Kandolhu Maldives

It was the tenth time in Maldives for us and the fist in Kandolhu, we chose it especially for the reef and because it is small with few accommodations. Our experience went beyond expectations, the reef is wonderful, one of the most beautiful ever seen, the welcome is spectacular. Despite...

It was the tenth time in Maldives for us and the fist in Kandolhu, we chose it especially for the reef and because it is small with few accommodations. Our experience went beyond expectations, the reef is wonderful, one of the most beautiful ever seen, the welcome is spectacular. Despite being of high level it is informal, great sense of freedom and guaranteed privacy. The accommodation is well equipped with every comfort. But what makes the holiday special is the kindness of all the staff who work in this lodge. A heartfelt thank you to the guys who take care of our villa, attentive to every need, to all the waiters and bartenders always available to fulfill our requests and advise us, a beautiful spa with competent operators. The food is fantastic with a variety of incredible proposals. An unforgettable holiday and we hope to come back.

As close to your dreams of being on a deserted island paradise with all the comforts of home. Secluded, quiet, slow pace, and dreamy. Team members are very attentive and accommodating. Their only mission is to make your stay positive and memorable. Everything we have been looking for and can...

As close to your dreams of being on a deserted island paradise with all the comforts of home. Secluded, quiet, slow pace, and dreamy. Team members are very attentive and accommodating. Their only mission is to make your stay positive and memorable. Everything we have been looking for and can not wait to return. Thank you to everyone for making our stay so special.

Our week at this incredible Maldives resort was nothing short of magical. From the moment we stepped off the speedboat transfer and entered Kandolhu, we were greeted by name and welcome drinks, setting the tone for the personalized and intimate experience that awaited us. Our bungalow was ready at 11am...

Our week at this incredible Maldives resort was nothing short of magical. From the moment we stepped off the speedboat transfer and entered Kandolhu, we were greeted by name and welcome drinks, setting the tone for the personalized and intimate experience that awaited us. Our bungalow was ready at 11am and we were checked in right away! With only 30 overwater bungalows, the resort felt exclusive and peaceful, offering a true escape from the outside world. The resort was almost at capacity but we never felt it was crowded. The accommodation was perfect—our overwater bungalow was spacious, elegantly designed, and offered breathtaking ocean views. Housekeeping was done twice daily, always discreetly, ensuring our space remained pristine without ever feeling intrusive. Dining was another highlight. With five restaurants to choose from, we were spoiled for choice, and every meal was outstanding. The variety of cuisines and the quality of ingredients made every dining experience a treat. Our favorite were Sea Grill, Japanese Banzai, and Mexican Atta Roa. We loved the daily fresh reef fish choices. Shout out to Nasru, Effam, Estella, Ameen, Zinadh, Nareen, Mann, Anjelita, Suraj and the whole food and dining team and the chefs for their awesome services! The snorkeling right from the house reef was beyond words. We swam alongside blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, spotted stingrays, and even a friendly house reef turtle who seemed to recognize us each time we saw him. The coral was in great shape, with vibrant purple sea anemones and thriving marine life. However, it’s important to check with the dive center about currents and safe entry and exit points. Resort also offered complementary snorkeling gear, complimentary GoPro loan, paddle board, catamaran, kayaking, gym, and massage services. My husband, an avid diver, went on four dives and was blown away by the abundance of marine life—countless sharks, “fish soup” formations, stingrays, and moray eels. The dive team was professional and knowledgeable, making each dive a safe and thrilling adventure. Service throughout the resort was impeccable. Every staff member was warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in making our stay special. The resort is clearly well cared for, with employees up early each morning to ensure the beaches and grounds remain pristine. We also met the GM Claudio and Luciana and they are super sweet! Claudio and Luciana, you have an amazing team to work with! I had a medical mishap and was very well taken care of by the house doctor, Luciana, and dining team. The last day of our stay, we were able to stay in our room until it was time to catch the boat to get to the seaplane around 2:30pm. We were also offered complimentary one bag of laundry service so it was nice to get home with not much laundry to do. If you’re looking for a luxurious, intimate, and nature-filled escape in the Maldives, this resort is truly exceptional. We left with unforgettable memories and can’t wait to return! It made our 32 hours trek to get there totally worth it!

Our stay for our 20th wedding anniversary more than lived up to our expectations. Everything was perfect. The entire team was adorable and took great care of us. It was an incredible week of snorkelling, diving and relaxation. I was able to visit the spa 3 times: it was also...

Our stay for our 20th wedding anniversary more than lived up to our expectations. Everything was perfect. The entire team was adorable and took great care of us. It was an incredible week of snorkelling, diving and relaxation. I was able to visit the spa 3 times: it was also perfect in terms of the choice of treatments, my expectations and the professional's attentiveness. And when it comes to food, there's a choice of different restaurants with different specialities: we were able to try them out, and all in all, one word: perfect! We also liked the fact that Kandolhu has only 30 rooms, as this makes the island quiet, intimate and family-friendly. We've already decided that we'll miss this paradise, so we'll be planning our next trip soon.

