Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma

Matt Błażejewski

I booked a stay at this property because it was the only one that accepted IHG loyalty points and what an incredible decision it was to call this resort home for five unforgettable nights. Even before we arrived, I was in touch with Shaan and Luca at the Dive Team along with Sravani and Prahbath in the Reservations Team. Their email responses were quick, informative, and kind, a telling sign of what we would experience upon arrival. Pickup information at the airport was communicated clearly and the boat transfer was easy. We were even allowed to check into our gorgeous room early and loved meeting more of the staff, including General Manager Mark and Reservations team superstar Selena, at a members only cocktails night on the Thursday evening of our stay there. Every staff member greeted us enthusiastically and made us feel right at home. Scuba diving with the dive team was by far the highlight of my trip. The boat crew fully prepared our gear, reminded us regularly about our safety checks, and even shared photos and videos that they took while we were underwater. We were able to see sea turtles, sharks, eagle rays, and even a sleeping nurse shark--what an incredible destination! If you can visit before 31 December 2025, try your best to take advantage of the Dive Program that Mark has created for diving enthusiasts. Every employee at this property should be commended for their legendary service, friendliness, and professionalism. While I don't often return to the same destination, this property is one for which I would certainly make an exception. It was a dream come true to visit the Maldives and stay with Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma—paradise on earth!

George Sürmelioglu

Disappointing Experience Despite a Stunning Location We were really looking forward to our stay, mainly because of the hotel’s beautiful location and the stunning beach – and that truly was the highlight. The surroundings are well maintained and generally clean, which gives a good first impression. However, that’s unfortunately where the positives end. We had booked an all-inclusive package, but quickly realized that many things were not actually included. It was especially frustrating to find that à la carte dishes were still chargeable, and the minibar came with extra costs, even though it contained the same drinks available during the day as part of the all-inclusive offer. The buffet was repetitive and lacked variety, with food quality that did not match the standards of a resort in this price range. What stood out the most in a negative way was the service: while the staff was polite, they were extremely slow. Drinks took ages to arrive, were often forgotten, and even when the restaurant wasn’t busy, we had to remind them multiple times of our orders. Tables were never cleared, and we always had to ask for a clean one ourselves. To make things worse, the activities offered at the resort were extremely overpriced, especially when compared to other resorts in the Maldives. Even though we repeatedly pointed out these issues to the staff and management, nothing ever changed. The hotel seems to lack any kind of system, structure, or quality control. Bottom line: This hotel relies entirely on its breathtaking location. Everything else – from service to food to transparency about the all-inclusive package – falls far short of expectations. Not recommended for travelers seeking more than just a beautiful beach.

hamza madhoun

The island is beautiful with amazing views, but overall, my experience at Holiday Inn Kandooma was disappointing. I stayed in a beach villa with two bedrooms, which was spacious and comfortable. The room itself was great, with a beautiful view and plenty of space to relax. However, the rest of the experience didn’t live up to expectations. When we arrived, we weren’t offered any welcome drink—not even water. We asked for some and were told “later,” which felt unwelcoming. Meanwhile, we saw a full setup with drinks prepared for other guests who hadn’t even arrived yet. It felt like we were rushed off to our room without any proper welcome. One day, while eating next to the swimming pool, we were told we weren’t allowed to eat there. This was frustrating, especially since it was a place where many other guests were eating. I came to this resort to relax, but the staff made it difficult for me to do so. I was on a half board plan, and the food was good—lots of variety and tasty. However, the overall customer service needs a lot of improvement. From being told we couldn’t eat where we were seated to the lack of hospitality at check-in, it felt like the staff didn’t prioritize guest comfort. I don’t think I’ll be returning to this resort, as the service really affected my experience, even though the island itself is beautiful.

Mandorlata IM

Im sorry I am giving 1 star only to this resort, but the reason why I’m doing this is to raise awareness on the fact that they still engage with sharks feeding which it has been banned and illegal from 2021! Unfortunately I wasn’t aware of this myself and I went to one of their organised tour. Of course, I would be lying if I said that this wasn’t an incredible experience, but I would have never ever done it if I knew the harm that this activity does to those beautiful creatures and the environment they live in. Stupid me for not thinking this properly. If you are a nature and wildness lover like me please do not engage in this activity!!! I regret so much doing it. For the rest, all the stuff at the resort is very nice and sweet. Ishaan one of the security guide is such a nice soul. The resort is very well looked after and has an amazing PADI diving centre. The location itself is not the most amazing one as being part of the south male atoll means that you are very close to the airport, ‘industrial’ areas and so forth. The buffet has plenty of choices and I would say breakfast is probably the best meal. The bbq nights are the best in terms of food. We had a water villa which was nice but in need of restoration. It’s just very unfortunate that they still engage with an activity that is illegal and harmful to the ecosystem. All in all if I had to come back to Maldives I would choose another place.

Christ Nwodo

I have been to so many five star hotels. I have experienced their services. But holiday inn Maldives that is four stars gave me the same experience like five stars. Their staffs are very friendly and respectful. They look so happy doing their jobs. Without expecting a tips. When service are been rendered to us. I enjoyed the food a lot of varieties to choose from. Mostly breakfast and dinner. I can’t thank them enough for arranging my wife’s birthday from house keeper that decorated our room and miss Lyn that arranged our birthday dinner. It was a wonderful experience. Many thanks for all the staffs at Maldives holiday inn. I can’t fault them. Area of improvement, during breakfast and dinner the staffs working at restaurants feels overwhelmed with clearing of the plates and arranging of new tables for guest to sit and eat.probably they are short staffed. They needed more hands during rush hours. Also the house keepers to per attention to little details in cleaning the trim when getting the rooms cleaned for a new guest. Like hairs at the bed side table. Also deep cleaning at the body of WC will be necessary. Other than that they are very good. I want to point out one thing that has nothing to do with the hotel and staffs. The guest at the hotel when we visited made us very uncomfortable by the way they look at us because of our colour. I will prefer if they have a life guard staff stationed at hr beach area