Quick Overview
Kandima Maldives stands out as a dynamic and vibrant 5-star lifestyle resort, delivering an unforgettable Maldivian experience. It's a place where pristine natural beauty meets an energetic, modern vibe, ensuring every guest finds their perfect rhythm, whether it's exhilarating water sports or serene spa moments. This comprehensive review dives deep into what makes Kandima Maldives a truly unique destination.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Kandima Maldives |
| Atoll | Dhaalu Atoll |
| Island | Kandima Island |
| Star Rating | 5 Stars |
| Opened Year | 2017 |
| Total Villas | 266 |
| Transfer Type | Domestic Flight & Speedboat |
| Transfer Time | 40-50 minutes from Malé |
| Price Range (Per Night) | $600 (Low Season Beach Villa) - $1250 (High Season Overwater Villa) |
Location & Getting There
Nestled within the unspoiled beauty of the Dhaalu Atoll, Kandima Maldives offers a sense of exclusivity away from the more congested central atolls. The Dhaalu Atoll is renowned for its pristine coral reefs, abundant marine life, and tranquil, uncrowded lagoons, making it a diver's and snorkeler's paradise. This less-traveled atoll provides a more authentic and serene Maldivian experience, yet Kandima manages to inject its signature 'k'ool' energy into the surroundings.
Accessing Kandima Maldives is an adventure in itself, part of the excitement of arriving in this secluded paradise. Your journey begins with an international flight to Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé. From there, guests embark on a scenic domestic flight, typically lasting around 20-25 minutes, to the domestic airport in the Dhaalu Atoll. Upon arrival at the local airport, a comfortable speedboat transfer awaits, whisking you across the crystal-clear waters to Kandima Island in approximately 20-25 minutes. The total transfer time, including both the domestic flight and speedboat, averages between 40-50 minutes. While not a direct seaplane transfer, this combination offers breathtaking aerial views of the scattered atolls and a thrilling speedboat ride, setting the tone for your island escape. It's a smooth and efficient process, expertly handled by the resort's team, ensuring a seamless start to your holiday. Maldives Transfers Guide
Accommodation: Your Private Slice of Paradise
Kandima Maldives boasts an impressive collection of 266 stylishly designed villas and studios, offering a diverse range of options to suit every preference and budget. Whether you dream of waking up to the gentle lapping of waves beneath your private deck or stepping directly onto soft white sands, Kandima delivers with both overwater and beach villa categories. Recent reviews frequently praise the luxurious villas for their comfort and stunning views, with particular adoration for the Ocean Pool and Aqua Villas.
Beach Villas & Studios
- Beach Studios: Perfect for couples or small families, these modern studios offer direct beach access, open-plan living, and vibrant decor. Studios at Kandima start from £199 a night on a bed and breakfast basis.
- Beach Villas with Jacuzzi: Elevating the beach experience, these villas feature a private outdoor Jacuzzi for ultimate relaxation under the stars.
- Beach Pool Villas: For those who desire their own private plunge pool steps from the sand, these villas offer secluded luxury and ample space.
Prices for beach accommodations typically range from approximately $600 per night during the low season to around $900 per night in the high season, offering excellent value for a 5-star Maldivian experience. Villas start from £274 a night on a bed and breakfast basis.
Overwater Villas & Suites
- Aqua Villas: Perched directly over the lagoon, these popular villas offer breathtaking ocean views and direct access to the water from your private deck. Many guests highlight their comfort and stunning vistas.
- Aqua Villas with Jacuzzi: Add a touch of romance with an outdoor Jacuzzi overlooking the endless expanse of the Indian Ocean.
- Ocean Pool Villas: The epitome of overwater luxury, these spacious villas feature a private infinity pool seemingly blending into the horizon. They are consistently lauded in reviews for their opulence and unparalleled ocean panoramas.
- Honeymoon Aqua Pool Villas: Designed for romance, these exclusive villas offer ultimate privacy and a private pool, ideal for couples celebrating their love.
Overwater villas generally start from around $800 per night in the low season, reaching up to $1250 per night during peak travel times. Each villa and studio is thoughtfully appointed with contemporary furnishings, vibrant artwork, and all the modern amenities one would expect from a luxury resort, including air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and spacious bathrooms.
Dining: A Culinary Journey for Every Palate
One of the standout features of Kandima Maldives, as frequently highlighted by recent guests, is its exceptional culinary landscape. With an impressive array of ten distinct dining venues, the resort ensures that every meal is an experience, from casual bites to exquisite fine dining. The sheer variety of food, both at the buffet and à la carte restaurants, receives consistent praise.
Signature Restaurants:
- Flavor & Zest: These are the resort's main buffet restaurants, offering vast international spreads for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests rave about the extensive selection and quality, ensuring there's something to satisfy every craving.
- Smoked: Specializing in grilled meats and fresh seafood, Smoked offers an al fresco dining experience with stunning ocean views, perfect for a romantic evening.
- Sea Dragon: A particular favorite among reviewers, Sea Dragon serves up authentic Asian cuisine, with a focus on Chinese and Japanese dishes. Guests frequently give it a special mention for its incredible flavors and exceptional service.
