Kandooma Resort | Maafushi

Kandooma Resort, officially known as Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, is a popular luxury resort located in the South Malé Atoll of the Maldives. It offers a perfect blend of modern amenities, exceptional service, and natural beauty, making it a favorite choice for travelers seeking an idyllic beach holiday, water sports, and family-friendly activities. Here’s a detailed look at the resort:

Overview of Kandooma Resort:

• Location: Kandooma Resort is situated about 35 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport, making it relatively accessible while still offering a sense of seclusion and tranquility. The resort is located on Kandooma Island, surrounded by pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs.
• Accommodation: The resort features a range of over-water villas and beachfront bungalows, offering both privacy and easy access to the ocean. Guests can choose from various accommodation options depending on their preferences for space, amenities, and proximity to the beach or lagoon.

Key Features and Facilities:

Accommodation Options:

• Beach Villas: Spacious, modern villas set on the beach with direct access to the sand. These villas typically feature large windows, private terraces, and outdoor showers. The villas provide a cozy, relaxed atmosphere, ideal for couples or families.
• Overwater Villas: Luxurious villas perched above the lagoon, offering breathtaking views of the turquoise waters. Overwater villas provide a private and tranquil experience, with direct access to the lagoon for snorkeling or swimming right from your doorstep.
• Garden Villas: Located slightly inland but still close to the beach, these villas offer beautiful views of the lush tropical gardens, combining privacy with easy access to the resort’s main amenities.

Dining Options:

• Kandooma Café: The main restaurant offering a wide range of international and Maldivian dishes in a buffet-style setting. The café offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with views of the resort’s lush garden.
• The Reef: An à la carte restaurant offering fresh seafood and grilled specialties, perfect for a more intimate dining experience.
• Baraabaru: A fine-dining venue serving exquisite Indian cuisine with a focus on rich, flavorful dishes.
• The Lounge Bar: A casual bar offering refreshing drinks, cocktails, and light snacks. The perfect spot to relax by the pool or enjoy the evening sunset.
• In-Villa Dining: Guests can also enjoy private meals in the comfort of their villas, with a range of options available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Water Sports and Diving:

• Diving and Snorkeling: Kandooma Resort is famous for its vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life, making it a top choice for divers and snorkelers. The resort is located near some of the best dive sites in the Maldives, such as Kandooma Thila, which is known for its diverse marine life, including sharks, rays, and colorful fish.
• Water Sports: The resort offers a wide variety of water sports activities, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, and jet-skiing. Guests can explore the crystal-clear lagoon or enjoy thrilling water adventures.
• Kandooma Dive Center: The resort has a dedicated dive center offering guided dives, dive courses, and equipment rentals. Experienced divers can explore the nearby reefs, while beginners can take lessons to learn the basics of diving.

Spa and Wellness:

• Kandooma Spa: The resort features a luxurious spa offering a range of treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate. Guests can indulge in traditional Maldivian massages, body scrubs, and wellness therapies in a peaceful setting, often accompanied by beautiful views of the ocean.
• Fitness Center: The resort also offers a fully equipped fitness center for guests who want to stay active during their stay.

Family-Friendly Activities:

• Kids’ Club: The resort has a dedicated kids' club that offers a range of supervised activities for children, including arts and crafts, beach games, and educational activities. This makes the resort a great choice for families traveling with young children.
• Family Villas: The family-friendly villas are designed to accommodate larger groups, ensuring that families can stay together comfortably and enjoy their time at the resort.

Excursions and Experiences:

• Island Hopping: Kandooma Resort offers various island-hopping excursions, where guests can visit nearby local islands or uninhabited islands for a picnic or snorkeling trip.
• Sandbank Picnic: The resort organizes special sandbank picnics, where guests can enjoy a private experience on a secluded sandbank, complete with a delicious picnic and various water activities.
• Sunset Cruises: Enjoy a scenic sunset cruise, where guests can relax on a traditional Maldivian dhoni boat while watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
• Fishing Trips: Guests can go on night fishing or big-game fishing trips, either with a local guide or as part of a resort-organized excursion.

Sustainability and Eco-Tourism:

• Kandooma Resort is committed to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. The resort focuses on reducing its environmental impact through water and energy conservation, waste reduction, and supporting local communities.
• The resort has a strong emphasis on preserving the local environment and wildlife, including coral reef conservation programs and beach clean-up efforts.

Weddings and Honeymoons:

• Kandooma Resort is an excellent destination for honeymoons or weddings, offering special packages for couples. The resort’s romantic settings, private villas, and beautiful beaches create the perfect backdrop for a memorable experience.
• Wedding Packages: The resort provides tailored wedding packages, including beach ceremonies, private dinners, and photography services, to ensure couples have a dream wedding in paradise.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Kandooma Resort is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is sunny, and the seas are calm. This period is ideal for outdoor activities such as snorkeling, diving, and sunbathing. The wet season from May to October sees more rainfall and higher humidity, but the resort can still be visited during this time, with fewer tourists and more affordable rates.

Conclusion:

Kandooma Resort (Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives) offers a fantastic mix of relaxation, adventure, and family-friendly amenities in a stunning natural environment. With its wide range of activities, comfortable accommodations, exquisite dining, and excellent diving opportunities, it’s an ideal destination for couples, families, and honeymooners. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a thrilling diving adventure, or a relaxing beach holiday, Kandooma Resort provides everything needed for an unforgettable Maldives experience.