The island, the staff, the accommodation, the food and amenities are absolutely incredible!! After arriving at Male airport we were taken to the Kandolhu lounge, where I was so exhausted from our flight, I fell asleep on the sofa whilst waiting for our sea plane flight. Hot and cold drinks...

The island, the staff, the accommodation, the food and amenities are absolutely incredible!! After arriving at Male airport we were taken to the Kandolhu lounge, where I was so exhausted from our flight, I fell asleep on the sofa whilst waiting for our sea plane flight. Hot and cold drinks and snacks were available in the lounge, but I didn't make it that far! As always, the sea plane transfer was seamless as was our short 10 minute speedboat ride to Kandolhu island. And here the most incredible holiday began. Wonderful staff met us at the jetty with huge welcoming smiles, cold drinks and cool towels. Our luggage was taken and we were escorted to the reception where we were then given a personal guided tour of the island which conveniently ended at our Duplex Pool villa. The two storey villa was amazing. A downstairs lounge area with wine cooler, fridge and hot drink maker. An outside bathroom (separate shower and bath) and an additional enclosed shower and sliding doors out to the veranda with a table, chairs and a sofa, the pool and that stunning sea view. Upstairs led to a stunning bedroom with super king bed and the most incredible pillows you'll ever lay on! We even took photo's of the labels in the hope that we'd be able to orders some when we got home. An additional bathroom with a third shower. Sliding doors led to a balcony with more seating and an even better sea view over our pool and little garden area (sun lounger and sun shade). The Kandolhu staff absolutely make this resort. They are simply incredible! Nothing, is too much trouble. If your favourite cocktail isn't on the menu (it's a huge menu), they'll research it and make it for you (and probably better then you've every had it before). If there's anything you can't eat or don't like, they'll easily find an alternative. If you arrive at breakfast limping because you've hurt your foot, as I did, they'll contact the doctor and arrange for you to call in to her on your return from breakfast. Not only do they remember your names after just one day, they will also know your favourite cocktail and if you're a tea or coffee drinker for breakfast by day two! All the restaurants are great, and the food is stunning whether it's a pizza in The Market a mini sliders snack in the bar or fillet steak in Sea Grill. Olive was our favourite and on one evening we had the place to ourselves. The snorkelling on the house reef is just incredible. You can snorkel all the way around the island or build your confidence with smaller runs (life jackets available if needed). Pathways have been made through the coral which must be used so as not to damage the coral or injure yourself. There is so much life to see on the reef. We snorkelled every day, sometimes twice a day and saw at least one turtle every time. Lots of black and white tip reef sharks, which at first look and feel a bit scary but after a few times you get used to them and they just swim on by. The nurse sharks usually hang out under the boat pier (the end) - they're bigger than I expected and the clown fish in the anemones (so many anemones!) are just memorising. It's so great to see coral that is not just alive but growing and if you really take some time to look at the different corals you can see so much. Water sports are available - I used a kayak twice to paddle around the island and the waterspouts staff will guide you, help you and answer any questions you have. We didn't use the spa (the island did all the relaxing we needed) but did use the gym which was well equipped, clean and had some great air conditioning! There are off island excursions available (extra cost) which we didn't do, but my husband did do a night snorkel and saw a completely different house reef to what it's like in the day. We also had a private meal on the beach for my husbands birthday which was lovely and a great excuse to dress up! The only slightly negative thing I have to say about Kandolhu is the mosquitoes/bugs. Every island has them, and I will get bitten wherever I go. We did find some insect repellent in the bedside draw and they do some "fogging" but if you're prone to getting bitten, go well armed with repellent. If we could go back every year, we really would - might need to sell the house to do it though!

What can I say! Relaxing, quiet and private - we often felt we were the only ones on the island. A fantastic beach villa - two steps to the water, amazing sunsets and a resident heron. Welcoming, friendly and attentive staff. Great food and service. A perfect place for a...

What can I say! Relaxing, quiet and private - we often felt we were the only ones on the island. A fantastic beach villa - two steps to the water, amazing sunsets and a resident heron. Welcoming, friendly and attentive staff. Great food and service. A perfect place for a perfect holiday!

What can you say about this island… it is the ultimate in luxury in the Maldives without losing the sole of the place… This island is small and intimate but plenty of space for all the guests. The rooms are stunning. But…. The food….. it is amazing from breakfast to...

