A visit to the Maldives is a type 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 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 have 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 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 unbelievable 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 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 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 a protracted 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. Once 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 acquired the time without work to an ideal begin. We felt like we have 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’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 properly designed in order to offer optimum privateness for every visitor. The aqua villas are jetted out a bit from the following with privateness partitions and your individual swim platform so 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 may be loads of house to relaxation and chill out. These items characteristic a non-public sundeck with a Swirl Pool, lagoon entry, solar loungers and a toilet offering excellent views of Kandima’s in depth lagoon.
Kandima presents reasonably priced luxurious with rooms beginning at simply $200 an evening and go properly north of there relying on time of yr, lodging, and different packages.
Considerate care has gone into each choice at Kandima, from the lodging to the sustainability of the resort. The employees 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 folks trip, Like Hawaii or Tahiti the place vacationers would have many resort, restaurant and exercise choices. Relatively, 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 motels. Every resort encompasses a whole island, so it’s actually essential to do your analysis when choosing the best resort.
Some properties are so small that you simply may get board should you keep too lengthy. This occurred to somebody I met who stayed two weeks on the identical resort and stated it was per week too lengthy.
STAYING AT KANDIMA RESORT
Kandima Resort is among the largest islands within the Maldives and has an countless array of actions, which I cowl under.
The island that Kandima encompasses about 2 miles lengthy (or 3.2k). If you happen to don’t really feel like strolling all over the place, you may board a shuttle at varied stops, or, you may lease a motorbike, 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 enjoyable, not to mention to see or expertise the whole lot the resort has to supply. This is among the causes Kandima is ideal for longer holidays, you may 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! If you happen to’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 aspect of the island. These should not your abnormal jet skies, however fairly high-end private water crafts that minimize by way of 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 – If you happen to want a break from the solar, they’ve an unbelievable spa with views of the water and enjoyable sounds of waves. After your therapy they’ve a stunning lounge to chill out 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 good teacher and really affected person along with her college students. Our completed paining was of a manta ray swimming by way of the colourful waters.
- SNORKELING – In fact you may’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 may go and discover solace or your slice of paradise.
Food and drinks can be large a part of the general expertise and Kandima. They’ve quite a lot of 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 dwell leisure at a number of the eating places, in addition to late into the evening on the Breeze Bar.
If you happen to really feel such as you’ve overeaten, there are many methods to burn off just a few energy with a exercise facility, soccer (soccer) area, yoga lessons and extra.
Kandima is a resort that has struck an incredible stability. 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.
If in case you have any questions on visiting the Maldives and staying on the Kandima Resort, go away a remark under, I’m comfortable to assist! Till subsequent time, we’ll see ya on the highway…
