Opened 2009

The only IHG resort in the Maldives doubles as a surf and dive destination. Kandooma Right breaks metres from the beach, and HB/AI guests get two free dives per day at the PADI 5-Star centre. Kandoo Kids Club with water slides, Kids Stay & Eat Free, and family villas sleeping eight round out a 4-star that punches above its price.

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SepOctNovDecJanFeb

Lux Pulse™Updated Apr 3, 2026
Strong & Growing
386 new reviews in the past 6 months across Google, TripAdvisor & Booking.com. Average rating 4.3 / 5 from 4,820 total reviews.
+27% review volume vs. prior 6 months
3
Awards
since 2023
Maldives Leading Dive Resort
World Travel Awards '25
Best Surf Resort in Maldives
TTM Awards '24
Best Diving Resort in Maldives
TTM Awards '23
How It Compares

Holiday Inn Kandooma vs. the Field

Where this resort sits across the dimensions that matter most when choosing a Maldives property.

BudgetUltra-Luxury
Adaaran Club
Dusit Thani
Soneva Jani
Holiday Inn Kandooma
LivelySecluded
Kuredu
Lily Beach
Kudadoo
Holiday Inn Kandooma
Easy AccessRemote
Kurumba
Anantara Kihavah
Park Hyatt Hadahaa
Holiday Inn Kandooma
CouplesFamily
Komandoo
W Maldives
Siyam World
Holiday Inn Kandooma
BoutiqueLarge Resort
Makunudu (36)
Coco Bodu Hithi (100)
Meeru Island (286)
Holiday Inn Kandooma (160)
Poor ReefExceptional
Finolhu
Vilamendhoo
Holiday Inn Kandooma
Holiday Inn Kandooma
Reference resorts
Accommodation

Choose Your Villa

160 villas across ten categories spanning beach, overwater, and a signature three-bedroom pool villa. Beach houses come in one- and two-bedroom layouts ideal for families, while the overwater villas offer direct reef access with glass floor panels. Garden Villas start at $180/night — among the lowest entry points in the Maldives — and only the 3BR Beach Pool Villa includes a private pool.

BeachNo pool
Garden & Beach Villas
From
$180
48–142 sqm · 32% smaller than avg
Garden Villa48 sqmNo pool$180
Beach Villa48 sqmNo pool$220
1 Bedroom Beach House Garden View72 sqmNo pool$280
1 Bedroom Beach House Sea View72 sqmNo pool$320
2 Bedroom Beach House Garden View142 sqmNo pool$450
2 Bedroom Beach House Sea View142 sqmNo pool$500
OverwaterNo pool
Overwater Villas
From
$350
85–170 sqm · 12% smaller than avg
Overwater Villa Island View85 sqmNo pool$350
Overwater Villa Sea View85 sqmNo pool$400
2 Bedroom Overwater Villa170 sqmNo pool$600
SignatureAll pool
3 Bedroom Beach Pool Villa
From
$800
215 sqm · 67% larger than avg
3 Bedroom Beach Pool Villa215 sqmPool$800

Not sure which villa is right? We'll match you based on your group size, budget and priorities.

Talk to us about villa selection

Prices shown are indicative low-season per night. See the season guide in the sidebar for how rates vary by time of year. We'll confirm exact pricing for your dates.

Dining

3 Restaurants & 4 Bars

Three restaurants cover international buffet, Asian seafood, and Mediterranean poolside grilling, supported by four bars ranging from the elevated Sunset Bar to the beachfront BAR-Aveli. The all-inclusive opens all venues — meals rotate across restaurants and drinks flow at every bar. The Thursday Seafood & Grill Night at The Asian Kitchen is the weekly standout.

