Kandolhu is a small lush island, a sanctuary of tranquillity and beauty, ringed by an intricate, pristine coral garden, renowned amongst snorkelers and divers as one of the best in the Maldives
Intimate and tiny, encircled with white sand and surrounded by pure turquoise ocean, this haven of peacefulness is located in the heart of the Maldives, in North Ari Atoll, just a 20-minute seaplane flight from the airport, which feels a whole world away.
Though designed to five-star levels, the resort puts a great focus on giving its guests an ‘island experience’ instead of a typical hotel stay. Petite and perfectly formed, this island offers a real Maldivian experience with no restrictions, where guests are enveloped in luxury.
The island features just thirty luxury villas across five different categories on land and over water, each distinct in design, many housing private pools. Villas are scattered around the island, on the beach with sea views or set over the water with direct access down to the sparkling ocean below. Each villa offers Maldivian architecture and distinctive natural elements, combined with modern interiors, and contemporary designer furnishings. Modern-day luxuries enhance the experience further with creature comforts like a king-size bed, guest iPad, Wi-Fi, Bose surround sound system and an espresso machine.
The flooring, by Parador comes from certified, sustainably managed forests. While outdoor pieces from Rausch Classics invite guests to relax in the alfresco areas of the villas, enjoying stunning panoramic views and complete privacy.
Kandolhu offers superb gastronomy from a range of cuisines housed across four gourmet restaurants. Guests can choose from The Market, serving a selection of a la carte international favourites, Olive which boasts sweeping ocean views complimented by Italian and Mediterranean dishes. The Sea Grill opens as the sun sets over the island and invites diners to savour fresh seafood, sizzling cuts and experience the unique taste of the tandoor, while for a flavour of the Far East, guests can dine at Banzai and indulge in vibrant sushi and fresh specialties cooked with flair on the teppan, under the starlit sky.
For a lazy day, in-villa dining offers a menu featuring international and local specialties, to be enjoyed in your own private haven. While for pure romance, a Beach Dinner allows guests to feel the sand beneath their toes, while enjoying a bespoke gourmet meal, designed with the assistance of our head chef.
Kandolhu offers three meal plans, to suit every need; Bed & Breakfast includes a sumptuous buffet breakfast either in The Market or in-villa, A La Carte Dining includes breakfast, lunch and dinner at any one of our exquisite restaurants. For a complete indulgence guests can opt for the Ultimate All-Inclusive, which adds to the extravagance of dining at any of the restaurants, by including a wide range of drinks ranging from, beers, cocktails and fresh juices to a fantastic selection of bottled wines. Also incorporated with the Ultimate All-Inclusive plan is a well stocked in-villa wine cellar with 26 handpicked, globally accredited wines, as well as the option of a private snorkelling tour, or sunset cruise with champagne and canapés.
The island also offers guests a beach bar with panoramic views of the lagoon and the azure sea beyond, a water sports centre which includes diving and non-motorised sports (most on a complimentary basis), a gym and an array of excursion options, from snorkelling safaris to big game fishing.
Varu Spa at Kandolhu affords guests an expansive wellness experience with four treatment rooms complete with beautiful wet areas set into private gardens. The spa menu, with a heavy focus on Voya products, brings guests “organic beauty from the sea” – the perfect partnership to our own nature-based approach to the art of relaxation. Choose from a wide range of treatments including massages, body wraps, natural scrubs and much more.
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 just a stone’s throw from the beach.
General Manager Abdul Latheef describes Kandolhu as, “…something very unique for the Maldives, where islands of this size are very rare. We offer guest the chance to experience a Maldives that is not typically seen. Kandolhu is the perfect combination of ‘small island Maldives’ and complete indulgence. It is an island that will make you feel like Robinson Crusoe, but with numerous luxuries at your disposal. Find quietude and peace, and enjoy absolute serenity with your loved one.”