What can you say about this island… it is the ultimate in luxury in the Maldives without losing the sole of the place… This island is small and intimate but plenty of space for all the guests. The rooms are stunning. But…. The food….. it is amazing from breakfast to evening dinner from nibbles in the room to special nights.. We were there for valentines night all the staff excelled themselves. Claudio and Luciana you have an amazing team and I think you guys are doing a stunning job - good luck with the refurbishment. We must do a shout out to Elvira, Estella, Nareen and Ameen… we could go on as the whole team are wonderful. Please tell Ameen that the lava cake is not the best on the island…. I think it’s the best in the Maldives x We are looking to return again next year fingers crossed Ps the best expresso martinis - cosmopolitan and aperal spritzers ever

What an amazing place. Our third trip and it just seems to get better. We had 13 nights staying in a pool villa. The villa was perfect - spacious, private, beautiful mature garden giving shade (from wind and sun) and really well looked after by our friendly villa attendant. The...

What an amazing place. Our third trip and it just seems to get better. We had 13 nights staying in a pool villa. The villa was perfect - spacious, private, beautiful mature garden giving shade (from wind and sun) and really well looked after by our friendly villa attendant. The staff are awesome. Really hard not to mention them all but in terms of stand out… - the bar staff are attentive, friendly and quickly work out your favourite drinks - Estella, Ameen and Maan looked after our every need when visiting any of the 5 restaurants (yes - 5 great restaurants on a tiny island!!). Always friendly and helpful and generally just awesome customer service. The food was also great - especially if you love fish and seafood. The island has the most impressive house reef we have ever snorkelled on. The fish are prolific and this year the coral was the best we’ve ever seen. So much shape and colour. And altho it was a bit windy we always felt safe snorkelling in the reef. Can’t recommend this place enough - a great couples get away. We’ll be back!

The most amazing, relaxing, friendly holiday. Location is fantastic with excellent house reef with excellent snorkeling, accommodation beautiful, food 5 star and everyone makes you feel very special. Will definitely be back. Thank you Lucy and crew.

When we arrived for our 6th visit to this amazing island in January we were concerned to hear that the previous Resort Managers had moved on and a new team had recently arrived. We should not have worried! Luciana and Claudio were the perfect hosts and it felt like they...

When we arrived for our 6th visit to this amazing island in January we were concerned to hear that the previous Resort Managers had moved on and a new team had recently arrived. We should not have worried! Luciana and Claudio were the perfect hosts and it felt like they had been there for many years! The island itself is very small and has an exclusive feel to it, there are only 30 rooms and even when “full” you still feel like you are the only people on the island. The core of what makes this resort so good is undoubtedly the wonderful staff. Even the gardeners are so happy to see you and wish you a good day. I believe there are 140 staff on the island to look after your every wish and I will not be able to name them all but I must say a huge thank you to the following guys and girls who became friends; Estela, Elvira, Naveen, Deshan, Maan, Gayan (who made us his own cocktail) Ameen (who wrote us a sweet poem!), Nasru (who cut my hair for me) Sharif and Anjelita. I must also mention the chefs Ragu and Justin who coped with our increasingly eccentric lunch requests! The reef around Kandolhu is perfect for snorkelling and the WaterSports guys, led by Adam, are very knowledgeable and helpful. Overall this is a perfect resort and we will be back!

This was our second visit to Kandolhu in the Maldives, having celebrated our 25th anniversary here, and it was just as magical this time for our 30th. When you see those glossy magazine photos of palm trees and white sands, you never think it'll be quite as perfect in real...

This was our second visit to Kandolhu in the Maldives, having celebrated our 25th anniversary here, and it was just as magical this time for our 30th. When you see those glossy magazine photos of palm trees and white sands, you never think it'll be quite as perfect in real life—but it truly is, if not better. This small boutique island offers stunning dining options and a team that goes above and beyond to make you feel at home. Both visits have been extraordinary, offering a VIP experience that exceeded all expectations. Highly recommended!

Just back from fabulous Kandolhu. The experience begins when you land by seaplane and see the Kandolhu boat waiting for you and as the island appears it looks just like a deserted island with swaying palm trees and beautiful white sandy beaches. But it is so not deserted, just 30...

Just back from fabulous Kandolhu. The experience begins when you land by seaplane and see the Kandolhu boat waiting for you and as the island appears it looks just like a deserted island with swaying palm trees and beautiful white sandy beaches. But it is so not deserted, just 30 villas but boasting five restaurants all serving delicious food served to you by smiling staff who will go out of there way to accommodate any allergies you may have by asking chef if they can do it and they will do their utmost to help. I can vouch for the gluten free Lava Cake!!! The reef is supberb for snorkelling and they do diving trips and trips to swim with the Manta Rays oh and there is a gym much needed after all that delicious food!! All in all a totally chilled holiday see you same time same place next year!!

From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, we felt like the most important people in the world. The Kandholhu team could not have been more attentive from our villa upgrade to the exceptional service in all the restaurants. The food was outstanding and the settings idyllic. We’ll...

From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, we felt like the most important people in the world. The Kandholhu team could not have been more attentive from our villa upgrade to the exceptional service in all the restaurants. The food was outstanding and the settings idyllic. We’ll be back

We would like to thank you very much Claudia and Luciana for their welcome to Kandolhu Island. Our 7 days on the island were exceptional and exactly what we were looking for for our honeymoon. A big thank you to all the staff on the island, we have rarely seen...