Kandooma Cafe restaurant
Kandooma Cafe
International Buffet
The main buffet restaurant serving all three meals daily with live cooking stations and rotating themed nights. Spirit of the Maldives evening showcases local Maldivian cuisine. Covered by every meal plan from BB upward.
SettingIndoor/outdoor · All meals
Our tipSpirit of the Maldives themed night has the best local dishes
The Asian Kitchen restaurant
The Asian Kitchen
Asian & Seafood
Asian-inspired cuisine and fresh seafood with ocean views and a live show kitchen. One meal per day here is included on the all-inclusive plan. Thursday Seafood & Grill Night draws the biggest crowd of the week.
SettingOcean views · Show kitchen · Dinner
Our tipThursday Seafood & Grill Night is the weekly highlight
Bokkuraa Pool Deck restaurant
Bokkuraa Pool Deck
Mediterranean Grill
Poolside Mediterranean grill serving fresh salads, grilled fish, and light bites at the main pool. Included on the all-inclusive plan and perfectly placed for a midday break between dives or surf sessions.
SettingPoolside · Lunch
Our tipThe fresh tuna steak off the grill is consistently excellent
Bokkuraa Pool Bar restaurant
Bokkuraa Pool Bar
Pool Bar
The main pool bar serving cocktails, fresh juices, and frozen drinks throughout the day. AI guests also get daily ice cream scoops from 2:30pm — a hit with families.
SettingPoolside
Our tipDaily ice cream scoops from 2:30pm are included on AI
BAR-Aveli Beach Bar restaurant
BAR-Aveli Beach Bar
Beach Bar
Casual beachfront bar with bean bags on the sand, serving cocktails, beer, and light snacks. The most relaxed drinking spot on the island and a natural gathering point at sunset.
SettingMain beach · Bean bags
Our tipGrab a bean bag at sunset — the most relaxed spot on the island
Sunset Bar restaurant
Sunset Bar
Cocktails
Elevated cocktail bar perched above The Asian Kitchen offering unobstructed 360-degree panoramic views. The best vantage point on the island for sunset and stargazing with a premium cocktail in hand.
SettingElevated 360-degree views · Above Asian Kitchen
Our tipThe 360-degree elevated deck has the best sunset views
Sway Lounge restaurant
Sway Lounge
Cocktails
The social hub near reception with live entertainment, DJ nights, and a full cocktail menu. The liveliest venue after dark and the place to be for weekly themed evenings.
SettingReception area · Live entertainment
Our tipWeekly DJ nights bring the most energy after dark
Meal Plans

Dining Inclusions

Three meal plans from breakfast-only to a generous all-inclusive. The Stay & Dine HB adds free dives and complimentary speedboat on longer stays. The AI covers all restaurants, house drinks, spa discount, and dives — strong value for an active resort.

HB Stay & Dine includes: buffet breakfast and dinner at Kandooma Cafe, kids eat free (under 13), 2 complimentary dives per day for certified divers, and complimentary speedboat transfers on stays of 5+ nights. AI adds: all meals at Kandooma Cafe, 1 meal/day at The Asian Kitchen, house alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at all bars, daily ice cream, 20% off spa treatments, 2 complimentary dives/day, and complimentary speedboat on 5+ night stays.

PlanRestaurantsAlcoholMinibar~pp/day
Bed & BreakfastKandooma Cafe (breakfast)Included
Half Board (Stay & Dine)Kandooma Cafe (B+D) · Kids eat free · 2 dives/day · Free speedboat 5+ nights+$60
All-InclusiveAll restaurants + 1 meal/day Asian Kitchen · House drinks · 20% spa · 2 dives/day · Free speedboat 5+ nightsHouse+$120
Bed & BreakfastIncluded
Kandooma Cafe (breakfast)
Alcohol —Minibar —
Half Board (Stay & Dine)+$60 pp/day
Kandooma Cafe (B+D) · Kids eat free · 2 dives/day · Free speedboat 5+ nights
Alcohol —Minibar —
All-Inclusive+$120 pp/day
All restaurants + 1 meal/day Asian Kitchen · House drinks · 20% spa · 2 dives/day · Free speedboat 5+ nights
Alcohol HouseMinibar —
Experiences & Activities

Your Days on the Island

A resort built around action — Kandooma Right surf break is metres from shore, the PADI 5-Star dive centre offers two free dives daily on HB/AI, and Kandooma Thila ranks among the Maldives' top 10 dive sites. Onshore, the spa is by COMO Shambhala, the kids club has water slides, and the excursion desk runs everything from dolphin cruises to shark snorkeling trips.

