Featured
Jeremy Nordkamp on smashing stereotypes, creating ‘New Maldives’ at Kandima

The hospitality landscape of the Maldives is evolving rapidly, with a raft of new openings over the past few years. New resort owners, developers and operators now have to come up with new concepts to stay ahead of the curve. Existing resorts are required to go back to the drawing board in order to enhance and enrich the guest experience, so that they can continue to earn a loyal following and maintain a global reputation for excellence.
Amidst this transformation and rapid growth, there has perhaps never been a property built on such a radical concept than Kandima Maldives.

Aerial view of Kandima Maldives. PHOTO/ KANDIMA
Located on a lush tropical island in Dhaalu atoll, Kandima opened in March, offering a choice of 272 stylishly designed studios and villas, with nine different categories to choose from. The four-star plus resort has first class infrastructure, boasting the largest swimming pool and one of the biggest selection of F&B outlets in the country, along with an endless array of activities and events to keep everyone occupied.
But Kandima is much more than just a holiday. Maldives Insider speaks to Jeremy Nordkamp, the acting General Manager at Kandima, about this new game-changing destination and how it is shaking things up!
Maldives Insider: You have been involved from the pre-opening. How has it been?
Jeremy Nordkamp: It was in September last year that I was lucky enough to land this very awesome gig here at Kandima Maldives.
To be part of such a huge pre-opening is obviously a lot of hard work, but it’s been an epic adventure. My first introduction to Kandima Maldives was a 3D video rendering showing the concept of what Kandima was going to be. From that moment on, I knew I had to work here.
When I first got here, most of the buildings were still not finished yet, it was still a construction site. You then watch it build and grow and it was after our awesome launch party in April that I realised just how much the team had achieved together to create this extremely special resort.

The launch party at Kandima Maldives. PHOTO/ KANDIMA
MI: What is the idea behind Kandima?
JN: The Maldives has been screaming out for something different; an innovative product. Kandima is anything but ordinary. We are the New Maldives — that’s what we had in mind when we were developing this game-changing resort.
We’re not a highly priced, exclusive resort. We really encourage our guests to be sociable and inclusive. What’s exciting about Kandima is that we don’t charge thousands of dollars per night to stay here. This allows us to open up the Maldives to a whole new style of guest and make it more accessible for the everyday families, groups of friends and couples that come and visit us. We get to show off this beautiful country to a whole load of new tourists and visitors now!

The Beach and Sky Studios at Kandima Maldives. PHOTO/ KANDIMA

An Aqua Villa at Kandima Maldives. PHOTO/ KANDIMA
MI: How does Kandima differ from other lifestyle resorts in the Maldives?
JN: Kandima Maldives is about keeping it real! We want our guests to feel comfortable, relaxed and have fun, just like they do when they have an awesome day at home – but it will be even better! Guests can be as inclusive as they want with other guests, we host plenty of kool activities which means they make friends and are sociable with others. Traditionally, the Maldives is a place for honeymooners. But we want the world to know that we welcome everyone — we even have special packages for groups on a girls holiday and couples on their babymoon!

From the Kandima Insta Weekend. PHOTO/ KANDIMA
Guests are spoilt for choice with our variety of ten different bars and restaurants. Whether you want to dine as a group or slope off somewhere more intimate for a dinner for two, there are plenty of options, all inspired by global trends. Our all-day-dining buffet restaurants are based on a contemporary European food court concept with multiple cooking stations where guests can help themselves to everything. Sea Dragon is our signature restaurant, which combines authentic Chinese cuisine with a live seafood tank and a modern touch. It also houses the ultra-cool Forbidden bar where house DJs play into the night.

Dining on the beach at Kandima Maldives. PHOTO/ KANDIMA

The Forbidden Bar at Kandima Maldives. PHOTO/ KANDIMA
Our island is also so big that guests can slip away; just disappear and be romantic by themselves. We are also great for families, our Kandiland kids club is one of the largest in the Maldives and has a big outdoor pirate ship with water fountains. Kids just don’t want to leave once they get there. We love to say, ‘happy kids means happy parents’. Kids need a break from mom and dad, and mom and dad need a break from the kids. So here at Kandima, parents can just drop their kids at Kandiland and go about doing whatever they want; be it diving for the very first time, sitting at the bar and enjoying a few cocktails, or having some adult time.

The Kandiland kids club at Kandima Maldives. PHOTO/ KANDIMA
Here at Kandima, it’s all about genuine hospitality with a human touch and smart solutions that make use of the latest innovations. An example is the RFID bracelet given to our guests — it’s a waterproof keyband so nobody at Kandima will ever lose their villa key again!
We also don’t have intrusive service. Our team members are there when you need us to be, but they are not shadowing you around the island. We train our Kandima Krew to treat our guests as if they are a valued friend. We want our Kandima buddies to treat our guests like they are in their own home; make sure everything is fresh and clean, the food is hot, the beer is cold, and that they have what they need.
All of this makes us exciting. We are bright, colourful, cheeky, sexy and a bit naughty. And based on the values of the umbrella brand Pulse Hotels and Resorts — smart, playful, rooted, responsible and human — Kandima is a place with soul, deeply rooted and respectful of our guests, colleagues, community, culture and surroundings.

