A 160-villa IHG resort with Kandooma Right breaking metres offshore, two complimentary dives per day on HB and AI plans, a kids club with splash pool, and a 45-minute speedboat from the airport.
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.
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 ·33% smaller than avg
Garden Villa48 sqmNo pool$180
Beach Villa48 sqmNo pool$2••
1 Bedroom Beach House Garden View72 sqmNo pool$2••
1 Bedroom Beach House Sea View72 sqmNo pool$3••
2 Bedroom Beach House Garden View142 sqmNo pool$4••
2 Bedroom Beach House Sea View142 sqmNo pool$5••
OverwaterNo pool
Overwater Villas
From
$3••
85–170 sqm ·Average size
Overwater Villa Island View85 sqmNo pool$3••
Overwater Villa Sea View85 sqmNo pool$4••
2 Bedroom Overwater Villa170 sqmNo pool$6••
SignatureAll pool
3 Bedroom Beach Pool Villa
From
$8••
215 sqm ·64% larger than avg
3 Bedroom Beach Pool Villa215 sqmPool$8••
Not sure which villa is right? We'll match you based on your group size, budget and priorities.
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.
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
All restaurants + 1 meal/day Asian Kitchen · House drinks · 20% spa · 2 dives/day · Free speedboat 5+ nights
AlcoholHouseMinibar—
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
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
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
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–
Highlights for Kids
Splash pool with water slidesPADI Bubblemaker divingKandooma Right surf breakKids splash pool water slides
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
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.
PADI dive center on-site. Night snorkeling available. Marine life observations sourced from dive logs and guest reports.
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
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.
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.
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
Why Book Through Lux Atolls
More Than Just a Booking
What you get with us vs. booking direct or through a generic OTA
Book with Lux Atolls
Best rate guarantee on partner resorts — we match or beat what you find elsewhere
Exclusive package inclusions negotiated through our direct resort relationships
Transparent pricing — transfers, taxes, and meal plans quoted upfront, no hidden fees
Personal trip advisor — villa matching, meal plan guidance, and honest recommendations
Maldives-only expertise — we know every reef, transfer route, and seasonal sweet spot
Direct resort contact — if something needs fixing, we call the GM, not a call centre
No booking fees, no hidden charges — the price we quote is the price you pay
Book Through Others
Published rack rate — no negotiated extras
No package inclusions beyond the standard rate
Transfer costs and taxes added at checkout
Generic customer support with no local knowledge
One-size-fits-all recommendations across dozens of destinations
Issues routed through a ticketing system, not a person
Hidden fees and service charges added late in the process
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.
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