Featured
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives unveils new 3-bedroom Beach Pool Villa
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has unveiled a three-bedroom beach pool villa to meet the growing needs of extended families and groups of friends visiting the island paradise.
“The villa was completed on 10 December just in time to welcome its first guests from Canada for a 14-night stay over the festive period,” said a delighted Mark Eletr, General Manager at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.
“Thanks to the support of our owners we were able to create the pool villa which gives us an additional option for one of our key target markets which is families. Many of the people who have visited the Maldives over the years as couples for a romantic break, are now returning with babies and young families to enjoy the pristine waters and picture-postcard beaches. Our resort is ideally equipped for these families and at an accessible price point.”
Be among the first to experience Kandooma’s new pool villa located just 45-minutes speedboat ride from the Male Velana International Airport. Step into light-filled spaces and stunning outdoor areas surrounded by lush gardens and be enveloped by Kandooma’s magical energy. Discover exquisite Maldivian flavours alongside international favourites from the in-villa dining menu served in privacy on your own poolside deck or take a short 5-minute walk to the heart of the island to experience one of six dining outlets. Situated nearby to the villa is the exquisite Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala offering luxurious treatments and massages, and for those who prefer to just kick-back and relax, savour your day spent soaking up the sun and lounging in the privacy of your own villa with your playlist on the sound system.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives creates memorable, family-friendly escapes which the kids will enjoy as much as you. Children will adore the team at the resort’s Kandoo Kids’ Club and all of the activities on offer.
When you are ready to explore the wonders of the Maldives the resort’s recreation team is nearby to set-up everything from yoga classes, deep sea fishing and sunset cruises, to scuba diving expeditions, swimming with sharks and snorkelling with majestic Mantas and the giants of the ocean, Whale Sharks.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives offers several accommodation options for families and groups of friends. In addition to an inventory of one-bedroom villas located in the lush gardens, on the beach and overwater, the resort also offers interconnecting villas, two-bedroom villas, a popular and stunning two-bedroom Overwater Pavillion and now the spacious Kandooma three-bedroom Pool Villa.
The 215sqm Kandooma three-bedroom Pool Villa features One King-sized bedroom and two Twin bedrooms (which can be reconfigured to King if required), two open-air bathrooms, living space and butler’s scullery. The temperature controlled indoor spaces blend effortlessly with the outdoor relaxation and entertainment zone featuring the 24sqm swimming pool and a spacious deck. The three-bedroom pool villa is located on the west side of the island and has easy access and views of the beach and azure waters beyond. Enhanced amenities include an outdoor BBQ with special in-villa dining BBQ packs on request, deluxe welcome amenities, mini-bar, coffee machine, juicer, sound system and more. Private chef and butler service are available for an additional charge.
Rates start from US$3,838++ per night for up to 6 guests, including buffet breakfast served at Kandooma Cafe.
For information about getaways to Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives visit www.maldives.holidayinnresorts.com
Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi wins ‘Best Service’ at 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi, a renowned boutique resort in the Maldives celebrated for its Maldivian-inspired elegance, has received recognition at the 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.
This prestigious accolade honours outstanding quality across recommended properties worldwide and serves as a trusted benchmark for travellers and industry professionals alike. Coco Bodu Hithi was awarded the title of ‘Best Service’ by Condé Nast Johansens for its exceptional hospitality, which seamlessly blends serene surroundings with meticulous, personalised service.
Additionally, the resort was recently recognised in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, cementing its position as a leader in luxury travel. Offering a thoughtfully curated guest experience, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to set itself apart within the industry.
The resort also excels in culinary innovation, boasting four exceptional restaurants. Renowned Michelin-starred chefs frequently collaborate with Group Culinary Director and Michelin-starred chef Martin Cahill to craft exquisite dining experiences, reflecting Coco Bodu Hithi’s unwavering commitment to service excellence and world-class gastronomy.
Drink
Cocktail art meets tropical bliss: Tao Zrafi transforms Oaga Art Resort’s Sobi Bar
Oaga Art Resort has transformed its Sobi Bar into a Mixology Garden, showcasing a collaboration with internationally acclaimed Beverage Artist and Netflix’s ‘Drink Masters’ finalist, Tao Zrafi.
Far from the typical poolside bar, the revamped Sobi Bar offers a unique experience where artistic cocktails take centre stage. Standard drinks are replaced with Tao Zrafi’s creations, which expertly blend local Maldivian flavours with surprising twists, providing a sensory journey for visitors.
Each cocktail at Sobi Bar is a testament to Tao Zrafi’s creativity. His exclusive menu combines stunning visual presentation with complex, delightful flavours, elevating the drink experience into an art form.
The Mixology Garden caters to diverse tastes. In addition to Tao Zrafi’s signature creations, Sobi Bar offers a curated selection of international gins and artisanal beers, ensuring every guest finds the perfect beverage to suit their preferences.
To commemorate the launch of the Mixology Garden, Oaga Art Resort is hosting several special events:
- Cocktail Masterclasses (November 29 and December 6): Guests can learn from Tao Zrafi himself, discovering the secrets behind his innovative cocktails.
- The Grand Unveiling (December 5): This evening celebration features Tao’s signature cocktails, a buffet, live music, interactive mural painting, and spectacular fire shows. Guests can enjoy a sunset soiree combining art, music, and unforgettable flavours.
Sneak peeks of Tao Zrafi’s creations are available on Oaga Art Resort’s social media platforms, offering a teaser of the enchanting cocktails awaiting guests at Sobi Bar.
Whether seeking relaxation, artistic inspiration, or an elevated cocktail experience, the Mixology Garden at Sobi Bar promises something extraordinary. With its blend of stunning flavors, unique atmosphere, and unforgettable events, Oaga Art Resort ensures every visitor leaves with cherished memories of paradise.
Featured
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa announces exclusive collaboration with Maldivian
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, a luxury destination located in the pristine Haa Alifu Atoll of the Maldives, has announced its exclusive partnership with Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, for all seaplane and domestic flight transfers. Starting from November 1st, 2024, this collaboration aims to provide guests with unparalleled convenience and seamless travel to the resort, ensuring daily service, with additional transfers available depending on the season.
The resort is known for its spacious villas, exceptional privacy, a wide array of experiences, world-class amenities, and personalised service, all set in a lush, natural island paradise. With Maldivian as its exclusive seaplane transfer partner, guests can enjoy a direct, swift, and scenic journey from Velana International Airport to the resort’s doorstep.
Ahmed Hafeez, Managing Director of Lily Hotels, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Maldivian to elevate our guests’ arrival and departure experience. This collaboration ensures a smooth and luxurious transition, allowing guests to begin their unforgettable holiday the moment they step off the plane.”
Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, guests are welcomed by the resort’s dedicated airport representatives, who escort them to the exclusive Lily Hotels Lounge at the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal. Here, they can relax and enjoy panoramic views, complimentary refreshments, and Wi-Fi while awaiting their transfer.
In addition to seaplane transfers, Maldivian will also manage domestic flight transfers for guests who prefer this alternative. This comprehensive approach highlights Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa’s commitment to providing flexible and convenient travel solutions.
The partnership with Maldivian also positions the resort for future growth, particularly with the upcoming upgrade of Hanimaadhoo International Airport. This development is expected to enhance accessibility and offer more travel options for the resort’s clientele. The collaboration is anticipated to generate increased interest in the less-explored northern Maldives, an area known for its untouched natural beauty and more tranquil, underwater experiences.
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