Palmrest
Beachfront rooms, a house reef, and kitchens that let you stay your way.
A place to stay on Kaashidhoo
Palmrest sits on the beachfront of Kaashidhoo island, roughly 85 km from Malé, and arrives at a price point that's unusual for a Maldivian property with direct reef access. It's a small, three-star hotel rather than a resort. Rooms come with private kitchens, barbecues, and balconies, so self-catering is a genuine option. There's also an on-site restaurant, a kids' club, and water sport facilities for guests who want more structure.
The honest verdict
A low-key beachfront hotel with practical self-catering rooms and snorkelling off a house reef, without the all-inclusive resort price tag.
Best for
- Budget-conscious couples
- Families with young children
- Snorkellers and divers
- Guests who prefer self-catering
Maybe not ideal for
- Travellers expecting full resort facilities
- Those wanting spa or pool amenities
- Guests who prefer a larger property
House reef and water sports
A house reef sits directly off the property for snorkelling and diving. The hotel also runs water sport facilities on site, including canoeing and windsurfing, so you can get on the water without arranging anything off-island.
Kitchens in every room
Both room types include a private kitchen with a stovetop, oven, toaster, electric kettle, and kitchenware. A shared kitchen and washing machine are also available. A barbecue setup is included for outdoor cooking.
Beachfront outdoor space
There's a private beach area, outdoor dining, a terrace, and a picnic area. An outdoor fireplace adds an unusual option for evenings outside.
Kids' club on site
Palmrest runs a kids' club, which is uncommon at this price point. Family rooms are also available, and the beachfront setting means children have direct beach access.
On-site restaurant and parking
The restaurant handles guests who'd rather not cook. Free private parking is on site, which matters on a local island where guests may arrive by car from the ferry or domestic airport.
Rooms & suites
Deluxe Double Room with Balcony
16 m² · sleeps 4 · 1 extra-large double bed OR 2 double beds
- Private kitchen
- Private bathroom
- Balcony
- Garden view
- Bath
Double Room
16 m² · sleeps 4 · 1 extra-large double bed OR 2 double beds
- Private kitchen
- Private bathroom
- Balcony
- View
- Bath
Inside Palmrest
Amenities at Palmrest
Most popular facilities
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Free Wifi
- Restaurant
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Family rooms
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
Great for your stay
- Restaurant
- Private bathroom
- Balcony
- Air conditioning
- Terrace
- View
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bidet
- Towels/Sheets (extra fee)
- Additional toilet
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
Bedroom
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
- Extra long beds (> 80 inches)
View
- View
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Beachfront
- Outdoor dining area
- Private beach area
- Barbecue
- BBQ facilities Additional charge
- Balcony
Getting there
Palmrest is on Kaashidhoo island, approximately 85 km from Velana International Airport in Malé. Access is by seaplane or domestic flight. Travel time depends on the operator and schedule. Kaashidhoo is a local island rather than a private resort island, so some guests may also reach it by ferry.
Seaplane transfers typically run $250–600 per person round trip, booked through the property. A few islands in this band are also served by a domestic flight to a nearby regional airport plus a short boat — ask the property which routing is faster for your dates.
Palmrest holds a 4.6 Google rating from 32 reviews, and recent guests rate the location highly at 8.0. The property is small and the review count is limited, so patterns are harder to draw than at larger resorts. The location score and beachfront setting appear to be the consistent pull.
- Property felt overpriced relative to the island's offering; no welcome drink or fresh juice at breakfast
- Absentee owner based in Malé means requests require remote approval, slowing response
- No in-room fridge
- Island's house reef is poor for snorkelling due to shallow depth and strong currents
- Significant litter and rubbish across the island detracts from the surroundings
“As long as Master Chef Himanshu Thakor is in charge of the kitchen guests can be assured to have a very good dining experience.”
“Guest house-ul a fost peste asteptarile noastre, avand in vedere pretul pe care l-am platit. Baietii care se ocupa de guest house au fost super draguti.”
“La amabilidad y atención que nos prestó Himanshu. Nos encantó su comida. El hotel estaba todo perfecto: presentación, comodidades, limpieza...”
Guest reviews summarised from Booking.com.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Palmrest from Malé?
Kaashidhoo is about 85 km from Malé. Access is by seaplane or domestic flight. Travel time and schedules vary by operator, so it's worth confirming your arrival details with the hotel before booking transfers.
What room types does Palmrest have?
There are two room types: the Deluxe Double Room with Balcony, from USD 58.50, and the Double Room, from USD 63. Both are 16 m², sleep two, and include a private kitchen, bath, balcony, and barbecue.
Do the rooms have cooking facilities?
Yes. Both room types include a private kitchen with a stovetop, oven, toaster, electric kettle, and kitchenware. A shared kitchen with a washing machine is also available on the property.
Is there a restaurant at Palmrest?
Yes, there is an on-site restaurant. A continental breakfast option is listed among the highlights. Outdoor dining is also available on the terrace and beach area.
Is there a house reef for snorkelling?
Yes. A house reef is one of the property's signature features, with snorkelling and diving available directly from the hotel. Water sport facilities are also on site.
What water activities are available?
The hotel has water sport facilities covering snorkelling, diving, canoeing, and windsurfing. On land, bicycle rental, bike tours, and walking tours are available.
Is Palmrest suitable for families with children?
Yes. The hotel has a kids' club on site, family rooms, and direct beach access. The private kitchens also make it easier to manage meals for children.
Is there free WiFi?
Yes, free WiFi is included throughout the property.
Is parking available?
Free private parking is available on site, which is useful given the island setting and the possibility of arriving by vehicle from a domestic arrival point.
What is the price range at Palmrest?
Rooms start from USD 58.50 per night for the Deluxe Double Room with Balcony, and from USD 63 per night for the Double Room. Rates may vary by season and booking platform.
When is the best time to visit Kaashidhoo?
The Maldives dry season runs roughly November through April, with calmer seas and lower rainfall. This period is generally considered the better time for snorkelling and water activities, though it also corresponds to higher demand.
How do I book a stay at Palmrest?
Palmrest can be booked through standard online travel platforms or directly with the property. Given the small size of the hotel, booking in advance is advisable, particularly for travel during the dry season.