If you're dreaming of a Maldivian getaway that blends tropical luxury with a vibrant, modern twist, Kandima Maldives might just be your perfect match. Known for its playful energy, stylish design, and endless list of activities, this resort promises far more than a classic beach retreat. Here's a review of my experience at the stunning 5* resort in the Maldives.
Kandima
Kandima Maldives is set on its own private island in the Dhaalu Atoll, surrounded by a breathtaking lagoon, pristine white‑sand beaches, and lush tropical greenery. Stretching over three kilometres and home to vibrant wildlife, Kandima offers one of the most captivating and immersive resort experiences in the Maldives.
The resort's 270 studios and villas, which range from sleek, contemporary apartments to the legendary water villas the Maldives is known for, are all designed to offer the ultimate in luxury and comfort.
Reaching Kandima Island
Travelling from Qatar, we boarded a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Malé. A smooth overnight journey that took just three to four hours.
Before your trip, you'll need to decide and pay for your preferred package. Then the Kandima team will take care of the rest. From flights to accommodation options. To reach the resort, you can either take a domestic flight followed by a 20‑minute speedboat ride to the island. Otherwise, opt for a direct seaplane transfer from Malé. We chose the domestic route because it best suited our budget.
Getting to Kandima is an adventure in itself. The scenic aerial views of the atolls set the tone for what's to come, literally paradise from above. As you look out the window, you can spot the magical blue sea as you pass different islands. Once you arrive at the island, a team of welcoming staff will be there to greet you. They offer refreshing cold towels to help you cool down after your journey, while your luggage is taken directly from the boat. As you walk towards the reception, everything is handled seamlessly, allowing you to begin soaking in the island atmosphere straight away.
Rooms at Kandima
There's a wide selection of rooms to choose from at Kandima, including aqua villas, ocean villas, studios, and more, so you can easily find something that suits your style and budget. As we were staying for only three nights. We decided to split our time between different room types. One night in a water villa and two nights in a studio. This allowed us to experience both sides of the resort. No matter which option you choose, the rooms are all beautifully designed, comfortable, and well‑maintained.
The villas are spacious, bright, and beautifully maintained. Ideal for couples seeking comfort and luxury. With fast, free Wi‑Fi, all essential amenities, a large plush bed, air conditioning, and generous wardrobe space, we felt instantly at home. Each villa also offers direct access to the stunning turquoise lagoon from a private deck complete with sun loungers and an outdoor seating area.
The bathroom itself was a picture‑perfect, Instagram‑worthy spot, offering serene ocean views right from the bathtub, making every soak feel like a moment of pure paradise.
Activities at Kandima Resort
While the resort is perfect for couples or simply unwinding by the beach, there's no shortage of activities to keep you entertained. One of the highlights is Playspace, where you can enjoy everything from video games and air hockey to karaoke sessions in the evening. There's also bowling if you're in the mood to test your skills.
For me, the most exciting activity was the Fast Track, where I got to race a few laps around one of the first go‑karting circuits ever built at a Maldivian resort. I even recorded the whole experience on my GoPro. You can catch the video on my YouTube channel. While speeding around the track, I spotted a flying-fox bat gliding from tree to tree, adding a fun little wildlife surprise to the adrenaline rush.
You can also rent out the football pitch if you have a group to play with. Also, if you're lucky, the resort occasionally hosts Premier League or former professional players who run coaching sessions for kids. If you prefer other sports, simply ask at reception to book the badminton or tennis courts.
Be sure to download the Kandima app. It's incredibly useful, giving you a daily schedule of activities and events throughout your stay. One of the regular highlights is volleyball, which takes place around 5 p.m. each day, bringing together both staff and guests for a fun, friendly match.
Alternatively, you can hire a bike and explore the island at your own pace. For a small fee, you'll have access to it for 24 hours, making it a great way to take in the scenery and enjoy the relaxed island vibe.
If that's not enough, there are even more activities to explore, from water sports and spa treatments to pure relaxation by the beach. You can also borrow a snorkelling kit to take back to your room and head straight into the water whenever you're feeling adventurous.
