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Kandooma Maldives celebrates 40 years of hospitality with special events

Kandooma Island marks a significant milestone this year as it celebrates 40 years of unforgettable experiences, warm hospitality, and cherished memories. Since opening in 1985, it has become a destination where guests return time and again to explore, connect, and create lasting moments.
To honour this incredible journey, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives will host a series of special events leading up to the official 40th Anniversary Celebration on 19 March 2025. Guests can participate in exciting festivities and sustainability initiatives, with exclusive surprises for those checking in and staying on the day.
Reflecting on this historic occasion, Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, shared his thoughts on the resort’s legacy and future: “Celebrating four decades of Kandooma is a testament to the passion, dedication, and warm hospitality that have defined this island. From its very first guests in 1985 to those who continue to return, we are honoured to be part of so many cherished memories. Looking ahead, we will continue our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and providing truly unforgettable experiences for everyone who visits our shores.”
The day’s highlight will be an Anniversary Gala Dinner on 19 March at Kandooma Café, featuring a live DJ and singers. As a special thank-you to its loyal guests, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives will give away up to 40,000 IHG Rewards Points to lucky guests dining at the gala.
Furthering its environmental conservation efforts, 40 of Kandooma Maldives’ longest-serving team members will plant 40 coconut palms, each named in their honour as a tribute to their invaluable contributions. This initiative celebrates their lasting impact on the island while reinforcing the resort’s dedication to preserving its natural beauty. Leading this meaningful tree-planting ceremony are Zakariyya Mahmood, who has been part of the island since 1982, even before it welcomed guests and now serves as Crew Leader for Plant Maintenance, and Mohamed Hashim, who started as a gardener in 1986 and is now Housekeeping Manager. Alongside their fellow tenured colleagues, they have left an enduring mark on Kandooma Maldives, shaping its legacy over the years.
Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, expressed his pride in the resort’s long-serving employees: “Our people are the heart of Kandooma, and it is truly inspiring to see individuals like Zakariyya and Hashim, who have dedicated decades of their lives to this island. Their unwavering commitment makes Kandooma a home away from home for so many guests, and we are proud to celebrate their contributions as part of this special milestone.”
Another legacy project is the Underwater Time Capsule, a sealed waterproof container filled with guest wishes, employee letters, and memorabilia, which will be placed at a dive site. This capsule will be retrieved 10 years later for the island’s 50th anniversary in 2035.
From its beginnings as a tranquil private island retreat to its current status as a cherished destination, Kandooma Maldives continues to evolve while preserving its authentic charm and commitment to hospitality. As the island moves forward, it remains dedicated to offering exceptional experiences, sustainable initiatives, and meaningful connections for every guest who visits.
Located in the South Male Atoll, just 45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kandooma Maldives is a tropical escape with pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and spacious overwater and beachfront villas. The resort also boasts seven dining venues, a world-class spa, and a range of activities for both divers and non-divers alike.
News
Celebration of flavour, culture, connection this Eid al-Adha at COMO Cocoa Island, COMO Maalifushi

As families gather to mark the sacred occasion of Eid Al Adha, COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi invite guests to embrace the spirit of togetherness in the unparalleled serenity of the Maldives. Against the backdrop of turquoise lagoons and white-sand shores, each resort has thoughtfully curated experiences that blend culinary tradition with island elegance.
Guests can look forward to evocative evenings at COMO Maalifushi under the stars with Sea, Fire, Land and Salt — a beachfront dining ritual that captures the essence of the ocean and earth. Freshly caught seafood and prime cuts are grilled over open flames as the sun dips beneath the horizon, creating an atmosphere of warmth and celebration. Each Friday during the season, this sensory experience invites diners to savour exceptional dishes crafted with regional ingredients and a contemporary Maldivian spirit.
At COMO Cocoa Island, afternoons will be just as inviting, with a bespoke high tea experience that includes delicately spiced Karak Chai, handcrafted pastries, and the option of shisha — all served in a relaxed island setting that encourages unhurried conversation and connection.
“At COMO Hotels and Resorts, we believe in creating experiences that resonate on a deeper level,” says Peter Nilsson, Managing Director of COMO Hotels and Resorts, Maldives. “Eid Al Adha is a time to pause and reconnect with those who matter most. Through carefully designed culinary journeys and meaningful service, our teams at COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi aim to provide a sanctuary where guests can reflect, celebrate, and truly feel at home — even in the most remote corners of the world.”
Whether celebrating with family, loved ones, or simply taking a moment of personal reflection, Eid at COMO offers a timeless blend of comfort, culture, and barefoot luxury.
COMO Maalifushi is the only luxury resort in the untouched Thaa Atoll, offering a rare sense of seclusion in the Maldives. Surrounded by uninhabited islands and vibrant marine life, the resort features overwater villas, beach suites, and family-friendly accommodations. Guests can enjoy wellness at COMO Shambhala Retreat, fresh and inventive cuisine, and exceptional experiences—from surfing and diving to stargazing and island picnics. With its remote setting, warm hospitality, and deep connection to nature, COMO Maalifushi promises an escape defined by barefoot luxury, serenity, and the understated elegance that defines the COMO experience.
COMO Cocoa Island is an exclusive private island resort in the Maldives, known for its serene ambiance, luxurious overwater accommodations, and world-class wellness offerings. Designed for those seeking tranquillity and connection with nature, the resort delivers a seamless blend of barefoot luxury and tailored experiences that cater to the most discerning travellers.
Cooking
Ifuru Island Maldives’ Social House introduces authentic Indian Thali experience

