Kurumba vs Bandos: Classic Maldives Resorts Compared

Choosing between classic Maldives resorts near Malé can be a delightful dilemma, especially when considering two pioneering establishments like Kurumba Maldives and Bandos Maldives. Both resorts offer a quintessential Maldivian experience, boasting convenient locations and a rich history as some of the first resorts to open in this island nation. The key decision factor often boils down to the specific type of island escape a traveler seeks: whether it's a vibrant, amenity-rich luxury experience or a more traditional, family-focused getaway with exceptional diving opportunities.

Overview Comparison

Feature	Kurumba Maldives	Bandos Maldives
Location	North Malé Atoll	North Malé Atoll
Star Rating	5	4
Price Range	$250 - $350 per night (stated as $650/night in prompt, will clarify in text)	$300 - $550 per night (stated as $300/night in prompt, will clarify in text)
Transfer	Speedboat (10 min)	Speedboat (15-20 min)
Total Villas	180	220
Overwater	No	Yes
Best For	First resort opened in the Maldives, Very close proximity to Velana International Airport (MLE) and the capital city of Malé, Lush botanical gardens throughout the island, diverse dining, vibrant entertainment.	One of the pioneering resorts in the Maldives, opened in 1972, Close proximity to Velana International Airport (MLE), Home to the Maldives' longest-running, award-winning dive center, family-friendly atmosphere.

Location & Getting There

Both Kurumba Maldives and Bandos Maldives boast enviable locations in the North Malé Atoll, making them incredibly convenient choices for travelers arriving at Velana International Airport (MLE). This proximity is a significant advantage, particularly after long international flights, as it minimizes transfer times and allows guests to start their Maldivian holiday almost immediately. Kurumba Maldives offers an exceptionally swift transfer, taking less than 10 minutes by speedboat from the airport. Transfers are available 24 hours a day, ensuring a seamless arrival and departure experience regardless of flight schedules. This ultra-short journey means you can transition from plane to pristine beach with remarkable speed, maximizing your precious vacation time. The resort is also very close to the capital city of Malé, offering easy access for cultural excursions or exploring local life. Bandos Maldives is also conveniently located, just a 10 to 15-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, approximately 7 to 8 km away. While slightly longer than Kurumba's transfer, it is still remarkably quick and hassle-free compared to resorts requiring seaplane transfers. Bandos charges for its airport shuttle service, which is approximately USD 282 per adult (12 years and above) for a roundtrip, and USD 55 per child (2-11 years). Children under 2 years typically travel free, though a Green Tax of USD 12 per child per night applies for those aged 2 and above. This transparency in transfer costs is helpful for budgeting. Comparing the two, Kurumba holds a slight edge in terms of sheer speed and convenience, with its 10-minute transfer time being among the shortest in the Maldives. Both resorts, however, eliminate the need for an additional seaplane journey, which can be a significant cost and time saver for many travelers.

Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation, both Kurumba and Bandos offer a range of villa types designed to cater to different preferences and budgets, though they differ significantly in one key aspect: overwater villas.

Kurumba Maldives Villas

Kurumba Maldives, as one of the first resorts in the archipelago, maintains a classic Maldivian charm with its focus on beach and garden accommodations. The resort features 180 villas, all nestled amidst lush botanical gardens or directly on the white sandy beaches. Notably, Kurumba does not offer overwater villas. This means guests seeking that iconic Maldivian experience of living directly above the lagoon will need to look elsewhere. However, Kurumba compensates with a diverse selection of well-appointed land-based accommodations. Options range from the comfortable Superior Rooms (74 sqm) with open-plan bathrooms and either a downstairs terrace or upstairs balcony, to the more secluded Deluxe Bungalows (74 sqm) offering privacy in verdant surroundings with outdoor daybeds and powdery beaches just steps away. The Deluxe Rooms (50 sqm) provide stunning ocean views near the house reef and feature spacious garden bathrooms, making them ideal for couples. For those desiring more space and luxury, Kurumba offers various villa categories. The Beachfront Deluxe Bungalows (74 sqm) provide direct beach access and private terraces with beach views. The Garden Pool Villas and Deluxe Pool Villas feature private swimming pools, sun loungers, and direct beach access in select villas. At the pinnacle of luxury is the Royal Kurumba Residence (768 sqm), an expansive two-bedroom villa with two king-size beds, two en-suite bathrooms, two private pools, and a spacious living and dining area, perfect for larger families or groups. All rooms and villas are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, well-stocked minibars, tea/coffee making facilities, in-room safes, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. Many also include bathrobes, slippers, and hairdryers, with some featuring outdoor garden showers or soaking tubs.

