Kandooma

Overview

Accommodation

Our Opinion

A contemporary resort with strong facilities, and a popular choice with families. It perhaps lacks the authentic Maldivian character of the more traditional islands, and there is no house reef off the beach, but the pricing is keen and Male is only a short hop away. That makes it a smart pick for a quick getaway, particularly with the children in tow.

Summary

Kandooma is a contemporary island retreat set on its own lagoon, reached by a 40 minute speedboat transfer from Male International Airport. The island sits in South Malé Atoll, putting some of the region's best diving and surfing within easy reach. The beach villas are stylishly finished, with touches such as outdoor showers and iPod docking stations.

Days can be as active or as relaxed as you like. The Bokkuraa Coffee Club, beside the infinity pool, serves coffee and wood-fired pizza, while the Kandooma Spa offers Thai massage and beauty treatments. The Spa Suite also has a private garden with its own plunge pool, which makes a lovely spot for a quiet afternoon.

On the water, you can learn to sail on a catamaran trip out to the region's sandbanks, or take it easy on a sunset cruise with alcohol-free cocktails. The reef is just five minutes away by boat, where diving and snorkelling reveal colourful tropical fish.

Children are well looked after at the Kids' Club, with face-painting and games to keep them entertained, leaving parents free for a game of tennis, a workout in the gym or a cocktail.

In the evening, The Kitchen restaurant serves a Maldivian seafood feast out on the deck, with breathtaking sunsets as the backdrop.