Featured
Embrace the spirit of Ramadan with an island getaway at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is inviting guests to embrace the spirit of the holy month this Ramadan at the Indian Ocean island paradise. Offering fantastic options for both fasting and non-fasting guests, Kandooma offers a variety of different accommodation getaways and dining experiences during this month of reflection (expected 22 March – 20 April 2023).
Families are well catered for with a choice of interconnecting villas, 2-bedroom Beach Houses, the exquisite 2-bedroom Overwater Pavilion and the recently opened 3-bedroom Kandooma Beach Pool Villa.
“Our island offers a great degree of privacy for guests whether they choose to stay on the water in one of our popular Overwater Villas, by the beach or within the tropical gardens,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.
“Kandooma is small enough to walk around, yet offering enough space to find your own little pocket of peace and tranquility. Some of our guests like the cabanas on our Surf Beach with the sounds of the waves, while others enjoy the activity around the resort pool area. There really is something for everyone including the little ones!”
The Kandoo Kids Club offers supervised activities for kids, both indoor and outdoor areas complemented by a fun water zone.
“Our team really care about our little guests and ensuring they have just as much fun as our older clientele. I think this is one of the reasons many families return to our resort year after year,” adds Mark.
During the Holy Month the resort will provide its normal food and beverage service to non-fasting guests including poolside drinks and dining throughout the day.
Especially for those who are observing the traditions of Ramadan, access to Kandooma’s private island mosque is welcomed.
A sumptuous Iftar will be available each night at the Kandooma Cafe at Sunset, while an a la carte Sohour menu will be available from the in-villa dining menu for the occasion.
“At Kandooma we offer our guests an opportunity to unwind and relax whether that be just taking time out or experiencing one of the many activities available. During this special month of self-restraint and looking within, many of our Maldivian and expatriate staff are also observing the holy month traditions,” said Mark.
“Ramadan is not just about refraining from smoking, eating and drinking in the daylight hours, but embodying a sense of community as well as restraining from listening, speaking, hearing or even thinking negatively about someone, and so much more,”
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is just 45-mins speed boat ride from Male’s Velana International Airport and all arrangements are handled by the resort to ensure a seamless and easy transfer experience for guests.
Ramadan Getaways at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives start from US$496++ per room, per night, and include:
- Accommodation for two adults
- Choice of: Daily buffet breakfast and dinner for 2 adults at Kandooma Café (may be substituted for fasting guests to Daily Iftar and In-villa Dining a la carte Sohour for 2 adults.)
- Up to 2 children below the age of 12 stay and eat for free with our “Kids Stay & Eat Free” Programme
- Special in-villa welcome amenity
- Complimentary Wi-Fi in-villa and public areas.
- Complimentary non-motorised water sports (excluding Wind Surfing & Catamaran).
Located in the South Male atoll just 45 mins from the airport by boat, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is a beautiful island paradise. White sandy beaches, swaying coconut palms and turquoise waters form the backdrop for a wide variety of leisure pursuits and some of the best diving in the Maldives. Guests can choose from Garden and Beach Villas, two storey Beach Houses and the popular Overwater Villas for their stay. Families are well catered for with the Kandoo Kids’ Club and a full activities programme. Six food and beverage outlets ensure healthy appetites are satisfied and the flavours of the Maldives are explored. For those guests who desire the ultimate in relaxation, sun loungers and hammocks are located around the island and the Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala offers the ultimate in tranquility and escape for body and mind.
For information about Ramadan Getaways at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, visit www.ihg.com/holidayinnresorts
Featured
Coco Collection brings conservation and low-waste living into resort experience
Coco Collection, a Maldivian-owned resort brand, has invited guests to experience a more conscious approach to luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi.
Across its two island resorts, Coco Collection has incorporated environmental responsibility into the guest experience through its Coco Cares philosophy. From nature-led experiences inspired by the islands’ ecosystems to culinary offerings based on fresh, locally grown ingredients, the resorts have been designed to reflect the natural setting of the Maldives while integrating sustainability into daily operations.
At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, this commitment is reflected in the Maldives’ veterinary-led Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, which is operated in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. As a founding partner of the facility, the resort provides care for injured sea turtles and supports marine conservation awareness. Since its establishment, the centre has treated and released 152 injured turtles, with a rehabilitation success rate of 60%. The resort also continues seagrass preservation efforts aimed at protecting marine habitats and supporting biodiversity in the surrounding waters.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu also applies low-waste practices, mindful sourcing, and resource-conscious operations across the resort. This approach extends to Coco Farm, where homegrown produce, handcrafted preserves, and garden-to-table dining experiences are used to bring local flavour and seasonality to the table.
At Coco Bodu Hithi, the same approach is reflected in its food and beverage offerings. To mark Earth Day, the resort has introduced a green-inspired cocktail experience focused on eco-conscious mixology, using fresh ingredients grown on the island.
The resort said its low-waste approach informs all aspects of the guest experience, with attention given to responsible resource use. From the choice of herbs and fruits to preparation and presentation, the offering is intended to reflect respect for the natural environment.
This approach also extends across the resort’s wider culinary programme, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients, house-made preserves, and dishes inspired by the Maldives’ natural produce. Through seasonal menus, conscious sourcing, and resource management, Coco Bodu Hithi aims to offer an experience that combines hospitality with environmental responsibility.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
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