- Azure: For a taste of the Mediterranean, Azure provides a chic setting with a menu of fresh seafood, vibrant salads, and classic European dishes.
Casual Bites & Bars:
- Aroma Cafe: Your go-to spot for freshly brewed coffee, delicious pastries, and light snacks, set amidst an art studio.
- Breeze Bar: The main pool bar, lively and energetic, serving refreshing cocktails, light meals, and snacks throughout the day.
- Forbidden Bar: An exclusive adults-only lounge, perfect for evening drinks and sophisticated ambiance, with live DJs playing into the night.
- The Deli: Offering gourmet sandwiches, salads, and quick bites, ideal for a casual lunch or takeaway.
Kandima Maldives offers various meal plans, including a highly recommended all-inclusive option, which can be an excellent value for those who plan to indulge in the resort's diverse culinary offerings and beverages. The all-inclusive package typically costs around $1650 per night, covering meals and drinks across selected venues. While some reviews noted certain food outlets as being overpriced, the overall consensus points to a high-quality and varied dining experience across the resort.
Activities & Experiences: An Island of Endless Fun
Unlike resorts that prioritize quiet solitude above all else, Kandima Maldives thrives on offering an abundance of activities and unique experiences, ensuring guests are never bored. From thrilling water sports to enriching cultural workshops and wellness journeys, there's an adventure for everyone.
Underwater Wonders: Snorkeling & Diving
The house reef at Kandima Maldives is a true gem, celebrated for its vibrant coral reef and rich marine life. It's an excellent spot for both snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, with guests reporting sightings of colorful corals, turtles, reef fish, reef sharks, and eagle rays. Complimentary snorkeling equipment is provided, and guided snorkeling trips to the house reef are available daily. The resort's certified dive center offers a full range of PADI courses and guided dives to numerous nearby dive sites, promising unforgettable encounters with the Maldives' spectacular marine ecosystem. diving in the Maldives
Spa & Wellness: EsKape for the Senses
The EsKape Spa at Kandima Maldives is a sanctuary of serenity and rejuvenation. It stands out with its unique offerings, providing not just traditional massages and facials but also signature local treatments. What truly differentiates it is the breathtaking setting: treatment rooms offer direct views of the shimmering water, accompanied by the soothing sounds of waves.
Thrill-Seeking Water Sports & Excursions
For the adventurous, the resort's water sports center, Aquaholics, is a hub of excitement. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, and exhilarating jet ski rides. For those seeking a bit of group fun, banana boat rides are a popular choice. Beyond the immediate lagoon, Kandima also organizes thrilling big game fishing excursions, night fishing trips, turtle quests, and romantic sunset cruises, offering different perspectives of the Maldivian seascape.
Unique Kandima Experiences:
- Longest Outdoor Pool in the Maldives: Stretching an impressive 100 meters, this iconic pool is a central hub for relaxation and fun, flanked by the lively Breeze Bar.
- Marine Biology Center & Coral Adoption Program: Engage with the resort's dedicated marine biologists, learn about local conservation efforts, and even participate in the coral adoption program to leave a positive impact on the reef. Eco-Tourism Maldives
- Art Studio & Classes: Unleash your inner artist at the KULA Art Studio, where guests can take art classes and engage in creative workshops, adding a unique cultural dimension to their holiday.
- Cooking Classes: Discover the secrets of Maldivian and international cuisine with hands-on cooking classes led by the resort's expert chefs.
- Kandiland Aqua Park: A paradise for younger guests, Kandiland is one of the largest kids' clubs in the Maldives, featuring an impressive aqua park with slides and splash areas, ensuring endless entertainment for children. The resort's commitment to families is evident in its comprehensive kids' club activities.
- 24/7 Fitness Center: Stay active with a state-of-the-art gym, BURN Fitness Centre, offering diverse fitness classes, including unique options like anti-gravity yoga, Zumba, aqua-bike classes, and POUND® fitness, catering to all fitness levels.
- Land Sports: For those who prefer to stay on solid ground, the resort offers tennis, badminton, beach volleyball, and even football.
Who Is This Resort Best For?
Kandima Maldives proudly embraces its "lifestyle resort" concept, making it an ideal destination for a diverse range of travelers. It truly appeals to "all ages", distinguishing itself from more traditional, honeymoon-centric Maldivian resorts.
- Families: With the extensive Kandiland Aqua Park, a vibrant kids' club, and a plethora of activities suitable for all ages, Kandima is a top choice for families seeking an engaging and fun-filled holiday.
- Couples & Honeymooners: While lively, the resort also offers ample opportunities for romance. Luxurious overwater villas, private dining experiences on the beach or a remote sandbank, the serene EsKape Spa, and stunning sunset cruises provide perfect settings for couples.
- Adventure Seekers & Divers: The excellent house reef, dedicated dive center, marine biology program, and wide array of water sports make it a dream destination for those who love to explore beneath and on the waves.
- Social Travelers & Groups: The resort's energetic atmosphere, multiple bars (including the adults-only Forbidden Bar with live DJs), and communal areas are perfect for those who enjoy a lively social scene and meeting new people.
