News
Universal Resorts announces opening of Kandolhu Island

Maldives.net.mv – Universal Resorts has announced the opening of Kandolhu Island, Maldives.
Set to welcome its first guests on January 11, 2014, Kandolhu is a small lush island, ringed by an intricate yet stunning coral garden. Intimate and bare, this tiny gem is encircled with wide beaches that are veiled by the emerald green ocean that Maldives is known for.
Following an investment of US$ 12 million, the island will feature just 30 rooms in 5 different categories, both on land and over the water. Located in the heart of the Maldives, in North Ari Atoll, the island can be reached by a 20 minutes seaplane.
Though it is designed to 5 star levels, the island will focus more on giving its guests an “island experience” instead of a typical stay at a hotel. Small and perfectly formed, this island will give you a real Maldivian experience with no restrictions. Guests can walk around the island barefoot in just minutes and snorkel one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, rich in both coral and fish life, and easily accessible from the island. You can choose to go on bed and breakfast, and plan your day as you go, or you can book full board and have access to various à la carte restaurants on the island – or indulge in luxury, Kandolhu style, by going all inclusive where you will be set for your entire stay.
Facilities available on the island include 4 restaurants, 1 bar, spa with 4 treatment rooms, diving, non- motorised water sports, excursions and a fitness room.
General Manager, Abdul Latheef describes Kandolhu as “…something very unique for the Maldives, where islands of this size is very rare. This will be an experience that will offer a Maldives, that is not typically seen by the numerous tourists that visit our island nation. Kandolhu is the perfect combination of “small island Maldives” and affordable luxury. It is an island that will make you feel like Robinson Crusoe, just with several luxuries at your disposal. It is an island where you go to find quietude and peace, and it is an island on which you will have absolute time alone with your loved one.”
Find yourselves at Kandolhu Island.
Entertainment
The Presets to ignite nights in exclusive Kandooma Maldives showcase in April 2026

Imagine your favourite music festival—but swap muddy fields for white sands, palm trees, and crystal-clear waters. In April 2026, acclaimed electronic duo The Presets will trade stadiums and festival crowds for an exclusive beachfront series of shows at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, offering fans an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime island escape curated by Music in Paradise.
From Coachella to Splendour in the Grass, The Presets—Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes—have made their mark on the global stage. But this time, they’re doing things differently. From 11–18 April 2026, fans will experience a week of sun-drenched luxury capped off by three electrifying live performances, including a sunset DJ set on the beach and an exclusive rooftop party at the resort’s Sunset Bar.
“We’re beyond excited to host The Presets at Kandooma,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. “Their energy, talent, and incredible live shows are a perfect match for our vibrant island setting. Guests can expect something truly unforgettable.”
With a career spanning two decades, The Presets are electronic music royalty in Australia. Their breakout 2008 album Apocalypso went triple platinum and produced the festival anthem “My People.” With multiple ARIA Awards, APRA Songwriter of the Year titles, and collaborations like the RAKA EP with Golden Features under their belt, the duo continues to shape the sound of electronic music worldwide.
Their 2018 album HI VIZ soared to the top of iTunes within hours of release and included hits like “Do What You Want” and “Martini,” both nominated for major Australian music prizes.
Fans can now secure the Early Bird Gold Experience Package for A$3,790 per person (twin share) for seven nights in a Beach Villa—saving over $1,000. This VIP experience includes:
- Entry to 3 Nightly Exclusive Events
- 3 Intimate Performances
- Meet & Greet with artists
- Professional Photo with artists
- Music in Paradise Welcome Bag
- Music in Paradise Event Poster
- Event commemorative t-shirt
- Return shared Speedboat airport transfers
- Welcome drink and cold towel on arrival
- Delicious buffet breakfast daily at Kandooma Café
- Tea, coffee & bottled water in-villa, and replenished daily
- Complimentary snorkel trip & use of snorkelling gear
- Music in Paradise Traveller Care Guarantee
Additional packages offering different villa types are also available exclusively from Music in Paradise here. All packages exclude airfares.
News
Embudu Village achieves Travelife Gold certification for sustainability

Embudu Village, one of Maldives’ most cherished island resorts, has been awarded the Travelife Gold Certification, a globally recognised mark of excellence in sustainable tourism. The certification encompasses a resort’s environmental footprint, impact in the community, as well as labour standards, and the protection of biodiversity.
Embudu Village previously held the Travelife Silver Certification. Following a recent evaluation, though, the resort successfully met Travelife’s comprehensive criteria for Gold Certification. This accomplishment reflects Embudu’s ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism practices.
Travelife, a leading international sustainability certification body for hotels and resorts, evaluates properties against a strict checklist. Certification is awarded after an in-depth, on-site audit conducted by an independent auditor. The findings undergo a comprehensive quality assurance review before Travelife confers certification status.
Expressing his gratitude in receiving the certification, Ramsay Perera, General Manager of Kaimoo Resorts, said: “Our team is thrilled to be recognised with the Travelife Gold Certification. This reflects our longstanding commitment to sustainable tourism and protecting the natural beauty of Maldives.”
As one of the Maldives’ pioneering resorts, Embudu continues to lead by example, proving that authentic island hospitality can go hand in hand with sustainable practices. With the Travelife Gold Certification, Embudu Village strengthens its promise to offer guests a meaningful holiday experience in the heart of the Maldives.
Awards
Amilla Maldives’ Javvu Spa recognised in Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards

Building on Amilla Maldives’ recognition in the Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards, Javvu Spa is celebrating its own honour in this prestigious global listing.
Nestled within the island’s lush jungle and bordered by the Indian Ocean, Javvu Spa offers a peaceful retreat where modern wellness gently blends with nature’s rhythms. This recognition is a heartfelt acknowledgement of the spa team’s dedication and Amilla’s ongoing focus on personalised, intuitive care for the wellbeing of its guests.
This honour follows Amilla Maldives’ own recognition in the Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards, positioning the resort as one of a select group of destinations worldwide to be acknowledged for both its resort and spa. The dual recognition reflects a thoughtful commitment to excellence across the guest experience, from island living to holistic wellness.
Javvu Spa’s inclusion in the 2025 Star Awards further strengthens its role as a leading wellness destination in the Maldives, offering guests a serene sanctuary to restore, reconnect and renew.
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