Arrival Beach and Spa at Gulhi

After staying at Arena Beach in Maafushi, it felt like a downgrade. The rooms are clean, nice views and food. Also enjoyed playing with the locals and free snorkeling equipment from the hotel. If the hotel can provide complimentary airport transfers it will improve the holiday experience.

Our stay at the hotel exceeded all expectations! From Malé City it took only 30 minutes by speedboat to reach the island, and on the way back we made it in just 15 minutes at full speed. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed right at the jetty. Everything was explained clearly, and we were personally escorted to our room. The staff were incredibly kind and attentive (except for one lady who seemed a little rude—or maybe it was just her level of English—but honestly, it didn’t affect my overall experience). I treated myself to a 90-minute spa with a body scrub for only $105, and it was wonderful. Housekeeping is provided daily, but since I’m quite tidy, I only requested it once during our 4-day stay. The room always smelled fresh—maybe it was my own perfume 😅—but there was no dampness or unpleasant odor. Everything felt clean, fresh, and new. We especially loved spending time on the terrace. From 5:30 PM until 11:00 PM, we would sit outside counting the stars, watching airplanes fly above, looking for the moon, enjoying the sunset, and admiring the sky’s beauty. Everything around felt so cozy and peaceful. The only downside was the number of flies around the buffet area. If this issue were fixed, everything would be perfect. Breakfast was buffet-style, and even though I don’t eat much, I always found something I liked. Lunch and dinner were à la carte, very tasty, and well-prepared. The only thing I wished for was more fruit—but we solved that by buying some from the local shop. Thank you once again for the warm hospitality. I will definitely come back!

Our two-week vacation at Arrival Beach and Spa on Gulhi Island was the perfect trip for us. If you're looking not just for a beach holiday but also for a chance to experience authentic Maldivian life, this is an excellent choice. Overall Impression: We spent 14 days at the hotel and were truly sad to leave. It was our first such long vacation abroad, and it was simply wonderful. About Gulhi Island: This island is a great example of a "local" Maldivian island. It has everything you need for a comfortable stay: a designated bikini beach, its own house reef for snorkeling, several shops, cafes, and restaurants. For entertainment, there are football fields, water sports, and various excursions. In the evenings, stingrays and nurse sharks swim up to the pier – a very unusual sight! Island Pros: - A small but very interesting island – if you stroll around leisurely, you can discover something new every day. - The local residents are very friendly and speak decent English. - The island is easy to get to – just a 30-minute speedboat ride from Male. - No mosquitoes – a big plus for evening walks. - You can observe fruit bats. Island Cons: - Sometimes you can smell paint from the repair shipyard. - There are flies. - Not very much vegetation. - Occasionally you see some trash. About Arrival Beach and Spa Hotel: The hotel left us with the most pleasant impressions. The staff is very responsive and the location is convenient. What We Liked: - Attention to detail: daily cleaning, towel changes, complimentary water in the room. - The rooms are clean and fresh, with good soundproofing and a wonderful view. - Amenities: beach towels and snorkeling sets are provided, universal power outlets. - Free sun loungers and umbrellas provided by the hotel on the beach. - Varied dining – buffet or a la carte menu. - Musicians perform on weekends – creating a pleasant atmosphere. What Could Be Improved: - The pool seemed rather cold. - The gym is very small. - During heavy rains, we noticed minor leaks. - The menu became a bit repetitive in the second week. About the Hotel Team: We would like to give special thanks to the staff who made our stay special: - Arif Sha - a great guy who knows a lot about sports and the hotel. - Ripha - the best expert on the Maldives and marine life. - Dilshani - a charming girl, pleasant to chat with on any topic. - Revil - the sweetest girl, her smile charged us with positivity for the whole day. - And of course, a huge thanks to the cleaning staff for their daily and important work. Verdict: We definitely recommend both Gulhi Island and Arrival Beach and Spa. This place is for those who value not only comfort but also genuine human connection. We left feeling like we had been visiting good friends.

There is only one lift in the hotel with more than 50 rooms, making it very difficult to reach rooms and descend at peak times