News
Kandima Maldives to open in December 2016

A contemporary new lifestyle resort Kandima Maldives has announced its opening in December 2016 under new hospitality group, Pulse Hotels & Resorts.
Located on a lush tropical island in the Dhaalu Atoll, Kandima Maldives will offer guests the opportunity to experience the Maldives in a new way. This contemporary lifestyle resort will embody all the positive values of the Maldives, whilst adding its own innovative, vibrant and playful style.
This game-changing resort is set to be anything but ordinary, and cater for guests of all ages; couples, groups of friends and of course honeymooners. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, well-being, sport, spa experiences or just family time, Kandima Maldives will have something for everyone.
Kandima Maldives is perfect for those searching for quality, value and a contemporary and intelligent holiday experience. The goal at this resort is to help guests get the most out of their holiday, by making each stay unique, enjoyable and memorable. Kandima Maldives’ promise is that all guests will leave feeling energised, relaxed, inspired and above all, happy.
To enhance the experience, Kandima Maldives has a first class infrastructure on the island, boasting the longest pool in the Maldives, tennis courts, an art studio, marine biology school, kids club, games room, library, gym, yoga studio and spa. There is plenty to keep everyone occupied and the array of activities and events on offer is endless, including a huge choice of watersports, diving or snorkelling near the house reef, yoga, Zumba, bicycles, beach volleyball, petanque, arts and crafts lessons, and much more.
In addition, the island offers one of the largest selection of F&B outlets in the country, with an incredible choice of ten delicious restaurants and bars, all featuring unique and individual menus offering flavours of the world from Chinese and Japanese to authentic Maldivian and Mediterranean. So whether it be tropical or traditional, Kandima has something to suit everyone’s tastes.
The resort offers a choice of 274 stylishly designed studios and villas, with eleven different categories to choose from, all of which have a private terrace and endless tropical views to enjoy. Their locations at different points along the 3km long island makes the accommodation suitable for both honeymooners seeking privacy and families looking for activity. Categories include;
- Beach & Sky Studio: A two storey villa, guests can choose between a Sky or a Beach Studio. 138 studios in total, situated along the main beach, all with their own private terrace or balcony.
- Family Sky Studio: 6 interconnecting sky studios with separate living room. The Family Sky Studio’s sleep up to 8 people.
- Beach Villa with Jacuzzi: 30 spacious beachfront villas all with their own private deck, Jacuzzi, and of course endless ocean views.
- Beach Pool Villa: 20 stunning beachfront villas, all with their own private pool, Jacuzzi and private deck.
- Aqua Villa: 30 stylish overwater villas with private deck, offering endless views of the beautiful Indian Ocean.
- Aqua Villa with Jacuzzi: 30 stylish and spacious overwater villas with private deck and Jacuzzi.
- Aqua Pool Villa: 20 stunning overwater villas all with their own private deck, swimming pool, and of course endless ocean views.
News
Cinnamon Maldives updates book direct offer to let guests choose tailored experiences
Travellers continue to return to the Maldives in search of clear lagoons, warm hospitality and meaningful experiences that reflect both the destination and their personal interests. As visitor expectations evolve, research shows a growing preference for stays that feel tailored rather than standardised. A recent Mews survey reports that 68% of travellers prefer personalised experiences instead of generic rewards, with even stronger interest among Gen Z and affluent travellers.
Recognising these preferences, Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts Maldives has refined its Book Direct value offering. The updated structure allows guests who book directly to select two curated experiences from each resort’s personalised list while also receiving resort credits for stays of three nights or more. This credit can be used across dining, wellness and recreational activities, giving guests the freedom to shape their time on the island according to their interests and pace.
Members of Cinnamon Discovery, the brand’s loyalty programme, can access an expanded set of Book Direct benefits based on their membership tier. Silver members may select two experiences, Gold members may select three experiences and Platinum members receive all experiences listed at the resort they book.
