
The Maldives and romance often go hand-in-hand…and one resort is looking to expand on the concept with underwater proposals and weddings.
As Valentines Day nears, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is upping the game by hosting the Month of Love.
The initiative, from February 1st to 28th employs curated experiences such as a couples massage workshop, dining under the stars, a love boat excursion - plus that option to propose or tie the knot beneath the waves.

Guests of the conveniently-placed resort - 40 minutes by speedboat from the airport - can book a romantic dinner on the sand beyond February, thankfully.
And, that’s not to say Kandooma is just for couples…the vibrant destination is as much about families and adventure.

Less than an hour out from the activities centre had us spotting and swimming with nurse sharks; the large, but gentle creatures may anticipate the arrival of phone-wielding visitors, but that takes nothing away from an extraordinary encounter.
The island also offers great proximity to some of the Maldives’ best dive sites, served by Kandooma’s fully equipped PADI Dive Centre. And the resort’s unique Dive Free programme enables certified divers to explore reefs and marine life without extra costs.
There are also sunset cruises and a whale shark excursion, while closer to Kandooma you can snorkel to the house reef with eyes peeled for the resident sea turtle.
Resort General Manager, Mark Eletr, says even board-loving Australians have become a familiar sight.
“While the Maldives might not immediately come to mind for surfing enthusiasts, our surfing spot has created a loyal following among Aussie surfers, and word continues to spread,” he says.
As it did when a large pod of dolphins appeared just off shore during lunch at The Kitchen. While chefs were supplying Insta-friendly deliciousness - think Vietnamese crispy seafood crepes, spicy chicken salad, barbecue beef skewers - they faced a brief attention challenge from an impromptu briny bonanza.
That said, the excellent pan-Asian restaurant will guarantee food-based thrills in its discreet bay overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Guests can reflect on their sightings over drinks at the BARveli beach bar or cocktails and mocktails, such as Mangotastic and Bird’s Tail, at Sunset Bar.
The fort-like structure opens onto a generous seating area from where you can watch day turn to night with commuting bats - or resort herons Steve and Harry - adding to the ambience.
Nourishing opportunities elsewhere include Bokkurra Pool Deck a la carte restaurant beside the resort’s generous pool.
And adjacent Kandooma Cafe, the resort’s main dining destination, offers international buffet-style breakfast and dinner. Both sittings cater to a multinational appetites with everything from fluffy Indian dosa and Maldivian fish curry to apple crumble…and that’s just at breakfast.
Dinner varies nightly, a personal highlight being an evening themed on Maldivian dishes such as chilli boava (spicy octopus) and khulimas (cumin scented fish).
Accommodation options, meanwhile, include stilted Beach Houses with ocean views to a Garden Villa in the heart of the island.
Our favourite included an intimate tree-flanked Beach Villa, a few steps from clear waters, and that Maldives staple - the Overwater Villa.
The long-slim Kandooma version comes with view of the sea or a neighbouring island and an outdoor oval bath with a roll down shade so you can soak al fresco with privacy. Decking leads to a sunbathing area, including a hammock over the waves and steps into the water.
Fresh, white interiors also prevail around an elevated bed and a generous sofa beside a balcony for sunset views.

Another winning aspect of Kandooma is its size; not too small as to lack contrast or amenities, but large enough to offer plenty of space and intimate walks along the shoreline or through a forested core along sandy pathways.
By day, this promotes appreciation of some of the world’s most desired vacation geography; by night, the island’s animal animation includes fish frolicking in villa downlights or hermit crabs rocking away from torchlight towards leafy sanctuaries alive with geckos and vocal birds.
All this comes at an affordable price for the Maldives, making the resort attractive to the budget-wary and to families.
“This isn’t just another boutique island; it’s a place where affordability meets authenticity, with a wide range of activities,” continues Mark.
“We see such a mix of guests; couples, families, groups of friends, even solo travellers all find something here that feels just right for them. What’s really special is when we see couples who honeymooned with us come back years later with their kids.
“No matter who, they’re looking for good value, genuine experiences, and the quality of a trusted international brand. Our all-inclusive packages and reputation for great value make planning a tropical holiday effortless, offering both reliability and a taste of island paradise.”
This is also reflected in the menu at COMO Shambhala spa which includes massages designed for surfers, and even children. Then there’s yoga for early risers - and a version on boards.
Guests will also notice a strong proportion of Maldivian staff, who the GM says play a vital role in shaping resort experiences, from “warm, friendly service to sharing stories about island life, their presence brings an authentic dimension to every stay”.
Kandooma’s Spirit of the Maldives initiative includes a chef teaching guests how to prepare a traditional Maldivian curry and the infectious energy of Bodu Beru drumming sessions.
There’s also growing emphasis on sustainability credentials, which has seen plastic water bottles swapped for glass, regular gathering of washed-up litter, and a doubling of solar energy capacity.
Added to that is rainwater harvesting, recycling of greywater for gardening, composting garden waste, and reef restoration efforts that have seen 100 coral frames planted to support reef regeneration.
From a guest perspective, Kandooma is a very approachable resort, unpretentious and not overly polished so as to distract from the natural attributes.

“The Maldives isn’t just for the ultra-luxury crowd anymore, it’s becoming more accessible, and that’s where Kandooma shines,” adds Mark.
“The biggest growth we’re seeing is in the middle market, with travellers looking for affordability without compromising on experience.
“That’s our sweet spot. We’ve made it our mission to show people a dream Maldives holiday doesn’t have to come with a jaw-dropping price tag - it can be achievable, and still unforgettable.”
For more information and to book, visit www.maldives.holidayinnresorts.com

Comentarios