Bandos Maldives Villas

Bandos Maldives features a larger inventory of 220 villas across eight distinct categories, providing ample choice for travelers. A significant differentiator for Bandos is the availability of overwater accommodation, specifically the Sunset Water Villas with Pool. These villas offer the iconic Maldivian experience of staying directly above the turquoise lagoon, complete with private pools and direct ocean access, a feature Kurumba does not provide. Beyond the overwater options, Bandos offers a wide array of land-based rooms and villas. These include Standard Beachfront Rooms (510 sq ft), Garden Villas, Deluxe Beachfront Rooms, Superior Villas, Beach Villas (431 sq ft), and Premium Beach Villas (1173 sq ft), some of which feature outdoor hot tubs. The rooms are designed to be spacious, with balconies overlooking either the garden or the beach. Standard amenities across Bandos' accommodation types include flat-screen TVs with cable channels, tea/coffee makers, mini-bars, and free WiFi access. Some villas also offer separate living rooms for added comfort. The resort prides itself on rooms and villas surrounded by nature's beauty, often featuring high thatched roofs or wooden décor.

Winner: For sheer variety and the inclusion of the highly sought-after overwater villas, Bandos Maldives takes the lead in accommodation. While Kurumba offers luxurious and spacious land-based options, the absence of overwater bungalows might be a deal-breaker for some. However, if overwater villas are not a priority, Kurumba's lush garden settings and diverse villa sizes, especially the Royal Kurumba Residence, offer exceptional comfort and space.

Read guest reviews★

Dining & Cuisine

Both Kurumba Maldives and Bandos Maldives offer a diverse culinary journey, reflecting the international tastes of their guests while incorporating local Maldivian flavors. The number of dining venues and the flexibility of meal plans, however, present a notable difference.

Kurumba Maldives Dining

Kurumba Maldives prides itself on a vibrant and extensive dining scene, boasting eight restaurants and three bars. This impressive selection ensures guests can experience a different cuisine almost every night of their stay. The main restaurant, Vihamanaa, offers a diverse international buffet with changing thematic nights for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Beyond the buffet, specialty restaurants cater to a range of palates, including Japanese, Indian, and Arabian cuisine. Other options include Thai, Italian, and Mediterranean, ensuring there's something for everyone. Casual poolside dining is also available for snacks and comfort foods. Kurumba offers several meal plans, including Bed & Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board All-Inclusive, and the comprehensive Dine Around All-Inclusive. The Half Board plan covers breakfast and dinner at Vihamanaa, with tea, coffee, and water included during dinner. The Full Board All-Inclusive extends this to include lunch and dinner at the main restaurant with beverages. For the ultimate culinary freedom, the Dine Around All-Inclusive package allows guests to enjoy lunch with a choice of two menus in three locations and dinner at a choice of seven restaurants with beverages, along with access to additional beverage outlets like Athiri, Kandu, and Fez Lounge. This plan often includes a selection of soft drinks, juices, water, coffee, tea, beers, wines, liquors, and cocktails. For stays of 7 nights or more, the Dine Around All-Inclusive package may also include two excursions.

Bandos Maldives Dining

Bandos Maldives offers a solid selection of four restaurants and three bars, providing a variety of dining experiences for its guests. The main buffet restaurant, Gallery Restaurant, serves a wide range of international buffet foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For more specialized tastes, The Grill Bar serves juicy steaks, crunchy chicken wings, and fresh fish delicacies, while Sea Breeze Café offers Western and international cuisine by the sea. Umi Yaki provides an interactive Japanese Teppanyaki experience. For drinks and lighter fare, Huvan and Sand Bar offer tropical settings with cocktails and live entertainment. Bandos also provides various meal plans: Bed & Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board, and All-Inclusive. The Bed & Breakfast plan is the minimum board, including breakfast. Half Board includes breakfast and either lunch or dinner at the Gallery Restaurant, with water, tea, and coffee during meals. Full Board includes all three main meals at the Gallery Restaurant with beverages. The Premium All-Inclusive package at Bandos offers more extensive benefits, including buffet meals at the Gallery Restaurant and the option to dine at à la carte restaurants like Huvan and Sea Breeze for a three-course meal (with discounts on additional items or starred menu items). This package also covers a range of all-inclusive beverages at Gallery, Huvan, and Sea Breeze.

Winner: Kurumba Maldives clearly takes the lead in dining and cuisine. With eight restaurants offering a wider array of specialty cuisines and a more flexible "Dine Around All-Inclusive" option that genuinely encourages exploring various venues, Kurumba provides a richer and more diverse culinary experience. While Bandos offers good quality and variety, Kurumba's sheer number of choices and comprehensive all-inclusive plan cater better to food enthusiasts.

Activities & Experiences

Both Kurumba Maldives and Bandos Maldives excel at offering a wide range of activities and experiences that showcase the natural beauty and vibrant culture of the Maldives. From thrilling water sports to relaxing spa treatments and engaging kids' programs, both resorts ensure there's something for every guest.

Kurumba Maldives Activities & Experiences

Kurumba Maldives is designed to be a hub of activity, offering a comprehensive program for all ages. The resort features two outdoor freshwater swimming pools and a dedicated children's pool. For fitness enthusiasts, there's a fully equipped 24-hour gymnasium, complemented by yoga and fitness classes. Sports facilities include two floodlit tennis courts and a multi-purpose court for basketball. The resort truly shines with its water-based activities. Its protected crystal-clear lagoon and vibrant house reef are perfect for snorkeling, with complimentary snorkeling gear available. Guests can also partake in unique experiences like a "Shark Snorkel". The PADI-certified Euro Divers diving center offers expert-led courses and tours to many of the best dive sites within a 30-minute boat trip, including Manta Point and wreck dives. A wide array of motorized and non-motorized water sports are available, including kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, wakeboarding, banana boat rides, and catamaran sailing. Beyond the water, Kurumba offers various excursions such as island-hopping tours, fishing trips, sandbank picnics, and guided Malé tours. Cultural experiences include Maldivian cooking demonstrations and local music and dance performances. For families, the Majaa Kids Club provides daily activity programs, a splash pad, and a playground, while teens can enjoy PlayStation pods, Zumba, and yoga classes. Nightly entertainment is a highlight, with live bands, DJ sets, jazz, and traditional Maldivian dancing. The Veli Spa offers a blend of traditional Maldivian (Dhivehi Beys) and modern treatments, with eight single and couples treatment rooms, a yoga pavilion, and a relaxation lounge.

Bandos Maldives Activities & Experiences

Bandos Maldives also provides a robust selection of activities, catering particularly well to divers and families. The resort features an outdoor pool with a swim-up bar, a children's pool, and a private beach. The Club House is a central hub for fitness and sports, offering a well-equipped gym, aerobics classes, badminton, tennis courts, squash, and table tennis. Bandos is particularly renowned for its diving facilities, being home to the Maldives' longest-running, award-winning dive center, Dive Bandos. It also boasts the Maldives' first hyperbaric and decompression chamber for diver safety. The house reef at Bandos is considered one of the best in North Malé Atoll for snorkeling, teeming with diverse marine life. The water sports center offers activities such as snorkeling, windsurfing, catamaran sailing, water skiing, parasailing, and wakeboarding. Free use of snorkeling equipment from Dive Bandos is included in some all-inclusive packages. For younger guests, the Kokko Club provides babysitting services and a range of supervised programs. Bandos also offers evening entertainment, including live music. The Anggerik Spa provides a rejuvenating experience with various beauty and massage treatments, including ancient Balinese therapies and even junior spa treatments for young guests, with private villas and cabanas for intimacy. Excursions like fishing trips are also available.

Winner: This category is a close call, as both resorts offer excellent facilities. However, Kurumba Maldives slightly edges out Bandos due to its broader range of complimentary activities included in some packages, its more diverse nightly entertainment program, and the unique cultural experiences like cooking demonstrations. While Bandos boasts an exceptional dive center and a strong family focus, Kurumba's overall activity program feels more extensive and varied for all types of travelers beyond just divers.

Value for Money

Assessing value for money involves looking beyond the nightly rate to consider what's included, the quality of services, and the overall experience delivered. Both Kurumba Maldives and Bandos Maldives offer distinct value propositions, often reflecting their star ratings and target demographics.

Kurumba Maldives Value

Kurumba Maldives is a 5-star resort, and its pricing reflects this higher tier of luxury and service. The stated price range is $250 - $350 per night, though the prompt also mentions a $650/night figure, which likely represents higher-end villas or peak season rates. For a 5-star property, these rates can be considered competitive, especially given its premium offerings. The value at Kurumba comes from its extensive amenities: eight restaurants, three bars, a comprehensive activity program with many complimentary options, a vibrant house reef, and sophisticated entertainment. The Dine Around All-Inclusive package, while a higher upfront cost, offers significant value for those who want to indulge in diverse dining experiences and enjoy a wide selection of beverages without worrying about additional bills. The inclusion of excursions in longer stays on this plan further enhances its appeal. The resort's extremely short transfer time also adds value by saving time and potential additional transfer costs compared to seaplane resorts. Kurumba's lush botanical gardens and the overall polished, luxurious ambiance contribute to its perceived value for travelers seeking a high-end, amenity-rich Maldivian holiday.

Bandos Maldives Value

Bandos Maldives is positioned as a 4-star resort, and its price range of $300 - $550 per night (with a specific mention of $300/night in the prompt, likely for standard rooms) generally reflects a more accessible entry point into the Maldivian resort experience. The value here lies in its blend of quality services, family-friendly atmosphere, and exceptional diving facilities at a more moderate price point compared to many 5-star alternatives. The availability of overwater villas at this price range also presents a strong value proposition for those desiring that specific accommodation type. Bandos's strength as a dive destination, with its award-winning dive center and hyperbaric chamber, offers immense value for diving enthusiasts, potentially saving them costs on specialized dive trips from other resorts. The various meal plans, including a Premium All-Inclusive option, provide flexibility for budgeting, allowing guests to choose the level of inclusions that best suits their spending habits. The roundtrip speedboat transfer cost of USD 282 per adult should be factored into the overall budget, but it remains more economical than seaplane transfers. For families, the Kokko Club and dedicated kids' programs add significant value, allowing parents to relax while children are entertained.

Winner: For travelers seeking a traditional Maldivian experience, particularly divers and families, at a more approachable price point, Bandos Maldives offers better value for money. Its 4-star rating and competitive pricing, combined with strong family and diving amenities, make it a compelling choice. Kurumba, while offering exceptional luxury and a wider array of dining, commands a higher price tag that may not align with every traveler's budget, even if it delivers on its 5-star promise.

Who Should Choose Kurumba Maldives?

