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About

#3 of 65 hotels in North Ari Atoll
Location
5.0
Cleanliness
5.0
Service
4.9
Value
4.7
2022 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best
The best kept secret in the Maldives - Kandolhu is tiny yet it encapsulates luxury and bespoke service presented in rich Maldivian hospitality. Ringed by a stunning house reef with thriving marine life complete with wide stretch of white sandy beaches, Kandolhu makes for an idyllic getaway. Five distinct villas are your choices for slumber. Inspired by contemporary Maldivian architecture, all villas are lavish and unique in its own way. They come adorned with world class furnishings complete with modern technology to offer you the perfect home for your stay with us. For the top Kandolhu experience, book an Ocean Pool Villa with its spacious living space, "glass box" bathroom and the promise of breathtaking views of the sun setting over the Indian Ocean. Embark on gourmet journeys at four fine restaurants. Create your own quintessential Maldivian experience on Kandolhu with the Ultimate Inclusions package. Dine at a restaurant of your choice as you enjoy over 30 globally accredited old and new world wines, tropical cocktails, and a spectrum of premium spirits that are just some of the perks included in this package. World class dive sites are within easy reach of Kandolhu, where amazing encounters of the deep is made easy. Snorkel in the house reef and meet resident turtles. Tour the island whilst paddling a kayak or a stand up paddleboard, and come evening engage in a fluo night snorkelling. Invigorate your mind, body and soul at Varu Spa, and uncover complete wellness. Select sensual therapies from our signature product line, Voya an organic product range made from hand harvested seaweed.
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Property amenities
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Hot tub
Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
Free breakfast
Beach
Diving
Airport transportation
Spa
Wifi
Private pool
Pool / beach towels
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Snorkeling
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Foot massage
Full body massage
Head massage
Massage
Concierge
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun umbrellas
Private check-in / check-out
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Minibar
Flatscreen TV
Laptop safe
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Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Languages Spoken
French, German
Hotel links
Special Price:37% off room rate
1132Reviews161Q+A100Room tips
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steve applegate wrote a review Mar 21
London, United Kingdom24 contributions11 helpful votes
My wife and I have visited the Maldives a number of times and this island is a little gem and certainly the best island we've stayed at. It is a very intimate island, only 30 villas in total, it only takes 7 minutes to walk around the whole island. The staff are very attentive and because of its size your every wish can be accommodated. I strongly recommend this resort to anyone who wants a completely relaxed holiday backed up by great service.
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Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Nothing, perfect as it is.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
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Chuckyegg72 wrote a review Oct 2022
Bristol, United Kingdom35 contributions70 helpful votes
+1
Hotel's Favorite
Myself and my husband visited Kandolhu for a week as part of a bigger trip. From the moment we arrived we knew this was going to be a very special part of our trip. This island really encompasses all of the beauty of the Maldives with turquoise seas and white sands. Our water villa was immaculate with an extensive mini bar, robes, umbrellas, iPad, wonderfully comfortable bed and even insect repellent! My husband spoke very highly of the dive team who were very knowledgeable about the area, helpful and friendly throughout his dive trips. The snorkelling on the house reef was seriously breathtaking and I highly recommend a guided snorkel as staff pointed out so many different species and shared their amazing local knowledge. We also used the spa on several occasions and found the quality of massages and facilities fantastic. For such a small island there was a wonderful variety of food options all of which were outstanding! I have a serious food allergy and the staff were always aware of this and went above and beyond to ensure my food not only safe but also ensured I enjoyed the same choice and variety that other guests had. The ethos and service on this island is something else. Everyone will say hello as you walk by, all take pride in their work, the gardens and beaches are immaculate and there was a strong environmental value. All of the staff were so genuinely warm and caring and they too seemed appreciated and valued by the management team. This island is literally perfection and we will remember our stay there forever!
