When you think of Maldives you’ll think of the never ending white sand beaches, the azure blue of the Indian Ocean and gorgeous over water villas… But what if there’s more to it?
What if the Maldives could give you A LOT more? How many people visit the Maldives just for their perfect bikini shot (oh new profile picture) or to have their friends comment, “So jealous!”. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with that. But that doesn’t have to be the Maldives, it could be anywhere.
But there’s a place that’s different. A place that blends local vibes, an amazing beach lifestyle PLUS all the white sand beaches and the like. And that’s Kandima Maldives!
What’s so special?
Kandima offers more than just a holiday, it’s a lifestyle. It’s like a friendly village where everyone’s there to party until the dawn breaks or play some beach volleyball or just chill under the shade with some Pina Colada. Y’know, whatever floats your boat. Say hi to your neighbour next door and maybe get a drink with them... Who knows?
When you live Kandima, you just have fun. Don’t take life so seriously, forget the stuck up personal butlers and the strict dress codes (heels on a beach, seriously?) and just play.
Unlike other hotels, Kandima is deeply involved with the local community and showcases local artists both visual and musical!
Also, they have the largest pool in Maldives which is super sweet.
Rooms
The rooms are all amazing and have the most awesome views. I stayed in the Ocean Pool villa which has uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean and… guess what? YOUR VERY OWN INFINITY POOL. SAY WHAT?! I’ve never had my own infinity pool before.
The bathroom is also something dreams are made of omg I could stay here forever.
The rooms are beautifully furnished and the waking up to the sounds of the oceans is the most amazing feeling EVER. Also, with the Ocean Pool villas you get an amazing sunrise view (which, to be honest, I didn’t really wake up in time to see because I was too busy partying it up with the amazing Kandima krew).
At 95 square meters, the Ocean Pool villa is bigger than most apartments in Singapore (!!!)
I also managed to check out the Honeymoon Aqua Pool villa which offers ultimate privacy, nothing but you and bae and the sea (get what I mean).
Activities
The dive boat is super spacious!
Everyone knows that Maldives is a diver’s dream. But Kandima is extra special… Because of the remote, Southern location of Kandima, there’s a possibility of diving with Hammerhead sharks (!!!) SAY WHAT. Unfortunately, we didn’t visit during Hammerhead season but still saw an amazing mix of marine life. We even saw a group of Eagle Rays which I’ve never seen before! There were sharks, tuna, barracuda aplenty, y’know the usual in a Maldives dive (;
Other than the diving (see, I’m not biased) there’s also plenty of other things for you to see and do. They offer island tours for you to experience the local village life and to see how the local Maldivians live. I’ve been to Maldives 3 times and this was the only time I have stepped foot in a Maldivian village. The kids were super friendly (and photogenic) and loved to have their photo taken. It was truly a special experience to see beyond the glitz and the glamour of Maldives as a honeymoon destination.
School teachers just hanging out!
Partying with the #instaweekend krew. BEST NIGHT EVER. Photo credits to the amazing Vincent Dolman
And of course, the nightlife in Kandima was ahmazing. The DJs play the most awesome music at Kandima’s 3 beach bars so you can dance the night away with your girlfriends or your new friends that you just met (;
The thing about Kandima is that everything is totally at your own place and there’s so much to see and do so there’s something for everyone! Not the partying type? Sure! Go see some dolphins on a sunset cruise or just chillax by the beach.
Food
THE FOOD IN KANDIMA IS SO GOOD. As a Singaporean, I can tell you know that I KNOW my food. The breakfast spread is insane and there were like 3 live stations so most of the food was cooked in front of you?!?
There’s also a total of 8 restaurants and bars on the island offering a different selection so you’ll never be bored!
The restaurants were also all so beautifully designed… Perfect photos at every angle!
How to get there
Because of the remote location of Kandima, you’ll have to take a domestic flight from the international airport. Don’t let this put you off, its actually a good thing because you get amazing panoramic views of the Maldivian islands. Sometimes, if you’re lucky you may even be able to take a sea plane (Landing on water, is this plane magic or what???).
AND THE BEST PART, Kandima won’t hurt your wallet that much. Prices usually start from 250USD+/person so you can easily have an amazing Maldivian holiday without breaking the bank.
Staying in Kandima was certainly an experience of a lifetime, there’s really no other resort like it where there’s so much to see and do. What I like about it the most is the laid-back vibe. Its hard to explain… I guess you’ll have to go over and experience it yourself!
Peace out!
