CHAMBAO - Cafe & Retreat
A cafe, a reef, and a room on Guraidhoo island.
A place to stay on Guraidhoo
CHAMBAO is a small cafe and retreat on Guraidhoo island, reached by a 33 km speedboat transfer from Malé. It sits on the beach, has its own house reef for snorkelling and diving, and runs a restaurant on-site. Two room types keep things simple: a 17 m² double and a larger 35 m² quadruple room. Both have air conditioning, a private bathroom, a terrace, and free WiFi. The property takes pets and has family rooms, which makes it a workable base for travellers who want local island life without a big resort price tag.
The honest verdict
A compact, locally-run retreat with a beachfront position, a house reef, and straightforward rooms — not a polished resort.
Best for
- Budget-conscious couples
- Families wanting a kids' club
- Divers and snorkellers
- Travellers keen on local island culture
Maybe not ideal for
- Guests expecting resort-level amenities
- Those wanting an overwater villa
- Visitors needing a pool
House reef and water activities
The property has a house reef directly accessible for snorkelling and diving. No boat trip needed to get in the water. Diving is available as an activity, making this a practical base for anyone whose main reason for visiting the Maldives is marine life.
On-site dining and evening entertainment
The cafe and restaurant runs themed dinner nights, live music, and live sport broadcasts. There are also cultural tours, walking tours, and darts on the activity list — a wider social programme than you would expect at a property this size.
Outdoor space and BBQ
A sun terrace, picnic area, and BBQ facilities sit outside. Outdoor furniture and a terrace attached to each room add to the usable space, which matters on a small-island stay where rooms are compact.
Families and pets welcome
The property has a kids' club and designated family rooms. Pets are also allowed, which is uncommon in the Maldives. Room service rounds out the practical basics for guests travelling with children or animals.
Rooms & suites
Double Room
17 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 large double bed
- Inner courtyard view
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
- Terrace
Quadruple Room
35 m² · sleeps 4 · 2 single beds / 1 large double bed
- Inner courtyard view
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
- Terrace
Inside CHAMBAO - Cafe & Retreat
Amenities at CHAMBAO - Cafe & Retreat
Great for your stay
- Restaurant
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Terrace
- Room service
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bidet
- Bath or shower
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
Bedroom
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
- Dressing room
View
- Inner courtyard view
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Sun terrace
- BBQ facilities
- Terrace
Room amenities
- Socket near the bed
- Clothes rack
Getting there
CHAMBAO sits on Guraidhoo island, 33 km from Velana International Airport in Malé. The transfer mode is speedboat, and the property arranges an airport shuttle. Guraidhoo is in the South Malé Atoll, so the journey is shorter than transfers to more remote atolls.
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
CHAMBAO holds a 4.8 Google rating across 436 reviews. Recent guests gave the location a score of 9.4. The terrace and inner courtyard view are called out as specific highlights. With 436 reviews at that rating, guest satisfaction is consistent, though detailed theme breakdowns are not available.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to CHAMBAO from Malé airport?
The transfer is by speedboat and covers 33 km. The property arranges an airport shuttle. Journey time will depend on sea conditions, but speedboat transfers in this distance range typically take around 45 to 60 minutes.
What room types are available?
There are two room types: a 17 m² Double Room with one large double bed, and a 35 m² Quadruple Room with two single beds or one large double bed. Both have a private bathroom, terrace, air conditioning, TV, and free WiFi.
What is the price range for rooms?
The Double Room starts from $117.45 per night and the Quadruple Room from $142.16 per night. These are the lowest available rates; actual pricing will vary by date and availability.
Is there a house reef for snorkelling?
Yes. The property has a house reef accessible directly from the beach. Snorkelling and diving are both listed activities, so guests can get in the water without arranging a boat excursion.
What dining options are on-site?
CHAMBAO has an on-site restaurant and cafe. It runs themed dinner nights and room service is available. There is also a BBQ facility and a picnic area outdoors for more informal eating.
Is the property suitable for families with children?
Yes. There is a kids' club and the property has family rooms. Room service is available, which helps with younger children. The activities programme includes options beyond water sports.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, CHAMBAO allows pets. This is relatively uncommon for Maldives accommodation, so it is worth confirming any specific pet policies directly with the property before booking.
What activities does the property run?
Activities include snorkelling, diving, badminton, darts, walking tours, cultural tours, themed dinner nights, live music, and live sport broadcasts. The programme is broader than a typical small guesthouse.
Is there WiFi in the rooms?
Free WiFi is included in both room types. There is also a socket near the bed in each room, so charging devices while sleeping is straightforward.
What is the best time of year to visit Guraidhoo?
The Maldives dry season runs roughly November to April, when winds are calmer and rainfall is lower. Speedboat transfers and snorkelling conditions are generally more reliable during these months.
Is there a pool at CHAMBAO?
No pool is listed in the property's facilities. The house reef and beach are the main outdoor water options. Guests looking for a pool should factor this in when deciding whether to book.
How do I book a stay at CHAMBAO?
Rooms can be reserved through major online travel platforms or directly with the property. Rates start from $117.45 per night for the Double Room. Contacting the property directly may allow you to ask about airport shuttle timing and pet arrangements.