Set on a private island in the Raa Atoll, the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is a five-star sanctuary that delivers the classic Maldivian fantasy – gin-clear waters, salt-white sand and a sense of serenity so profound it should be offered on prescription. But it also takes its eco credentials seriously, playing home to the Manta Trust, one of the world’s leading research organisations for one of the most fascinating creatures under the sea.
The vibe
Getting here is an event in itself. After touching down in Malé, guests board a 35-minute seaplane to the island, where staff greet you like an old friend (albeit one they’ll be waiting on hand and foot). There are just 81 villas, all spacious, modern (the resort only opened in 2019) and impeccably designed. Everyone gets a private pool; the most spectacular are at the overwater villas where the infinity pools seem to spill into the ocean.
The resort takes the concept of ‘all-inclusive’ seriously. Unlike most high-end Maldivian resorts, where extras can rack up faster than your Instagram likes, here the club benefits are built in. That means free-flowing champagne at sunset, all-day canapés and, crucially, access to the Retreat, the only Club InterContinental in the Maldives.
Eating and drinking
There are six dining options, each punching well above the usual resort fare. Café Umi is the all-day dining spot, serving up beautifully plated sushi and fresh seafood with ocean views. Fish Market, an open-air, feet-in-the-sand affair, combines Maldivian flavours with Southeast Asian influences (don’t miss the tuna carpaccio). The Lighthouse, a dazzling white dome perched over the water, is the place for fine dining – order the lobster ravioli and thank us later – and private barbecues on the sand outside.
The drinks situation is just as well thought out. Sunset Bar serves craft cocktails with a side of fiery Indian Ocean sunsets, and The Retreat – an adults-only infinity pool and bar – feels like a holiday within a holiday for parents who have offloaded the children to the kids’ club. Not that they need to feel guilty, Planet Trekkers is a joy for little ones, providing a range of activities, from marine biology sessions to arts and crafts.
Things to do
Despite the island’s soporific charm, there’s plenty to do beyond lounging in a cabana. The house reef is on the west side of the island where the waters are cooler, meaning it is teeming with marine life. Non-motorised watersports are complimentary for all guests, as are a range of daily activities (kung fu anyone?). The heart of the resort is the dive centre. Run in conjunction with the Manta Trust, its marine biologists offer guided snorkelling trips where you’ll likely encounter reef sharks, turtles and, with luck, the gentle giants of the underwater world. The Maamunagau lagoon is not only home to the resort, but an important feeding ground for juvenile manta rays and the resort organises a Matna every spring during Maamunagau season, where young manta rays are found in the lagoon. The retreat allows a small group to snorkel or dive with the juvenile mantas with members of the trust who also organise talks and workshops. To swim alongside these unique creatures with informed scientists dedicated to their protection is the stuff of lifelong memories.
Then there’s the AVI Spa, a temple to tranquillity perched over the lagoon. Treatments blend Ayurvedic principles with Maldivian botanicals, and the ocean-facing massage beds mean you’ll be lulled into bliss by the sound of lapping waves.
The verdict
There’s no shortage of luxury in the Maldives, but InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort stands out for its thoughtful details, genuinely warm service, and an all-inclusive model that takes the guesswork out of indulgence. If you’re after a five-star escape where every whim is catered for (they send out a pre-arrival questionnaire to get to know your likes and dislikes), you’ve just found your happy place.
Kandima Maldives
With Maldivian resorts in danger of becoming a little cookie cutter, Kandima is not afraid to do things differently. Set on a lush, three kilometer-long island in the Dhaalu Atoll and exuding laid-back cool, the resort is a world away from your standard honeymoon hideaway. It still has the hallmarks you’d expect – overwater villas, soft sand beaches, exquisite eateries – but with its own trick cards including its own go-kart track.
The vibe
Unlike the many couple-centric retreats scattered across the Maldives, Kandima caters to a different crowd: a mix of families, solo travellers, couples and groups who want their slice of paradise with a side of fun. Think less ‘whispered sweet nothings over candlelit dinners’ and more ‘ice cream carts, coconut painting and competitive games of pool volleyball’.
The island itself is one of the longest in the Maldives, which means there’s space to breathe – and to do more than just lounge in an overwater hammock. With 264 studios and villas, it’s one of the biggest resorts in the region, but thanks to clever design, it never feels crowded and the on-hand bikes open up the entire island. Accommodation ranges from budget-friendly studios to sprawling overwater villas with infinity pools and private decks.
Eating and drinking
There are ten restaurants and bars on the island. Flavour and Zest are the buffet-style mainstays, where live cooking stations dish up everything from Maldivian curries to sushi. For something more intimate, Sea Dragon serves up fiery Asian fusion cuisine in an atmospheric, lantern-lit setting, while Smoked is the place for flame-grilled steaks and seafood under the stars.
The bars keep things lively, too. Breeze Pool Bar is perfect for daytime cocktails, while Beach Club hosts live DJs, shisha nights and some of the best sunset views on the island. For the health-conscious (or the ‘detox before retox’ crowd), there’s also Aroma Café, where cold-pressed juices and smoothie bowls are the order of the day.
Things to do
Most Maldivian resorts offer snorkelling, diving and sunset cruises – but how many have a go-kart track? At the tail end of 2024, Kandima broke the mould by adding an adrenaline-pumping electric go-kart circuit, the first of its kind in the Maldives.
Beyond the karts, there’s no shortage of activities. The massive Kandiland kids’ club keeps little ones entertained with treasure hunts and marine biology workshops, while the esKape Spa offers overwater massages for those who’d rather unwind than compete. Water sports are a big deal here, too – whether it’s kayaking out to sea, learning to kite-surf or heading out for a dolphin-spotting cruise. The dive courses are excellent, with tanks to get even the youngest Jacques Cousteau wannabe underwater.
The verdict
Forget stuffy, traditional luxury – Kandima Maldives is all about stylish, playful escapism. It’s got the picture-perfect beaches and the turquoise waters, but it’s also got energy, personality and a refreshing lack of pretension. Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or just a killer sunset with a cocktail in hand, Kandima delivers – and does it all with a cheeky grin.