🌅 Morning Breezes & Coral Sands
Awaken to the gentle sound of lapping waves and take a short stroll to Gulhi’s turquoise Bikini Beach—hands-down one of the most beautiful local beaches, known for its white sand and clear, reef-rich waters. Start with a leisurely breakfast on the rooftop terrace of Aan Beach View, overlooking coconut palms and the dawn glow over the Indian Ocean.
🤿 Reef Ways: Snorkeling Starts Here
Step into the warm lagoon just off the beach and swim out to vibrant coral gardens bustling with fish, turtles, and rays. Day trips arranged through your guesthouse can take you on snorkeling, dolphin cruises, nurse-shark swims, and sandbank BBQs in secluded spots around Gulhi—often for affordable rates, much lower than resort excursions.
🚶♀️ Village Walks & Island Charm
Gulhi is a tiny island—just 400 m long—with few tourists and a deeply local vibe. Walk past colorful villas, open-air cafés, shade-lined lanes, and the mosque, chatting with welcoming locals and soaking in daily routines. South and east sides remain quieter, perfect for reflective strolls and connecting to community life.
🌇 Sunset Calm & Social Evenings
Each evening, head back to the guesthouse rooftop to watch the sun dissolve into the sea. At night, join fellow guests for shared dinners or rooftop chats over coconut juice. Soft garden lighting and occasional live music or karaoke offer gentle entertainment under the stars—no crowds, just island rhythms.
🚤 Island Exploration & Eco Adventure
Consider joining a Gulhi Island Full‑Day Tour to dive deeper—exploring local culture at the mosque, visiting schools, meeting artisans, and snorkeling off small beaches. These tours blend local interaction and marine awe into one experience, often for ~$120–175 depending on operator and inclusions.
🧭 Quick-Day Guide at a Glance
| Time | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Morning | Breakfast, beach walk, coral reef snorkeling |
| Midday | Village stroll, café break, tea with locals |
| Afternoon | Swim or arrange activity—sandbank trips or cruise |
| Evening | Rooftop sunset, garden lounge, shared guesthouse meal |
✨ What Makes Aan Beach View Unique
- Beachfront comfort with extras: rooftop terrace views, air‑conditioned rooms with balconies, common lounge space, bbq facilities, and quick walk to the sea.
- Marine access without bulk-tourism: Snorkeling gear, excursions, and guidance from local hosts keep you close to nature—the reef starts just steps away in clear, shallow water.
✅ Pros
🏖️ Prime Beachfront Location
- Situated just steps from Gulhi Bikini Beach, offering stunning reef-rich turquoise waters and soft white sand ideal for snorkeling and morning walks.
- Located on Gulhi—a small, laid-back island about 20 km south of Malé, known for its peaceful beaches and local island charm.
🛏️ Comfortable Amenities & Guesthouse Features
- The property has 4 air-conditioned rooms with minibars, complimentary bottled water, terrace/balcony seating, and free 250+ Mbps Wi‑Fi.
- Includes guest services like 24-hour reception, currency exchange/ATM, express check-in/out, mini‑fridge, iron/ironing board, and daily housekeeping.
🍽️ On-Site Dining & Dining Options
- Guesthouse boasts 5 on-site restaurants and 10 coffee shops/cafés, plus hosted evening meals (~USD 12) and a continental breakfast (~USD 10) available daily.
- Outdoor BBQ grills, picnic areas, rooftop terrace and communal dining spaces offer relaxed meal settings with ocean views.
🤽 Activities & Marine Adventures
- Guests can arrange snorkeling, diving, canoeing, fishing, and sandbank picnics directly through the property.
- Immediate access to the house reef and vibrant coral gardens makes snorkel adventures easy and scenic.
♿ Accessibility & Guest Support
- Built on a single level with step-free access, wheelchair-width doorways, and a wheelchair-accessible lounge (though no elevator).
- Staff availability and guesthouse size allow for personalized assistance—from excursions to check-in support.
❌ Cons
🏨 Guesthouse-Scale, Not Resort Level
- No swimming pool, spa, beach loungers, or resort luxuries—amenities align with practical and functional guesthouse living.
- Small property with just four rooms means shared spaces may feel less private.
🌍 Limited Reviews & Feedback
- Only a handful of external reviews exist, with an aggregated rating of about 6.6/10 (“Good”) on Hotels.com—few guest comments limit insight into actual experience quality.
🍽️ Meal Options May Feel Narrow
- While there are multiple restaurants on site, dining variety may be limited compared to larger islands—especially if staying multiple nights.
- Hosted evening meals are optional extras, not inclusive, which can add up if preferred often.
🚤 Logistics & Transportation Coordination
- Transfers from Malé require coordinating scheduled or private speedboat (approx. USD 25 per person, or USD 120 private per way) or reliance on infrequent ferry services.
- Gulhi’s small size means external transport and excursions need planning; there is no formal transport infrastructure.
🌅 Quiet Island With Few Entertainment Options
- Gulhi is charmingly local and low-key—nights suited to sunset roof chats rather than nightlife or large community events.
- International amenities like bars, live entertainment, or parties are absent—ideal for quiet travelers but limiting for others.
🧭 At-a-Glance Summary
| Feature | ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Beachfront, peaceful island setting | No resort shuttle; transfer coordination needed |
| Rooms & Amenities | Air‑cond., Wi‑Fi, minibar, wheelchair‑friendly layout | Guesthouse-style, small scale |
| Dining & Social Spaces | Multiple restaurants, rooftop, BBQ, evening meals | Meal costs extra; fewer options for multiple-day stays |
| Activity Access | Snorkeling, diving, excursions bookable on-site | Limited nightlife; quiet atmosphere |
| Value & Service | Good value, hosted meals, beach access | Few public reviews; moderate rating |
✅ Final Takeaway
AAN Beach View is a welcoming beachfront guesthouse in Gulhi—ideal for travelers looking to immerse in island life, enjoy reef-side snorkeling, and relax in clean, cozy surroundings. With practical amenities and a rooftop terrace vibe, it delivers on authentic Maldivian simplicity.
However, if you seek resort-level comfort, varied dining, nightlife, or resort programming, this guesthouse is pared-back by design. For genuine, peaceful island days—AAN Beach View provides great value and warm, local hospitality.
Please read articles on Travel Guide to Maldives and 7-Day Travel Itinerary to the Maldives to help you better plan your next travel adventure to the island. If you wish a day trip, please read blogs on Day Trip in the Maldives. Enjoy your travel!