We would like to thank you very much Claudia and Luciana for their welcome to Kandolhu Island. Our 7 days on the island were exceptional and exactly what we were looking for for our honeymoon. A big thank you to all the staff on the island, we have rarely seen such professionalism in the special attention they give to their guests. Thank you to the chefs who delighted us with a variety of dishes and culinary activities. We weren't bored for a single second thanks to the underwater world and the moments of relaxation we were able to enjoy. We recommend Kandolhu as the perfect destination for a romantic getaway.

My husband and I had the most amazing stay at Kandolhu! I think it was the first time I cried as we were leaving a vacation and waving goodbye to the wonderful staff. We truly felt at home and had the best experience. Lucy and Claudio, the Resort Managers, run...

My husband and I had the most amazing stay at Kandolhu! I think it was the first time I cried as we were leaving a vacation and waving goodbye to the wonderful staff. We truly felt at home and had the best experience. Lucy and Claudio, the Resort Managers, run a fantastic team and made sure we had everything we needed. We initially chose Kandolhu because we were looking for 1) a great house reef, 2) a quiet, smaller, kid-free island (we left our two young kids at home for an adults-only vacation), and 3) multiple restaurant options that weren't just buffets. We found all three of these at this island paradise. The restaurant staff was amazing and attentive, the food was excellent (and I'm very picky about resort food, usually finding it lacking), and the cocktail menu was expansive and delicious. My husband and I each got three massages during our stay because they were so good, relaxing, and a great value. If you want to enjoy the dipping pool, steam room, and sauna before or after your treatment, you need to book this in advance along with your massage. This is a tip I found in other Trip Advisor reviews, and I thought it was really helpful. We also went on a manta ray excursion. The weather was a little rainy that day, but it didn’t stop us from having a great time. We ended up on a private tour with just the boat captain (Rasheed) and our tour guide (Shaad). This worked out perfectly for us because we could get in and out of the boat quickly, allowing us to see many manta rays without having to wait for a big group. The boat was small and agile, which made the experience even better. Shaad also took great videos on his GoPro, so we have some cool souvenir shots. We had requested the Overwater Pool Villa (211) after doing some research, and we were pleasantly surprised to find that we were given it upon check-in. This villa was closest to the water pathway leading to the edge of the snorkeling reef and also had an expansive view, as we didn’t have another villa on one side. The snorkeling was excellent and everything we hoped for. We saw so many colorful fish, turtles, and reef sharks. The dive shop kindly loaned me a GoPro to capture some photos and videos and helped me upload them to my phone. This was our second time visiting the Maldives. The first time we went to Vilamendhoo which we also enjoyed. Kandolhu is more luxury and had better food and drink choices than Vilamendhoo (but also costs more). Both have great house reefs. We highly recommend Kandolhu and look forward to returning in the future. Thank you to the entire staff for making our trip half-way around the world so amazing!

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...

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

Had an amazing week at Kandolhu for our honeymoon. Everything was perfect. We stayed in a Ocean Pool Villa. All of the staff went above and beyond to ensure that we had everything that we needed. The food in all of the restaurants was incredible. Snorkelling on the house reef...

Had an amazing week at Kandolhu for our honeymoon. Everything was perfect. We stayed in a Ocean Pool Villa. All of the staff went above and beyond to ensure that we had everything that we needed. The food in all of the restaurants was incredible. Snorkelling on the house reef was spectacular with blacktop and whitetip reef sharks, turtles and eagle rays. A short boat ride away we saw Manta. If you are considering booking a stay here, don't hesitate. We are already planning a return visit.

We went to Kandolhu for 3 nights as part of our honeymoon in the Maldives and WOW what an experience. The food and service is truly world class. The rooms are beautifully designed with absolutely everything you might need. We did the top all inclusive package which we would really...

We went to Kandolhu for 3 nights as part of our honeymoon in the Maldives and WOW what an experience. The food and service is truly world class. The rooms are beautifully designed with absolutely everything you might need. We did the top all inclusive package which we would really recommend - everything you can think of is included, including a wine fridge in your room! Particular highlights were the Mexican restaurant - the best tacos and ceviche we have ever had - Astrid is a star! Waiter Ameen was also fantastic - he looked after us for dinner at the fabulous teppanyaki restaurant (the chefs were fantastic - this is a must do!) as well as at the seafood feast evening. The spa is beautiful with amazing staff - would really recommend spending some time there. We stayed in a beach villa, but if you can, we would recommend getting a villa with a pool as there are no communal pool spaces. While you can obviously just swim in the sea, the reef at Kandolhu is incredibly vibrant - with tonnes more sharks, fish and rays than we have seen elsewhere in the Maldives. Obviously they won't hurt you, but sometimes you do just want a float in the water to cool off with nothing else there!! BUT if you are into snorkelling and diving this has to be one of the best places in the world. The management couple are also lovely and really make an effort to get to know all of the visitors. Given the island is so small you really will feel a personalised touch, with all of the staff knowing your names and dietaries etc. Finally, to point out the obvious, this is a TINY island - you will need books and games etc - prepare to do nothing during your stay here! It was the perfect end to our honeymoon and is the ideal location for couples looking to celebrate something special.

