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Gangehi Island Resort

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Gangehi Island Resort Gangehi Island Resort Gangehi Island Resort Gangehi Island Resort Gangehi Island Resort Gangehi Island Resort Gangehi Island Resort Gangehi Island Resort

Gangehi Island Resort is an intimate luxury retreat located in North Ari Atoll, just 25 minutes by seaplane from Malé International Airport. This small private island spans 200m x 150m and features 45 traditionally designed villas across six categories, from garden accommodations to overwater bungalows. The resort is renowned for its exceptional house reef, PADI-certified dive center, and authentic Maldivian architecture using teak wood and traditional thatched roofing. Gangehi offers direct access to some of the world's best diving sites while maintaining an intimate, uncrowded atmosphere perfect for couples and diving enthusiasts.

Intimate North Ari Atoll Luxury Resort

Small private island with world-class diving, authentic Maldivian architecture, and exceptional house reef just 25 minutes from Malé Airport.

Location & Access

  • Located on outskirts of North Ari Atoll, one of Maldives' most biodiverse marine areas.
  • Quick 25-minute seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport with scenic aerial views.
  • Small private island measuring just 200m x 150m, ensuring intimate and uncrowded experience.
  • Protected by barrier coral reef with crystal-clear lagoon and long natural sandbank.

Resort Highlights

  • 45 traditionally designed villas using authentic teak wood and Maldivian thatched roofing.
  • Exceptional house reef accessible directly from beach and overwater villas for snorkeling.
  • PADI and SSI certified dive center with access to famous sites like Maaya Thila and Fish Head.
  • Authentic Ginger Spa housed in antique wooden cottages transported from Kerala, India.
Gangehi Island Resort North Ari Atoll diving Maldives house reef resort Traditional Maldivian architecture 25-minute seaplane transfer Small luxury island

Beach Accommodations

  • Beach Villas: 20 spacious units with sea views, private terraces, and direct beach access.
  • Garden Villas: 3 intimate units in lush tropical settings with easy beach access and private patios.
  • All feature traditional teak wood construction, thatched roofs, and authentic Maldivian design elements.
  • Covered wooden verandas perfect for relaxation and enjoying tropical garden or ocean views.

Overwater Villas

  • Overwater Villas: 14 traditional overwater accommodations with direct lagoon access and snorkeling.
  • Deluxe Overwater Villas: 8 recently refurbished units with premium positioning facing sunset views.
  • Direct lagoon access via private decks with steps leading into crystal-clear waters.
  • Glass floor panels and overwater hammocks for observing marine life and ultimate relaxation.

Villa Features & Amenities

  • Air conditioning, ceiling fans, minibar, and safety deposit box in all accommodations.
  • Spacious bathrooms with hot and cold showers, premium toiletries, and tropical garden views.
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, and 24-hour room service for all villa categories.
  • Traditional furnishings with period pieces from India and authentic Maldivian craftsmanship.

Traditional Architecture

  • Authentic teak wood construction sourced sustainably with traditional Maldivian thatched palm roofing.
  • Indoor-outdoor living design maximizing natural ventilation and connection to tropical environment.
  • Gangehi Island Resort was among the first to build overwater villas in the Maldives.
  • Each villa positioned for privacy while maintaining easy access to resort facilities and beaches.

Room Categories Overview

  • 45 total accommodations across six distinct categories to suit different preferences and budgets.
  • All rooms feature separate sitting areas and spacious layouts with traditional Maldivian decor.
  • Most units offer direct beach access or are just steps away from pristine white sand beaches.
  • Overwater villas provide unparalleled snorkeling access directly from private decks.

All accommodations include air conditioning, minibar, and traditional design elements. Room availability varies by season; early booking recommended for preferred villa types and locations.

Main Restaurant

  • Veli Restaurant: Open-air beachfront dining with panoramic ocean views and buffet service.
  • International Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian, Asian, and Maldivian dishes with fresh ingredients.
  • Themed Evenings: Weekly special dining events celebrating Italian and local Maldivian flavors.
  • All-Day Dining: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets with live cooking stations and vegetarian options.

Specialty Dining

  • Thari Restaurant: Elegant à la carte dining suspended over the lagoon with sunset views.
  • Fresh Seafood Focus: Daily catch including lobster, prawns, and local fish prepared to order.
  • Open Kitchen Concept: Watch chefs prepare meals while enjoying cocktails and ocean panoramas.
  • Romantic Setting: Perfect for intimate dinners with innovative international cuisine and wine pairings.

Bars & Beverages

  • Kandu Bar: Panoramic ocean-view bar open all day serving cocktails, wines, and spirits.
  • Premium Beverages: Extensive wine selection, imported liquors, fresh juices, and tropical cocktails.
  • Coffee & Snacks: Light refreshments available throughout the day with coffee shop service.
  • Sunset Cocktails: Perfect viewing spot for Maldivian sunsets with signature tropical drink creations.