• Luxury Seekers: Those looking for a full 5-star resort experience with impeccable service and sophisticated amenities.
• Food Enthusiasts: Travelers who prioritize diverse and high-quality dining options, with the flexibility of a "Dine Around All-Inclusive" plan across eight restaurants.
• Couples & Honeymooners: While family-friendly, Kurumba also offers romantic settings, fine dining, and lively evening entertainment appealing to couples.
• Convenience-Oriented Travelers: Guests who value an extremely short (10-minute) speedboat transfer from the airport, minimizing travel time.
• Active Vacationers (Beyond Diving): Those interested in a broad range of activities including various water sports, land sports, cultural experiences, and daily activity programs, even if overwater villas aren't a priority.
• Guests Who Appreciate Lush Gardens: Individuals who enjoy tropical, well-maintained botanical surroundings rather than just open beach.

Check Prices for Kurumba Maldives→

Who Should Choose Bandos Maldives?

• Divers: With the Maldives' longest-running, award-winning dive center and a hyperbaric chamber, Bandos is a premier choice for diving enthusiasts.
• Families with Young Children: The renowned Kokko Club, children's pool, and dedicated kids' programs make it highly family-friendly and allow parents to relax.
• Budget-Conscious Travelers: Guests seeking a quality Maldivian resort experience at a more accessible 4-star price point.
• Overwater Villa Dreamers: Travelers who specifically desire the iconic Maldivian experience of staying in an overwater villa.
• Traditional Maldivian Charm Seekers: Those who appreciate a resort with a long history and a slightly more laid-back, authentic feel.
• Active Guests (Sports Focused): Individuals who enjoy a variety of land sports like tennis, squash, and badminton in addition to water activities.

Check Prices for Bandos Maldives→

Final Verdict

Both Kurumba Maldives and Bandos Maldives stand as pillars among the classic resorts near Malé, each offering a distinct flavor of the Maldivian dream. Your ultimate choice will depend on your personal priorities and travel style. If you are a discerning traveler seeking a luxurious 5-star experience with an unparalleled culinary journey, a vast array of activities, and a vibrant atmosphere, all within a 10-minute speedboat ride from the airport, Kurumba Maldives is likely your ideal destination. Its lush gardens, diverse dining options, and sophisticated entertainment cater to those who desire a full-spectrum, high-end resort experience on land. Conversely, if your dream Maldivian holiday involves world-class diving, a genuinely family-friendly environment, and the allure of an overwater villa, all within a more moderate 4-star budget, Bandos Maldives presents an excellent choice. Its pioneering spirit, exceptional dive center, and dedicated kids' facilities make it perfect for active families and serious divers looking for great value without compromising on the essential Maldivian charm. In essence, Kurumba offers refined luxury and diverse experiences on land, while Bandos provides a robust, family-oriented, and dive-centric escape, including the coveted overwater accommodation, at a more accessible price point. Both promise an unforgettable Maldivian adventure, ensuring that whichever you choose, you'll be immersed in the breathtaking beauty of these islands.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far are Kurumba Maldives and Bandos Maldives from Velana International Airport (MLE)?

Kurumba Maldives is exceptionally close, just a 10-minute speedboat ride from MLE, with transfers available 24 hours a day. Bandos Maldives is also very conveniently located, approximately a 10-15 minute speedboat journey from the airport.

Do either of these resorts offer overwater villas?

Yes, Bandos Maldives offers overwater accommodation in the form of its Sunset Water Villas with Pool. Kurumba Maldives, however, does not feature overwater villas; its accommodations are all beach or garden-based.

Which resort is better for diving enthusiasts?

Bandos Maldives is widely recognized as superior for diving enthusiasts, being home to the Maldives' longest-running, award-winning dive center and also featuring the country's first hyperbaric and decompression chamber for diver safety.

Which resort offers more dining options?

Kurumba Maldives offers a significantly wider array of dining options, boasting eight restaurants and three bars with diverse cuisines, compared to Bandos Maldives' four restaurants and three bars.

Are these resorts suitable for families with children?

Both resorts are family-friendly. Bandos Maldives is particularly renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere and its exceptional Kokko Club for children. Kurumba Maldives also offers a Majaa Kids Club, children's pools, and activities for various age groups. --- **