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
Excursions
Marine encounters: spinner dolphins at Canareef Resort Maldives

At Canareef Resort Maldives, one of the most popular experiences for guests is the dolphin tour. The abundant presence of dolphins in the surrounding waters ensures that each cruise offers a remarkable encounter with these marine creatures, creating lasting memories for visitors.
Every dolphin tour at Canareef provides an opportunity to observe pods of dolphins gliding and leaping across the waves. Guests often describe the sight of spinner dolphins darting through the clear ocean as a defining image of the Maldives’ natural marine beauty.
Morning cruises and sunset tours alike are guided by experienced staff, who share insights as dolphins appear in their natural environment. Many guests recount moments when dolphins swim alongside the boat, a spectacle that creates a unique sense of connection.
The activity is regarded as more than just an excursion; it is considered a celebration of nature and a highlight of a stay at Canareef. It allows guests to experience the Maldives in a way that underlines why dolphins are seen as ambassadors of the islands.
For travellers seeking encounters with dolphins amid turquoise waters, Canareef presents an ideal opportunity. The resort also offers seasonal promotions, including early booking discounts for the remainder of this summer, next winter, and summer 2026.
Featured
Maldives beaches rated among world’s best for rest and rejuvenation

Following a rise in searches for ‘calmcations’, long-haul travel specialists Travelbag have revealed the best destinations for a tranquil escape in 2025, with the Maldives named among the world’s most serene beachside getaways.
According to Travelbag, 72 per cent of British travellers go on holiday to relax and recharge, while 47 per cent seek experiences that help them feel more grounded and mindful. Searches for the term ‘calmcation’ – holidays focused on peace, quiet, and switching off – have doubled in the past three months, reflecting a growing shift away from busy itineraries towards more restorative travel.
To identify the most relaxing destinations, Travelbag analysed 36 global locations and ranked them against key serenity indicators, including noise and light pollution, cleanliness, the quality of green spaces, and local travel congestion.
Queenstown, New Zealand, secured first place as the world’s ultimate destination for tranquillity. Framed by the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu, the town recorded exceptionally high scores for cleanliness (91.7) and quality of green spaces (94.4), alongside low levels of travel congestion and minimal noise and light pollution.
The Seychelles followed in second position, celebrated for its unspoiled natural beauty and exceptionally low noise and light pollution score of 16.7. Its islands, including La Digue, Praslin and Silhouette, remain havens of peace and natural charm.
Cairns, Australia, rounded out the top three, combining tropical serenity with well-maintained green spaces and an impressive cleanliness score of 69.6.
Also ranking among the top global destinations is the Maldives, long regarded as one of the world’s premier escapes for those seeking peace and seclusion. With its iconic turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and private island resorts, the country continues to attract travellers in search of restorative experiences.
According to Travelbag’s analysis, the Maldives achieved an impressive average beach rating of 4.63, placing it alongside the world’s leading beachside destinations. Beaches such as Bikini Beach, Baros Beach, and Reethi Beach were highlighted as examples of the country’s serene appeal.
Danny Hugill, Destination Executive for the Maldives at Travelbag, commented: “The Maldives is one of our most cherished destinations – an idyllic collection of tiny islands that offer unmatched opportunities to unwind. Long celebrated as a top honeymoon destination, it remains the ultimate place to escape, slow down, and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.”
The findings underline the Maldives’ continued appeal in a market increasingly shaped by wellness, mindfulness, and relaxation. While destinations such as New Zealand and the Seychelles excel in specific indicators of serenity, the Maldives’ unique combination of luxurious seclusion, natural beauty, and consistently high-rated beaches ensures its position as a global ‘calmcation’ favourite for 2025.
Featured
October at Soneva: culinary journeys, wellness retreats and world-class guests

As the golden light softens the edges of the day and autumn arrives in the Maldives, Soneva’s resorts are inviting families to embrace a slower pace. Surrounded by settings where jungle meets shoreline and barefoot living is part of everyday life, October brings immersive experiences, diverse dining and guest appearances designed to create memorable moments.
Soneva is renowned for its sense of space – and this October, that space is offered as a place to connect, explore and dream. Guests are accommodated in expansive villas, whether set above the water or nestled within the forest, with each generation free to follow their own rhythm. Younger visitors are welcomed at The Den, where activities include chocolate-making, coral reef discovery and storytelling beneath the stars. Adults are offered opportunities such as sailing excursions, wine tastings by the beach and relaxed days defined by a tropical tempo.
The Soneva Stars programme in October features a notable guest line-up. Tennis player Andy Murray will lead sessions on the courts, Olympic swimmer Therese Alshammar will conduct family swimming classes, and British astronaut Tim Peake will introduce guests to stargazing alongside stories from his career in space. The atmosphere is intended to remain relaxed, with experiences that are both engaging and uncommon.
Culinary experiences remain central to the Soneva offering. October’s highlights include Michelin-starred chefs joining the Soneva Stars programme: Tim Siadatan of Trullo and Padella will appear at Soneva Fushi for the first time, while Chet Sharma of Bibi will prepare a Diwali dinner at both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani. Dining venues range from Flying Sauces, a treetop experience reached by zipline, to So Hands On by Chef Akira, an intimate six-seat sushi counter crafted in sake-finished pine. At Soneva Secret, each villa includes a private chef, offering a personalised dining experience.
For guests seeking tranquillity, October also marks the return of the SOUL Festival at Soneva Fushi, taking place from 9 to 13 October. This retreat gathers global figures in wellness, movement and transformation, offering barefoot rituals, sunrise breathwork and reflective discussions.
October at Soneva is framed by golden hours and starlit nights, with experiences designed to be shared across generations.
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