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
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives aligns festive events with World of Care commitments
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives will mark the festive season with a programme that combines charitable initiatives with its sustainability commitments. Guests will be invited to donate, run, paddle and plant in support of local community and environmental projects, alongside dining experiences that highlight Maldivian produce.
Under its World of Care commitments, the resort has adopted initiatives to improve the school experience for children at R. Maduvvari School on the neighbouring island and to protect the surrounding marine ecosystem. Participation in the season’s activities will contribute directly to these programmes.
From 25 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, guests may purchase wrapped gifts from a Christmas Charity Surprise Tree, with all proceeds directed to the resort’s charitable causes.
On 27 December 2025, Euro Divers will lead a coral-planting session within the house reef. The activity forms part of an ongoing conservation effort to strengthen reef resilience by increasing coral diversity through the careful planting of hardy coral fragments.
Seasalt restaurant will host a “Boat to Table” beachfront barbecue on 28 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. The buffet will feature seafood such as giant tuna sashimi, ceviche and grilled fish prepared from the day’s catch supplied by local fishermen, reflecting the resort’s focus on local sourcing and support for the Raa Atoll community.
A Charity Kayak Race will take place on 30 December 2025 and 5 January 2026. Entry will be by voluntary donation, with funds supporting enhancements at the R. Maduvvari pre-school.
On 2 January 2026, the programme will conclude with a Charity Island Fun Run around the island. Branded t-shirts will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the resort’s community initiatives.
Awards
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo wins triple honours at World Luxury Awards 2025
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has received three titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, named Luxury Adults Only Resort, Luxury Island Resort, and Luxury Cultural Resort in the Indian Ocean.
The awards highlight the brand’s focus on locally rooted hospitality, with stays shaped by place, service and community. The resort presents Maldivian culture through curated experiences, pairing contemporary comforts with island traditions.
Positioned as an adults-only retreat, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo integrates culinary influences and cultural programming to offer guests a stay informed by the rhythm of local life and delivered with consistent service standards.
“These awards are a true reflection of our team’s passion for creating experiences that feel both local and memorable. Every detail, from the design to the service, is guided by the authenticity that defines Mercure. We are grateful to our guests for being part of this journey,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, honouring properties that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and celebrate diversity across the travel sector.
Awards
Hat-trick for Pullman Maldives Maamutaa at 2025 World Luxury Awards
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has received three honours at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, securing titles for Best Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel, Best Luxury Wellness Hotel, and Best Luxury Family Hotel in the Indian Ocean.
The awards underscore the resort’s approach to experience-led hospitality, combining design, wellbeing and guest engagement. The recognition also reflects Pullman’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, which sit at the centre of the brand’s strategy.
Since opening, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has developed an all-inclusive offering that brings together adventure, wellness and a close connection to the natural environment. Its portfolio includes an underwater villa, wellness concepts and family-oriented experiences.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition at the 2025 World Luxury Awards. These awards celebrate the heart of what we do—creating inspiring moments for every guest, whether they come to reconnect, recharge, or simply play. This achievement belongs to our incredible team, whose passion and dedication make Pullman Maldives Maamutaa what it is today,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, highlighting hotels that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and demonstrate innovation in service and design.
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