Manchester-the Maldives: Why Kandima is seriously ‘Kool’

SAM | 10th September 2019

Manchester to the Maldives: Kandima in the Maldives is a resort that’s designed to be ‘insta-gram-worthy’ and party-friendly.

 

Situated on one of the largest tropical islands in the Dhaalu atoll, lavish Kandima, positions itself as ‘Kool’ and it’s this ethos that’s smashing stereotypes that the Maldives is just for honeymooners.

 

Appealing to a new, younger, party-loving and social in all senses, audiences – it claims to be the first ‘true lifestyle resort’ in the Indian Ocean. And it’s very VIVA.

 

This game-changing destination has a definite wow factor offering holiday experiences like no other, and it’s reasonably priced too, opening the Maldives to the many rather than just the few.

 

The Resort

 

Seriously 'Kool' Kandima in the Maldives is not just for honeymooners

 

After landing at Male International airport, you’ll need to take a seaplane and a speedboat to get there. It’s a great way to arrive in style and all these connecting travel arrangements will be organised in advance of your stay.

 

The four-star plus resort is aimed at guests who demand new experiences from their holidays, rather than those who just want to ‘wine and dine’ their way through their vaycay at the same beachside location day in, day out.

 

Catering for a much younger crowd, it encourages all types of guests to engage and interact with one another in whatever way you want. Digitally, or in real life. Almost anything is possible at this ‘oh-so stylish’ resort.

 

It’s Insta-worthy with the whole island created just for the ‘gram’. Designed to challenge the status quo, there’s maximum social media impact here with its spectacular remote location, with beautiful sunrises and sunset views, turquoise waters, brightly coloured buildings and food art that you dare not eat before taking a picture.

 

There’s a myriad of hashtags on all its literature and specially constructed props such as swings, photobooths and floating devices to take your snaps to a whole other level that’s bound to make your friends back home envy of your travels.

 

Seriously 'Kool' Kandima in the Maldives is not just for honeymooners

 

But don’t let that put you off, as it’s this playful spirit that makes it a rather unique place to stay to capture holiday moments in the Maldives that you’ve only ever dreamed of.

 

Boredom simply does not exist here, whoever you choose to share the experience and social boasts with, because you’re at one of most aesthetically pleasing resorts in the world.

 

In terms of service, there’s genuine hospitality with a human touch and smart solutions comes with it. It’s kind of there if you want, not at all intrusive, or if you are one of those that likes to go on holiday to switch off and escape the world then that’s fine too.

 

This novel approach to customer service creates a first-class, laid-back holiday experience where you don’t have to worry about anything except where you should take your next selfie.

 

Its bright colours, cheeky tone and clever marketing is a bit naughty. It’s anything but ordinary and we like that!

 

Activities & Events

 

Seriously 'Kool' Kandima in the Maldives is not just for honeymooners

 

Given its location, everything is obviously geared towards the outdoors with the warm climate and its positioning bang in the middle of the Indian Ocean. However, when I visited it was rainy season and it bucketed it down for a solid two days which meant indoor playtime with everything outdoors going indoors.

 

You can party with world class DJs, make waves with every kind of water sport, peddle your way around the island on push bikes or enjoy your very own private bit of the beach on white sandy shores of this beautifully remote tropical island. Sit back and relax in your very own private pool, enjoy tailor-made spa treatments or swig on a custom-made cocktail made exclusively for you.

 

There’s also a state-of-art fitness centre open 24 hours a day, a tennis court and five-a-side-football pitch for fitness fanatics. There’s a whole range of unusual classes like aerial yoga and something called ‘POUND’ for energetic people that do want to switch off from electronic devices.

 

Food & Drink

 

As well as an endless array of activities and events, it has one of the largest swimming pools in the Maldives and one of the biggest food and drink concepts compared to any other atoll island.  There’s something to keep anyone and everyone happy. No matter if you want to be digitally connected or not.

 

There’s 10 different bars and restaurants so you really are spoilt for choice with a variety of different cuisine on offer. There’s a European buffet food court, an authentic Chinese restaurant called Sea Dragon with a live seafood tank, while Smoked is entirely new restaurant concept on the island offering sizzling steaks and fish straight from the Ocean. Its super-cool Forbidden bar has DJs that play late into the night.

 

If partying isn’t your thing, then there’s a strong emphasis on art here too with the largest art gallery in the country displaying fine art, fashion design, photography and crafts. There’s also ‘Kandiland where the ‘Kandima Krew’ will look after your kids.

 

Accommodation

 

Seriously 'Kool' Kandima in the Maldives is not just for honeymooners

 

There’s even more choice when it comes to accommodation with nine different room categories to choose from. Kandima offers a choice of 266 stylish designed studios and beach or over the ocean water villas. You can enjoy uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, no matter which type choose.

 

Entry level accommodation include ‘Beach and Sky Studios’ where one type has direct access to the beach and the other has a balcony. This type of accommodation allows guests to take in the views of resort’s expansive lagoon from above the tree-tops or a few steps away on the beach.

 

For those that want more privacy, there’s the choice of ‘Beach Villas with Jacuzzi’, or ‘Beach Pool Villas with Jacuzzi’. We stayed in the latter of the two, which feature a super king size bed. There’s all the mod cons such as a plasma screen and other tech-savvy inclusions that sync with your phone or tablet.

 

Seriously 'Kool' Kandima in the Maldives is not just for honeymooners

 

With a private pool and direct access to what feels like your very own beach at the front of your private villa, it’s affordable luxe. Then there’s the outdoor bathroom so that you can take a monsoon shower in the sun, bathe in a big bathtub or chill in your very own jacuzzi on your private sundeck while enjoying your dine and drink on demand services.

 

‘Aqua Villas and Aqua Villas with Jacuzzi’ are perfect for those seeking an ultimate overwater retreat. These come with private sundecks and loungers with the best seats in the house for sunsets. There are also large infinity pools.

 

All of this makes Kandima exciting. The resort has soul that’s deeply rooted, it’s like a playground for adults. Kandima is our kind of place.

 

How much does it cost?

 

Prices start from £145 per person, per night on a half-board basis. The cheapest accommodation on offer is the ‘Sky Studio’, which has the option of interconnecting rooms. Round trip domestic transfers from Male to Dhaalu Atoll where Kandima is located are £264 pp return or £400 for the seaplane.

 

Album 1

Kandima CoastlineKandima VillaKandima GymSwing Chair from a palm tree on Kandima BeachCoastline and Floating Suites at Kandima MaldivesThe Pool at KandimaPrivate Pool and Outdoor Shower at KandimaDJ playing to poolside crowd in KandimaHotel Suite Interior at Kandima

 

For further information on the Maldives, visit www.visitmaldives.com.