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2 Helpful votes
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Response from Guillaume AUBLET, General Manager at Kandolhu Maldives
Responded Oct 10, 2022
Dear Chuckyegg72, Greetings from Kandolhu Maldives. Thank you so much for sharing your memories of your wonderful holiday experience at Kandolhu Maldives and for recommending us so highly to fellow travelers looking for the ideal romantic Island getaway. We are delighted to read that you enjoyed our facilities, your feedback has been gladly shared with the whole team. Thank you once again for your kind words, we are looking forward to welcoming you back soon. Warm regards, Guillaume
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Susan B wrote a review Mar 6
4 contributions2 helpful votes
This was our first visit to the Maldives and we chose Kandolhu for its small size, dining options, excellent house reef and quiet adult atmosphere. Our 5 nights here in a duplex villa did not disappoint. These units have two bathrooms and the lovely outdoor bathroom was a real treat. We swam or snorkeled several times a day, read books and used our pool. During the day we watched for schools of anchovies which made the waves appear to shimmer; at night the waves washed up bioluminescent plankton to our beach. We chose the a la carte dining plan as we rarely eat lunch, have dessert or drink alcohol. The food was interesting and surprisingly diverse and well prepared. The gym was quiet with sufficient equipment. The staff was genuinely helpful and warm. There were several repeat and extended stay guests which is a testament to the quality of this resort. We arrived by seaplane but took a boat transfer to Mirihi Island. The boat cost a little more than the transfer by air but was fun and much more time efficient. The resort is luxurious without being pretentious. We really enjoyed our stay and now understand why the Maldives are so popular.
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Date of stay: February 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from Guillaume AUBLET, General Manager at Kandolhu Maldives
Responded 1 week ago
Dear Susan, Greetings from Kandolhu Maldives. Thank you very much for taking the time to leave us such a nice review about your recent stay with us. We are thrilled to read that you enjoy your first time in the Maldives and that our little island met your expectations. Thank you once again for your kind words, we look forward to welcoming you back for the second visit. Warm regards, Guillaume
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
M P wrote a review Feb 2023
Surrey26 contributions17 helpful votes
This was our second visit to Kandolhu, this time in a beach villa (last time was a water villa). We combined a week here with a week at Constance Halaveli (where the seaplane from Male lands, a short 10 minute speedboat ride away from Kandolhu). We enjoyed our stay as much as last time – the beach villas are relatively small but have generous outdoor bathrooms and patios, and direct access to the beach with plenty of shade too. One of the best features here is the surrounding reef, that can be easily accessed directly from the beach or the two jetties (and directly from the overwater villas). If anything, the snorkelling was even better than last time, and there was extensive areas of varied and colourful new coral growth, with a huge amount and variety of fish plus regular interactions with sea turtles and reef sharks. The resort has a very relaxed and intimate vibe with only 30 villas, and bare feet and shorts are the norm even in the evening at the a la carte restaurants. Food remains of a very high standard and is all a la carte apart from a breakfast buffet (which accompanies various a la carte breakfast choices). All the staff are very friendly and attentive, and quickly welcome you by name. Our one suggestion would be for Kandolhu to use a higher budget for the included wines – it felt to us that the quality of these had reduced a little since our last stay, and spending a little bit more would be more in keeping with the quality of food (which remains excellent) and the wide range of excellent cocktails. We enjoyed splitting our time between Kandolhu and Halaveli and would highly recommend combining these two different but excellent resorts to those wanting a change of scenery, with just a 10 minute speedboat transfer (rather than needing to fly back to Male, as is common when combining further away resorts). Both places have outstanding staff and service, and excellent food. Kandolhu is smaller and more intimate and has the better reef (Halaveli’s is still good though), and Halaveli has better quality and choice of wine in the all-inclusive package (with an incredible a la carte list as well). What better than to spend some time at each!?
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Date of stay: January 2023
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Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2 Helpful votes
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Response from Guillaume AUBLET, General Manager at Kandolhu Maldives
Responded Feb 14, 2023
Dear MP, Greetings from Kandolhu Maldives. Thank you very much for taking the time to write a review about your recent stay with us. We are delighted to read that you enjoyed your villa, the food, our house reef as well as the friendliness of our staff. Your feedback has been gladly shared with the whole team. Thank you also for highlighting what we can improve on, constructive comments are always helpful to continue to improve our services. Thank you once again for your kind words, we look forward to welcoming you back soon. Warm regards, Guillaume
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Maldive3 wrote a review Feb 2023
Southampton, United Kingdom114 contributions68 helpful votes
We visited Kandholu in November .It was our 6th visit to this beautiful friendly island .Unfortunately the weather for our first week was not the best, wet & windy .The speed boat trip to the island was very choppy ! We stayed in a duplex which we love .The food choice is always good especially the sea grill where we love the large prawns & fresh fish every night . The snokelling is very good with an easy to reach reef.All the staff work hard & we have got to know many of them over the years & it feels like coming home when we arrive . Monika & Guillaume are doing a grand job managing the island ,long may it last .We willl be back .
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Date of stay: November 2022
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Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from Guillaume AUBLET, General Manager at Kandolhu Maldives
Responded Feb 6, 2023
Dear Maldive3, Greetings from Kandolhu Maldives. Thank you very much for taking the time to write this lovely review about your stay with us. It is always a great pleasure for the team to read such positive words, especially from many years repeat guests. We are thrilled to read that you enjoy your home far away from home once again. We look forward to welcoming you back for your 7th visit. Warm regards, Guillaume
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A. wrote a review Jan 2023
Zurich, Switzerland8 contributions
Stayed for six nights for $1500 per night in overwater villa 201, full board. Small and private island with an amazing house reef. Choose this place if you really value something small, low-key and are just looking to relax - this is what you basically pay for here. There are no activities/program offered on the island itself, besides a singer performing once a week. Guests were mainly older couples from either UK or German-speaking countries. Good: - Very friendly staff. It feels like they also get along well with each other. - House reef is very good. There are multiple sharks, turtles and also two resident nurse sharks under the service jetty. - Many different a la carte restaurants to choose from and the quality was very good. - The stay felt very private and intimate due to the villa/staff/island ratio. - The overwater villas are very beautiful. If you do not care about Instagram, the "normal" overwater villa will do just fine. Bad: - Very hard to snorkel directly from the villa, as the water is very shallow and there is nothing to see. Depending on your villa, it could be far from one of the two house reef entrances. Snorkelling here may not be suitable for beginners. - As the island is small, you can hear the generators when walking around the island.
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Date of stay: December 2022
Value
Location
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from Guillaume AUBLET, General Manager at Kandolhu Maldives
Responded Jan 31, 2023
Dear travelbug_201611, Greetings from Kandolhu Maldives. Thank you very much for taking the time to share your recent experience on Kandolhu with such lovely words. We are thrilled to read that you enjoy your time with us. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Kind regards, Guillaume
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kristen B wrote a review Dec 2022
San Francisco, California7 contributions1 helpful vote
+1
I actually came in September 2021 but am just getting around to the review (sorry!) There is really nothing better I can imagine than staying at Kandolhu (in fact, I am returning in November 2023 - I almost never repeat trips but this place is just so special). The location - a literal dream, like you’re living in a screensaver. The accommodation - absolutely lovely, the villas are spacious, modern, comfortable, and luxurious without being pretentious. The food - fantastic! I had so many great meals. Everything is fresh, well prepared, and for such a small island, there are so many choices. The drinks - fantastic! The beach bar has a huge menu of fun and inventive cocktails. The service - probably the best I’ve experienced. Everyone is kind, welcoming, and friendly. They go above and beyond to make your stay memorable.
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Traveled solo
Room Tip: Go! You won’t regret it.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from Guillaume AUBLET, General Manager at Kandolhu Maldives
Responded Dec 29, 2022
Dear Kristen, Greetings from Kandolhu Maldives. Thank you very much for taking the time to write such kind words about your stay with us. We are delighted to read that you enjoyed all aspects of our services. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Warm regards, Guillaume
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jamie F wrote a review Dec 2022
London, United Kingdom22 contributions23 helpful votes
+1
Well - our sixth time back to Kandolhu and it continues to live up to all expectations and all the fabulous reviews from other guests. Since we last visited, G and Monika have arrived and Kandolhu continues to be the best resort in the Maldives (in our view). The house reef was way healthier than we were expecting, so much fish life, sharks, corals, eagle rays and the rest. We have found that there is no better snorkelling in the Maldives. The food is excellent too and the rooms are exemplary. But the two stars of the show are 1) the service: Frandi, Sinaan and their team are simply exceptional. From Deshan at the bar, to Elvira, Kris and Maan at the restaurants, to Sharon and Justin the chefs - I can guarantee you, you won’t find better service on any island. 2) the diving: we may be slightly biased here but Mike and Chiara are beyond words and we love them. If you are a new to diving, want to further your diving by completing a course, or an experienced diver seeking a particular dive (drift, current, wreck etc), Mike and Chiara will do everything they can to make it the best experience possible. We must also mention the boat crew, Didi and Rasheed. Put simply, the entire team being assembled by Kandolhu will ensure you come back as many times as we do. We can’t wait for No7! See you all soon!
