Kandima Maldives

Overview

Accommodation

Dining

Our Opinion

Kandima occupies one of the largest resort islands we’ve visited in the Maldives — 3km from end to end, with the resort itself stretching across roughly 2km and the remaining 1km left naturally undeveloped. That kind of space allows for a remarkable range of facilities: multiple dining options, a generously sized gym and spa, an excellent kids’ club, and two huge swimming pools each with its own bar. Despite the scale, nothing feels cramped. The sandy paths make barefoot wandering easy, and little shuttle buggies are on hand for anyone who’d rather ride.

The rooms are big, comfortably furnished, and all sleep up to four. The entry-level category is slightly unusual for the Maldives — villas arranged in two-storey blocks of four, with ground-floor rooms opening onto the beach and upstairs rooms offering wide sea views. Both are lovely. Beyond these, the choice extends to beach villas (with or without pools), ocean villas with pools, and water villas over the lagoon.

Kandima doesn’t look like a traditional Maldivian resort, and that’s part of its appeal. It strikes a deliberate balance between energy and calm — there’s a genuine buzz in places, but plenty of quiet corners when you want them. The service is warm and the welcome genuine. For anyone wanting something a little different, this one gets a definite thumbs up.

Summary

Kandima Maldives sits on a 3km island in Dhaalu Atoll, offering a lifestyle-focused resort experience that welcomes everyone from families and couples to groups of friends and honeymooners. The island is one of the largest resort islands in the Maldives, with around 2km of developed space and a further 1km left naturally untouched. Getting around is easy on sandy paths or by golf buggy taxi.

The accommodation is spacious and comfortable, with all rooms sleeping up to four. Lead-in rooms are set in blocks of four — ground-floor villas step directly onto the beach while first-floor rooms enjoy sweeping sea views. The range extends through beach villas (with or without pools), ocean villas with pools, and water villas, so there’s a style to suit most preferences.

Dining is varied, with several restaurants and bars spread across the island. Two large swimming pools, each with a pool bar, anchor the social side of the resort, while a generous gym, spa, art studio, kids’ club, watersports centre and dive base give guests plenty of ways to fill their days. The longest outdoor pool in the Maldives is here too. Note that the Beach Club becomes adults-only from 20 December 2024.