Meal Plans & Dietary Options

  • All-Inclusive Options: Comprehensive meal plans including all meals, snacks, and select beverages.
  • Half Board Available: Breakfast and dinner at Veli Restaurant with lunch à la carte options.
  • Special Diets: Vegetarian, vegan, halal, and allergy-friendly menu options readily available.
  • Room Service: 24-hour in-villa dining service with extensive menu selection.

Ginger Spa

  • Authentic Ayurvedic spa housed in four antique wooden cottages transported from Kerala, India.
  • Traditional massages using coconut oil, herbal compresses, and specialized Ayurvedic treatments.
  • Spiritual and meditative experiences combining wellness treatments with natural healing methods.
  • Couples massages and personalized beauty treatments tailored to individual skin types and preferences.

Diving & Marine Center

  • PADI, SSI, and SNSI certified dive center with multilingual professional diving instructors.
  • Complete diving equipment rental including BCDs, masks, fins, wetsuits, and underwater cameras.
  • Courses for all levels from beginner (age 8+) to advanced with specialized children's programs.
  • Daily excursions to famous sites like Maaya Thila, Fish Head, and Hammerhead Point.

Recreation & Wellness

  • Fitness Center: Well-equipped gymnasium with modern cardio and strength training equipment.
  • Beach Volleyball: Professional court on pristine white sand for competitive and casual games.
  • Library & TV Room: Quiet space with books, DVDs, and entertainment for relaxation.
  • Yoga Sessions: Open-air yoga classes in tropical settings with qualified instructors.

Water Sports Center

  • Complimentary Activities: Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, and canoe use.
  • Snorkeling Equipment: Mask, fins, and snorkel rental available for house reef exploration.
  • Fishing Trips: Traditional Maldivian fishing excursions and deep-sea fishing charters.
  • All equipment maintained to international safety standards with professional instruction available.

Guest Services

  • 24-hour front desk with multilingual staff assistance and concierge services.
  • Daily housekeeping, laundry services, and currency exchange facilities.
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the resort with high-speed internet connectivity.
  • Airport transfer coordination and excursion booking assistance.

Entertainment & Activities

  • Evening entertainment including live music, karaoke nights, and cultural performances.
  • Bingo and tombola nights, fashion shows, and themed celebration events.
  • Marine biology presentations and educational sessions with resort's marine biologist.
  • Daily activity programs including stretch classes, water aerobics, and group snorkeling.

World-Class Diving

  • Famous Dive Sites: Access to Maaya Thila, Fish Head, Hammerhead Point, and Malhoss Thila.
  • Marine Life: Whale sharks, manta rays, grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and diverse tropical fish.
  • Full-Day Excursions: Three-dive trips to Ari and Rasdhoo Atolls with breakfast and lunch included.
  • Nitrox Available: Complimentary nitrox (28-32%) for certified divers to extend bottom time.

House Reef & Snorkeling

  • Exceptional House Reef: Pristine coral gardens accessible directly from beach and overwater villas.
  • Marine Biodiversity: Blacktip reef sharks, parrotfish, angelfish, and sea turtles visible daily.
  • Guided Snorkeling: Educational tours with resident marine biologist and coral conservation programs.
  • 24/7 Access: Self-guided snorkeling available around the clock with equipment rental options.

Marine Excursions

  • Dolphin Watching: Sunset and sunrise cruises to spot resident dolphin pods around North Ari Atoll.
  • Manta Ray Encounters: Seasonal trips to cleaning stations and feeding areas for close manta observations.
  • Fishing Adventures: Traditional Maldivian fishing, night fishing, and big game sport fishing charters.
  • Island Hopping: Cultural visits to local islands and uninhabited sandbank picnic experiences.

Wellness & Recreation

  • Daily Yoga Classes: Morning and evening sessions in beachfront pavilions with ocean views.
  • Water Aerobics: Group fitness sessions in shallow lagoon waters with certified instructors.
  • Beach Volleyball: Tournament-style games and casual beach sports activities.
  • Coral Planting: Conservation activities allowing guests to contribute to reef restoration efforts.

Activities subject to weather conditions and seasonal marine life patterns. Diving excursions require minimum participants; private charters can be arranged for smaller groups.

