designed and spacious, with spacious bathrooms. It works as a practical city base rather than a beach holiday.
Because this is an inhabited city island, alcohol is not sold or served, and shoulders and knees are covered in the streets. In Malé & Hulhumalé, the public beach at Hulhumalé, about 5.9 km away in a straight line, follows local dress norms. Nearby inhabited options with guesthouses include Hulhumale at 5.8 km and 7.3 km, Himmafushi at 17 km and Gulhi at 20 km. Ten resorts lie within 10 km.
Nearest inhabited islands with guesthouses, measured from coordinates: Hulhumale about 5.8 km (25 guesthouses listed); Hulhumale about 7.3 km (7 guesthouses listed); Himmafushi about 17 km (22 guesthouses listed); Gulhi about 20 km (24 guesthouses listed); Huraa about 21 km (19 guesthouses listed). Resort islands within 10 km: 10.
House rules by island type: alcohol, local-island etiquette, resort or local island.
Beach and lagoon
Beach and lagoon at The Beehive
- Private beach listedno
- Beachfront listedno
- Beach access listedno
- Water sports listedyes
- Diving listedyes
- Reviews mentioning the beach0
- Reviews mentioning a house reef0
- Reviews mentioning overwater villas0
The record lists no private beach, beachfront access, beach access or pool, and no guest review mentions a beach, lagoon, house reef or snorkelling. Water sports, diving, surfing and fishing are listed as facilities, so water activity is arranged rather than on the doorstep. Treat the absence of beach and reef detail as unknown rather than as a feature; the listing is silent on how any water activity is organised.
Atoll levelIn Malé & Hulhumalé, the nearest public beach named is Hulhumalé beach, about 5.9 km away in a straight line, where local dress norms apply and which sits a short taxi ride from the airport with regular ferry crossings to Malé. Across the atoll, the well-known dive and surf sites are reached by boat, not from a city shoreline, so plan water time as an outing.
Sea and reef
The sea and reef around The Beehive
- The Maldive Victory wreck · about 2.6 kmA cargo ship that sank near the airport island in 1981; deep and current-prone, for experienced divers.
- Hulhumalé beach and the Malé ferry · about 5.9 kmHulhumalé has a public beach where local dress norms apply, a short taxi ride from the airport, with regular ferry crossings to Malé.
- Banana Reef · about 7.9 kmOne of the best-known dive sites of North Malé Atoll, dived in both monsoons.
- Lankan Manta Point · about 12 kmA manta cleaning station in North Malé Atoll, reached by boat from nearby islands.
- The North Malé reef breaks (Thulusdhoo and Himmafushi) · about 23 kmThe surf season runs roughly March to October, with the biggest swells around June to August.
The nearest named site is the Maldive Victory wreck, about 2.6 km away in a straight line: a cargo ship that sank near the airport island in 1981, deep and current-prone, and suited to experienced divers. Banana Reef, about 7.9 km away, is one of North Malé Atoll's best-known dive sites and is dived in both monsoons. Recreational diving in the Maldives is capped at 30 metres.
Lankan Manta Point, about 12 km away, is a manta cleaning station in North Malé Atoll reached by boat from nearby islands and visited by divers and snorkellers. The North Malé reef breaks near Thulusdhoo and Himmafushi, about 23 km away, are within reach of several named breaks, with the surf season running roughly March to October. Diving, surfing and fishing are listed for the property, though no snorkelling is listed.
Seasons
Seasons in Malé & Hulhumalé
In Malé & Hulhumalé, the year turns on two monsoons. The northeast monsoon runs roughly December to April and is the drier, calmer half, which suits boat crossings and city days. The southwest monsoon runs roughly May to November with more wind, passing showers and choppier crossings. Air and sea stay warm all year, so the choice is about sea state rather than temperature.
For divers and snorkellers, visibility and conditions follow those patterns. During the northeast monsoon mantas move to cleaning stations, often on western atoll sides, which favours Lankan Manta Point, about 12 km away. In the southwest monsoon plankton and currents can draw larger animals into eastern channels. The surf season runs roughly March to October, with the biggest swells around June to August at the North Malé breaks, about 23 km away.
Month by month: the weather guide and the two monsoons.
Day trips
Day trips and island hopping from here
The city itself is the first excursion: one review puts Malé's tourist spots and shopping destinations within a walk of up to 20 minutes. For a public beach, Hulhumalé beach is about 5.9 km away in a straight line, a short taxi ride from the airport with regular ferry crossings to Malé. Inhabited islands with guesthouses, including Himmafushi at 17 km and Gulhi at 20 km, give a sense of how far island hopping reaches.
Boat-based outings are the other option. The Maldive Victory wreck at about 2.6 km, Banana Reef at about 7.9 km and Lankan Manta Point at about 12 km are all named nearby sites, and the North Malé breaks at about 23 km suit surfers in season. The listing does not detail how excursions are arranged from the hotel, so confirm locally.
Trips like these on this site: a dolphin cruise at dusk, visiting a local island, kayak and paddleboard a lagoon, sunset handline fishing, learning to freedive.
Guest reviews
What guests say about the sea and beach
No review text in this record discusses the beach, the reef, the water or the transfer.
What guests say about the stay
staff and service
Reviews consistently praise the staff as courteous, humble and helpful, citing guidance for tourists, immediate attention to a room request, and staff going out of their way to arrange a taxi for non-guests.
“We were welcomed with warmth at this great centrally located boutique hotel with a courteous and humble staff with a desire to appropriately guide tourists.”Sagar K.
