Kandolhu Maldives Hotel
Kandolhu Island, located in the Rasdhoo Atoll, Maldives
When to visit
The best time to visit Kandolhu is from November to April. Temperatures range from 28°C to 32°C. It’s the best time for water activities as the waters are crystal clear and calm.
We went in May, and despite it being monsoon season (May – October), we were lucky, as the weather was generally good, the diving was incredible, and we hardly had any rain.
Who is Kandolhu Maldives for?
- Snorkeling and diving lovers, you’ll find another underwater paradise just steps from your villa. It’s spectacular! If you dive, get ready for world-class dive sites.
- We also recommend it for couples; a honeymoon here is a dream.
- And finally, for everyone who wants to relax and enjoy paradise with an out-of-this-world culinary experience.
Highlights Kandolhu
- We highlight the intimacy offered by this little paradise.
- He dive at Kandolhu Maldives is simply on another level.
- It has 5 top a la carte restaurants; prepare your palate because the food here is incredible.
- Special mention to the staff; they were all magnificent.
How to get to Kandolhu Hotel Maldives
The only option is go by seaplane. From Male airport you can take a free shuttle that will take you to the seaplane terminal where you will depart for Kandolhu Island. It’s the fastest option, taking between 20-25 minutes.
We went with Transmaldivian Airways.The views and the experience of riding in a seaplane are truly spectacular!
The essence of the resort
Kandolhu Maldives is a luxury boutique resort in the heart of the North Ari Atoll, ideal for those seeking privacy, tranquility, and an intimate Maldives experience. With only 30 villas surrounded by a spectacular reef, this small island offers an exclusive and serene atmosphere, far removed from mass tourism.
Personalized service and authentic hospitality are the true hallmarks of Kandolhu. From the moment you arrive by seaplane, the resort team attends to every detail with warm and discreet care. The villas, perfectly integrated with nature, offer direct access to the sea, complete privacy, and top-notch amenities, from king-size beds to minibars stocked with wine and gourmet snacks. Every gesture, every smile, reinforces the feeling of being in a luxurious home away from home. Its coral reef is one of the best for snorkeling in the Maldives, accessible directly from the beach or from the villas with pools. Furthermore, the culinary offerings exceed all expectations, with five restaurants that surprise guests every night. In addition, there is a signature spa nestled among the lush vegetation and activities such as boat trips or private sunset dinners.
Top 4 types of rooms
Beach Villa
There are 6 at the resort. These charming villas are located directly on the beach, surrounded by tropical vegetation and with direct access to the sand. They include a king-size bed, indoor and outdoor garden-style bathrooms, a terrace with sun loungers, and a seating area. They are ideal for those seeking an authentic beachfront experience, with privacy and a design that blends nature with the utmost comfort.
Ocean Villas
There are 5 in the resort.
Located in front of the sea, these villas offer a spacious and elegant space with private pool, king-size bed, interior sitting area and designer bathroom with bathtubIndependent. The outdoor terrace features sun loungers, outdoor dining and one Balinese bed by the pool. They are perfect for those who want to combine the beach comfort with the luxury of a private retreat.
Duplex Pool Villas
There are 8 at the resort.
Distributed in two levelsThese villas feature master bedroom upstairs with panoramic ocean views, and living room on the ground floor with access to a private pool. They include king-size bed, dressing roombathroom with outdoor and indoor shower and one spacious terrace. They are ideal for long stays or for those looking for spaciousness and absolute privacy.
Ocean Villas
There are 4 at the resort.
These villas are built over the lagoon, with direct access to the sea and endless views. They have king-size bedindoor rest area, dressing room, full bathroom with double sink and one large wooden terracewith sun loungers. They are perfect for those looking for a Romantic getaway on the water, with all the Comfort and privacy of barefoot luxury.
Ocean Pool Villas
There are 7 at the resort.
These are the resort’s most exclusive villas, suspended over the lagoon and equipped with private infinity pool. They have king-size bed, walk-in wardrobe, bathroom with outdoor shower and one terrace with relaxation area. They combine ocean views, direct access to the sea and a modern design for a total luxury experience on the water.
Our room
During our visit we stayed at the Beach Villa.
The room was simply spectacular.. The bed incredibly comfortable gazing at the turquoise waters of the Maldives sea It conveyed an incredible sense of calm, peace, and privacy.
The bathroom It has every luxury detail. The bathtub is particularly noteworthy; getting out of it makes you feel rejuvenated. and not to mention the outdoor shower surrounded by vegetation . The terrace with a pool It’s very pleasant, It allows you to relax in the sun and jump into the ocean whenever you feel like it..
