Chinese-speaking staffOcean-view bathSeaplane loungeButlerPADI dive centerSpaWater sportsWedding or honeymoon services
Experience ratings
Snorkeling5 / 55
Beach5 / 55
Families4 / 54
Lagoon5 / 55
Honeymoon5 / 55
Photography5 / 55
House reef5 / 55
About the island
Kandolhu Island Resort opened on January 11, 2014, and is a hotel under Universal Resorts. Located in Ari Atoll, it is a 25-minute seaplane ride from Malé International Airport. Kandolhu is a luxury small island in the Maldives with superb snorkeling, a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts; the entire island is surrounded by thick coral and is close to the drop-off, so coral and fish are very abundant. The island is very small, with only 30 villas in total and 4 restaurants, all of which are à la carte, and the food quality is very good.
Why stay here
Kandolhu in the Maldives is lush, with broad beaches surrounding emerald waters, and is one of the Maldives' most colorful and lively coral reefs. Kandolhu is located 70 km southwest of Malé in North Ari Atoll and is an idyllic Maldives hotel reachable by a 25-minute seaplane ride. Kandolhu is an exquisite Maldives resort with only 30 villas, perfectly combining the Maldives' natural elements with modern architecture and material comfort to create an unforgettable experience that you will remember for a lifetime.
Highlights
Just from the panoramic view of the island, you can see Kandolhu's excellent snorkeling environment, and the room facilities are luxurious. Because there are not many rooms, there are very few people on the island and the service is excellent; some of the water villas have fully transparent glass rooms (the washroom, with glass outside the bathtub), which is quite romantic, and there is no need to worry about privacy because the panoramic side faces the sea.
Before you go
Because Kandolhu is very small, with only 30 rooms in total, rooms are difficult to book, so if you like this place, be sure to book half a year in advance; there are 6 Beach Villas and 4 Ocean Villas without private pools.
Children’s policy
Children 2-11.99 years old accepted at 7100 per person
Villas and rooms
5
8 photos
Beach Villa
Room count · 6Area · 85㎡Private pool · None
View details
Villa Description: Six exclusive Beach Villas spanning 85㎡ each, gracefully positioned along the island's western shore . Each villa features a king-size bed and a spacious open-air garden bathroom complete with a whirlpool tub, rain shower, and his-and-hers vanities. An additional outdoor shower is nestled within the private garden. The front veranda boasts a luxurious daybed and dining area, while the adjacent sun deck is furnished with loungers and parasols for ultimate relaxation.
Maximum occupancy
2 major
11 photos
Pool VIlla
Room count · 5Area · 150㎡Private pool · 9㎡
View details
5 Pool Villas on the island, 150 ㎡, facing east, with private pool as standard. It features a luxurious bedroom with a king-size bed facing the pool and the distant blue lagoon. Through the spacious wardrobe, you enter the large open-air bathroom, equipped with a freestanding bathtub, shower, double vanity, and outdoor garden shower.
Maximum occupancy
3 adults or 2 adults 1 child
9 photos
Duplex Pool VIlla
Room count · 8Area · 150㎡Private pool · 18㎡
View details
8 two-story pool villas across the island, 150 sqm, located on the west side of the island, with private pool as standard. The first floor has a separate living room and bathroom, equipped with bathtub, double sinks, and outdoor shower. The first-floor deck also has an outdoor sofa bed and dining area. The second-floor bedroom features a king-size bed, and there is also a separate bathroom and toilet upstairs. The second-floor balcony has a sofa bed and lounge area where you can enjoy stunning ocean views.
Maximum occupancy
3 adults or 2 adults 1 child
10 photos
Ocean Villa
Room count · 7Area · 80㎡Private pool · None
View details
6 Ocean Villas on the entire island, each 80㎡. These villas sit over the water and feature a spacious bedroom with king-size bed and sofa bed, with sea views. The bathroom faces the lagoon and has a Jacuzzi, double sinks, shower and dressing area. The private sun deck has loungers and a parasol, with direct access to the sea.
Maximum occupancy
3 adults or 2 adults 1 child
11 photos
Ocean Pool Villa
Room count · 7Area · 90㎡Private pool · 7㎡
View details
There are 7 Ocean Villas on the island, each 90 square meters, with a private pool as standard. Facing west, they offer sunset views. The villa's bathroom is made of fully transparent glass, including a washbasin and an oversized bathtub, allowing you to enjoy the boundless ocean view even while soaking in the tub. The bedroom includes a king-size bed, sofa bed, and wardrobe. The private deck is equipped with sun loungers and a sun umbrella for relaxation.
Maximum occupancy
3 adults or 2 adults 1 child
Restaurants and bars
6
5 photos
The Market
Service style · Buffet & à la carteGourmet flavours · International cuisineDress code · Trendy and casual
View details
The Market restaurant is an all-day à la carte restaurant serving international and local specialties in a relaxed atmosphere. Breakfast includes a delicious buffet with dishes to satisfy all palates, as well as a full à la carte menu.
Restaurant Hours
7:30-23:00
5 photos
Olive
Service style · Order foodGourmet flavours · Mediterranean CuisineDress code · Simple Casual
View details
Olive Restaurant is located above the Market Restaurant and enjoys panoramic ocean views overlooking the sea. Modern Mediterranean dishes are the highlight of this open-air restaurant.
Restaurant Hours
12:00-14:00,19:00-23:00
5 photos
Sea Grill
Service style · Order foodGourmet flavours · Seafood barbecueDress code · Simple Casual
View details
Sea Grill is right on the beach, and when the sun sets, it's time for the restaurant to open. You can taste sizzling meats or feast on fresh-caught seafood from the grill.
Restaurant Hours
19:00-23:00
4 photos
Banzai
Service style · Order foodGourmet flavours · Japanese cuisineDress code · Simple Casual
View details
Discover the art of Japanese cuisine at the Japanese restaurant. Choose from delicious sushi, succulent sashimi, or meats and seafood grilled to perfection on the teppan, all enjoyed under a starry night sky.
Restaurant Hours
19:00-23:00
3 photos
Ata Roa
Service style · Order foodGourmet flavours · Mexican & Peruvian flavorsDress code · Simple Casual
View details
Mexico and Peru meet at the equator in the Maldives. Ata Roa restaurant offers a light lunch with Mexican tacos and ceviche, plus sea breezes and a good atmosphere.
Restaurant Hours
Lunch
7 photos
Vilu Bar
Hours · 9:00 - Late NightGourmet flavours · Cocktails Drinks
View details
You can relax here and enjoy fresh tropical juices and delicious cocktails. Vilu Bar also offers special events every month, such as beach movie nights and full moon cocktail parties.
Island experiences
5
Spa Center
View details
Activity Introduction: The spa offers a complete wellness experience. Spa facilities include 4 treatment rooms and separate changing rooms and wet areas for men and women, each with a sauna, steam room, cold plunge pool, jacuzzi, rain shower, and lockers. Couples massages, beauty and skin care treatments are offered, focusing on a sensual collection of blended European and Asian therapies. A separate fitness room is also available for guests.
6 photos
Diving
View details
Activity Overview: Snorkeling at Kandolhu is excellent, just minutes from some of the best dive sites in North Ari Atoll and South Ari Atoll, making it a favorite among Maldives diving destinations. The resort also regularly organizes night dives, half-day and full-day trips. Famous dive sites here include Maalhos Thila, Hafsa Thila, Bathalaa Thila, Himendhoo Thila, Fesdu Wreck, and even the protected dive site Fish Head, where there are many caves to explore!
6 photos
Water sports
View details
Activity overview: Kandolhu Island offers a variety of non-motorized water sports, including windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, catamaran sailing, sailing, kayaking and glass-bottom boat. For thrill-seekers, motorized water sports are also available.
3 photos
Weddings & Celebrations
View details
Activity introduction: Few islands can match the pristine privacy of Kandolhu. Therefore, the resort's customized island celebrations are also very distinctive, including thoughtful services provided by event planners at a superb location of your choice, providing the perfect backdrop for your dream day.
VIP Lounge
View details
Introduction: The hotel has an independent seaplane lounge. This lounge is shared by Kuramathi and Kandolhu, two hotels under the same hotel group. The lounge is usually not crowded and offers free drinks and snacks.