A visit to the Maldives is a kind of once-in-a-lifetime bucket checklist adventures. It’s one thing that has been on my private bucket checklist for a few years after seeing the gorgeous photos and movies from this far-off-place in the course of the Indian ocean. A spot with thoughts bending shades of blue water and splendid resorts.
MALDIVES ARRIVAL
Our journey to the Maldives began with a brief flight from Sri Lanka, the place we flew to the principle island of Malé. We had been greeted by a consultant from Kandima (the resort we’d be spending the following 5 days). From there, we boarded an area seaplane (organized by the resort) to fly us on to Kandima, one of many largest resort islands within the Maldives at over 3km lengthy.
Our flight from Malé to Kandima took about 45 minutes and was one of the crucial scenic flights I’ve ever taken. In some areas, the ocean is suffering from gorgeous atolls (coral reef islands with water within the center). Whereas a passenger in entrance of us fell asleep, our eyes had been glued to the home windows taking in each second of this unimaginable flight. [Be sure to check out our video below to get a sense of what it’s really like to visit the Maldives and stay at the Kandima Resort]
KANDIMA ARRIVAL
Pleasure grew as our Manta Air seaplane descended on strategy to Kandima. As soon as we landed on the graceful blue sea, a ship greeted us at a floating dock to ferry us to a jetty. Whereas the crew took care of our baggage, we strolled down the jetty towards reception the place we had been greeted with a refreshing welcome drink and requested to have a seat within the expansive foyer whereas they checked us in.
After getting checked in, we had been whisked away on a protracted golf cart shuttle down a windy path towards the far finish of the island the place the aqua villas are positioned––the place our baggage had already been delivered to the room. Once we walked in we had been overtaken by pleasure because the views from our villa had been merely breathtaking. The decor of the villas emulates the colours of the ocean. The lodging mirror the environment, bringing the varied shades of blue into the inside. The room and deck had been spacious, which included privateness partitions on all sides of the villa. They even had a Nespresso machine and fridge within the room, together with a welcome basket. A cup of espresso loved on the deck with these ocean views actually bought the time without work to an ideal begin. We felt like we had been certainly in paradise.
KANDIMA ACCOMMODATIONS
There are a number of sorts of lodging at Kandima, however the two major decisions are on the seaside or over the water. Each have their attraction, however for us, we didn’t know if we might ever get one other probability to remain in a villa over the water, so that’s what we opted to do. The aqua villas are perched above the water overlooking the ocean, secured by sturdy pillars grounded within the sea mattress.
Every villa/lodging (seaside or over the water) is effectively designed in order to supply optimum privateness for every visitor. The aqua villas are jetted out a bit from the following with privateness partitions and your personal swim platform to be able to benefit from the lovely blue waters proper out of your Villa. Some villas have their very own plunge swimming pools, whereas others, like ours, had a Jacuzzi. There’s loads of area to relaxation and calm down. These items characteristic a personal sundeck with a Swirl Pool, lagoon entry, solar loungers and a rest room offering excellent views of Kandima’s intensive lagoon.
Kandima affords reasonably priced luxurious with rooms beginning at simply $200 an evening and go effectively north of there relying on time of yr, lodging, and different packages.
Considerate care has gone into each determination at Kandima, from the lodging to the sustainability of the resort. The workers can be very pleasant and useful.
THE UNIQUENESS OF THE MALDIVES
The Maldives is a novel place in that aside from the capital metropolis of Malé, there aren’t any giant islands the place folks trip, Like Hawaii or Tahiti the place vacationers would have many resort, restaurant and exercise choices. Somewhat, the Maldives is made up of greater than 1000 small island overlaying 35,000 sq. miles. Solely about 200 of the islands are inhabitant or have lodges. Every resort encompasses a complete island, so it’s actually vital to do your analysis when choosing the correct resort.
Some properties are so small that you simply would possibly get board in the event you keep too lengthy. This occurred to somebody I met who stayed two weeks on the identical resort and mentioned it was per week too lengthy.
STAYING AT KANDIMA RESORT
Kandima Resort is likely one of the largest islands within the Maldives and has an limitless array of actions, which I cowl under.
The island that Kandima encompasses about 2 miles lengthy (or 3.2k). For those who don’t really feel like strolling in every single place, you possibly can board a shuttle at varied stops, or, you possibly can lease a motorcycle, which is what we ended up doing. Having bikes gave us the liberty and suppleness to navigate the island with out having to waste time ready for the shuttle.
The Kandima Resort is so giant it’s like a mini metropolis. We spent 5 days there and solely started to scratch the floor with all of the actions they’ve to supply. Between actions and consuming, we barely had time for enjoyable, not to mention to see or expertise every thing the resort has to supply. This is likely one of the causes Kandima is ideal for longer holidays, you possibly can simply spend two weeks there and never get board.
ACTIVITIES AT KANDIMA RESORT
A few of the issues we did throughout our keep included…
- SEABOB – That is one thing I had by no means tried earlier than and let me inform you, it was an absolute blast! For those who’re not acquainted, a SeaBob is high-end underwater scooter, seemingly one thing straight out of a James Bond film. This machine is midway between a jet ski and an underwater scooter, it permits you dive into the water and zip previous corral reefs the place you’ll see an array of colourful fish and sea life.
- JET SKIING – One other day we went on a jet snowboarding tour to the opposite facet of the island. These should not your bizarre jet skies, however moderately high-end private water crafts that lower by the water with ease.
- AQUAHOLICS – It doesn’t matter what water sport you’re into, the parents at Aquaholics can hook you up! From crusing and different wind sports activities, to water snowboarding or wake-boarding, kayaking and extra.
- SPA – For those who want a break from the solar, they’ve an unimaginable spa with views of the water and enjoyable sounds of waves. After your remedy they’ve a stunning lounge to calm down and luxuriate in some tea earlier than your subsequent exercise.
- ART CLASSES – One other enjoyable indoor exercise that we did was an artwork class from native Maldivian Zima who teaches you to color a scene consultant of the ocean. We picked what we thought was the simplest to color and labored on it collectively. Zima is a superb teacher and really affected person together with her college students. Our completed paining was of a manta ray swimming by the colourful waters.
- SNORKELING – After all you possibly can’t go to the Maldives with out going diving or snorkeling, so we went on an Sea Turtle tour, sadly we didn’t see any turtles on this journey, however snorkeling over a vibrant coral reef was loads of comfort.
One thing else we actually loved at Kandima was that it by no means felt crowded, there was at all times some place you possibly can go and discover solace or your slice of paradise.
Food and drinks can be massive a part of the general expertise and Kandima. They’ve numerous excellent eating choices. There are two buffets offering breakfast, lunch and dinner that are rather well appointed. There even have a number of a-la-cart eating places taking diners on a culinary journey.
For these not able to name it an evening, the night comes alive with reside leisure at among the eating places, in addition to late into the evening on the Breeze Bar.
For those who really feel such as you’ve overeaten, there are many methods to burn off a number of energy with a exercise facility, soccer (soccer) subject, yoga lessons and extra.
Kandima is a resort that has struck an awesome steadiness. They provide reasonably priced luxurious to {couples} searching for a romantic get-away, whereas additionally being household pleasant. This can be a fashionable island resort setting with extraordinary eating places, loads of on-site actions, coupled with real hospitality making for lasting recollections.
You probably have any questions on visiting the Maldives and staying on the Kandima Resort, depart a remark under, I’m pleased to assist! Till subsequent time, we’ll see ya on the highway…
