Gangehi Island Resort
A private coral island, 86 km out in the Ari Atoll
A place to stay on Gangehi Island
Gangehi Island Resort sits on its own island in the Ari Atoll, about 86 km from Velana International Airport and reached by seaplane. The island is ringed by its own coral reef, with white-sand beaches on the shoreline and overwater villas extending above the lagoon. The resort runs two restaurants, a rooftop bar, a spa, and a diving centre. Rooms range from garden and beachfront villas to overwater options, sleeping up to four. Rates start from around USD 207 per night, and an all-inclusive plan is available.
The honest verdict
A self-contained private island stay with on-site diving, two restaurants, and a range of villa styles from garden-facing to fully overwater.
Best for
- Couples after overwater accommodation
- Families needing villas that sleep four
- Divers wanting an on-site centre
- Guests who want all-inclusive on a private island
Maybe not ideal for
- Travellers on a tight budget
- Those who prefer urban access or island-hopping flexibility
- Guests wanting a large, multi-activity mega-resort
The island and its reef
Gangehi is a private island with its own surrounding coral reef. The Mathiveri Shipwreck sits under 2 km away, and Gangehi Kandu, a well-known channel dive site, is just over 2 km out. The beach runs directly from the villas.
Overwater villas above the lagoon
The Overwater Villa covers 76 m² and sleeps up to three. Step up to the Deluxe Overwater Villa at 102 m² for a layout that sleeps four, with a coffee machine included alongside the sea-view terrace.
Two restaurants and a rooftop bar
Veli Restaurant is the main buffet space, looking out to sea, with daily fresh seafood, a pasta station, and themed evenings including Italian Wednesdays and Maldivian Fridays. Thari Restaurant is reservation-only, a la carte, with lobster and prawn dishes from an open kitchen.
Kandu Bar on the rooftop
Kandu Bar sits above the main restaurant with wide sea views and runs all day. Signature cocktails, beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic options are all on the menu from this elevated spot.
On-site diving centre
The resort runs its own diving centre, placing guests within reach of Gangehi Kandu and the nearby Mathiveri Shipwreck without organising a separate operator. Snorkelling, canoeing, and fishing are also available through the resort.
Spa, fitness centre and more
The spa and wellness centre, fitness centre, yoga, beach volleyball, and evening entertainment are all on the island. A boutique and gift shop handle last-minute needs, and drone rental is offered for those wanting aerial footage of the atoll.
Rooms & suites
Garden Villa
64 m² · sleeps 4 · 2 single beds AND 1 extra-large double bed
- Entire villa
- Garden view
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Terrace
Sea Front Villa
64 m² · sleeps 4 · 2 single beds AND 1 extra-large double bed
- Entire villa
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Terrace
Overwater Villa
76 m² · sleeps 3 · 1 single bed OR 1 extra-large double bed OR 3 single beds
- Entire villa
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Terrace
Deluxe Overwater Villa
102 m² · sleeps 4 · 2 single beds AND 1 extra-large double bed
- Entire villa
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Terrace
Experiences on & off the island
Inside Gangehi Island Resort
Amenities at Gangehi Island Resort
Great for your stay
- 2 restaurants
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Spa and wellness centre
- View
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Fitness centre
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Private bathroom
- Bathrobe
- Hairdryer
- Shower
Bedroom
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
- Extra long beds (> 2 metres)
View
- View
Outdoors
- Sun terrace
- Terrace
- Garden
Room amenities
- Socket near the bed
- Clothes rack
Getting there
Gangehi Island Resort is 86 km from Velana International Airport and accessed by seaplane transfer. Seaplanes typically operate during daylight hours, so late-night arrivals may require an overnight in Malé before flying to the island the following morning. The resort concierge can help coordinate timing.
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
- Mathiveri Shipwreck historic site 1.89 km
- Gangehi Kandu attraction 2.09 km
Across 413 Google reviews, the property scores 4.4/5. Nature draws the strongest praise: 20 of 23 mentions were positive. The property overall and breakfast both rate well too. Dining reviews are more mixed — 13 of 30 mentions positive — and service, while frequently mentioned, shows some variability at 29 positive out of 50 mentions.
- Things to do2.4
- Restaurants2.9
- Airport access1.6
Share of positive mentions per theme, from Google reviews.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Gangehi Island Resort?
The resort is reached by seaplane from Velana International Airport. The island sits approximately 86 km from the airport. Transfer times vary by routing, and the resort's concierge can assist with seaplane bookings.
What room types are available?
There are five categories: Club Room, Garden Villa, Sea Front Villa, Overwater Villa, and Deluxe Overwater Villa. Sizes run from 34 m² to 102 m², and most sleep up to four guests.
Is an all-inclusive plan available?
Yes. The resort offers an all-inclusive option alongside room-only and other meal plans. Free breakfast is included in some rates. Check current inclusions when booking as packages vary.
Are there restaurants on site?
The resort has two restaurants. Veli Restaurant is the main buffet dining room with sea views and daily fresh seafood. Thari Restaurant is a reservation-only a la carte option with lobster and prawn specialties.
Is there a bar?
Kandu Bar is a rooftop bar adjacent to the main restaurant with expansive sea views. It runs all day and serves cocktails, beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Can I dive from the resort?
Yes. The resort has its own diving centre. The Mathiveri Shipwreck is about 1.9 km away and Gangehi Kandu, a channel dive site, is roughly 2.1 km out. Snorkelling, canoeing, and fishing are also arranged through the resort.
Is Gangehi Island Resort suitable for families?
Several room types sleep four, including the Club Room, Garden Villa, Sea Front Villa, and Deluxe Overwater Villa, making the property workable for families. Family rooms are listed among the facilities.
What is the price range?
Rates start from around USD 207 per night for a Club Room. Garden and Sea Front Villas start from approximately USD 362–386, Overwater Villas from around USD 426, and the Deluxe Overwater Villa from around USD 466.
Is there a spa on the island?
Yes, the resort has a spa and wellness centre. Yoga sessions are also available on the island alongside the fitness centre.
What other activities are available on the island?
Beyond water sports, the resort offers beach volleyball, yoga, evening entertainment, cultural tours or classes, and drone rental. A boutique and gift shop are on site.
What is the best time to visit the Ari Atoll?
The Maldives dry season broadly runs from November to April, with calmer seas and lower rainfall. The Ari Atoll also sees whale shark activity around the southern atolls, and manta rays frequent the area year-round at various sites.
How do I book and what payment methods are accepted?
Reservations can be made through the resort directly or via booking platforms. The property accepts credit and debit cards. The front desk and concierge team can assist with arrangements on arrival.