News
Kandooma Maldives launches new brand with experience-led all-inclusive concept
Today (1st October) marks a new chapter for Kandooma Maldives, one of the South Malé Atoll’s best-known island resorts as it officially begins life under its new brand. For the past 17 years, travellers have known the island as Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. From today, the resort steps forward simply as Kandooma Maldives – refreshed, all-inclusive and with an experience-led approach designed to make family holidays easier, richer and considerably more fun.
It is less a reinvention than an opportunity for Kandooma to be fully itself. The same easy-going island character, familiar faces and warm Maldivian welcome remain. At the same time, a significant product refresh introduces new accommodation, new villa configurations and private pools to more of the resort’s family accommodation.

Eight new Family Beach Pool Villas combine direct beach access with private splash pools and dedicated children’s sleeping spaces. Pools have also been added to Kandooma’s two-bedroom Beach Houses, while two spacious three-bedroom Pool Villas offer another option for larger and multi-generational families.
At the centre of the new Kandooma is a simple proposition: an experience-led Maldivian island where the family holiday is taken care of, leaving everyone free to discover, experience and celebrate.

All-inclusive, beyond the meal plan
Kandooma Maldives is now all-inclusive, but its interpretation goes well beyond breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks.
For qualifying stays of 4 nights or more, experiences such as a sunset splash cruise, sunrise fishing, a 30-minute spa treatment and guided reef snorkelling form part of the holiday. Certified divers can also take advantage of Kandooma’s Dive Free programme, with one complimentary guided dive per day, including standard dive equipment, boat transfers, and air/Nitrox fills.
Longer stays unlock additional experiences and benefits, with selected inclusions resetting every four nights.
Andrew Drummond, General Manager of Kandooma Maldives, said: “For us, all-inclusive was never going to be simply a meal plan. We wanted it to change the way guests experience the island. A family shouldn’t spend its holiday constantly deciding what something costs or whether to add another experience. We want them out on the water, trying something new, sitting down together over dinner, slowing down at the spa or discovering a little more about the Maldives.
“Kandooma has always had an incredible energy and personality. This new chapter gives us the freedom to put that at the centre of everything we do. We’ve taken many of the experiences people come to the Maldives hoping to have and made them part of the Kandooma holiday from the outset. That’s what experience-led all-inclusive means to us.”
One island. Five ways to experience it.
Bringing the new brand to life are the five Kandooma Signatures, designed to make it easy for guests to discover different sides of the island throughout their stay.

Kandooma Blue – Days spent on, in and under the water
The ocean is Kandooma’s playground. Diving, guided reef snorkelling, fishing and cruises connect guests with the waters of the South Malé Atoll, while the resort’s established PADI 5-Star Dive Centre provides access to some 28 nearby dive sites. Certified divers staying four nights or longer can make the most of Dive Free with one complimentary guided dive each day.

Kandooma Table – Every meal, now part of the holiday
Food becomes part of the experience rather than simply somewhere to stop between activities. Alongside all-inclusive dining are beach barbecues, sunset dinners, themed island nights and informal social dining. Kandooma Café now operates around the clock, while the new Beach Club provides an all-day social hub that transitions from relaxed daytime hangout to cocktails after dark.

Kandooma Flow – Slow the day down
A counterpoint to Kandooma’s more active side, Flow brings together Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala, yoga, pilates, sound healing and time to simply stop. Every qualifying four-night stay includes a choice of a 30-minute back, neck and shoulder massage OR 30-minute foot massage as part of the all-inclusive experience.
Kandooma Social – Evenings worth staying up for
As the sun goes down, Kandooma becomes somewhere to gather. Sunset sessions, live music, campfire nights, group games and island events create an easy social rhythm where families, couples and friends can spend time together, or meet someone new.

Kandooma Ways – A closer look at island life
The Maldives is more than a beautiful backdrop. Local island and Malé visits, nature walks, sustainability initiatives, Maldivian culture and hands-on learning give guests, particularly younger travellers, opportunities to understand more about the people, environment and traditions of the destination.