Restaurants at Kandima Resorts
Kandima Maldives offers a fantastic variety of restaurants and cafes across the island, making it easy to find something that suits your appetite, package, and budget. With so many dining options, you can explore different cuisines throughout your stay. Breakfast is complimentary for all guests, and our package includes only breakfast. We were able to explore different spots for dinner.
Although we enjoyed our breakfasts at Zest and Flavour Restaurant, where a huge buffet spread features everything from fresh fruit and eggs to Maldivian and South Asian dishes.
On our first night, we didn't realise that dinner reservations are required at most Kandima restaurants, and that dining times vary. Hungry and unprepared, we missed the à la carte spots and ended up choosing the buffet, which turned out to be the most expensive meal of our trip.
By the next day, we learned that some restaurants offer more affordable dinner options if you order before 5 p.m. without a reservation. Therefore, we had a late breakfast and planned our dinner around then. If we needed something extra later, we simply enjoyed the snacks we had in our room.
When it came to dinner, we tried several spots:
- Beach Club - Offering tapas, mains, and desserts. I ordered the K'beef burger, while my wife chose the fish and chips, both of which were absolutely delicious.
- Breeze Pool Bar - Perfect for a relaxed evening with freshly made wood‑fired pizzas and poolside views.
If you're able to book in advance, make sure to try the highly recommended Smoke and Sea Dragon. These two restaurants are ideal if you love Chinese‑Asian cuisine, grilled BBQ, steaks, or gourmet burgers. If you're feeling romantic enough, you can book a private dining at the beach setup by the team at Kandima.
With so many diverse dining options, Kandima Maldives makes food a memorable part of the overall resort experience, whether you're visiting for relaxation, adventure, or a romantic getaway.
Pricing at Kandima
No matter which room type you choose at Kandima Maldives, breakfast is always included in your stay. Guests also have the option to upgrade to full board or all‑inclusive packages, which cover lunch and dinner. Ideal if you prefer not to worry about additional costs at the end of your holiday.
For our trip, we paid $1,802 USD for three nights, which included:
- Two nights in a Studio
- One night in an Aqua Villa
- Domestic flights and return transfers
- Accommodation and breakfast
This worked out to roughly £1,300 GBP, which we found excellent value considering the quality of the resort and the experience.
Kandima frequently runs promotions throughout the year, so it's worth keeping an eye on their official website for the latest deals. At the moment, they're offering up to 55% off, with sample rates such as:
- Premium Rooms - from £151 per night (Bed & Breakfast)
- Beach Villas - from £228 per night (Bed & Breakfast)
- Water Villas - from £250 per night (Bed & Breakfast)
These offers make Kandima one of the most affordable yet stylish resort options in the Maldives, especially for travellers looking for a mix of luxury, activities, and value.
Conclusion
This trip was truly one of the best travel experiences I've ever had. Especially as it was my first time visiting the Maldives. It was nothing short of unforgettable. I only wish we had stayed longer. Every moment, from the stunning scenery and exciting activities to the go‑karting adrenaline rush and pure island luxury, felt like a dream come to life.
From the turquoise lagoons and white‑sand beaches to the vibrant dining experiences and exceptional service, everything at Kandima Maldives felt thoughtfully curated to create lasting memories. Leaving this slice of paradise was not easy.
What stood out the most was the warmth of the staff, the variety of experiences, and the breathtaking natural beauty. Kandima Maldives isn't just a holiday. It's a vibe, a lifestyle, and an experience I'd return to in a heartbeat.
Before checking out, make sure to keep some extra money aside. You'll need to settle any outstanding charges for dining, activities, or extras taken during your stay. For reference, we paid around £200-£300 at the end of our trip.
London-based Food, Travel & Lifestyle blogger. Blog space for all things FOODS, TRAVEL, ATTRACTIONS & LIFESTYLE. My blog has provided me with a real interest in food, lifestyle and travel.
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