Maldives – Kandooma

The Maldives has always been my dream holiday destination and today, I’m finally here! We managed to get special rates at Kandooma for their rooms and 50% off all food, drinks, and recreational activities (except diving and the spa) during their soft launch between June and August 2008.

The reception and bar…

The pool and Cafe…

Thats me! Swimming in the pool…

The turquoise sea around the island…

Kandooma Island lies just 35 km south of the Male International Airport, via a forty minute speedboat ride to the South Male Atoll. 13 hectares in area, or roughly about a 20 minute walk around the perimeter, it is named after the Kandoo tree which is found in abundance on the island. For guests arriving late at night, the resort also offers the convenience of night transfers to the island.

Me with the Kandoo tree…

We stayed the first two nights in the beach villa which was fantastic. There is an outdoor porch facing the sea with a sofa, coffee table, and hammock.

The shower and bath is also open air with walls high enough so that no one can look in. The toiletries consisted of mint flavoured shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and body lotion that leave you with a fresh tingly feeling.

We moved to the water villa the last two nights of our stay. it’s an open concept room with sliding doors that connect every area from the balcony, to the TV area, to the bed, to the bathroom, to the private outdoor deck that had access directly into the sea.

The boardwalk on the way to the water villa…

Inside the water villa…

Our private deck with an over water hammock and direct access to the sea

The resort does daily snorkeling trips but we missed them due to bad timing or weather. So, we spent most of time lazing on the beach, our private deck, or snorkeling in the waters just outside our villa and saw loads of fish, eels, crabs and even got a glance of a stingray.

Picasso Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus Aculeatus)

Fish feeding at sea bed…

Pufferfish hiding under a coral…

Sea cucumber and some little fish…

The entire island is inhabited by creatures like Hermit Crabs…

Such cute little creatures – I didn’t really eat it :)

Moray Eel…

School of squid…

Chameleons…

Iguanas…

And different types of birds…

It all becomes uniquely Kandooma when they “fold” in a few original dishes and service ideas. There are a couple of restaurants and bars at the resort, here are some of them we went to:

Buffet breakfast by the beach at the “Big Barnacle” Kandooma Café…

A view of the beach and sea at breakfast…

Food is served all day at the Bokurra Coffee Club by the pool. We had lunch here mostly – the Mutton Kauli (boneless mutton curry cooked with cloves, cardamom, tomato & sweet potato) and Maldivian Fish Curry (choice of prawns, white pomfret, or local snapper, cooked in mild spicy curry sauce) are must tries!

Maldivian Fish Curry

Butter Chicken

Mutton Kauli

Creme Brûlée

We had fine dining at The Kitchen on our last night where the chefs cooked our dinner in front of us, while we enjoyed our wine and dinner by the sea. I have to give it a 9 out of 10 for service and ambiance, and a 6 out of 10 for food. I found the food a little too “fusion” for my liking.

The chef who cooked our dinner….

Crab and Sea Prawn Tian

Peppered Marinated Trio of Scallop

Salmon Fillet A La Meuniére

Five Spice Honey Glaze Duck Leg

We spent a total of about 570 USD per person which includes souvenirs, food and lodging for four nights. Airfare was 1057 SGD including tax per person.

All in all, the resort exceeded my expectations in many ways. Service was good, the rooms were fantastic, the water was great, and I really didn’t feel like going home after 4 days. The only down side was the dead corals on the shore which made it impossible to walk barefoot. It did look like they were cleaning it up though - time will tell.

I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a relaxing getaway :)

See all the 100 photos we took here :)