- Four course dinner by the beach
- Island hopping adventure
- Dolphin safari
- 45 minute spa treatment
Resort credit available: USD 150 per room per stay for bookings of three nights or more
- Four course dinner by the beach
- Balinese massage
- Island hopping adventure
- Guided swim and snorkel session
Resort credit available: USD 100 per room per stay for bookings of three nights or more
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives
- Sunset fishing
- Island hopping adventure
- Sparkling bottle of beverage
- 1 hour double kayak experience
Resort credit available: USD 100 per room per stay for bookings of three nights or more
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon
- Four course dinner by the beach
- Balinese massage
- Sunset fishing
- Dolphin safari
Resort credit available: USD 100 per room per stay for bookings of three nights or more
For more information on Book Direct benefits, detailed terms and eligibility, guests are encouraged to visit Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.
Cooking
Chef Frank Fol leads plant-based culinary programme at ananea Madivaru Maldives
ananea Madivaru Maldives is hosting Chef Frank Fol, founder of We’re Smart World and a recognised figure in plant-based gastronomy, for a dedicated culinary programme aimed at strengthening and refining the resort’s plant-based dining concepts.
Chef Fol is visiting the island from 8 to 14 December, working closely with the culinary team to develop and enhance plant-forward offerings across the resort’s dining experiences. The programme focuses on integrating contemporary plant-based techniques with locally relevant ingredients and presentation styles, aligning with evolving guest preferences for balanced and conscious dining.
As part of the visit, an internal tasting menu is scheduled to take place, bringing together Chef Fol and the resort’s senior leadership. During the session, Chef Fol will present a selection of plant-forward dishes developed throughout his stay, offering insight into his culinary philosophy and approach to modern vegetable-led cuisine.
ananea Madivaru Maldives stated that the collaboration is intended to support the continued development of its food and beverage concepts, with a particular emphasis on broadening high-quality plant-based options available to guests across its restaurants.
Following the tasting session, the resort will issue a formal press release outlining the programme outcomes, including details of the dishes, concepts, and future plans. Visual assets and supporting media materials will also be made available as part of the official announcement.
The visit forms part of ananea Madivaru Maldives’ wider efforts to evolve its culinary offerings in line with global dining trends while maintaining a strong focus on quality, creativity, and guest experience.
Featured
Kuramathi Maldives announces private wellness programmes with Imron Zulfikar
Kuramathi Maldives has announced the arrival of esteemed holistic wellness practitioner Imron Zulfikar, who will undertake an exclusive residency at the resort from 15 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. During this period, guests will have the opportunity to participate in bespoke wellness experiences crafted by a recognised expert in integrative health.
Throughout his residency, Imron will conduct a series of private wellness sessions designed to restore balance, promote renewal, and enhance long-term wellbeing. His practice brings together ancient therapeutic traditions and contemporary fitness science, resulting in personalised programmes that support harmony, mobility, and emotional resilience. Signature offerings include:
- Watsu Water Healing Journey: A restorative treatment conducted in warm water, combining elements of shiatsu, massage, and gentle movement to release deep tension, soothe the nervous system, and foster a sense of tranquillity.
- Chakra Balance Therapy: A holistic session that aligns mind and body through crystal healing, guided meditation, and calming massage techniques.
- Meridian Deep Release Massage: A therapeutic blend of deep tissue massage and acupressure aimed at easing chronic tension, improving flexibility, and stimulating energy flow.
- Accu Glow Facial: A rejuvenating facial incorporating acupuncture and customised skincare to activate collagen production, detoxify the skin, and enhance natural luminosity.
- Oriental Slim Detox Massage: A treatment grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine, combining acupuncture and massage to promote lymphatic drainage and support detoxification.
Imron is an accomplished wellness lifestyle coach and holistic fitness specialist with more than ten years of experience in acupuncture, tension release therapies, yoga, Pilates, and personal training. His integrative methodology nurtures physical alignment, emotional balance, and overall vitality.
He has worked with numerous luxury resorts and an impressive roster of high-profile clients, including Serena Williams, Emma Watson, Richard Branson, and members of the UAE Royal Family. Celebrated for his intuitive approach and refined technique, Richard Branson has previously referred to Imron as having “golden hands.”
Kuramathi Maldives looks forward to offering guests this exceptional opportunity to engage in transformative, individually tailored wellness experiences during Imron’s residency.
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