Water Sports & Diving
PADI 5-Star · 2 free dives/day on HB/AI · Kandooma Thila top-10 site · Surfing
Kandooma Island Dive Centre (PADI 5-Star)Full PADI course progression · Discover Scuba to Divemaster
2 complimentary dives per dayCertified divers on HB or AI plans · tanks, weights, guide included
Kandooma ThilaTop 10 Maldives dive site · minutes from the island by dhoni
Surfing — Kandooma RightWorld-class right-hander breaking metres from shore · March–November
7+ surf breaks by dhoniSultans, Chickens, Cokes, and more · Perfect Wave partnership
House reef snorkelingShore entry from overwater villas and beach · sharks, turtles, rays
Jet skiing & motorized water sports
Kayaking & stand-up paddleboarding
Catamaran sailing
SUP yoga on the lagoonGuided sessions on calm mornings
Surfing at Kandooma. Kandooma Right is a world-class right-hand surf break that peels metres from the island's eastern shore — one of the few Maldives resorts where you can paddle out from the beach. Season runs March to November. Seven more breaks including Sultans, Chickens, and Cokes are accessible by dhoni. Surf bookings run exclusively through the Perfect Wave partnership.
Excursions & Cruises
Dolphin cruises · Shark snorkeling · Local island 10 min · Deep-sea fishing
Sunset dolphin cruiseTraditional dhoni · spinner dolphins in South Malé channel
Shark snorkeling excursionGuided snorkel with nurse sharks and reef sharks at nearby sites
Turtle point snorkelingDedicated site for green and hawksbill turtle encounters
Deep-sea fishingHalf-day and full-day trips · tuna, wahoo, barracuda
Local island visit — Guraidhoo10 minutes by boat · local markets, culture, and authentic Maldivian life
Marine biology walksGuided reef walks at low tide with the resident marine biologist
Manta ray snorkelingSeasonal excursions · South Malé manta cleaning stations
Sunset photo cruise
Spa & Wellness
Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala · Hydrotherapy pool · 20% off on AI
Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala5 treatment rooms · 2 deluxe spa villas · hydrotherapy pool · steam rooms
20% spa discount on AI planApplies to all treatments and packages
Yoga classesHatha, Vinyasa, and Yin yoga · daily schedule
SUP yogaStand-up paddleboard yoga on the lagoon
Aqua ZumbaPool-based fitness sessions · all fitness levels
Gym & fitness centreAir-conditioned · cardio and strength equipment
Steam rooms & sauna
Couples spa treatments
COMO Shambhala Spa. Kandooma Spa is operated by COMO Shambhala — one of the most respected spa brands in Asia. Five treatment rooms plus two deluxe spa villas, a hydrotherapy pool, and steam rooms. AI guests receive a 20% discount on all treatments. The menu covers traditional Asian therapies, deep-tissue work, facials, and holistic wellness programs.
Sports & Recreation
Main pool · Splash pool · Beach sports · Aqua Zumba
Main swimming poolLarge central pool at Bokkuraa Pool Deck
Kids splash pool with water slidesDedicated children's pool adjacent to Kandoo Kids Club
Beach volleyball
Beach football
Table tennis & billiards
Badminton
Nightly entertainmentDJ nights, live music, and cultural performances at Sway Lounge
Board games & indoor gamesAvailable at the recreation centre
Kids & Family
Kandoo Kids Club · Ages 4–12 · Free · Splash pool with water slides
Kandoo Kids ClubAges 4–12 · 8am–8pm daily · complimentary
Kids splash pool with water slidesDedicated pool adjacent to the kids club
Kids Stay & Eat FreeUnder 13 · up to 4 children per room
PADI Bubblemaker divingIntroductory scuba experience for young divers
Babysitting service$13/hour · advance booking required
Family villas sleeping up to 82BR Beach House, 2BR Overwater, 3BR Beach Pool Villa
Junior snorkeling programmeGuided sessions on the house reef with marine biologist
No minimum age for overwater villas
Kandoo Kids Club. The Kandoo Kids Club runs daily from 8am to 8pm for ages 4–12, free of charge. A dedicated splash pool with water slides keeps younger children entertained, while the activities programme includes treasure hunts, arts and crafts, coconut painting, and junior snorkeling sessions. PADI Bubblemaker diving is available for children looking to try scuba in the pool and lagoon.
Family & Kids

Family-Friendly Features

Holiday Inn Kandooma is built for active families. Kandoo Kids Club runs 8am to 8pm with a splash pool, water slides, and supervised activities — all free. Kids Stay & Eat Free under 13, with up to four children per room. Family villas sleep up to eight, and there is no minimum age for overwater villas. Parents dive or surf while children play.

Kandoo Kids Club
Ages 4-12 · 8am-8pm · Free
Under 13 Stay Free
Under 13 eat free
Babysitting
$13/hr
Shallow Lagoon
Calm, shallow water safe for young children
Highlights for Kids
Splash pool with water slidesPADI Bubblemaker divingKandooma Right surf break2 free dives/day on HB/AI
Family Villa Options
2 Bedroom Beach House Garden View2 Bedroom Beach House Sea View2 Bedroom Overwater Villa3 Bedroom Beach Pool Villa
Snorkeling & Marine Life

House Reef & Underwater

7.5
Very Good House Reef
Lux Atolls Reef Score · above average for the Maldives

Shore entry from beach and overwater villas · Direct reef access

Blacktip reef sharks · Turtles · Nurse sharks · Kandooma Thila nearby (top-10 dive site)

Kandooma's house reef is accessible directly from the overwater villas and the beach, with a good variety of hard and soft corals on a sloping reef wall. Blacktip reef sharks, turtles, stingrays, and nurse sharks are regular residents, and seasonal manta rays add to the appeal. The real strength is proximity to Kandooma Thila — ranked among the Maldives' top 10 dive sites — where grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and dense schools of fusiliers patrol the thilas and overhangs. For a 4-star resort, the marine credentials are exceptional.

Regularly spotted here (+7)
Reef Sharks
Blacktip reef sharks reliably present on the house reef and at Kandooma Thila
Sea Turtles
Green and hawksbill turtles — regular sightings while snorkeling
Stingrays
Stingrays on sandy flats and eagle rays along the reef wall
Tropical Reef Fish
Parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, fusiliers — good diversity
Octopus
Spotted on coral formations around the house reef
Dolphins
Spinner dolphins on sunset cruises in South Malé channel
Manta Rays
Seasonal sightings at nearby cleaning stations — best June–November
Not typical at this reef (−1)
Whale Sharks
Not typically seen — South Malé is not a primary whale shark location

PADI dive center on-site. Night snorkeling available. Marine life observations sourced from dive logs and guest reports.

Getting There

Transfer from Malé

Kandooma Fushi sits 35 km south of Velana International Airport in South Malé Atoll — a 45-minute speedboat ride. No seaplane required and transfers operate day and night. Stays of 5 or more nights on HB or AI packages qualify for complimentary roundtrip speedboat transfers, saving approximately $320 per couple.