An intimate paradise with only 30 villas offering unparalleled luxury. Stunning ocean views, world-class cuisine across 5 restaurants, and impeccable personalized service. White sandy beaches, incredible house reef, and a serene atmosphere make this resort a true Maldivian gem. Perfect for couples seeking an unforgettable tropical escape. 5/5 ⭐

An amazing 2 days in Paradise. The teams attention to detail, the wide variety & fine quality of food choices, the lovely villas and most importantly the luxury to live a Robinson crusoe life with all its luxury amenities to dream of. Must visit the Spa - true artist.

What an amazing place this is. Although small by some standards, but just what we like, it had everything we wanted - a beautiful spar and five superb restaurants. But what really makes this place is the caring, friendly and thoughtful staff who cannot do enough to make your holiday...

What an amazing place this is. Although small by some standards, but just what we like, it had everything we wanted - a beautiful spar and five superb restaurants. But what really makes this place is the caring, friendly and thoughtful staff who cannot do enough to make your holiday an experience that will live with you always

From the moment we stepped off the speed boat and were welcomed by the management team, until the moment we were waved off the pier when left the island, we experienced nothing but 5* luxury. The reception staff explained that our Duplex villa was being prepared for us (we arrived...

From the moment we stepped off the speed boat and were welcomed by the management team, until the moment we were waved off the pier when left the island, we experienced nothing but 5* luxury. The reception staff explained that our Duplex villa was being prepared for us (we arrived before 10am) and proceeded to show us around the island and took us for breakfast at the Market restaurant, which was delicious. We were then shown to our Villa....Wow, Room 115 was everything we'd hoped for, the duplex rooms have everything you could ask for. The private pool was a must, along with two outdoor sitting areas (one on the upper floor and one on the ground level), these allowed the most amazing views, especially at sunset. The outside shower, bath and toilet seemed strange at first sight, but we loved it (also an inside shower and toilet upstairs). The coffee/tea/soft drinks were replaced daily. My request for Tiger beer in the fridge was granted immediately. The wine chiller and wine selection was astonishing, we barely scratched the surface but loved all we tried. The four spirit bottles were untouched although a welcome sight. The food was a big incentive for us choosing Kandolhu, and we were not disappointed! Surely plenty of choice for anyone. The chefs were in total control, none seemed rushed at all, while the waiting staff were so attentive, and always with a smile. Our favourite was the Sea Grill (we love fish and seafood), the Ata Roa for Ceviche and Tacos at lunch... bliss (you need to book). I'd the most amazing seafood tagliatelli in the Olive, while the Banzai chef provided a wonderful experience. The Market is the standard for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plenty of choice on each menu, while the staff would accommodate any request if you wanted something special (we had a plate of fresh mango one morning). I can honestly say I loved everything we tried, I only wish we had been there longer to experience more. All the guests we talked with, loved the house reef for snorkelling, being afraid of deep water, I was happy to mess about in the lagoon outside our villa, lots of colourful fish even in the shallow waters. The cocktail menu at the Vilu Bar is extensive, every cocktail expertly prepared and delivered by the friendliest of staff. The Spa was unbelievable, my wife enjoyed four treatments, I had reflexology and a full body massage. So, so relaxing. You can choose how intense you want the treatment to be, the young masseuse had me squirming with her strong thumbs. I'd recommend the Ultimate Inclusion package, everything other than lobster and champagne included. I'd also recommend interacting with the staff, they have so many wonderful stories to tell are are so friendly. We are already planning a return visit, this time with friends. Thank you to everyone on Kandolhu who made our holiday so enjoyable.

It was a perfect stay in every sense, and we are deeply grateful for the care and professionalism everyone showed us. We would like to extend our special appreciation to • Landysh, great and highly professional host • the Market Restaurant Team, specially to highly competent Elvy and her colleagues...

It was a perfect stay in every sense, and we are deeply grateful for the care and professionalism everyone showed us. We would like to extend our special appreciation to • Landysh, great and highly professional host • the Market Restaurant Team, specially to highly competent Elvy and her colleagues Nana and Ameen, • the Mexican Specialties team, with skilfull Astrid in charge at the Ata Roa Beach Restaurant • then the Vilu Bar team, with Angelita, Sudharma and Naveen who posess outstanding interpersonal skills • and last but not least to Les Hartung the F&B Manager, sharp and a true host personality Thank you for your outstanding kindness and professionalism! We met the charming managers Luciana Codiferro and Claudio Stupan on our last day, because they were on holiday during our stay, so you might think "When the cat's away, the mice will play", but not on this island! A5 Star Hotel in Paradise!

From the moment we landed at Malé airport, the Kandolhu experience began. We were warmly greeted by hotel staff who assisted us with our seaplane check-in and escorted us to the private lounge at the seaplane terminal. After long travels, the snacks, drinks, and welcome shower were a refreshing start...

From the moment we landed at Malé airport, the Kandolhu experience began. We were warmly greeted by hotel staff who assisted us with our seaplane check-in and escorted us to the private lounge at the seaplane terminal. After long travels, the snacks, drinks, and welcome shower were a refreshing start to what would become the most unforgettable 10 nights of barefoot luxury. The seaplane touched down at a neighboring island, followed by a scenic 20-minute speedboat ride to Kandolhu. We were welcome d on the boat by friendly staff, cold towels and some chilled water. Management and staff greeted us personally on arrival at the Kandolhu jetty and we were immediately escorted to our Duplex Pool Villa, our home for the first five nights. The villa was stunning—private, beautifully designed, and complete with a lovely pool. The minibar and wine fridge were standout features that added a touch of indulgence. For the final five nights, we moved to an Ocean Pool Villa. All we can say is: WOW. The bathroom alone is a masterpiece—luxurious, spacious, and offering a 180-degree view of the turquoise waters. It was like living in a dream. And what more can you ask to just go down a few steps, and you are snorkelling on the amazing housereef. Lets touch on the housereef. This was one of the main reasons I chose Kandolhu, and we were not dissapointed. The variety of fish is incredibale. The reef itself with such a colourful variety of both soft and hard corals are a feast on the eye. Top that off, by seeing eagle ray, stingray, turtle, reefshark, nurseshark, eels and so much more. This was by far the best reef I have had the privilge to snorkel on. Dining at Kandolhu is a culinary journey. Breakfast at The Market includes a small buffet and a delightful à la carte menu. For lunch, we alternated between The Market and Ata Roa, where Mexican-inspired tacos and ceviche stole the show. A special mention must go to Astrid, the chef at Ata Roa. Her warmth, creativity, and genuine hospitality made every meal memorable. On our last day, she surprised us with a dish from her personal recipe—an absolute treat. Dinner options included The Market, Sea Grill, Olive, and Banzai. While the Japanese experience at Banzai was exciting and a lot of fun, we found the flavors at the other restaurants more to our taste. Olive was a standout, especially the Tuna with Truffle and Saffron Jus.....a flavor bomb and our favorite dish of the trip. Sea Grill offered the freshest seafood, prepared to perfection. What truly elevated our experience was the exceptional staff. From the moemnet you arrive, the staff no your firts names, which makes the experience so personal. Besides Astrid, we were looked after by Elvie and Ameen, who remembered not only our names but also our preferences from the second meal onward and always had thoughtful recommendations. By the end of our holiday they were not staff anymore, they were our friends. Maan crafted exquisite cocktails, and Nasru shared his passion for wine—definitely a future sommelier! A heartfelt thank you to Claude, the GM, and his wife (whose name sadly escapes me), as well as Les, the Food & Beverage Manager. Their presence, warmth, and attention to detail made us feel like part of the Kandolhu family. This was my seventh resort in the Maldives, and without a doubt, Kandolhu is number one. I never thought I’d return to the same resort twice—but Kandolhu may have changed my mind. It’s not just a resort; it’s an experience of a lifetime. 10 nights of barefoot, feet-in-the-sand, 7-star luxury. Thank you, Kandolhu. We’ll be back.

This was our second time staying, the last time was 9 years ago. We were pleased that nothing had changed, it remains as beautiful as ever. We stayed in water villa 211 which is the one on the end, which is great ti access the snorkelling channel to the reef....

This was our second time staying, the last time was 9 years ago. We were pleased that nothing had changed, it remains as beautiful as ever. We stayed in water villa 211 which is the one on the end, which is great ti access the snorkelling channel to the reef. The weather was unfortunately not kind and was very windy & rainy for the majority of our time there, so i would avoid October in future. The staff are definitely who make this place special from the grounds men working to constantly keep the paths & walkways free of leaves, to Elvie, Maan, Iffam and all the team at the restaurants who are always happy & smiling and offer great service. The cocktails are also amazing and such a great selection. The star of the show for us would be chief Raghu who made some special spicy curry’s for my partner who enjoys his curry’s hot & they were the best! The seafood grill was our favourite place to eat, definitely a must for those who love fish. We also ate at the Teppanyaki which was very entertaining. I had the best message I’ve ever had from Jenny at the Spa. I also made use of the gym during the rainy weather, so it’s great to have that facility. The main purpose for our visit was the snorkelling and although it was a bit rough, we did still manage to get out most days, and the final two days when the weather was good, it was the best snorkelling ever, seeing turtles, sharks, tuna, eels, as so many fish. My partner also went to a local reef diving, with Ibrahim, who was great, he did say snorkelling at the house reef was just as good as the house reef is excellent.

My husband and I spent 10 nights at Kandolhu in January for our honeymoon, and it was absolutely incredible from start to finish. We split our stay between a beach villa and a water villa, and both were equally amazing in their own ways. The beach villa felt private and...

My husband and I spent 10 nights at Kandolhu in January for our honeymoon, and it was absolutely incredible from start to finish. We split our stay between a beach villa and a water villa, and both were equally amazing in their own ways. The beach villa felt private and peaceful, with our own stretch of sand and the most beautiful sunsets, while the water villa was a dream - spacious, romantic, and perfect for a dip straight into the sea. The house reef was another real highlight. We went snorkelling almost every day and were blown away by how much there was to see - turtles, colourful fish, and so much vibrant marine life right off the beach. My husband also went scuba diving one day, which he really enjoyed, but honestly, you can see so much just snorkeling that you don’t even need to go far to experience the reef’s beauty. We chose Kandolhu because it’s small and boutique, with only around 30 villas, and that intimate feel made it so special. You really do feel like you’re on your own private island. The staff were wonderful - they get to know you by name and are so warm, welcoming, and attentive in a way that feels so personal. A special mention to Ameen, who always made us laugh and brightened every meal when he was our waiter, and to Astrid, whose food and company were absolute highlights of our trip. She went above and beyond to make every lunch special, and we adored chatting with her - we eat there every day if we could, she’s an incredible chef! We’d return to Kandolhu in a heartbeat. It’s the perfect mix of luxury, privacy, and genuine hospitality. For anyone looking for a truly romantic and unforgettable Maldives experience, we couldn’t recommend it more highly! We hope to be back!

Wow what a fantastic Island! We stayed for 14 nights in a Duplex villa in September and from the moment we pulled up to the welcome jetty to the most warmest welcome from Lucy, Claudio and several staff members to the day we left we were made to feel very...

Wow what a fantastic Island! We stayed for 14 nights in a Duplex villa in September and from the moment we pulled up to the welcome jetty to the most warmest welcome from Lucy, Claudio and several staff members to the day we left we were made to feel very special and treated with the utmost care. It seemed all staff knew out name from the first day! Our villa was perfect - the view from the bedroom of the ocean was amazing, waking up to that every morning was a dream. Sunsets were spectacular. The room had everything you needed the fridge and wine fridge were replaced daily with whatever you used. A fantastic wine selection which i must admit we didn't really use - it was too hot to drink through the day! Our room attendant was brilliant - the room was cleaned exceptionally well every day. The island was perfect for chilling and relaxing, hubby used the gym every day which was well maintained, i made use of the Spa! Jenny was amazing and i was totally relaxed after my 5 day tranquil package. The island was very well maintained - the staff behind the scenes worked hard at keeping it immaculate. Even though it is a small Island you never felt like there were many people there - Although there were only about 11 guests when we first arrived Lol! the snorkelling and house reef were amazing, we go for the relaxing and snorkelling and it did not disappoint. We saw Black, and white tip sharks every time we snorkelled - they were a lot larger than we had seen at Vilamendhoo previous years. Eagle rays, turtles, so many different fish - i'm not into the names but my husband was very impressed. The highlight of our trip was snorkelling for 2 hours with Manta rays - thank you Shaad for helping to fulfil my wish. First time in our 4 visits to the Maldives we have had such a special and magical experience! We spent an afternoon helping do a reef clean with the staff which made us feel like we were helping the environment. Now the restaurants - the food and service were out of this world - i don't think i could name a favourite they were all exceptional. I could go on and on, we will definitely be returning. Special mention to all the restaurant waiting staff - Elvie, Ameen, Shameen, Maan and Sharif. They made us feel so welcome and nothing seemed to be too much trouble, we miss you all ! The chefs looked after my husband well - making him a special lactose free dessert every night, many thanks ! Lucy and Claudio - thank you to you and all your amazing staff for making our stay so memorable it was the perfect place to chill, relax and heal. We hope to see you again!!

I had an absolutely wonderful stay at Kandolhu Maldives. The sunset view room was an unforgettable experience ,waking up and winding down to those breathtaking views felt truly magical. The pool was fantastic as well, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. What really made the stay special, though,...

I had an absolutely wonderful stay at Kandolhu Maldives. The sunset view room was an unforgettable experience ,waking up and winding down to those breathtaking views felt truly magical. The pool was fantastic as well, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. What really made the stay special, though, was the staff.Everyone was extremely friendly, attentive, and accommodating, going out of their way to take care of even the smallest requests promptly and with a smile. Kandolhu is a perfect mix of comfort, natural beauty, and exceptional service. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable Maldivian getaway.

