

Sandies Bathala
Simple style, sublime snorkelling
Sandies Bathala is a stylishly easy-breezy all-inclusive resort in the Ari Atoll. It’s a small island on the northeastern edge of the atoll, just a 15-minute scenic seaplane ride from Malé airport.
Sandies Bathala brings a great-value all-inclusive option to the Ari Atoll. This small island is located along the north-eastern rim of the atoll, just a 15-minute scenic seaplane ride from Malé airport, and it has long been a popular spot with divers from all around the globe.
The house reef surrounding the island is stunning, with colourful fish, reef sharks and turtles regularly spotted. Head beyond the reef with the experienced PADI and SSI dive crew, or venture out on a snorkelling trip where you can stop on a desert island for lunch. Bathala will also offer night snorkelling for a totally different perspective of the ocean and marine life. If you prefer a dip in the pool then the infinity pool here is a great spot to cool off.
For dining, there's the buffet-style Island Gallery – where all your meals are included – with a fresh fish barbecue, live cooking stations and local dishes. For a special occasion, treat yourself to a 'Beach Grill' night. During this toes-in-the-sand dining experience, you can dine freshly caught seafood specialities and fresh lobster menus in a romantic setting on the beach. Guests can quench their thirst at the Island Bar, which will be a great place to relax and unwind after exploring the magnificent marine life.
Perfectly placed to explore the North Ari Atoll’s spectacular underwater world.
Simple style, sublime snorkelling
Why our experts like it
We've done the exploring, asked the locals, made the mistakes, and found the gems... so you don't have to start from scratch! These are the bits we think you'll love the most. Think of it as travel advice from a friend who just got back and can't wait to tell you everything.

If you love French cuisine, look no further than La Belle Vie

An incredible way to kick off your Maldives holiday
“There's something pretty special about travelling by seaplane. The view from the sky is extraordinary - tiny specs of island and shades of blue that barely look real.”


The iconic, mile-long sandbank
Perfect for isolated sunbathing, dramatic photoshoots, and watching breathtaking Maldivian sunsets.

Snorkelling and diving isn't the only way to catch sight of the underwater world
“If snorkelling and diving isn't for you, it's possible to catch a glimpse of the reef from a glass-bottomed boat instead.”


Kids club at Niva Kuramathi Maldives
Supervised activities through the day, so younger guests get their own adventure while you get a quiet hour by the water.
Simple style, sublime snorkelling
There is more than one way to do this trip
This Maldives hotel is perfect on its own, but add Sri Lanka, Dubai or the Seychelles and it becomes something even better. Discover our multi-centre holidays and make paradise last longer.
Simple style, sublime snorkelling
Rooms and suites
Two room types (70 rooms in total) keep things refreshingly simple – you’re choosing between a bungalow on the beach or one over the glittering blue of the lagoon. It’s hard to resist the Water Bungalows which are located on stilts over the lagoon. There are no TVs in the rooms to help you completely switch off.

Beach Bungalow
• Charming bungalows on the beach with a private deck • air-conditioning • bathroom with twin basins and open-air shower • mini fridge • tea/coffee facilities • Wi-Fi • 28m²

Water Villa
• Overwater villas with a private deck, located inside the lagoon on the eastern side of the island. • air-conditioning • king-size bed and sofa bed • bathroom with twin basins and spacious walk-in shower • mini fridge • tea/coffee facilities • Wi-Fi • 35m²
Food & drink
A single restaurant serves a terrific variety of dishes. For a special occasion, try the Beach Grill, where candlelit tables are set up on the sand.
The fresh fish cooked live at The Island Gallery is unmissable.
The Island Gallery — Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet-style with Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Live cooking stations serve fresh local fish and pasta, and a pizzaiolo bakes fresh, authentic Italian pizza. The Island Bar — A laid-back beach bar serving coffee in the morning and cocktails in the evening.



Simple style, sublime snorkelling
Things to do nearby
Curated experiences to help you do more, see more, or simply switch off while you're here.