The room exceeded our expectations It allowed us to sleep one night with all the windows open, listening to the sea and seeing the stars, and it was a totally unforgettable experience..
We loved the feeling of being fully integrated into nature without sacrificing any comfort. For those who value privacy, direct contact with the beach, and an authentically luxurious Maldives experience, this villa is the perfect choice.
Resort Facilities
Diving in Kandolhu: Noovilhu Sport Center
The hotel has a diving centeraimed at both beginner and expert divers. offer three dives dailyas well as special boat trips to explore famous Ari Atoll sites such as Maaya Thila or Fish Head. They take you aboard their elegant dhoni, we were fascinated to swim alongside manta rays, reef sharks, and turtles in crystal-clear waters.
Cornelia, the manager of the diving center, left an unforgettable impression on us. Her manner was friendly, professional, and full of passion for the sea. We were fortunate enough to have a long and in-depth conversation with her about diving, marine life, and her years of underwater experience. Beyond being an exceptional divemaster, Cornelia struck us as a fascinating person, one of those who exude calm, knowledge, and genuine love for what they do.
We always felt supported by her, safe and well-advised, with Scubapro equipment and the option to dive with Nitrox. She also had endless patience because we kept stopping to photograph the fascinating marine life we encountered.
The truth, without a doubt, Diving in Kandolhu was one of the most memorable experiences of the trip.
Varu Spa
He Varu Spa It’s a hidden oasis nestled amidst the tropical vegetation of Kandolhu, designed to offer a profound and personalized wellness experience. From the moment you step inside, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere of complete calm: wood, floral aromas, silence, and a gentle sea breeze. The architecture is beautiful, and everything is designed to help the body relax and the mind disconnect.
We gave ourselves the couples massage And each of us chose our type of massage. The session began with a short conversation to choose the type of oil we wanted—each with different properties: relaxing, revitalizing, or balancing. Then, we were offered a Welcome ritual with foot massage. That very beginning already put us in another state.
The therapists had impeccable technique. The room had dim lighting and soft music This amplified the feeling of intimacy and disconnection. It’s one of those moments you wish you could stretch out.
The experience doesn’t end there: the spa has a hydrotherapy area with sauna, Turkish bath and relaxation pool There, we continued our relaxation session with herbal teas, fresh fruit, and the sound of birds as our only companions. A natural extension of the massage that transforms the treatment into something more: a complete ritual.
In short, the Varu spa is one of Kandolhu’s best-kept secrets. Here, everything is carefully curated, personalized, and surrounded by nature. If there’s a place where body and mind align to disconnect from the world, it’s this hidden corner nestled among palm trees and white sand.
Resort Food & Beverage
Signature cuisine in the middle of the Indian Ocean
One of the biggest surprises of Kandolhu was his great gastronomic offer. Despite the resort’s small size, it houses five unique restaurants each with its own identity and culinary offering. Here there are no impersonal buffets or repetitive menus: each meal is a carefully crafted experience with fresh products, impeccable service and locations that invite you to savor every bite without haste.
During our stay, we tried them all, and each meal was a completely different experience.
The Market
It’s the main restaurant and where the a la carte breakfast is served. Every morning we started the day with excellent, freshly brewed espresso, natural juices, fresh fruit, and a menu of hot dishes that included everything from eggs Benedict to Asian options (they even serve the famous Entrecôte from Café de Paris!). We loved ordering breakfast on the terrace, with its sea views and bare feet in the sand. In the evening, The Market offers international cuisine with an elegant approach: fresh pasta, grilled meats, and the catch of the day, all served with that homemade yet sophisticated touch.
Olive
A Mediterranean haven in the heart of the Maldives. This open-air restaurant, perched on a platform overlooking the sea, specializes in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. We dined here on a particularly starry night and still remember the seafood risotto and fresh burrata as if it were yesterday. The combination of quality ingredients, meticulous presentation, and relaxed atmosphere made it one of our favorites.
Sea Grill
If you love fresh fish and grilled meats, this is the place for you. Sea Grill combines grilling with tropical flavors. We ordered seared Maldivian tuna and a perfectly cooked beef steak, accompanied by roasted vegetables and homemade sauces. Everything is cooked to order, right in front of you, on an open grill that adds a theatrical and delicious touch. It’s also ideal for special dinners by the sea.