The Beach Club at Kandima Maldives. PHOTO/ KANDIMA
MI: Can you highlight some of the community programmes carried out by Kandima?
JN: We have this amazing programme called Kandima Smiles. The Medical Centre we have here also boosts a fully equipped dental surgery – the only one in Dhaalu atoll. When the European dentists come over, we make sure we take them over to the local island to give the children dental check-ups. If there are any serious issues, we will bring them back to Kandima free of charge to carry out the dental treatment they need.
We are also focusing very much on young creative Maldivian talent. We want Kandima to be the largest Art Gallery in the country – showing off talent from around the Maldives. We have given artists a platform – giving them a new opportunity to showcase their work – whether that’s fine art, live music, fashion design, photography or arts and crafts. The initiative is called Kula, an art programme where local artists conduct classes for guests. Young, up and coming local artists have the opportunity to sell their artworks at our art studio and gallery, so that they can perhaps buy new equipment to continue doing what they love. USD 1 from every night stay here at Kandima goes into the Kula programme, and the funds are put towards nurturing these local talents and giving them a platform to exhibited their works.

A local artist showcases his talent during a Kula art class held at Kandima Maldives. PHOTO/ KANDIMA
MI: What is the feedback and reaction of the market so far?
JN: The feedback we have received by our guests, tour operators, travel agents and everyone who has come to #GetKandimatised has been beyond anything we could imagine! Our product has been well received by all our guests who love the laid-back, sociable, fun, colourful and vibrant energy you feel at Kandima.
That Kandima feeling obviously comes from the beauty and contemporary style of Kandima, but I’m proud to say that it’s predominantly from our very kool Kandima Krew. We have a great team of people here who deliver that Kandima brand DNA and promise, but also a homely, friendly style of service.

From the Insta Weekend held at Kandima Maldives. PHOTO/ KANDIMA
MI: What is the next step for Kandima?
JN: It’s been an incredible adventure, being part of such a wonderful concept and working with an amazing group of people. We had our first guests in March and they left feeling over the moon. We had our launch party, for which we invited over 100 VIPs, including our key partners. And the feedback that we get from talking to the guests on the island, and on TripAdvisor and Facebook is phenomenal.
To see the team members happy and the guests happier, you can’t help but feel incredibly proud of the people that have already made Kandima what it is today.
Kandima is still the new kid on the block and we have many more kool, fun and awesome ideas, events and parties that are just waiting to get out there to wow our guests. We’ve just had the Maldives first ever Insta Weekend, which couldn’t have gone better and we are now geared up for the festive season! Watch this space and be prepared to #GetKandimatised!
Featured
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives announces grand opening

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is preparing for the launch of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, a serene island retreat set to open on April 1st. To commemorate the opening, the resort is offering an exclusive introductory promotion, allowing guests to enjoy a luxurious escape with a range of benefits. The special offer includes Stay 4, Pay 3 and Stay 7, Pay 5 packages, along with exceptional upgrades available for a limited time.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is the final addition to Centara’s collection of four distinctive properties in the Maldives, each tailored to different traveller preferences. The resort features 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater accommodations that harmonise with the surrounding natural beauty. This private island sanctuary seamlessly merges Thai-inspired hospitality with Maldivian charm, offering world-class dining across multiple restaurants and bars, as well as revitalising wellness experiences at the Spa Cenvaree Retreat.

The opening of this property also marks the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project that aims to redefine experiential travel in the Maldives. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers refined tranquility combined with immersive experiences. Guests staying at the resort also have access to the exciting water attractions and vibrant amenities of the neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.
Andrew Jansson, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming opening, stating, “From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and holistic wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers a truly distinctive experience that captures the essence of both Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”
To celebrate the grand opening, Centara Hotels & Resorts is inviting guests to take advantage of the Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer. Bookings made before June 30th, 2025, for stays between April 1st and October 15th, 2025, will qualify for the Stay 4, Pay 3 or Stay 7, Pay 5 packages. The offer also includes meal plan upgrades, complimentary sparkling wine and couples’ massages, exclusive access to The Club, a choice of an ocean excursion, and additional perks for CentaraThe1 members.
Featured
Embrace Maldives’ hidden summer with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

