Makunudu Island 

Seclusion and simplicity on a castaway isle

There’s a refreshingly uncomplicated approach on this small island. A single restaurant, one bar, and just one type of accommodation keep things utterly simple.

Makunudu Island is the epitome of an original Maldivian retreat. There’s an untouched, far-flung, desert island feel about this tiny resort, where there are always fewer than 100 guests at any moment. It’s a place that’s shunned grandiose overwater villas and myriad restaurants to appeal to those who want to enjoy pure simplicity where the location does all the talking.

Why we love Makunudu Island

  • Experience genuine escapism on an island that celebrates its location above all else

  • For special occasions, dine by candlelight beneath a starry sky on Makunudu Island’s beach

  • Upgrade to All Inclusive to have your drinks taken care of and enjoy a complimentary snorkelling trip

  • Gorgeously understated thatched bungalows are nostalgic and traditional

4 stars
Nov - May
Maldives
Malé 10¼ hours
In the North Malé Atoll
Approx. 50 minutes by speedboat from Malé airport
Beach, All Inclusive Option

Facilities

  • Restaurants & bars
  • Board
  • Spas & wellness
  • Diving & Watersports
  • Sustainability

Simplicity isn’t at the expense of variety – you’ll still get a great choice of options at the island’s single restaurant, Ara Iru. Elsewhere, Sand Bar brings guests together to enjoy the sunset over a tropical cocktail.

Ara Iru
Blends impressive and colourful buffets with set menus and weekly barbeques.

Sand Bar
Refreshing drinks by day and cocktails by night.

The main restaurant, Ara Iru, won’t leave you wanting. But don’t miss the chance for a memorable candlelit dinner on the beach.

Whats Included

Full Board • Buffet breakfast and lunch at Araa Iru Restaurant • Set-menu dinner at Araa Iru Restaurant • 2 x 500ml water bottles in your villa per room per day

Upgrade Options

All Inclusive • Buffet breakfast and lunch at Araa Iru restaurant • Set-menu dinner at Ara Iru restaurant with 2 speciality buffet nights per week • 2 x 500ml water bottles in your room per day • Selected drinks by the glass including house wine, draught beer, house spirits, selected cocktails, bottled water, concentrated juice, soft drinks and tea and coffee (cappuccino, café latte or mocha) • Snacks 10-11.30am and 4-5pm • Wi-Fi in rooms and public areas • Snorkelling equipment • 1 snorkelling trip.

At the Aavun Spa, treatments combine the best of Maldivian, Asian and European spa techniques and traditions. Some popular therapies include a Maldivian massage using seashells and pure coconut oil and an Ayurvedic Indian head massage.

PADI dive courses are available from the island’s dive centre. Choose from snorkelling lessons, including a memorable sunset nurse shark snorkelling, kayaking, fishing, windsurfing, and paddle boarding.

There’s no pool on the island. Instead, enjoy the gorgeous beach.

With its limited facilities, this island treads a little lighter than others

Guest reviews

{{tripAdvisor.tripAdvisorSummary.rating}}

Average Rating

Based on {{tripAdvisor.tripAdvisorSummary.num_reviews}} reviews

Excellent
 
{{tripAdvisor.tripAdvisorSummary.num_reviews_5}}
Very good
 
{{tripAdvisor.tripAdvisorSummary.num_reviews_4}}
Average
 
{{tripAdvisor.tripAdvisorSummary.num_reviews_3}}
Poor
 
{{tripAdvisor.tripAdvisorSummary.num_reviews_2}}
Terrible
 
{{tripAdvisor.tripAdvisorSummary.num_reviews_1}}

{{review.user_location}} {{review.date}}

These reviews are the subjective opinions of individual travellers and not of TripAdvisor LLC nor of its partners.

All Hotels in Maldives

  • Maldives
  • 4 Star

A dazzling lineup of facilities make the large island of Kuramathi one of the Maldives’ most popular resorts.

From £2,350 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 5 Star

Kandolhu is an exquisite isle with diverse dining and accommodation options that belie its tiny size.

From £4,005 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 5 Star

You’ll always only be a few steps from the sandy beach or crystal-clear waters of the lagoon at this luxury resort.

  • Maldives
  • 5 Star

Contemporary architecture with clean lines and designed with a palette that mirrors the sparkling blue surroundings.

From £3,383 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 4 Star

Perfectly placed to explore the North Ari Atoll’s spectacular underwater world.

From £3,090 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 5 Star

Dhigali brings modern design, sustainable principles, and a family-friendly feel to the Maldives.

From £4,873 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 5 Star

In 1972, Kurumba was just a collection of huts on a beach. In the years since it’s evolved into a large resort that offers good value luxury.

From £2,615 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 5 Star

An intimate resort providing a complete luxury escape, Baros is where style meets simplicity.

From £4,063 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 5 Star

With homemade bubblegum ice cream and a beach club vibe, expect a whimsical time on these paradise shores.

From £4,415 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 4.5 Star

With classic Maldivian beaches and beautiful water villas, Athuruga is authentic yet cosmopolitan.

From £3,817 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 5 Star

Intimate and stylish, at Milaidhoo, it’s about enjoying the natural environment in the folds of fuss-free luxury.

From £9,239 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 4 Star

Settle into the laid-back lifestyle of Cinnamon Dhonveli.

From £2,866 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 4.5 Star

An unspoilt and wonderfully informal island hideaway with excellent diving and snorkelling.

From £3,817 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 5 Star

Chic and contemporary, Velassaru appeals to style-hunters and seclusion-seekers.

From £3,034 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 4 Star

Surrounded by a shallow lagoon, the two islands that make up Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa are the epitome of tropical bliss.

From £3,762 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 5 Star

Constance Moofushi has masterfully matched Robinson Crusoe vibes with all-inclusive pampering.

From £5,413 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 5 Star

What better place in the world for a you-focussed wellbeing journey?

From £3,705 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 5 Star

Cool and contemporary but wonderfully down to earth, this Italian-owned and subtly Asian-inspired retreat is one of our new favourite islands.

From £4,937 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 4 Star

Sand-floor bars and thatched open-air restaurants lend a casual and unpretentious feel to this large and popular island.

From £2,604 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 3.5 Star

Fun and lively with plenty to do, Kuredu is an excellent choice for active types.

From £2,441 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 5 Star

A calm and serene island where every villa has a private pool.

From £2,932 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 4 Star

A laid-back all-inclusive resort with a beachy and contemporary style

From £3,867 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 5 Star

Naturally elegant, this family-welcoming hideaway island has beautiful pool villas and delicious food and wine.

From £5,912 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 5 Star

Wander along one of the Maldives’ longest sandbank and soak up the lively atmosphere at this cool Baa Atoll hideaway.

From £4,723 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 5 Star

Serene and intimate, this island is the epitome of Robinson Crusoe-style luxury.

From £8,752 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 4 Star

A relaxed and intimate resort, well placed for nearly 50 dive sites and pure escapism.

From £3,335 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 5 Star

There are so many opportunities to create your own Maldivian experiences across tropical twin islands – Chill and Play.

From £5,316 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 4 Star

Cast adrift in the relatively undeveloped Raa Atoll, Reethi Faru is a private island retreat where the natural beauty takes centre stage.

From £2,553 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 3.5 Star

A great value, all-inclusive island resort with a natural feel.

  • Maldives
  • 4 Star

A low-key family-friendly resort with a super relaxed mood and lots of local excursions.

  • Maldives
  • 4 Star

This vibrant resort has a show stealing underwater restaurant and ocean views from every room.

From £3,021 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 4 Star

This enchanting, eco-friendly island comes with ocean-facing bungalows and is known around the world for its exceptional diving.

From £2,968 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 5 Star

This modern island hideout ticks all the boxes for families, honeymooners, and friends alike.

From £4,286 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 4 Star

A laid-back and fuss-free island with good food and fantastic snorkelling and diving.

From £2,829 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 5 Star

Adults-only, all-inclusive Hurawalhi is a place to slow the pace, ditch the shoes, dine under the sea and sleep over the waves.

From £4,253 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 5 Star

Emerald Maldives is sustainably savvy and supremely dreamy, with a fantastic all-inclusive package.

From £5,270 p/p
  • Maldives
  • 5 Star

The Standard celebrates all that’s playful and downright cool, with hip restaurants, eye-popping interiors and watersports galore.

From £3,646 p/p