Banzai
A gem for Japanese food lovers. Banzai offers an intimate experience with only a few seats available around a teppanyaki bar. Here, fresh sushi, sashimi, tempura, and hot dishes are served, all cooked right in front of you by highly skilled chefs. We were amazed by both the quality of the fish and the chef’s show (it’s a spectacle!). Reservations are required, and it’s absolutely worth it.
Ata-Roa
The most colorful and creative corner of the resort. Ata-Roa offers a menu inspired by the cuisine Mexican and Peruvian With a Maldivian touch. Here we tried Baja-style fish tacos and a ceviche with tiger’s milk that we found spectacular. It’s the perfect spot for a casual, fresh, and flavorful meal between swims. The views of the turquoise sea and the vibrant presentation of the dishes make it irresistible. Reservations are required, and you’re served at the bar, with seating for only four people.
Types of Travel Plans
Kandolhu Hotel Maldives adapts to your travel needs, honeymoon, getaway with your partner, family trip, and why not even solo! For this, we It offers three food and beverage plan options along with activity options..
Bed & Breakfast Plan – Freedom to explore
This plan includes daily breakfast at The Market with a delicious variety of a la carte dishes in a beachfront setting. It’s ideal for those who prefer flexibility during the day and enjoy spontaneous meals. Also included is free use of snorkeling equipment and unlimited access to a wide range of non-motorized water sports, such as paddle surfing or kayaking.
It is the The most basic and flexible option, ideal if you prefer to pay for drinks or experiences. additional ones as you need them.
Plan A La Carte – A gourmet experience without limits
With this plan you will enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at any of the resort’s five signature restaurants, all served a la carte. There are no buffets: only quality cuisine in intimate settings, during regular opening hours. Also includes free snorkeling equipment and full access to non-motorized nautical activities.
An option designed for those who want to turn every meal into a special moment, without worrying about reservations or additional costs.
Ultimate Inclusions Plan – All-inclusive with luxury and attention to detail
Kandolhu’s most complete option. Includes all meals a la carte in the 5 restaurants, along with a selection of more than 30 international wines —also available in each villa’s private wine cellar—. In addition to this premium spirits, craft cocktails, beers Soft drinks, smoothies, specialty teas, and coffees are available throughout the resort. You’ll also have access to a 10% discount on treatments at Varu spa and you can choose between a guided snorkeling excursion on the reef or a Sunset cruise with champagne and canapés (Once per stay). All this, accompanied by unlimited use of snorkeling and non-motorized water sports. It’s the perfect option for those who want to relax and enjoy life. an all-inclusive luxury experience.
It is the The most exclusive option, ideal for food lovers and those who want the best experience without restrictions.
Our Experience at Kandolhu Maldives Hotel
Maldives
The place we'll always want to return to
Returning from Kandolhu felt strange. Not because of jet lag, nor the change in temperature, but because we felt we had left something behind. We don’t know if it was the island, the silence, the soft light at sunset, or the conversations with the hotel staff (thank you Jaleel for taking such good care of us in Kandolhu, and also Malsha from Universal Resort because she’s one of those people you never forget). Perhaps it was all of those things together. But the truth is that It wasn’t just a trip, it was an experience that stayed with us long after we had packed our suitcases..
The best part is that we never felt like we were in a resort. There wasn’t that distance between guests and staff, nor that feeling of packaged tourism. Here, they call you by name, ask how you slept, tell you about their lives, and listen when you tell them about yours. In a world where everything moves so fast, this kind of genuine connection is pure gold.
We came looking for peace and quiet and diving, and we found it. But we got more than we expected because when everything around you invites you to stop, You start to notice things that, out there with all the noise, escape you..
There are details that have stayed with us: the feeling of floating in the spa after the massage, the embers of The Sea and Grill, the fish playing on the reef in front of our villa, the showcooking at Banzai, the Fishead dive with Cornelia… and that last dinner facing the sea, in silence, with the breeze and the certainty that we were exactly where we wanted to be.
It’s not easy to find a place that has it all: beauty, intimacy, gastronomy, and soul. Kandolhu has it all, and it doesn’t need to shout it from the rooftops. There are no nightly shows or non-stop activities. There’s something better: quality time, landscapes that never tire, and a team of people who transform a beautiful place into an unforgettable destination.
Perhaps that’s why, when we closed the door of our villa on the last day, we didn’t say “goodbye,” but “see you soon.” Because when something makes you feel this good, you know it’s not a period. It’s a comma. A pause. And hopefully, a promise to return.
- Web: https://www.kandolhu.com/
- WhatsApp: +960 666 0150
