Featured
Easter Getaways – Kids Stay & Eat Free at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is welcoming families this Easter with an egg-stra special programme to delight all ages. Delight in a choice of accommodation options including two- and three-bedroom villas on the beach, within the garden landscape or overwater. Your Easter Family Getaway just got better with IHG’s Kids Stay & Eat Free programme for under 12’s sharing the same room with parents and using existing bedding.
Perfectly located in the South Male atoll just 45-minutes speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is a great choice for short breaks with easy access.
“One of the most asked questions by visitors prior to arrival, is how to get to the island after arriving at the airport. We are fortunate to have our own marine department which is charged with maintaining and operating a fleet of boats which, in addition to recreation activities, provide arrival and departure transfers to and from the airport.” says Mark Eletr, General Manager, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.
“Unlike many of the outer-lying islands accessible by sea plane, we are just a short boat ride away. Often guests can secure complimentary boat transfers if they extend their stay or select one of our special offers, such as our 4-night Easter Family Getaway, which includes airport transfers,” he shared.
Celebrate Easter with a 4 night ‘Family Getaway’ starting from US$1,038++ per night staying in a 2-bedroom Family Beach House, which includes:
- Accommodation on a half board basis with daily buffet breakfast and dinner at Kandooma Café
- Return speedboat transfers from Velana International Airport per villa
- Beach Barbecue once during the stay
- Kandoo Kids’ welcome amenities
- Complimentary babysitting service for 3 hours per stay
- “Kids Stay & Eat Free” Programme applicable to under 12s
- Complimentary Laundry Service per stay
- Complimentary Wi-Fi in the villas and public areas
And if you’d prefer to have a full board or all-inclusive stay with drinks just ask about prices to upgrade.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives offers several outlets to satisfy your culinary cravings including poolside all-day dining at Kandooma Cafe with its international buffet, Bokkuraa Coffee Club & Bar offering an a la carte menu (TIP: the Korean Sticky BBQ Chicken Wings are a must try!), BAR-AVeli Beach Bar for refreshing drinks and snacks throughout the day and into the evening, The Kitchen the beachside a la carte dinner restaurant famed for its Seafood & Grill Thursday weekly promotion, and the must visit Sunset Deck & Bar for sundowners with a view. Guests who enjoy their privacy will appreciate the in-villa dining menu which can be conveniently ordered over the resort’s Smart Phone App for the techies or by phone.
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, it’s dedicated water zone and paddling pool and all of the activities on offer including an Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday 9th April.
“Shared experiences and lasting memories is what it’s all about,” says Mark, who says many families who like to do things together can’t go past the thrill of snorkelling with sea turtles for the first time.
“We offer complimentary pool snorkelling lessons for anyone who hasn’t snorkelled before or just needs a refresher to build confidence. All of our snorkelling trips are supervised and life jackets are encouraged for the little ones or less confident swimmers, so they can enjoy the experience with the rest of their friends or family.”
So whether it’s a sunset cruise, scuba dive, catching your first fish on a fishing trip or the thrill of the banana boat or a jet ski ride there is something for families with kids of all ages and the young at heart.
And if relaxation is on your agenda, just a short walk from your accommodation is the exquisite Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala offering luxurious treatments and massages designed to help you completely unwind.
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.
To make a reservation email reservations.hikandooma@ihg.com or visit www.maldives.holidayinnresorts.com
Featured
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives unveils ‘Spooky Tropical Halloween’

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has announced its Halloween programme for 2025, titled ‘Spooky Tropical Halloween’. The celebrations will take place from 28 October to 1 November, transforming the island into a Halloween-themed destination that combines the tropical setting of the Maldives with seasonal festivities.
The programme is designed to offer activities for both adults and children. On 31 October, adults can begin the evening with Haunted Cocktails at the Raalhu Bar, featuring themed drinks served against the backdrop of the sunset. This will be followed by the Spectacular Buffet Halloween Dinner at The Restaurant, showcasing a range of Halloween-inspired dishes and desserts. The night will conclude with The Halloween Spirit DJ Night at The Bar, offering music and entertainment alongside shisha under the stars.
