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
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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