Made for families
Family remains firmly at the heart of Kandooma. Kids Stay and Eat Free continues under the new all-inclusive concept, while Kandoo Kids’ Club welcomes children aged four to 12 from 8AM until 8PM daily with supervised activities, arts and crafts, gaming, a splash zone and waterslide.
Young adventurers can also take their first underwater breaths through PADI Bubblemaker from age eight or learn to ride their first waves through children’s surf lessons with Kandooma’s surf partner, Perfect Wave.
Elsewhere on the island, the new Beach Club (due to be completed in the coming weeks) creates a natural gathering place for families and teenagers, while the resort’s 24-hour dining means early starts, late arrivals and sudden holiday appetites don’t need to follow a timetable.

“Families don’t necessarily want to do everything together all day,” added Drummond. “A great family resort gives everyone room to have their own holiday and then creates the moments that bring them back together. That’s very much the Kandooma we have built.”
Located 35 kilometres south of Velana International Airport and approximately 45 minutes by speedboat, Kandooma Maldives features 146 villas across garden, beachfront and overwater settings.
And while the name above the door has changed, much of what guests have loved about the island has not. The team remains. The warmth remains. The ocean is exactly where it was. The next chapter is simply Kandooma. Discover. Experience. Celebrate. Visit: www.kandooma-maldives.com.
Entertainment
Former Savoy Hotel pianist Richard Sully to perform at V Villas Maldives at Mirihi
V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection has announced a residency by British pianist Richard Sully from 4 to 9 November 2026, featuring a series of live performances alongside dining experiences, sunset cruises and evening gatherings across the resort.
Sully, a former resident pianist at London’s Savoy Hotel, has performed at venues across Britain and internationally. His repertoire includes popular music, light jazz, classic standards and compositions from film and theatre, which he performs entirely from memory.
The residency will begin on 4 November with sundowner cocktails and a Lobster Extravaganza on the beach, accompanied by a live piano performance. The opening evening will combine music with beachfront dining.
On 5 November, Sully will perform at AKOYA Sea Lounge, offering guests an evening of live music in the resort’s oceanfront setting.
The programme will continue on 7 November with a sunset cruise aboard the Mirihi Thari Sailing Yacht, bringing the musical experience onto the Indian Ocean.
On 8 November, Sully will present a sundowner performance at Muraka, before concluding his residency with a final evening performance at AKOYA Sea Lounge on 9 November.

The five scheduled experiences form part of the resort’s efforts to incorporate live entertainment into its dining and leisure offerings, allowing guests to enjoy music in different settings across the island.
V Villas Maldives at Mirihi, part of the MGallery Collection, offers beach and overwater accommodation, oceanfront dining and marine experiences. The November residency will add a series of music-focused activities to the resort’s guest experience programme.
News
Six Maldives spas operated by Mandara Spa recognised in global top 100 list
Six spa destinations operated by Mandara Spa in the Maldives have been recognised in the TOP 100 Spas of the World 2026 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, marking a significant milestone for the international spa and wellness brand and its hospitality partners.
The recognition spans six properties across four hospitality groups: Mandara Spa at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, and Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi; Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives; Th.ari Spa by Mandara at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi; and Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura.
From secluded island retreats to contemporary urban hospitality, the six destinations reflect the diversity of wellness experiences across the Maldives. Each is shaped by its unique setting and character, while sharing a commitment to attentive service, therapeutic expertise, and genuine guest care. Beyond the awards themselves, this collective achievement celebrates the dedication of the spa teams and the enduring hospitality partnerships that have helped shape Mandara Spa’s presence in the Maldives.
Wellness in the Maldives is shaped as much by the character of a destination as by the treatments it offers. Mandara Spa’s long-standing collaboration with Adaaran Resorts reflects this diversity across three distinctive properties. At Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, the spa complements an intimate luxury island experience, while Adaaran Select Meedhupparu offers a restorative balance to the resort’s activities and experiences. Meanwhile, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, known for its surfing and vibrant island atmosphere, provides guests with an opportunity to unwind after days spent exploring the surrounding waters.
At Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, Mandara Spa draws on traditional healing practices to offer moments of relaxation within the resort’s tropical surroundings. Th.ari Spa by Mandara at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi brings a contemporary perspective to wellness, combining therapeutic traditions with tailored care that reflects the resort’s relaxed and modern character. In contrast, Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura brings the brand’s approach to the heart of Malé, offering hotel guests and visitors a place to recharge amid the energy of the capital.