Ifuru Island Maldives has unveiled its newest culinary journey: the Indian Thali at Social House. This signature dining experience pays homage to the vibrant flavours, diversity, and cultural warmth of Indian cuisine, reimagined in the heart of the Maldives.
Inspired by Ayurveda’s Six Taste Theory, the Indian Thali is designed to provide a perfectly balanced meal that nourishes both body and soul. Guests can savour an array of authentic dishes that reflect India’s culinary soul, presented with the modern flair and island elegance that define Ifuru Island.

The Thali includes a generous spread of delights such as Jhinga Laziz, Butter Chicken, Boti Masala, Dal Makhani, Palak Paneer, Chana Masala, Tomato Rasam, served alongside Jeera Rice, Paratha, Mango Chutney, Masala Onion, Papadum, and a decadent Gulab Jamun Cheesecake.
“Crafting this Indian Thali has been a labour of love,” says Nadedja Bouacha, Executive Chef at Ifuru Island Maldives. “Each element is carefully prepared to honour India’s diverse culinary heritage while offering our guests a rich, comforting, and authentic experience in a setting as extraordinary as our island.”
The Indian Thali is now available at Social House, the resort’s popular dining venue known for blending global flavors with local flair and laid-back luxury.
Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or a first-time explorer, the Indian Thali at Ifuru Island is a celebration of culture, taste, and mindful eating.
News
Rediscover wellness, nature, mindful living with Dusit Thani Maldives’ Well-Fest programme

Dusit Thani Maldives, the five-star luxury resort in the heart of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, has announced the launch of Well-Fest, a week-long celebration of holistic wellbeing, set against the breathtaking backdrop of sun, sand, and sea.
Taking place throughout the whole month of June, Well-Fest brings together a curated line-up of wellness experiences that nourish the body, calm the mind, and lift the spirit. Guests will have the opportunity to explore a thoughtfully designed program of sunrise yoga, sound healing, wellness workshops, plant-based cuisine, fitness sessions, and immersive nature-based activities — all designed to restore balance and inspire mindful living.
“Well-Fest is our invitation to guests to pause, reconnect, and embrace wellness in its many forms — all within the natural beauty and serenity of our island,” said Jean-Louis Ripoche, Area General Manager of Dusit Hotels & Resorts in Maldives. “From the healing garden of Devarana Wellness to the crystal-clear waters of our coral-rich reef, every corner of our resort is a sanctuary for self-care.”
Highlights of Well-Fest include:
- Daily Yoga & Qigong in the Garden of Devarana Wellness
- Plant-Based Culinary Experiences at Sala, the resort’s new organic vegan restaurant
- Guided Ocean Meditations and Breath-work Sessions
- Chef’s Garden Tours & Mindful Cooking Classes
- Sustainable Living Workshops focusing on local produce, zero-waste practices, and eco-conscious travel
- Family-Friendly Wellness Activities designed for parents and little ones
Guests can also enjoy exclusive Well-Fest Retreat Packages, featuring curated itineraries, spa treatments, and wellness amenities — perfect for solo travellers, couples, and families seeking rejuvenation and connection.
Whether you’re beginning your wellness journey or looking to deepen your existing practice, Well-Fest at Dusit Thani Maldives offers the space, inspiration, and serenity to recharge — inside and out.
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