Gangehi Island Resort is accessible via a scenic 25-minute seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport. Transfers cost approximately $435 per adult and $220 per child (2-12 years) for roundtrip service. Seaplane service operates from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM daily. Guests must contact the resort 72 hours before arrival with flight details to confirm transfers.
Gangehi's location in North Ari Atoll provides access to some of the Maldives' most famous dive sites, including Maaya Thila and Fish Head. The resort features an exceptional house reef accessible directly from the beach and overwater villas. Marine life includes whale sharks, manta rays, reef sharks, and diverse tropical fish species. The PADI/SSI certified dive center offers courses for all levels from age 8 upwards.
The resort features two restaurants: Veli (main beachfront buffet restaurant) serving international, Italian, Asian, and Maldivian cuisine, and Thari (à la carte restaurant) suspended over the lagoon specializing in fresh seafood. Kandu Bar offers all-day beverages with panoramic ocean views. All-inclusive and half-board meal plans are available, with special dietary requirements accommodated.
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout Gangehi Island Resort, including all villa categories and public areas. The connection is suitable for basic internet browsing, email, and social media. For high-bandwidth activities, connectivity may vary depending on weather conditions and satellite availability.
Standard check-in time is 2:00 PM and check-out is 12:00 PM. Early check-in and late check-out may be available subject to villa availability. The resort provides luggage storage and changing facilities for guests arriving early or departing late. Seaplane transfer schedules may affect actual arrival and departure times.
Complimentary activities include kayaking, windsurfing, beach volleyball, fitness center, library access, and daily yoga classes. Snorkeling equipment rental costs $10 per day. Paid activities include diving excursions, spa treatments, fishing trips, dolphin watching cruises, and island excursions. All-inclusive packages may include some beverages and activities.
Yes, children of all ages are welcome at Gangehi Island Resort. The resort offers family-friendly accommodations, supervised activities, and specialized children's diving programs from age 8. However, the intimate size and focus on diving make it more suitable for families with older children who can appreciate marine activities. Babysitting services may be available on request.

Famous Dive Sites

  • Maaya Thila - One of Maldives' top dive sites known for whale shark encounters and diverse marine life.
  • Fish Head (Mushimasmingili Thila) - Renowned for grey reef shark aggregations and cleaning stations.
  • Hammerhead Point - Seasonal site for hammerhead shark sightings and large pelagic species encounters.
  • Malhoss Thila - Spectacular coral formations with eagle rays, barracuda schools, and macro life.

North Ari Atoll Marine Areas

  • Fesdu Lagoon - Unique night diving with manta rays attracted to artificial lights from liveaboards.
  • Ukulhas Thila - Protected marine area with pristine coral formations and abundant reef fish.
  • Dhonkalo Thila - Manta ray cleaning station active during northeast monsoon season.
  • Gangehi Kandu - 15-minute boat ride to spectacular channel diving with strong currents and big fish.

Local Islands & Cultural Sites

  • Rasdhoo Island - Local inhabited island with traditional Maldivian culture and local market experiences.
  • Mathiveri Island - Nearby fishing community offering authentic cultural interactions and local crafts.
  • Ukulhas Island - Eco-friendly local island known for environmental conservation efforts and clean beaches.
  • Malé Capital City - Day trips available to explore National Museum, local markets, and historic mosques.

Transportation Hubs

  • Velana International Airport (MLE) - Main gateway 86 kilometers away with domestic and international connections.
  • Trans Maldivian Airways Seaplane Terminal - Dedicated seaplane operations with scenic flight routes.
  • Rasdhoo Airport - Local airport serving domestic flights and charter connections to other atolls.
  • Male Harbor - Ferry connections and speedboat charters to various resort islands and local communities.

Check-in & Reservations

  • Standard check-in 2:00 PM, check-out 12:00 PM with early/late options subject to availability.
  • Seaplane transfer confirmation required 72 hours before arrival with complete flight details.
  • Cancellation policies vary by season and booking type - free cancellation often available 15 days prior.
  • Payment accepted in USD, EUR cash or major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) at resort.
  • Government tax of $12 per person per night applies to all guests over 2 years of age.

Transfer & Transportation

  • Mandatory seaplane transfers operate 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM daily with advance booking required.
  • Transfer costs: $435 adult, $220 child (2-12), free for children under 2 (roundtrip including taxes).
  • Luggage limit 20kg per person; excess baggage fees payable directly to seaplane operator.
  • Late arrivals after 3:30 PM require overnight stay in Malé or Hulhumalé with hotel arrangements.
  • Resort representative meets guests at airport and escorts to seaplane terminal for transfers.

Age & Family Policies

  • Children of all ages welcome with family-friendly accommodations and specialized activity programs.
  • Children under 2 years travel free on seaplanes and are exempt from government tourism tax.
  • Diving programs available for children from 8 years old with qualified instructors and safety protocols.
  • Babysitting services may be arranged on request with advance notice and applicable charges.
  • Family villas and connecting rooms available for larger groups traveling with multiple children.

Environmental & Safety

  • Reef-safe sunscreen strongly encouraged to protect the pristine house reef and marine ecosystem.
  • Coral conservation programs with guest participation in reef restoration and marine education.
  • 24-hour security, medical assistance on call, and emergency evacuation procedures in place.
  • Photography restrictions in certain areas to respect guest privacy and marine wildlife protection.
  • Sustainable tourism practices including waste reduction and local community support initiatives.