Across all six properties, Mandara Spa’s approach extends beyond a single spa concept. Each experience is shaped by its surroundings, the identity of its hospitality partner, and the expectations of its guests. By combining its therapeutic heritage with an understanding of individual destinations, the brand creates wellness experiences that feel connected to their settings while maintaining a shared commitment to attentive service.
While the six spas differ in location and experience, their success is shaped by the people who bring each wellness journey to life and the guests who place their trust in Mandara Spa. Across the Maldives, therapists, spa managers, and operational teams work together to create experiences that feel welcoming, thoughtful, and attentive to individual needs. Equally important are the guests who continue to choose Mandara Spa as part of their travels, whose confidence and appreciation inspire the teams to uphold the standards of care that define the brand.

This commitment extends throughout the guest experience, from maintaining service standards to working closely with resort teams to ensure thoughtful and consistent care. The recognition offers an opportunity to acknowledge these collective efforts while expressing sincere gratitude to the guests and hospitality partners whose continued trust has supported Mandara Spa’s journey in the Maldives.
“Having six of our spas recognised in the same year is a proud moment for everyone at Mandara Spa. This achievement reflects the dedication of our therapists and spa teams, who bring genuine care and professionalism to every guest experience. We are especially grateful to our guests for the trust they place in us and for allowing us to be part of their wellness journeys. Our sincere appreciation also goes to our hospitality partners at Adaaran Resorts, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, NOOE Maldives, and Barceló Hotel Group for their continued support and collaboration. It is a privilege to share this recognition with everyone who has contributed to our journey in the Maldives,” said Trent Munday, Mandara Spa.
Through each of these partnerships, Mandara Spa has brought its spa management expertise to properties with distinct identities and guest expectations. While every collaboration has its own history and character, they share a common understanding of the importance of wellness within the wider hospitality experience. By working closely with hotel and resort teams, Mandara Spa develops offerings that reflect the individuality of each destination while drawing on its experience in spa operations and service delivery.

Beyond the treatments themselves, successful spa operations depend on thoughtful planning, skilled teams, and a close understanding of each property’s hospitality environment. This includes developing wellness concepts, supporting therapist development, and maintaining the standards that allow each spa to operate consistently within its resort or hotel environment. Across the six recognised destinations, these efforts demonstrate how thoughtfully integrated wellness can enrich the guest experience and contribute to the distinctive character of each property.
As Mandara Spa celebrates this milestone, the recognition also highlights the brand’s enduring commitment to wellness, rooted in the rich healing traditions of Asia. Across six distinct destinations, each spa brings together time-honoured therapies, skilled practitioners, and thoughtful service to create meaningful moments of relaxation and renewal. This shared achievement reflects Mandara Spa’s dedication to honouring its heritage while continuing to evolve its wellness experiences, supported by the people and hospitality partnerships that have shaped its journey in the Maldives.
Action
Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi brings together 40 women for surfing, wellness retreat
One of the Maldives’ most celebrated surf destinations, Lohis, is making waves beyond the surfing world as Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi hosts a landmark all-female surf retreat, bringing together 40 women for eight days of surfing, adventure, wellness and meaningful connections.
Taking place from 11 to 18 October, the exclusive surfing experience, organised by renowned surf coach and SurferElle founder Elle Sampiere, marks an exciting new chapter for Lohis, showcasing not only the exceptional quality of its waves but also its growing appeal as a destination where world-class surfing meets extraordinary island living. For this special gathering, the iconic Lohis lineup has been dedicated to the female surfing community, creating an environment where participants can challenge themselves, share experiences and build friendships against the breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean.