Beyond the well-known winter appeal of the Maldives lies an underrated gem—summer. From May to October, the islands transform into a sanctuary of intimate escapes, breathtaking marine encounters, and uninterrupted tranquillity, offering a side of the Maldives that remains one of travel’s best-kept secrets. This year, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts invites travellers to rediscover summer in the Maldives through curated experiences across its four island resorts, each tailored to romance, diving, adventure, and relaxation.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives provides an ideal setting for couples seeking a romantic summer retreat. Overwater bungalows offer a tranquil atmosphere, where the gentle lapping of waves sets a soothing rhythm for the days ahead. For those desiring an exclusive adults-only escape, Platinum Island offers elevated privacy and sophistication, creating the perfect environment for seclusion. As the sun sets, private sandbank dinners and candlelit beachside feasts transform ordinary moments into unforgettable memories.
For diving enthusiasts, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon offers an unparalleled underwater experience. Home to one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs and in close proximity to iconic dive sites, Ellaidhoo provides exceptional opportunities for marine exploration. Divers can witness the Maldives’ marine life in its full splendour, and encounters with Tripod, the island’s beloved three-finned turtle, add a unique charm to every dive. Whether exploring the legendary house reef or venturing to sites such as Fish Head and Maaya Thila, every descent promises an awe-inspiring glimpse into the ocean’s wonders.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives serves as the ultimate summer playground for thrill-seekers, where the ocean’s energy meets endless opportunities for adventure. Home to the world-renowned surf break, Pasta Point, the island attracts seasoned surfers eager to ride its perfectly peeling waves. Beyond surfing, the resort offers an array of exhilarating water sports, including jet skiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, ensuring every adrenaline-seeker finds an activity suited to their passion. Whether carving through the waves or speeding across crystal-clear waters, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives encapsulates the thrill of ocean adventure.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives redefines summer living, blending stylish beachfront retreats with effortless indulgence. Days unfold at a leisurely pace, with sun-drenched afternoons by the infinity pool, gourmet dining that highlights the flavours of the sea, revitalising spa treatments, and sunrise yoga sessions designed to awaken the senses. Whether savouring exquisitely crafted dishes, indulging in personalised wellness experiences, or simply embracing the island’s serenity, Velifushi offers an escape where time slows down, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the art of island living.
Far from the winter crowds, summer in the Maldives reveals a season of untold beauty, where the rhythm of the waves sets the pace for unforgettable experiences. Whether diving into vibrant marine ecosystems, embracing barefoot luxury, or savoring moments of pure tranquillity, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives welcomes travellers to uncover one of the islands’ best-kept secrets
Cooking
Michelin magic in Maldives: Chef Wassim Hallal’s spring residency at Soneva Fushi

Danish chef Wassim Hallal will be hosting an exclusive residency at Soneva Fushi’s Flying Sauces from March 17 to May 12, 2025, bringing his two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Frederikshøj, to the world’s first fine dining zipline experience. As spring unfolds in the Maldives, guests will have the opportunity to soar along a 200-meter zipline route to reach an elevated dining platform, where breathtaking views, intuitive service, and Hallal’s masterful culinary creations await.
A pioneer of modern Nordic cuisine, Hallal’s passion for gastronomy has driven him to redefine fine dining in Denmark. His culinary journey began at a young age, leading him to refine his craft in some of Europe’s most prestigious kitchens. Under his leadership, Frederikshøj in Aarhus has earned two Michelin stars, recognized for its innovative approach, precision, and use of the finest seasonal ingredients.
During his highly anticipated spring residency at Soneva Fushi, Hallal will bring the essence of Frederikshøj to the Maldives, offering an unforgettable tasting experience that merges contemporary Nordic techniques with the island’s exceptional organic produce. His culinary philosophy pays tribute to the natural world, shaped by his environment and the evolving landscape of modern gastronomy. His style masterfully balances the refinement of French haute cuisine with the boundary-pushing creativity of New Nordic cooking, infused with global influences that drive his innovation.
At Frederikshøj, his commitment to excellence is evident in the meticulous selection of the finest local ingredients. A true culinary craftsman, he embraces experimentation, constantly redefining flavour, texture, and technique to create dishes that leave a lasting impression. Each plate serves as a canvas—an expression of creativity, refinement, and evolution—always seeking to push the boundaries of what is possible.
While in the Maldives, Hallal and his team will seamlessly blend Frederikshøj’s distinctive culinary ethos with Soneva Fushi’s organic seasonal produce, crafting a two-Michelin-starred dining experience designed to surprise, delight, and linger in the memories of guests long after the final course.
-
Awards1 week ago
The St. Regis Maldives recognised among Maldives’ top 10 hotels in DestinAsian 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards
-
News1 week ago
Introducing Sirru Residences: Luxurious seven-bedroom estate at Sirru Fen Fushi
-
News1 week ago
Creating artful moments: Shimha Shakeeb captures essence of island life at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
-
Family1 week ago
Easter in paradise at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives
-
Family1 week ago
Lily Beach Resort introduces egg-citing Easter programme
-
Action1 week ago
Nova Maldives, PADI partner for transformative Ocean Adventure Week with India Black this July
-
Family1 week ago
Embrace Spring’s renewal with Eid, Easter traditions at Jumeirah Olhahali Island
-
News7 days ago
The Healing Hour with Mariko Hiyama at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort