Kandolhu Maldives is a five-star resort located on the small island of Kandolhu in the Maldives. It is part of the Universal Resorts Maldives hotel chain. Guests can enjoy 30 elegant villas, some nestled along the lush tropical vegetation on the shore, and others overwater with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The rooms have a minimalist yet contemporary design that blends European and local traditions.
The resort offers various amenities, including a PADI diving school, a water sports center, and a SPA complex. Snorkeling around the house reef allows guests to encounter turtles, rays, and a variety of colorful fish.
Kandolhu's location is on Kandolhudu Island in the North Ari Atoll, approximately 75 km from Male International Airport. The island measures 210m x 130m. The transfer to the resort takes 25 minutes by seaplane (only during daylight hours) and then an additional 10 minutes by boat.
The resort has received several awards, including TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Best of the Best 2021 in various categories such as Top 25 Hotels - World (#4), Top 25 Hotels - Asia (#1), Top 25 Hotels for Romance - World (#8), and Top 25 Hotels for Romance - Asia (#1).
Kandolhu's uniqueness lies in its abundant tropical greenery, wide sandy beaches, and vibrant house reef, which attract guests seeking a romantic getaway and destination weddings.
The resort's official website provides detailed and up-to-date information about the facilities and room photographs.
Children under 6 years old are not accepted at the hotel.
In the rooms, guests can enjoy amenities like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a minibar, a television, tea/coffee facilities, a safe, an iPad, and a GoPro Hero 5. Additional amenities include a phone, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, bathrobes, slippers, and toiletries.
The resort features a SPA center, wedding ceremonies, five restaurants, a bar/café, a boutique, a library, a laundry service, currency exchange, and medical services.
Sport and entertainment options include Noovilu Sports, offering certified PADI and SSI diving courses, windsurfing, catamarans, kayaking, SUP surfing, wakeboarding, and kneeboarding. Varu SPA offers three treatment rooms, a dressing room, manicure/pedicure services, a sauna, a steam room, a pool, a relaxation area, and a fitness center. Other activities include water sports, a fitness gym, a diving center, fishing, table games, and excursions.
Dining options include:
1. The Market: The main restaurant located on the first floor of a two-story building, serving breakfast buffet and international and local dishes for lunch and dinner à la carte.
2. Olive: An Italian and Mediterranean restaurant situated on the second floor of the same building as The Market, offering classic Italian and Mediterranean cuisine and stunning ocean views.
3. Sea Grill: A beachfront restaurant with sunset views, serving juicy meat dishes and fresh grilled fish and seafood.
4. Banzai: A restaurant offering a wide selection of Japanese cuisine, including sushi, sashimi, meat, and seafood teppanyaki.
5. Vilu Bar: A cozy beach bar providing a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, fine wines, and fresh tropical juices.
6. Ata Roa: A restaurant specializing in Latin American cuisine, where guests can enjoy meals with the soothing sound of the sea. It also offers the option of a romantic dinner with a special menu prepared by the chef.
Dining plans available for guests:
1. Breakfast (BB): Served at The Market restaurant.
2. Full Board (A La Carte Dining): Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner at one of the five restaurants, depending on their opening times.
3. All-Inclusive (Ultimate Inclusions): Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner at one of the five restaurants, select wines in restaurants and bars, international brand spirits, cocktails, martinis, beer, non-alcoholic beverages, juices, smoothies, coffee, tea, and mineral water.
It also offers a 10% discount at Varu SPA, one guided snorkeling tour or a sunset cruise with champagne and canapés, and complimentary snorkeling equipment and non-motorized water sports.