Lohis: Where the World’s Surfers Come for More Than Just Waves
Situated along the edge of Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi in North Malé Atoll, Lohis has earned an international reputation for its celebrated left-hand reef break, attracting passionate surfers from around the world.
What makes Lohis truly distinctive, however, extends beyond the wave itself.

Few surf destinations offer the opportunity to wake up on a tropical island, walk directly from your accommodation to an internationally recognised surf break and enjoy the comforts of an all-inclusive resort between sessions. At Lohis, surfing is not simply an excursion. It is part of everyday island life. With access managed through a limited number of surf passes, capped at 45 registered surfers per day under the resort’s standard surf management programme, Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi offers a carefully managed surfing experience that distinguishes it from many of the world’s more crowded surf destinations.
The resort also provides access to several celebrated breaks across North Malé Atoll through organised surf excursions, offering visiting surfers the opportunity to explore the diversity of waves that has made the Maldives a sought-after destination on the international surfing map.Just a short speedboat journey from Velana International Airport, this unique combination of exceptional surfing, accessibility, natural beauty and relaxed island hospitality reinforces Lohis’ position among the world’s most distinctive surf resort experiences.

A New Wave of Women Redefining Surf Travel
The SurferElle gathering brings a powerful new dimension to Lohis’ established surfing heritage.Throughout the eight-day retreat, participants are embracing a programme that extends well beyond the surf lineup, with professional coaching, yoga, wellness experiences, snorkeling, diving, fishing and island excursions creating opportunities for adventure, relaxation and personal discovery.
More importantly, the gathering reflects a growing movement within international surf culture: women seeking experiences that combine the thrill of the ocean with genuine connection, confidence and a sense of belonging.

The exclusive female surfing environment encourages participants to support one another, develop their abilities and enjoy the freedom of surfing alongside women who share their passion.
Against the turquoise waters and tropical scenery of the Maldives, the event demonstrates how a surf holiday can evolve into something more meaningful, an experience that inspires long after the final wave.

Connecting International Surf Culture with the Maldives
Beyond the international attention surrounding the gathering, the retreat also places importance on fostering connections with the emerging community of Maldivian female surfers.
By celebrating women’s participation in surfing and encouraging engagement between visiting surfers and the local community, the initiative highlights the potential for surf tourism to create opportunities for cultural exchange, inspiration and greater visibility for women in ocean sports.

It is a reflection of how the Maldives can continue to evolve as a surf destination, not only through the quality of its waves, but through the people, experiences and communities that shape its identity.
More Than a Wave. A Destination That Stays With You.

For Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi, the SurferElle gathering represents more than a special event. It demonstrates the destination’s ability to bring together the very best elements of surf travel: celebrated waves, a carefully managed surf environment, exceptional island surroundings and experiences that create lasting emotional connections.From early-morning sessions at Lohis to relaxed afternoons overlooking the Indian Ocean, the resort offers a distinctive rhythm of life where adventure and relaxation exist naturally side by side.As the gathering continues, Lohis is demonstrating that its greatest appeal lies not only in the waves surfers travel across the world to experience, but also in the memories, friendships and sense of community created around them.
At Lohis, the wave brings people together. The island makes the experience unforgettable.

Located in North Malé Atoll, Maldives, Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi is an all-inclusive island resort renowned for its natural tropical beauty, relaxed hospitality and direct access to the internationally celebrated Lohis Surf Break.
With a dedicated surf management programme, access to nearby surfing destinations, a range of accommodation options, dining experiences, wellness facilities and island activities, the resort offers a distinctive combination of world-class surfing and immersive Maldivian island living.
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