A little paradise! The island is small and full of nature, with beautiful trees, and the sea is crystal clear. The house reef is amazing with colorful fish just a few meters from the beach. It’s very peaceful and private, perfect for relaxing. The food was another big surprise. Even...

A little paradise! The island is small and full of nature, with beautiful trees, and the sea is crystal clear. The house reef is amazing with colorful fish just a few meters from the beach. It’s very peaceful and private, perfect for relaxing. The food was another big surprise. Even if the island is small, there are different restaurants, and every meal was delicious and different. A special mention goes to fresh seafood that were fantastic, and the view of the ocean made every dinner special. Also, we really appreciated the gym, small but well-equipped and always clean, perfect for a quick workout before breakfast. What makes everything even better is the management: always present, kind, and very professional. The whole team is smiling, helpful, and always ready to make your stay perfect. You really feel welcome and well taken care of. This was my first time in the Maldives, and Kandolhu made it unforgettable. I will gladly recommend this beautiful, peaceful, and well-managed island to all my friends looking for a perfect honeymoon or vacation.

This place truly is something special, and I can understand why people keep coming back (we met a couple, who were there for the 16th time). It’s a beautiful tiny and totally unspoiled island, surrounded by an incredible house-reef. Despite the Island being very small, they have 5 restaurants, which...

This place truly is something special, and I can understand why people keep coming back (we met a couple, who were there for the 16th time). It’s a beautiful tiny and totally unspoiled island, surrounded by an incredible house-reef. Despite the Island being very small, they have 5 restaurants, which is pretty unique I think and all the food we had was great. What we loved the most, was the way Kandolhu is a full blown luxury nothing-is-missing-5-star-experience - but in a very laid back, relaxed, almost homely way. And then the peace and stillness. Watching the sunset from the pool in our over water villa was one for the books. As was watching the ‘shark after party’ from the jetty at night time. Lastly I wanna complement the staff, who were all so kind, attentive and beautiful souls, and it seemed to us, that they where very happy with their work and life at the resort. Also had a nice conversation with Claudio and Luciana, who runs the place - thank you for having us and making it such a memorable stay.

We had the immense joy of celebrating our 4th wedding anniversary at Kandolhu Maldives, and it truly exceeded every expectation. From the moment we arrived, we were embraced by the peaceful beauty of the island and the genuine warmth of the entire team. Every detail—from the perfectly prepared villa to...

We had the immense joy of celebrating our 4th wedding anniversary at Kandolhu Maldives, and it truly exceeded every expectation. From the moment we arrived, we were embraced by the peaceful beauty of the island and the genuine warmth of the entire team. Every detail—from the perfectly prepared villa to the thoughtful surprises that made our anniversary so special—reflected the care and dedication that make Kandolhu such a unique and magical place. What impressed us the most was the exceptional service: always attentive, never intrusive, and delivered with such kindness that we felt genuinely welcomed and cared for throughout our stay. Kandolhu is not just a stunning destination; it’s an experience of serenity, beauty, and heartfelt hospitality that stays with you long after you leave. We are deeply grateful to the whole team for making this celebration unforgettable and cannot wait to return to this little corner of paradise.

Had the most amazing time at Kandolhu. We chose the island as we wanted access to a house reef and one with fewer villas to allow for a more relaxed and intimate experience. Kandolhu more than delivered on both fronts, and we are already planning our next trip!

We have just returned from a wonderful 11 nights in paradise. This isn’t the holiday for you if you are looking for 24/7 activities and entertainment but if you are looking for pure relaxation, amazing hospitality, stunning snorkelling and great food then I couldn’t recommend Kandolhu more highly. Yes, some...

We have just returned from a wonderful 11 nights in paradise. This isn’t the holiday for you if you are looking for 24/7 activities and entertainment but if you are looking for pure relaxation, amazing hospitality, stunning snorkelling and great food then I couldn’t recommend Kandolhu more highly. Yes, some areas of the villas need some TLC but as mentioned in a number of reviews this is due to take place in the next couple of months and we certainly came across nothing more than general wear and tear. Our villa was kept immaculately clean - as were the public areas - and if you needed anything you simply had to ask. The staff were all amazing and helped make the holiday but we would particularly call out Elvira, Ameen, Maan and Shering (the best massages I have ever had!). The food was varied, tasty and with more restaurants to choose from than you would expect for a resort of this size. A big thank you to chef for the amazing prawn and coconut curry he made for us one evening after I had commented how much I liked coconut! My only slight niggle was on the departure arrangements. Our flight was late at night which meant we had around 5 hours at the airport. On our day of departure we were told that we could have booked the Kandolhu lounge at the sea plane terminal - but as this required 24 hours notice it was not possible to do so and instead we had to pay for the use of an airport lounge. It would be really helpful to make guests aware of this option with plenty of notice please. We are looking forward to coming back. We very rarely visit the same place twice but will definitely be making an exception for Kandolhu 🥰🥰