Children will be able to join the Spooky Under the Sea adventure at the Kuda Fiyo Kids Club, running throughout the week from 28 October to 1 November. Activities will include crafts such as Shark Creation and Ghost Jellyfish making, a Spooky Story Circle, a Sea Monster Treasure Hunt, Trick-or-Treat, and Halloween costume making. The programme is intended to combine creativity with playful seasonal themes.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, said: “Halloween at Kuda Villingili promises something spine-tingling for everyone, from our little explorers enjoying a spooky under-the-sea adventure to adults indulging in a thrilling tropical Halloween experience. This year’s theme allows us to create an atmosphere that is both exciting and enchanting, offering guests a uniquely memorable way to celebrate the holiday in our tropical paradise.”
The resort has stated that the Halloween celebrations aim to provide a range of events and crafts within an atmosphere that balances seasonal themes with the resort’s luxury environment, ensuring a memorable experience for all guests.
Excursions
Experience ocean encounters: Manta Month at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has announced the return of Manta Month this September, following the success of last year’s initiative. Now established as an annual programme, the celebration offers guests of all ages the opportunity to engage with the ocean while supporting marine conservation, with a particular focus on the manta ray.
Throughout the month, guests are invited to take part in guided excursions to known manta hotspots, led by the resort’s experienced team, who share insights into manta behaviour and conservation. Awareness talks highlight the story of a manta rescued near the island, serving as a reminder of the resort’s continuing efforts to protect marine life. Children can enjoy manta-themed arts and crafts as well as beach games, while the wider community will join reef and island clean-up activities, with collected waste repurposed into manta sculptures. In addition, proceeds from manta pendant sales at the resort’s retail boutique will be donated to The Manta Trust, extending support for research and protection initiatives.
Located close to several of the Maldives’ top ten dive sites, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives places importance on the wellbeing of the ocean and its ecosystems, a priority shared by both guests and staff. The resort’s sustainability initiatives are aligned with IHG’s purpose, True Hospitality for Good, through its Journey to Tomorrow programme, which supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrates a commitment to long-term environmental protection.
Commenting on the event, Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, said: “What started as a special event last year has now grown into an annual month-long celebration. Kandooma Manta Month is not just about seeing these magnificent creatures up close, but about creating meaningful experiences that inspire awareness, responsibility, and care for our ocean environment.”
Featured
ROBINSON NOONU expands summer offering with wellness, sports, and cultural events

ROBINSON NOONU, one of the Maldives’ leading resorts, has introduced a summer programme that combines culinary highlights, family activities, wellness initiatives, and entertainment events. The resort is recognised for creating memorable experiences that remain with guests long after departure and has curated a schedule designed to appeal to a wide range of travellers.
Guests at ROBINSON NOONU are offered a selection of culinary experiences enhanced by weekly live performances from international artists and DJs. These performances provide a varied musical backdrop, creating an immersive atmosphere for dining and evening entertainment.
Families visiting the resort this season can participate in the Weekly Splash Action at the newly renovated water sports jetty. The highlight of the event is a ten-metre-long air cushion (Blob), which catapults participants into the lagoon. The activity attracts additional interest when the General Manager joins in, adding to the sense of occasion.
The resort has expanded its sports and wellness offering with the introduction of a padel tennis court, bringing one of the world’s fastest-growing sports to its facilities. Another addition is ‘YinSurf’ on the Strobel & Walter Balance Board, combining yoga, mindfulness, and full-body training. This programme is designed to promote physical wellbeing while supporting mental focus.
Every two weeks, the resort hosts themed events, including:
- Jungle Party – held in a driftwood-inspired venue.
- Underwater Party – featuring an inflatable octopus and 360° underwater visuals.
- Sundowner Beach Party – an evening gathering on the beach during sunset.
- White Party – an event on the pool deck with themed décor.
- BOHO Festival Show – a new addition, with a bohemian setting of teepees and natural tones.
- Pink Pool Party – a lively celebration with a colourful theme.
The highlight of the season will be the ‘This is NOONU’ Week, scheduled from 22 to 29 September. The programme includes performances from eight international artists, guest DJs, and WellFit experts. Events such as the Suite Party and a special edition of the Pink Pool Party will be featured, offering guests a range of experiences throughout the week.
By combining entertainment, wellness, sport, and culinary experiences, ROBINSON NOONU continues to strengthen its position as a Maldivian resort offering diverse programmes for its guests.
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