Kandolhu Maldives

This is the fourteenth time we have traveled to the Maldives to spend our winter holidays. We usually visit a different resort each time, seeking out the best reefs for snorkeling and what we like to call rustic luxury. This year, we chose Kandolhu, a small island, a five-star resort, with excellent dining options and a nearby reef teeming with marine life. We were able to swim close to turtles, rays, and sharks, in addition to colorful fish of all sizes and shapes. It was stunning. Upon arrival at the airport, you are attended to personally, and until you have your boarding pass for your return, you are never unattended. Their presence is subtle, only appearing when needed, but you always feel that everything is perfectly arranged and on time. When you arrive, they ask how you would like to be addressed—by your first name, last name, nickname, or however you prefer—and from that moment on, everyone addresses you as per your choice. The dining experience is managed by five restaurants, each offering themed menus, allowing you to vary your choice every night. The Japanese, Mediterranean, or grill restaurants for dinner, the Mexican for lunch, and always the Market and the bar offer a wide gastronomic selection for such a small hotel. It is truly a small hotel where it is easy to meet other people from different countries, with a friendly and cordial atmosphere. The rooms are cleaned twice a day, and you never encounter the cleaning staff. They seem to know precisely when to come and leave your space perfectly prepared for you. Additionally, we had a significant issue when my husband suffered a drowning accident while snorkeling, requiring him to be transported to Male for hospitalization for three days. From the very first moment, the resort’s doctor, Dr. Saurav Acharya, arranged his urgent transfer via speedboat to the capital and accompanied us to the hospital. Hotel staff members Luciana and Claudio provided all necessary assistance, ensuring I had no concerns beyond my husband’s health. Yamin, another staff member, stayed with us in Male throughout the ordeal, arranging accommodations, transportation, a phone charger, money, and anything else we needed. I didn’t have to worry about anything but my husband’s recovery. Eventually, we were able to return to the resort and finish our vacation. Everyone was genuinely happy and relieved to see us back. They welcomed us with true care and affection. Kandolhu is truly a microclimate, not just of natural beauty and richness, but also of warmth, care, and humanity. Thank-you

Small, intimate and beautifully positioned island that truly makes you feel as though you've stepped outside of time. The warmth and hospitality of the staff is superb with so much attention and care given to the dining options. The food is excellent quality too. Hugest thanks to Claudio and the Kandolhu team for a wonderful stay!

What a wonderful stay at the beautiful island ! Friendly supportive team members, tasty food with a lot of options and and incredible spa therapists! Perfect spot for water lovers and perfectly to relax....we can highly recommend this Island!

The island is recommended to anyone who is looking for peace and quiet and is also fascinated by the underwater world, as the house reef is completely intact and fantastically varied. Many different corals, you can meet nurse sharks, eagleray or white tip reef sharks or black tip reef sharks. At the moment there are three turtles living on the house reef. The island is a culinary dream with everything your heart desires. All the staff from the reception, dive center, housekeeping, restaurant service, cooks and also everyone in the background are courteous, warm and friendly and you simply felt at home. This island was our 5th time on the Maldives, each time we were on a different island, but Kandolhu cannot be compared to the other islands with the warmth of the staff and the house reef. We are already planning for next year.

Incredible!! If you are looking for a perfect resort combining great food , great house reef (snorkeling experience) and great service, do not hesitate, Kandolhu is definitely the place !!! Famous for its house reef, Kandolhu has been on my list for a long time. Altho some corals have been bleached (like everywhere in Maldives) , you can still see abundant sea lives including the turtles-in-residence, eagle ray, a big live cora garden with many fishes. The food and service here certainly exceeds my expectations!!! A la carte with unlimited orders -plz do try the steak and frites and grilled filet! And breakfast is awesome with a great variety and quality. The staff in Kandolhu are absolutely amazing! They are so friendly and professional. I got bitten by some insets from the previous stay, and when I talked to reception and expressed it’s nothing urgent, the staff still urged the doctors to reopen the clinic and got me some meds. Appreciate how they prioritize customer’s demand, sometimes they care more than I do! Special shout out to Estela, Zihaad (sry if I misspelled), and so many many kind staff at reception , bar and Navid from diving center. The only thing tho, is that housekeeping could have done a better job and have more attention to details. During my stay, the desk and other furniture never got thoroughly cleaned :( But overall it’s heaven on earth!!Cannot wait to come back!!

Me and my wife had an unbelievable 10 days at Kandoluh. We have been to the Maldives many times at both large and small resorts, with and without our kids. From the beginning to the very end Luciana and Claudio made sure nothing was amiss. Our Beach Pool Villa was perfectly located to benefit from the fantastic house reef and we went snorkling for hours every day. Catering is second to none and covers many different tastes and types of venues. Eating outside on the upper terrace in "Olive" was our personal highlight. A beautifully appointed Spa completes this perfectly balanced resort where it never feels crowed and everything we wanted was more than just catered for, it was delivered with a professionalism rarely found today. A special thanks goes out to Elvira, Estella, Ameen, Sharif, Gayan, Nameen and of course Astrid in Ata Roa (best Tacos ever) When we return to the Maldives this will be our first call from now on. Christian & Claudia