Diving in the Maldives
In the South Malé Atoll, Hukrueli is another place to see rays and cleaner fish, and Maaya Thila, a protected marine area, is home to white-tip sharks, turtles, zebra morays and the elusive guitar shark. Hanifaru lagoon in the Baa Atoll is one of the best places to see whale sharks and manta rays – June to September being the best time as this is during the monsoon season and equinox when the lagoon is filled with plankton. The Scuba Diver course provides pre-entry level certification in three days and on completion you can then upgrade to an Open Water Diver qualification by taking the additional five day course. Our Ten Dives and Six Consecutive Days diving allow qualified divers to make the most of their time in these beautiful islands. Courses are available at Kurumba Maldives, Dhigali Maldives, Velidhu and Meeru.
A match made in paradise
This hotel is perfect on its own, but add a second destination and it becomes something even better. Discover our multi-centre holidays and make paradise last longer.
Tailor-made
We book this hotel the way you want it
Room type, board basis, transfers and the length of your stay are all yours to choose. Tell us what you have in mind.
What’s in the area
In the area
Where the hotel sits, and what is within reach of it.

Simple style, sublime snorkelling
Trip ideas
You've come this far - and the world has more to offer. Why not pair Niva Kuramathi with another island, add a stopover in Dubai on the way for city lights and desert skies, or extend to Sri Lanka for tea, temples and safari? Below you'll find our recommendations for maximising your time away...







When to visit
When to visit
Temperature and rainfall through the year.
| Measurement | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average temp | 27°C | 27°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C |
| Average rainfall | 86mm | 43mm | 59mm | 121mm | 234mm | 140mm | 148mm | 154mm | 185mm | 203mm | 226mm | 219mm |
| Average price | £4,746pp | £4,992pp | £4,149pp | £4,222pp | £4,827pp | £4,835pp | £5,104pp | £5,176pp | £5,176pp | £5,129pp | £3,958pp | £3,958pp |
Simple style, sublime snorkelling
Current offers
Savings worth having on the departures we think are worth taking. Every offer below applies to this hotel — check each one for the dates and conditions that come with it.

Save up to £300pp
Based on selected departures in September 2026

Save up to 25% when you book by 6th July
Based on selected departures in September 2026

Save up to 35% + complimentary meal upgrade
Based on 20th July 2026 departure

Free half-board upgrade
Based on selected departures in October 2026

Stay 7 nights, pay for 6
Based on selected departures in November 2026

Save up to £200pp on honeymoons
Based on selected departures in January 2027

Complimentary spa treatment for two
Based on stays of 7 nights or more

Free kids' places
Based on selected departures in August 2026
Build your holiday
Choose your dates, your room and where you fly from. Prices update as you go.
Your holiday so far
Flying from
Prices are per person, based on two sharing. Your Personal Travel Expert confirms the final price.
May 2026
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June 2026
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Great offers on Niva Kuramathi Maldives
Escape to Niva Kuramathi and enjoy exclusive savings on your Maldives getaway.
View offersHave you considered a multi-centre?
Maldives pairs really well with other destinations, from Dubai to Sri Lanka.
View multi-centresGood to know
- Includes flights, baggage, and private transfers to and from your hotel
- Total flight time ~ 7 hrs
- Total transfer time ~ 2 hrs
- Overnight in Malé may apply (subject to flights & transfers)
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit the Maldives?
British passport holders are issued a free 30-day visitor visa on arrival. You'll need a passport valid for the duration of your stay, a confirmed onward ticket and proof of your accommodation booking.
When is the best time to visit the Maldives?
November to April is the dry season, with the most reliable sunshine and calmest seas. May to October brings shorter rain showers, lower prices and better surf.
What currency is used in the Maldives, and do I need cash?
The local currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa, but resorts price and bill in US dollars and take major cards. Most guests never need cash — a small amount is handy for tipping.
Is the Maldives good for honeymoons outside peak season?
Yes. Off-peak brings noticeably lower rates and quieter islands, and rain tends to come in short bursts rather than all day. Many resorts add honeymoon extras during these months.
What activities are there for older kids and teens in the Maldives?
Most resorts run watersports centres with windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding, plus PADI dive courses from around age ten. Snorkelling safaris, sandbank trips and night fishing all suit older children.
Niva Kuramathi Maldives reviews
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Simple style, sublime snorkelling
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