The Kandooma rebrand is official. After 17 years as Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, the island in South Malé Atoll became Kandooma Maldives on 1 October 2026, now managed by HPL Hotels & Resorts. The beaches, the house reef and the famous surf break are still there. What's new is a fresh identity, an all-inclusive approach built around families, and bigger villas. Here's what changed, what stayed the same, and what it means if you're planning a Maldives trip from Bangladesh.
What is the Kandooma rebrand?
Kandooma's management agreement with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), the company behind the Holiday Inn brand, ended on 30 September 2026. From 1 October the resort is run by HPL Hotels & Resorts, part of Singapore-based Hotel Properties Limited. That's why the Holiday Inn name was dropped, and the island now goes by its own name: Kandooma Maldives.
Kandooma is the 13th property in the HPL collection and its second in the Maldives, after Gili Lankanfushi. Andrew Drummond, who has led the resort before, has returned as General Manager to guide the change.
The Kandooma rebrand is part of a wider plan called Kandooma Next Chapter. It brings a new brand identity, refreshed villas, upgraded facilities and new experiences, rolled out in phases rather than all at once.
Good to know: Older maps, review sites and booking pages may still show "Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives". It's the same island and the same resort. Only the name and management have changed.
Holiday Inn Kandooma vs Kandooma Maldives: before and after
| Before (until 30 Sep 2026) | After the Kandooma rebrand | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives | Kandooma Maldives |
| Managed by | IHG (Holiday Inn) | HPL Hotels & Resorts |
| Villas | 154 | 146, with larger family categories |
| Stay style | Classic resort stay | Refreshed all-inclusive, focused on families |
| Experiences | Dive, surf, spa, kids' club | Grouped into five "Kandooma Signatures" |
| Location | Unchanged: South Malé Atoll, 35 km south of Velana International Airport | |
7 exciting changes after the Kandooma rebrand
A new name and identity
The island now carries its own name, with a new look that puts Maldivian island life first instead of an international hotel brand.
A refreshed all-inclusive approach
Kandooma has reworked its all-inclusive model around families. Meals, activities and island experiences are designed to fit together, so you spend less time planning and more time on the beach.
New villas built for families
Eight new Family Beach Pool Villas have direct beach access, a private splash pool and a separate sleeping area for children. The two-bedroom Beach Houses now have pools, and two three-bedroom Pool Villas suit larger families and groups travelling with grandparents.
Fewer, larger villas
The resort went from 154 to 146 villas to make room for bigger categories. That means more space per villa and a calmer island overall.
Five "Kandooma Signatures"
Every experience on the island now sits under one of five themes, explained below. It makes it easy to see what's on offer and build your days around what you love.
A new Beach Club and round-the-clock café
A new Beach Club is the social heart of the island, and a 24-hour café means a snack or coffee is always close by, handy with children or after an early dive.
More included when you stay longer
According to the resort, guests staying four nights or more can enjoy experiences such as a sunset cruise, sunrise fishing, guided reef snorkelling and a 30-minute spa treatment. Certified divers can join the Dive Free programme, with one guided dive a day. Inclusions can change, so we confirm the current list when you book.
The five Kandooma Signatures
Kandooma Blue
Life in and on the water, led by a PADI 5-Star Dive Centre with around 28 dive sites nearby.
Kandooma Table
Dining, from beach barbecues and themed island nights to the 24-hour café.
Kandooma Flow
Wellness at Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala, plus yoga, Pilates and sound healing.
Kandooma Social
Entertainment and get-togethers, centred on the new Beach Club.
Kandooma Ways
Maldivian culture, nature and local experiences beyond the resort's beaches.
What stays the same after the Kandooma rebrand
The things that made Kandooma popular are still here, and the resort has said it wants to keep the island's spirit and its appeal to families, divers and surfers.
- The location: South Malé Atoll, about 45 minutes from Velana International Airport by speedboat, so there's no seaplane to arrange.
- Kids Stay and Eat Free continues, and the Kandoo Kids' Club still welcomes children aged 4 to 12.
- Diving and surfing: children aged 8 and up can try PADI Bubblemaker and surf lessons, and the Kandooma Right surf break sits right next to the island.
- Garden, beachfront and overwater villas, so there's still a choice of setting.
Who will love Kandooma Maldives now?
Families
The new pool villas, the kids' club and Kids Stay and Eat Free make this one of the easiest Maldives islands to visit with children.
Big family groups
Three-bedroom Pool Villas and Beach Houses keep everyone together, grandparents included.
Divers and snorkellers
A 5-star dive centre, a daily guided dive for certified divers, and reefs full of life close to the island.
Surfers
Kandooma Right is on your doorstep, and lessons are available for beginners and children.
Travelling as a couple? Kandooma still works well for a relaxed island break, but if you want an adults-focused honeymoon, our guide to romantic honeymoon escapes in luxury Maldivian resorts may suit you better.
Planning a Kandooma trip from Bangladesh
Getting to Kandooma from Dhaka is simple: fly to Velana International Airport in Malé, then take a speedboat of about 45 minutes to the island. Because there's no seaplane or domestic flight, Kandooma is a good choice if you're travelling with young children or want to make the most of your arrival day.
The dry season, roughly November to April, brings the calmest seas and sunniest days. Read our best time for a Maldives tour from Bangladesh guide for month-by-month tips, or see why the Maldives is ideal in winter. Not sure which villa to choose? Our overwater bungalow vs beach villa comparison can help.
When you're ready, browse our Kandooma Maldives packages. We'll match your dates with the right villa and tell you exactly what's included.
Want to read more about the island? Our earlier Kandooma review of villas, dining and activities covers the island in detail. You can also compare nearby South Malé Atoll resorts such as Sun Siyam Olhuveli and Fihalhohi Island Resort, or see all our Maldives tour packages.
Kandooma rebrand FAQ
What is the new name of Holiday Inn Kandooma?
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is now called Kandooma Maldives. The new name took effect on 1 October 2026.
Why did Holiday Inn Kandooma change its name?
The resort's management agreement with IHG, the owner of the Holiday Inn brand, ended on 30 September 2026. HPL Hotels & Resorts took over management from 1 October, so the resort now uses its own name.
Is Kandooma Maldives still good for families?
Yes, even more so. The Kandooma rebrand added Family Beach Pool Villas, pools in the Beach Houses and three-bedroom Pool Villas. Kids Stay and Eat Free continues, and the Kandoo Kids' Club welcomes children aged 4 to 12.
Where is Kandooma Maldives and how do I get there?
Kandooma is in South Malé Atoll, about 35 km south of Velana International Airport. The transfer is a speedboat ride of about 45 minutes.
Is my booking at Holiday Inn Kandooma still valid?
The island and resort are the same, only the name and management changed. If you booked before October 2026, message us on WhatsApp and we'll check your booking details with the resort.
Planning your Kandooma Maldives holiday?
Tell us your dates and who's travelling, and our Dhaka team will send a personalised plan.
Sources: Maldives.net.mv and TradeArabia. Details may change as the resort's Next Chapter programme continues.