“We didn't stay here but the staff were the only people who would help us after we couldn't make our taxi stop and pick us up…”Ramiro C.
rooms
Rooms are described as well designed and spacious with comfortable beds and spacious bathrooms. One guest notes the air conditioning takes time to cool the room in hot weather, though the request was attended to promptly.
“Rooms are well designed and spacious.”Sagar K.
“Bed really comfy, slept perfectly.”Julien F.
Practical
Practical island life
Free Wi-Fi is listed, along with a restaurant, room service, a snack bar or café, breakfast, lunch and dinner, and breakfast in room. A 24-hour front desk, 24-hour security, luggage storage, laundry service, currency exchange, an ATM, a market and a barber or beauty salon are also listed, alongside air conditioning, lifts and a safe. The listing does not state whether Wi-Fi reaches every room.
In Malé & Hulhumalé, mobile data is often more reliable than guesthouse Wi-Fi, and prepaid SIM cards are sold at Velana International Airport and in Malé and Hulhumalé; coverage is good on inhabited islands and patchy at sea. Inhabited islands have cafés and shops. Car rental, public transport and a shuttle service are listed, which matters on a city island where you move between districts.
Compare
Against the 3 nearest similar stays
| Stay | Class | Guest score | Transfer | Distance | Live sample | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Beehive (this stay) | 3-star city island | 3.8 (283 reviews) | Road / ferry, 3.5 km | — | 4/5 | Check dates |
| Tourist Inn Grand | 3-star city island | 4.9 (122 reviews) | Road / ferry, 3.1 km | 0.4 km away | 5/5 | Check dates |
| Tourist Inn | 3-star city island | 4.7 (246 reviews) | Road / ferry, 3.1 km | 0.5 km away | 4/5 | Check dates |
| Beehive Central | 3-star city island | 4.3 (408 reviews) | Road / ferry, 2.8 km | 0.7 km away | 5/5 | Check dates |
Facilities listed
- 24-hour front desk
- 24-hour security
- ATM
- Aerobics
- Air conditioning
- Alarm clock
- Balcony
- Banquet
- Snack bar / café
- Barber/Beauty Salon
- Bathrobe
- Breakfast
- Breakfast in room
- Buffet
- Canoe
- Car rental service
- Coffee
- Concierge
- Cot
- Currency exchange
- Dinner
- Diving
- Express check in
- Family rooms
- First aid
- Fishing
- Free Wi-Fi
- Hairdryer
- Housekeeping
- Internet access
- Iron and board
- Laundry Service
- Lifts
- Luggage storage
- Lunch
- Market
- Non smoking rooms
- Picnic area
- Playground
- Public transport
- Refrigerator
- Restaurant
- Room Service
- Safe
- Shuttle service
- Slippers
- Smoke detector
- Smoking area
- Sofa bed
- Spa
- Special diets
- Surf
- TV
- Telephone
- Toiletries
- Wake-up service
- Water sports
Questions about The Beehive
How do you get to The Beehive from Velana International Airport?
The usual transfer is by road or ferry from the airport island. The hotel is 3.5 km from Velana in a straight line, so the journey is short. The nearest domestic airport is Maamigili at 108 km, and seaplanes fly in daylight only, so late arrivals should plan the road or ferry leg.
What are the rules on alcohol, dress and swimwear here?
This is an inhabited city island: alcohol is not sold or served, and shoulders and knees are covered in the streets. For swimming, the public beach at Hulhumalé, about 5.9 km away, follows local dress norms. Resort islands lie within 10 km if a resort day is arranged.
Is there a beach or house reef at the hotel?
The record lists no private beach, beachfront access, beach access or pool, and no guest review mentions a beach, lagoon or house reef, so none is evidenced on site. Water sports, diving, surfing and fishing are listed. The nearest named public beach is Hulhumalé beach, about 5.9 km away.
What does the listing show about meals at The Beehive?
The facility list for The Beehive names a restaurant, a bar, breakfast, room service and special diets. Which meal plans are on sale, from room only to half board where offered, depends on your dates and shows on the booking page.
When is the best season to visit this atoll?
The northeast monsoon, roughly December to April, is the drier, calmer half and suits boat crossings. The southwest monsoon, roughly May to November, brings more wind and choppier crossings. Surf runs roughly March to October, with the biggest swells around June to August. Air and sea stay warm all year.
Is it better for families or couples?
Family rooms, a playground and a picnic area are listed, and the hotel is not stated as adults only, so families are catered for. Couples wanting a quiet beach setting may find the central city location and lack of beach or pool a drawback. Reviews describe a comfortable, practical stay rather than a romantic one.
What sea or island experience is within easy reach?
The Maldive Victory wreck is about 2.6 km away in a straight line, a 1981 cargo wreck that is deep and current-prone for experienced divers. Banana Reef, about 7.9 km away, is a well-known North Malé dive site. Lankan Manta Point, about 12 km away, is visited by divers and snorkellers.
Was The Beehive bookable in the live sample?
The Beehive came back on 4 of the 5 sampled stays searched near it (check-ins on 30 November 2026, 28 December 2026 and 25 January 2027). On the other dates it was not returned, usually because nothing was on sale. Your own dates are checked live on the booking page.
How this page was made: bookability comes from a live sweep of the IMPT booking search on 5 sample stays; facilities, photos and reviews from the IMPT hotel database; distances from coordinates; sea, season and island context from this site's own pages. The written sections were drafted by an AI model from this record only and checked against it.
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