IRIS Beach Residence
A beachfront base on a local Maldivian island
A place to stay on Guraidhoo
IRIS Beach Residence is a guest house on Guraidhoo island, roughly 33 km from Malé, reached by public ferry or shared speedboat. With a beachfront position and a 4.6/5 Google rating from 33 reviews, it sits at the more personal, locally rooted end of Maldives travel. Rooms are compact and practical. The Deluxe Double has a sea-view balcony; the Standard Double keeps things straightforward. Both include air conditioning, free WiFi and an ensuite bathroom. Outside, there is a sun terrace, BBQ facilities, a garden, and a picnic area.
The honest verdict
A no-frills beachfront guest house on a local island, suited to travellers who want direct beach access and organised excursions at a budget-friendly price point.
Best for
- Budget-conscious couples
- Independent travellers wanting a local island feel
- Snorkelling and watersports day trips
- Halal-conscious travellers
Maybe not ideal for
- Travellers wanting resort-level facilities
- Those needing a pool
- Groups larger than two per room
Beachfront setting on Guraidhoo
The guest house sits directly on the beach at Guraidhoo, a local island about 33 km from Malé. The sun terrace and outdoor furniture face the water, and there is a garden and picnic area alongside for a bit of shade.
Sea-view room with balcony
The Deluxe Double Room has a private balcony with sea views and an ensuite bathroom. It is the obvious pick for anyone who wants to watch the light change over the water from their own room.
Outdoor space and BBQ
BBQ facilities, a terrace, and a garden give the property a relaxed, social atmosphere. The setup works well for evenings when guests want to eat outside rather than head off-site.
Watersports and island activities
Snorkelling, windsurfing, canoeing, fishing, diving, and cycling can all be arranged. Local culture tours are available too, which is useful on a residential island where context adds to the experience.
Rooms & suites
Deluxe Double Room
sleeps 2 · 1 double bed
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Free WiFi
Standard Double Room
sleeps 2 · 1 double bed
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Free WiFi
Inside IRIS Beach Residence
Amenities at IRIS Beach Residence
Great for your stay
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- View
- Free WiFi
- Shuttle service
- Room service
- Non-smoking rooms
- BBQ facilities
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Towels/sheets (extra fee)
- Additional toilet
- Bath or shower
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
Bedroom
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
- Extra long beds (> 2 metres)
View
- View
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Sun terrace
- BBQ facilities
- Terrace
- Garden
Kitchen
- Toaster
- Tumble dryer
Getting there
Guraidhoo island sits about 33 km from Velana International Airport in Malé. The route is covered by public ferry or shared speedboat. IRIS Beach Residence has a shuttle service available — it is worth confirming pickup details with them ahead of arrival, as schedules vary.
The public ferry costs only a few dollars but runs on set days; a shared speedboat is typically $25–50 per person one way. The guesthouse usually arranges the speedboat — confirm days and fare.
On the map
IRIS Beach Residence holds a 4.6/5 Google rating from 33 reviews. The highlights listed by recent guests point to a well-regarded location. The property is noted for continental and halal dining options, and recent guests have rated the location highly.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to IRIS Beach Residence from the airport?
Guraidhoo island is about 33 km from Malé. You can travel by public ferry or shared speedboat. The guest house has a shuttle service — confirm arrangements with them when you book.
What room types are available?
There are two room types: the Deluxe Double Room, which has a sea-view balcony, and the Standard Double Room. Both sleep two and include air conditioning, free WiFi, and an ensuite bathroom.
Which room has the sea view?
The Deluxe Double Room includes a balcony with a sea view. The Standard Double Room does not list a view or balcony among its facilities.
What are the room rates?
The Deluxe Double Room starts from $89.76 per night and the Standard Double Room from $93.50 per night. Rates may vary by date — check directly for current availability.
What meal options are available?
The guest house provides continental and halal dining. BBQ facilities are also on-site for outdoor meals.
Is there a house reef for snorkelling?
Snorkelling is listed as an activity that can be arranged. Guraidhoo is a local residential island, so snorkelling trips go out by boat to nearby reefs rather than directly off the property.
What water activities can be arranged?
The guest house can arrange snorkelling, windsurfing, canoeing, fishing, and diving excursions. These are organised trips with local operators, not on-site facilities.
Is the property suitable for families with children?
Each room sleeps a maximum of two guests. The property does not list family rooms or extra beds in its room specs, so it is better suited to couples or solo travellers than families needing additional sleeping arrangements.
Is alcohol available at the property?
Guraidhoo is a local Maldivian island. Alcohol is not served on local islands in the Maldives, and IRIS Beach Residence does not list a bar among its facilities.
What is the best time to visit Guraidhoo?
The dry season in the Maldives generally runs from November to April, when conditions are calmer and sunnier. The wet season from May to October can bring rougher seas and rain, though rates may be lower.
Is there a cultural tour option?
Yes — tours or classes about local culture can be arranged through the guest house. Guraidhoo is a working local island, so a culture-focused excursion adds useful context to the stay.
How do I book?
You can book directly with IRIS Beach Residence or through major accommodation platforms. Direct contact is worth trying for shuttle service coordination and activity bookings.