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.
Awards
Crown & Champa Resorts earns multiple Tripadvisor awards
Crown & Champa Resorts (CCR) has announced that numerous properties within its portfolio have been recognised in the Tripadvisor® Travellers’ Choice Awards 2026, reinforcing the resort collection’s reputation for delivering exceptional holiday experiences in the Maldives.
Based on genuine guest reviews and ratings collected over a 12-month period, Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards recognise hospitality businesses that consistently receive outstanding feedback from travellers worldwide. The awards recognise the resorts among the highest-rated accommodations.
Jawakara Islands Maldives Earns ‘Best of the Best’ Recognition
Among CCR’s award-winning resorts, Jawakara Islands Maldives received Tripadvisor’s prestigious ‘Best of the Best’ distinction for 2026, placing it among the top 1% of hotels worldwide. The resort was also ranked #21 among Asia’s top hotels.
Featuring two islands connected by a bridge across a turquoise lagoon, Jawakara Islands Maldives combines contemporary luxury with authentic Maldivian charm, offering guests a unique island experience.
The ‘Best of the Best’ accolade is Tripadvisor’s highest recognition, awarded to a select group of properties that consistently receive exceptional guest feedback and maintain outstanding traveller satisfaction throughout the year.
Travellers’ Choice Awards 2026 – Top 10% Worldwide
The following CCR resorts were recognised among the top 10% of hotels globally in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2026:
- Kudadoo Maldives Private Island – An exclusive fully solar-powered private island featuring 15 overwater residences and its signature fully inclusive “Anything. Anywhere. Anytime.” luxury concept.
- Hurawalhi Island Resort – Home to the iconic all-glass 5.8 Undersea Restaurant and offering an adults-only retreat with exceptional dining and ocean experiences.
- Kagi Maldives Resort & Spa – A wellness-focused resort featuring all-pool villas, holistic spa experiences, and a vibrant house reef.
- Veligandu Maldives Resort Island – Renowned for its iconic sandbank, natural beauty, diverse culinary offerings, and memorable marine adventures.
- Komandoo Island Resort & Spa – Truly adults-only (aged +18) island retreat known for its romantic atmosphere, vibrant house reef, and exceptional diving experiences.
- Meeru Maldives Resort Island – One of the Maldives’ most popular resorts, offering a blend of family-friendly and adults-focused experiences, extensive dining options, and expansive beaches.
- Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa – A top diving and snorkelling destination located within a whale shark hotspot and offering both adults-only and family-friendly accommodation options.
“These recognitions reflect the dedication and passion of our champions across the resorts. Every day, they work tirelessly to create memorable experiences for our guests, and these awards are a testament to their commitment to genuine Maldivian hospitality. We are grateful to our guests for their trust and valuable feedback, which continues to inspire us to deliver exceptional holiday experiences,” said Mohamed Solah, CEO, Crown & Champa Resorts.
Awards
Fashion Travel Awards name Madifushi Maldives’ best elegant private island
Madifushi Private Island has been internationally recognised as the Best Elegant Private Island in the Maldives at the prestigious Fashion Travel Awards 2026, organised by Fashion TV Russia, one of the world’s leading media platforms dedicated to fashion, luxury, and lifestyle.
The second edition of the Fashion Travel Awards took place on May 2026 in Moscow, aboard the luxurious Radisson Royal Flotilla. The exclusive gala welcomed over 150 distinguished guests, including tourism leaders, celebrities, influencers, media representatives, and renowned international travellers. The event celebrated excellence across the global travel and hospitality industry, recognising outstanding hotels, resorts, destinations, and tourism professionals.
As an official partner of the event, Madifushi Private Island was proudly presented on stage to an international audience before being announced as the recipient of the Best Elegant Private Island in the Maldives award. The recognition reflects the resort’s commitment to delivering refined luxury, personalised service, and unforgettable guest experiences in one of the world’s most sought-after island destinations.
Speaking on the achievement, Mohamed Hilmy, General Manager of Madifushi Private Island, said: “Receiving this recognition from the Fashion Travel Awards is particularly meaningful as it celebrates not only hospitality, but also elegance, sophistication, and the overall guest experience. Being named the Best Elegant Private Island in the Maldives is a wonderful reflection of the refined character we have carefully built at Madifushi Private Island. It inspires us to continue pushing boundaries, creating distinctive experiences, and introducing even more unique concepts that surprise and delight our guests.”
During the event, representatives of Madifushi Private Island also participated in an exclusive interview with Fashion TV, providing an opportunity to showcase the resort and the Maldives to a global audience. The interview will be broadcast throughout the year across the Fashion TV network and displayed at its partner venues, including luxury restaurants, fitness clubs, yacht clubs, and concert halls. The event will also receive continued coverage through international magazines and online media platforms.
This latest accolade further strengthens Madifushi Private Island’s growing international reputation as a destination that seamlessly combines elegance, privacy, authentic Maldivian hospitality, and bespoke luxury experiences.
Action
InterContinental Maldives elevates active luxury with new padel court
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has unveiled its new padel court, adding a fresh dimension to island wellness and offering guests a dynamic new way to stay active in paradise.
Now with over 30 million players worldwide, padel is one of the fastest growing sports, offering a fun and inclusive activity for beginners and experts alike. The brand new court is framed by Maldivian palm trees and white sand, creating a striking backdrop for both leisurely matches and spirited competition.
Complimentary for all guests, the court includes the use of premium rackets and balls, allowing guests to discover a new skill in a tropical island setting. Families are invited to enjoy dedicated on-court sessions designed for all ages to create memorable, shared experiences. Benches line the court, creating a comfortable space for spectators to watch and support friends and family.
Located beside InterContinental Maldives’ fitness centre with its state-of-the-art gym, personal training programmes, and aerobic workout sessions, the new padel court aims to enhance the resort’s distinctive approach to luxury, wellbeing and curated guest experiences.
Overwater Pool Villa starting from $1,290++ per night with a variety of inclusions. The padel court is complimentary
for guests.
For more information, please visit www.maldives.intercontinental.com or email reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com.
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