MaleKaafu AtollKandoomaSouth Male AtollDISTANCE~35 km · 22 mi
Standard
Speedboat
Velana Airport → Kandooma Fushi (~45 min) · Day & night
~$160 pp roundtrip
Speedboats operate around the clock — no daylight restrictions. Complimentary transfers for stays of 5+ nights on HB or AI packages. Airport meet-and-greet included. Transfer cost: approximately USD $320 per couple roundtrip.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives island map
Resort island map — Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives
Our Take

Who This Resort is For

Holiday Inn Kandooma occupies a unique niche — it is the only resort in the Maldives where you can surf a world-class wave from the beach, get two free dives per day, and put the kids in a club with water slides, all on a 4-star budget. The COMO Shambhala spa, Kandooma Thila dive site, and complimentary transfers on longer stays add serious value. It will not win design awards, but for surfers, divers, and active families, the combination is hard to match at any price.

Ideal for

  • Surfers — Kandooma Right is a world-class break metres from shore, with 7+ breaks accessible by dhoni
  • Divers on a budget — 2 complimentary dives per day on HB/AI at a PADI 5-Star centre, with Kandooma Thila minutes away
  • Families — Kids Stay & Eat Free, Kandoo Kids Club with splash pool and water slides, family villas sleeping up to 8
  • Active couples — surfing, diving, snorkeling, yoga, and a COMO Shambhala spa in one resort
  • Value seekers — Garden Villas from $180/night with complimentary transfers on longer stays

Consider elsewhere if

  • Luxury seekers — this is a 4-star IHG resort; interiors are functional rather than design-led
  • Pool villa lovers — only the 3BR Beach Pool Villa at $800/night has a private pool
  • Honeymooners wanting seclusion — 160 villas, surf crowd, and a lively atmosphere make this a social resort
  • Fine dining enthusiasts — three restaurants with good food, but no high-end signature venue
Season & Pricing Guide
Dec 20 – Jan 10Peak · Highest rates
Jan – AprHigh · +25–40%
May – JunShoulder · +10–15%
Jul – NovLow · Best value
Peak season fills 4+ months ahead. Shoulder season offers the best balance of weather, price and availability.
Why Book Through Lux Atolls

More Inclusions, More Maldives

What you get booking with us vs. going direct or through an OTA
Book with Lux Atolls
Best rate guarantee — avg. 11% below OTAs
Complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability)
Welcome bottle of champagne on arrival
One complimentary 60-min couples spa treatment
Early check-in / late checkout (subject to availability)
Personal trip advisor — villa matching, transfers, meal plan guidance
Direct resort relationship — we resolve issues in real time
Book Through Others
Standard rack rate
Room type as booked — no upgrades
No welcome amenities
No spa inclusions
Standard check-in/out times
Generic customer support
No direct resort contact
Frequently Asked Questions

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives — FAQ

What is included in Holiday Inn Kandooma all-inclusive?
Three daily meals at Kandooma Cafe, one meal per day at The Asian Kitchen, house alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, daily ice cream, 20% off spa, 2 free dives per day for certified divers, and complimentary speedboat transfers on stays of 5+ nights.
Can you surf at Holiday Inn Kandooma?
Yes. Kandooma Right is a world-class surf break metres from shore, rideable from March to November. Seven more breaks including Sultans, Chickens, and Cokes are accessible by dhoni. Surf bookings are exclusively through Perfect Wave.
How far is Holiday Inn Kandooma from Male airport?
35 km south of Velana Airport, a 45-minute speedboat ride (~$160 pp RT). No seaplane required — transfers operate day and night. Stays of 5+ nights on HB or AI qualify for complimentary speedboat transfers.
Is Holiday Inn Kandooma good for families?
Yes. Kids Stay & Eat Free (under 13). Kandoo Kids Club runs 8am-8pm daily with a splash pool and water slides. Family villas sleep up to 8. PADI Bubblemaker available for young divers.
Is Holiday Inn Kandooma good for diving?
Exceptional. The PADI 5-Star dive centre offers 2 complimentary dives per day for certified divers on HB and AI plans. Kandooma Thila, one of the Maldives' top 10 dive sites, is minutes away.