All policies subject to local regulations and operational requirements. Special occasion surcharges may apply for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve gala dinners.

Best Time to Visit

  • Dec-Apr: Dry season with calm seas, perfect visibility for diving and ideal for first-time visitors.
  • May-Nov: Southwest monsoon with occasional rain but excellent for marine life and manta ray encounters.
  • Year-round: Consistent 26-30°C temperatures with warm waters ideal for snorkeling and diving.
  • Manta Season: June-November for best manta ray sightings at cleaning stations around North Ari Atoll.

Ideal Duration

  • 3-4 nights: Quick getaway perfect for couples seeking relaxation and introductory diving experiences.
  • 5-7 nights: Ideal for diving enthusiasts to explore multiple sites and complete certification courses.
  • 7-10 nights: Comprehensive experience including advanced diving, spa treatments, and cultural excursions.
  • Longer stays: Perfect for serious divers wanting to explore all North Ari Atoll sites and seasonal marine encounters.

Target Audience

  • Diving Enthusiasts: All levels from beginners to advanced seeking world-class diving and marine encounters.
  • Couples: Intimate resort atmosphere with romantic overwater dining and sunset experiences.
  • Marine Life Lovers: Exceptional house reef and easy access to diverse underwater ecosystems.
  • Authentic Experience Seekers: Traditional Maldivian architecture and genuine cultural immersion.

Signature Experiences & Itinerary Ideas

  • Dawn house reef snorkeling followed by traditional Ayurvedic massage at authentic Ginger Spa.
  • Full-day diving excursion to Maaya Thila and Fish Head with whale shark and manta ray encounters.
  • Sunset dolphin cruise combined with traditional Maldivian fishing and romantic à la carte dinner at Thari.
  • Multi-day diving certification course with marine biology education and coral restoration participation.
  • Cultural island hopping to Rasdhoo and Mathiveri with local community interactions and craft workshops.

Packing & Travel Tips

  • Reef-safe sunscreen (mandatory), underwater camera, and high SPF clothing for extended sun exposure.
  • Diving certification cards and logbooks if planning advanced diving or specialty courses.
  • Lightweight casual clothing, flip-flops, and one smart-casual outfit for Thari restaurant dining.
  • Personal snorkeling gear if preferred, though quality rental equipment available at reasonable rates.
  • Cash in USD for tips, alcoholic beverages, and optional activities not included in meal plans.

Weddings & Honeymoons

  • Beach Ceremonies: Intimate wedding ceremonies on pristine white sand beaches with tropical flower arrangements.
  • Overwater Celebrations: Unique wedding experiences on private overwater platforms above crystal-clear lagoon.
  • Honeymoon Packages: Romantic experiences including couples spa treatments, sunset cruises, and private dining.
  • Photography Services: Professional wedding and honeymoon photography with underwater and aerial options.
  • Traditional Maldivian blessing ceremonies and authentic cultural elements incorporated into celebrations.

Anniversary & Special Occasions

  • Milestone Celebrations: Customized decorations and special dining experiences for anniversaries and birthdays.
  • Romantic Dinners: Private dining setups on the beach or overwater platforms with personalized menus.
  • Renewal of Vows: Intimate ceremonies with traditional Maldivian elements and sunset backdrop.
  • Surprise Celebrations: Coordination with resort staff for surprise parties and romantic gestures.
  • Custom cake creation and villa decorations for special birthday and anniversary celebrations.

Group Events & Retreats

  • Diving Groups: Specialized packages for diving clubs and certified diver groups with guided excursions.
  • Wellness Retreats: Multi-day programs combining yoga, spa treatments, and mindfulness activities.
  • Small Meetings: Intimate corporate retreats and team building with beachfront meeting spaces.
  • Family Reunions: Multi-villa bookings with shared activities and group dining experiences.
  • Marine biology education programs and coral conservation activities for educational groups.

Seasonal Events & Entertainment

  • Cultural Nights: Traditional Maldivian music, dance performances, and local craft demonstrations.
  • Marine Life Presentations: Educational sessions with resort marine biologist about North Ari Atoll ecosystem.
  • Themed Dining Events: Italian and Maldivian cuisine celebrations with special menus and cultural experiences.
  • Wellness Programs: Visiting practitioners offering specialized treatments and holistic wellness experiences.

Event Planning Services

  • Dedicated resort staff assistance with comprehensive event planning and coordination services.
  • Custom menu creation and beverage service for all group sizes and dietary preferences.
  • Photography and videography coordination including underwater and aerial documentation.
  • Transportation logistics for group arrivals and departure coordination with seaplane schedules.

All events require advance planning due to the resort's intimate size. Seasonal availability may affect certain activities. Additional costs apply for special decorations and external services.

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Gangehi Island Resort

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