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from Guillaume AUBLET, General Manager at Kandolhu Maldives
Responded Dec 29, 2022
Dear Jamie, Thank you very much for taking the time to write a review about your recent stay with us. We are thrilled to read that you enjoy every aspect of your vacation with us. Thank you also for the personal recognition of our staff, your feedback has been gladly shared with the whole Kandolhu Team. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Kind regards, Guillaume
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Doenu wrote a review Dec 2022
Bern, Switzerland6 contributions13 helpful votes
We have just returned from three blissful weeks on Kandolhu and can’t recommend it highly enough. We’ve been coming here for a few years now (6 times so far) and have already booked for next year. Having travelled widely we have come to the conclusion that Kandolhu provides us with exactly what we want in a holiday: the island is beautiful and tranquil, the underwater world is simply stunning and magical, the rooms are impeccably appointed, the food is excellent and varied, and the staff combine professionalism and friendliness to a T. If you’re looking for relaxed low-key luxury, peace and privacy, this is your place. No jet skis, no karaoke machines, and no (or at least hardly any 😉) wannabe celebrity types in sight. Just bliss. Thank you to all the team on Kandolhu for making our stay just perfect. See you next year!
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Date of stay: December 2022
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Room Tip: Beach pool villas have most space and privacy and direct access to the beach.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from Guillaume AUBLET, General Manager at Kandolhu Maldives
Responded Dec 29, 2022
Dear Doenu, Thank you very much for taking the time to write a review about your recent stay with us. We are thrilled to read that you enjoy every aspect of your vacation with us, it is always delightful to receive such great feedback from repeat guests. Your feedback has been gladly shared with the whole Kandolhu Team and we look forward to welcoming you back for your 7th visit. Kind regards, Guillaume
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lisa s wrote a review Dec 2022
Liverpool, United Kingdom1 contribution
we have been to kuramathi 4 times and on this occasion, we were speed boated to kandolhu and greeted by both Monica and Guillaume for a tour of the island. We stayed in room 208, water villa - amazing! the room was incredible with huge selection of 30 wines, a nightly cake / treat in the room before bed. an ipad in the room was fab and the pool itself for our use only was gorgeous! we couldnt ask for anything more - it was simply heaven on earth and has become our favourite place. every team within the island were outstanding; from the staff in the bar / restaurants / housekeeping / guest support / water sports to the estates staff. we even got a behind the scenes visit to how water is cleaned, how safety checks were undertaken and how plants / herbs are grown and supported - the passion of the chief engineer was incredible. the food in the restaurants was unbelievable - could not fault it! the staff were keen to ensure that we received the service / experience we were after - cinema on the beach with pop corn to trips above the coral pointing out the sea-life etc. we have seen turtles before but nothing quite like this - swimming up to our ladder in the villa. the massages were amazing and my husband did a manta ray excursion, which did not disappoint! the taco and churro restaurant at lunch was well worth a visit or two - gorgeous food. the bar staff remembered the drinks we had had the night before and asked if we wanted the same again - even remembering our names! service at its best. Thank you for an amazing holiday - we will definitely be back!
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Date of stay: July 2022
Location
Service
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Room Tip: we had 208 which was room on stilts
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from Guillaume AUBLET, General Manager at Kandolhu Maldives
Responded Dec 29, 2022
Dear Lisa, Greetings from Kandolhu Maldives. Thank you very much for taking the time to write such kind words about your stay with us. We are delighted to read that you enjoyed all aspects of our services. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Warm regards, Guillaume
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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PRICE RANGE
$527 - $1,134 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
kandholhu island hotel north ari atoll, kandholhu island resort and spa
LOCATION
MaldivesAlifu AtollNorth Ari Atoll
NUMBER OF ROOMS
30
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KANDOLHU MALDIVES - Updated 2023 Prices & Hotel Reviews (North Ari Atoll)

Frequently Asked Questions about Kandolhu Maldives
What are some of the property amenities at Kandolhu Maldives?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Kandolhu Maldives?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Kandolhu Maldives?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Kandolhu Maldives?
Conveniently located restaurants include Jahaz, Jing, and Malamathi Restaurant & Bar.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Kandolhu Maldives?
Yes, guests have access to a fitness center and a private pool during their stay.
Does Kandolhu Maldives have airport transportation?
Yes, Kandolhu Maldives offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Kandolhu Maldives?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Kandolhu Maldives?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including French and German.
Does Kandolhu Maldives have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.