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.