A visit to the Maldives is a kind of once-in-a-lifetime bucket record adventures. It’s one thing that has been on my private bucket record for a few years after seeing the beautiful photos and movies from this far-off-place in the midst 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 have been greeted by a consultant from Kandima (the resort we’d be spending the subsequent 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 scenic flights I’ve ever taken. In some areas, the ocean is plagued by beautiful atolls (coral reef islands with water within the center). Whereas a passenger in entrance of us fell asleep, our eyes have 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 method to Kandima. As soon as we landed on the sleek 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 have 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 have been whisked away on an extended golf cart shuttle down a windy path towards the far finish of the island the place the aqua villas are situated––the place our baggage had already been delivered to the room. After we walked in we have been overtaken by pleasure because the views from our villa have 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 have been spacious, which included privateness partitions on either side 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 obtained the day without work to an ideal begin. We felt like we have been certainly in paradise.
KANDIMA ACCOMMODATIONS
There are a number of forms of lodging at Kandima, however the two main selections are on the seaside or over the water. Each have their attraction, however for us, we didn’t know if we’d 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 nicely designed in order to offer optimum privateness for every visitor. The aqua villas are jetted out a bit from the subsequent with privateness partitions and your personal swim platform with the intention to benefit from the stunning 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 function a non-public sundeck with a Swirl Pool, lagoon entry, solar loungers and a toilet offering good views of Kandima’s in depth lagoon.
Kandima affords inexpensive luxurious with rooms beginning at simply $200 an evening and go nicely north of there relying on time of 12 months, lodging, and different packages.
Considerate care has gone into each resolution 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 singular place in that aside from the capital metropolis of Malé, there aren’t any massive islands the place individuals trip, Like Hawaii or Tahiti the place vacationers would have many lodge, restaurant and exercise choices. Reasonably, the Maldives is made up of greater than 1000 small island protecting 35,000 sq. miles. Solely about 200 of the islands are inhabitant or have inns. Every lodge encompasses a whole island, so it’s actually essential to do your analysis when deciding on the proper resort.
Some properties are so small that you simply would possibly get board for those who 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 without doubt one of the largest islands within the Maldives and has an infinite array of actions, which I cowl under.
The island that Kandima encompasses about 2 miles lengthy (or 3.2k). In the event you don’t really feel like strolling in all places, 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 adaptability to navigate the island with out having to waste time ready for the shuttle.
The Kandima Resort is so massive 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 stress-free, not to mention to see or expertise the whole lot the resort has to supply. This is without doubt one of the causes Kandima is ideal for longer holidays, you would 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! In the event you’re not acquainted, a SeaBob is high-end underwater scooter, seemingly one thing straight out of a James Bond film. This gadget 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 aspect of the island. These aren’t your bizarre jet skies, however relatively high-end private water crafts that lower by the water with ease.
- AQUAHOLICS – It doesn’t matter what water sport you’re into, the oldsters at Aquaholics can hook you up! From crusing and different wind sports activities, to water snowboarding or wake-boarding, kayaking and extra.
- SPA – In the event you want a break from the solar, they’ve an unimaginable spa with views of the water and stress-free sounds of waves. After your remedy they’ve a beautiful lounge to calm down and revel 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 best to color and labored on it collectively. Zima is a superb teacher and really affected person along 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 all the time some place you would go and discover solace or your slice of paradise.
Foods and drinks can be huge 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 very 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 a number of the eating places, in addition to late into the evening on the Breeze Bar.
In the event you really feel such as you’ve overeaten, there are many methods to burn off just a few energy with a exercise facility, soccer (soccer) discipline, yoga lessons and extra.
Kandima is a resort that has struck an ideal stability. They provide inexpensive luxurious to {couples} searching for a romantic get-away, whereas additionally being household pleasant. It is a fashionable island resort setting with extraordinary eating places, loads of on-site actions, coupled with real hospitality making for lasting reminiscences.
If in case you have any questions on visiting the Maldives and staying on the Kandima Resort, go away a remark under, I’m glad to assist! Till subsequent time, we’ll see ya on the highway…