A trip to the Maldives is truly an invitation to paradise. However, the journey to paradise isn’t always smooth. If you’re arriving on late night or early morning flights, you may need to spend a night in the city as a transit stay before the resort transfer takes place.
In such cases, many travelers often stay at hotels in Male city for convenience, but I strongly recommend staying in Hulhumale instead. In this article, I’ll explain in detail why Hulhumale is such an attractive place to stay.
What Are Male and Hulhumale Like?
In Male, known as one of the world’s most densely populated cities, just getting to your hotel can be a struggle
Male, the capital of the Maldives, flourishes as the center of the country’s politics, economy, and culture. While it has a vibrant urban area with extremely high population density, you can also feel a congested atmosphere due to narrow roads and many motorcycles passing by. There are many tourist spots, including historic mosques, markets, and beautiful coastlines. However, many reviews mention that hotels in Male city have tremendous noise day and night, making it difficult to get enough sleep. Also, due to road congestion, taxi transportation to the airport often doesn’t proceed smoothly, and depending on the hotel location, there may be places where vehicle entry is prohibited, requiring you to walk on narrow, rough roads while rolling your luggage.
Hulhumale is a relaxed city full of tropical atmosphere
On the other hand, Hulhumale is a relatively new artificial island that symbolizes the future of the Maldives. It’s a planned city characterized by spacious roads, lush green parks, and modern architecture. It offers a comfortable environment for both tourists and residents, making it an ideal place to relax.
Access to the Airport (Hulhule) Is the Same from Both Islands
Both Male and Hulhumale have very convenient access from Velana International Airport (Hulhule). It takes about 10 minutes by boat from the airport to Male city, and about 15 minutes to Hulhumale by crossing a bridge or by boat. Therefore, there isn’t much difference in airport access regardless of where you stay.
The Charm of Hulhumale: Huvan Beach Area
Huvan Beach, loved by locals too
One particularly recommended area in Hulhumale is Huvan Beach. This beach features beautiful sand and clear blue sea, allowing you to experience a resort feeling without going to a distant island. Cafes and restaurants are scattered along the beach, offering a relaxing time. Especially at dusk, you can enjoy the beautiful sight of the sun setting into the sea, perfect for healing the fatigue of travel.
This area is lined with many stylish terrace cafes
Around Huvan Beach, there are also many tour companies, allowing you to actively enjoy activities such as snorkeling tours and kayaking. Furthermore, this area is frequented by tourists, so security is good, providing a safe environment for everyone, including solo travelers.
Recommended Ways to Spend Your Time
Here are some recommended ways to make the most of your night in Hulhumale.
1. Relax at the Beach
It’s also pleasant to sit on a joali (traditional Maldivian swing seat) and gaze at passing people and chickens
After taking a breather at your hotel upon arrival, I recommend relaxing at Huvan Beach. Spending time relaxing on a beautiful beach while listening to the sound of waves is the best way to relieve the fatigue of a long journey. There are many cafes and bars along the beach where you can enjoy light meals and drinks while relaxing.
2. Explore the Local Market
There are various shops, bookstores, and even small shopping malls.
Hulhumale also has local markets where you can purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and local specialties, giving you a glimpse into Maldivian life. There are also many tourist souvenirs for sale, making it ideal for souvenir shopping.
3. Dining at Restaurants
Hulhumale offers diverse restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine to international dishes. Particularly along Huvan Beach, there are many seafood restaurants where you can savor fresh seafood. For dinner, I recommend dining while enjoying the beautiful sunset.
4. Stroll Around Hulhumale Central Park
Hulhumale Central Park, famous for its giant object modeled after Liye Laajehun (traditional Maldivian lacquerware), is also a relaxation spot for locals. On cool, breezy days, it’s nice to walk around the park and its surroundings.
Recommended Hotel: Huvan Beach Hotel
From the room terrace of Huvan Beach Hotel, you can closely view Huvan Beach
For your stay in Hulhumale, I recommend Huvan Beach Hotel. This hotel is within walking distance from Huvan Beach, making beach access very convenient. It features modern and stylish interiors, and the clean rooms are equipped with all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay. I especially recommend a room with a terrace that offers a sea view. It’s no exaggeration to say this hotel has one of the best views in Hulhumale.
Cafe space inside the hotel. Various original cakes are also served during cafe time.The terrace seats are very cute, so they’re recommended.
The Appeal of Huvan Beach Hotel
Location: Close to the beach, with easy access to surrounding cafes and restaurants.
Facilities: Equipped with amenities travelers appreciate, such as free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and mini-bar.
Service: Friendly staff available 24 hours a day to support your comfortable stay.
Breakfast: A variety of breakfast menus are available, perfect for starting your day.
Rooms: Rooms with terraces offering sea views are available, allowing you to enjoy the resort feeling.
When booking, a sea-view room with terrace is the only choice!The exterior is also stylish. The blue color harmonizes well with the seaside scenery.
Accommodation Plans
Huvan Beach Hotel offers various accommodation plans that cater to both short and long stays. Particularly, they have plans for transit guests, which can accommodate late night or early morning check-in/check-out, and it’s also nice that they can arrange transfers to the airport or port at affordable rates.
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To make the most of your transit time in the Maldives, I strongly recommend staying in the Huvan Beach area of Hulhumale. This area, with its beautiful beach, delicious food, and complete facilities, is ideal for relaxing before heading to your resort. For your next trip to the Maldives, please consider planning a night in Hulhumale.