- Wellness Enthusiasts: With its unique spa treatments and diverse fitness classes, including anti-gravity yoga, it caters well to guests prioritizing health and well-being.
- Budget-Conscious Luxury Seekers: While a 5-star resort, Kandima Maldives offers competitive pricing, especially during the low season, providing a luxurious Maldivian experience without the ultra-exclusive price tag of some other high-end properties.
It might not be the top choice for those seeking absolute, undisturbed solitude and ultra-minimalist luxury, but for anyone looking for a vibrant, activity-rich, and stylish Maldivian escape, Kandima is an exceptional fit.
Pros & Cons: An Honest Assessment
Based on a thorough analysis of recent guest reviews, Kandima Maldives consistently receives high praise for several key aspects, while also presenting a few minor areas for potential improvement.
Pros:
- Exceptional Cleanliness & Facilities: Guests frequently commend the resort for its immaculate upkeep and excellent, well-maintained facilities, from the villas to the pools and public areas.
- Friendly & Accommodating Staff: The service culture at Kandima is a major highlight. Reviewers consistently praise the staff for being incredibly friendly, attentive, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure a memorable stay.
- Breathtaking Scenery: As expected in the Maldives, the natural beauty of Kandima Island and its surrounding lagoon is universally admired, providing a stunning backdrop for any holiday.
- Amazing Food Variety: The diverse dining options receive rave reviews, with guests particularly impressed by the extensive choices at both buffet and à la carte restaurants. Sea Dragon is often singled out for its outstanding cuisine.
- Luxurious & Comfortable Villas: The accommodation, especially the Ocean Pool and Aqua Villas, is frequently highlighted for its comfort, stylish design, and spectacular views.
- Wide Range of Activities: Guests appreciate the sheer volume and variety of activities available, ensuring there's always something to do, catering to all interests and energy levels.
- Lively & Welcoming Atmosphere: The resort successfully cultivates a vibrant, energetic, and welcoming ambiance that appeals to a broad demographic, making it feel less formal and more engaging than some other luxury resorts.
Cons:
- Occasional Housekeeping Oversights: A few reviews mentioned minor inconsistencies or oversights in housekeeping services, though this appears to be an infrequent issue.
- Perception of Overpriced Food Outlets: While the overall food quality is high, some guests felt that certain à la carte dining options or specific menu items were priced on the higher side.
- All-Inclusive Package Concerns: Some guests noted that the all-inclusive package could be improved, suggesting it's important to understand what's covered to avoid unexpected costs.
Overall, the positive feedback overwhelmingly outweighs the minor criticisms, painting a picture of a well-run, highly enjoyable resort experience at Kandima Maldives.
Pricing & Value: Is Kandima Maldives Worth It?
Investing in a Maldivian holiday is a significant decision, and understanding the pricing structure of Kandima Maldives helps in assessing its value. As a 5-star lifestyle resort with an extensive array of facilities and services, Kandima offers competitive pricing within the luxury segment.
Seasonal Price Ranges (Per Night):
- Low Season (May - October):
- Beach Villas: Approximately $600 (Studios from around £199/night)
- Overwater Villas: Approximately $800
- High Season (November - April, including festive periods):
- Beach Villas: Approximately $900 (Villas from around £274/night)
- Overwater Villas: Approximately $1250
- All-Inclusive Package: An excellent option for many, the all-inclusive plan generally costs around $1650 per night, covering meals, drinks, and often some activities, providing peace of mind and predictable budgeting.
Value Assessment:
Considering the comprehensive offerings – from luxurious accommodation and diverse dining to an incredible range of activities and a unique lifestyle concept – Kandima Maldives presents strong value for its price point. The inclusion of a marine biology center, a massive kids' club with an aqua park, a full-fledged art studio, and unique fitness classes like anti-gravity yoga often come as premium add-ons at other resorts. Here, they are integral to the Kandima experience. The resort's pricing aligns with the average for hotels in the Maldives, making it an attractive choice for luxury without exceeding typical budget expectations.
The resort’s commitment to providing a dynamic and engaging holiday for all ages, combined with its 5-star service and facilities, makes it a worthwhile investment for those seeking more than just a quiet beach retreat. The all-inclusive option, in particular, can offer significant savings and a hassle-free experience, especially for families or groups who plan to make the most of the resort's culinary and beverage offerings.
Best Time to Book:
For the best value, consider traveling during the low season (May to October). While this period sees a higher chance of rain, showers are often brief, and you'll benefit from significantly lower prices and fewer crowds. The shoulder months (late April, early November) can also offer a good balance of weather and pricing. However, for guaranteed sunshine and calm seas, the high season (December to March) is ideal, albeit at a premium.
Check Prices for Kandima Maldives→
In conclusion, Kandima Maldives isn't just a resort; it's a destination that promises an exhilarating and enriching Maldivian adventure. Its blend of contemporary luxury, vibrant energy, and diverse offerings ensures a memorable escape for every traveler. If you're looking for a Maldivian experience that’s anything but ordinary, Kandima Maldives truly delivers.