I have made it no secret that I adore the Maldives.
I love the azure blue oceans, the endless coral ecosystems, the variety and abundance of sea life and of course, I love the luxury properties that are built in this island nation.
So, when the opportunity presented itself to return to the Maldives for the second year in a row – you better believe that I wasn’t going to turn it down!
After arriving into Male and spending the night snoozing on Hulhumale (the airport island) it was time for me to jump in a seaplane and fly to my first stop – Kandolhu Resort and Spa.
On the day I arrived the weather was rather bleugh – overcast and grey, not what you want whilst in the Maldives! – but despite the less than stellar climate, it in no way detracted from how bloody excited I was to explore the place that would be my home for the next few nights – an oceanfront duplex villa with a private pool!
Located on the west side of the island, Kandolhu boasts 8 of these two-storey villas – and they are beyond beautiful!
Each villa has two bathrooms – one upstairs and one downstairs. The upstairs one is more convenient than special, but the downstairs one is absolutely gorgeous! I love outdoor showers, and this one was pretty close to perfection. I would rave about the bathtub too… but we moved to another villa after a few days and well, that bathtub is absolutely next level, so I will save my rave review for that one!
Each villa also boasts a super fluffy king sized bed, private daybeds and sun loungers, a well stocked mini bar with an enormous selection of wines, a private plunge pool and TV’s that actually have decent films on them!
The interior of the villa was pretty special, but it was the exterior that I really fell in love with.
Located 70km south-west of Male, a short 25 minute seaplane is all it takes to get you to this tiny and idyllic island in the South Ari Atoll. Kandolhu is so small that you can walk around it in just 15 minutes, but its small size is certainly not proportionate to the amount of stuff there is to see and do while there!
Snorkelling gear is provided FOC to anyone who stays on the island, as well as water guns, Frisbees and other bits and bobs just made for beach fun…
…and with beaches that look like this, who wouldn’t want to spend their days frolicking around in such a stunning place?
As well as snorkelling and water sports, Kandolhu also offers scuba dive courses and boat trips to numerous islands – some uninhabited and some very much inhabited by locals! Also, if relaxation is more your cuppa tea, the island is also home to the lovely Varu day spa – which is the perfect place for an indulgent massage.
After I had settled in to my new digs, myself and my Maldives travel buddy – the beautiful Jo – downed a bottle of champagne by the pool and once suitably sluiced, we proceeded to jump on a boat to spend the last bit of the afternoon sailing around the atoll and watching a magnificent Maldivian sunset.
Despite being just about the only single person on the boat (story of my life) I couldn’t have been happier.
I could smell the salt of the sea. I was mesmerised by the blue of the ocean. Honestly, I was just so fricking stoked to be back in this incredible pocket of the world.
Oh and the sunset wasn’t half bad either!
Then, just as I thought the evening couldn’t get any better, I stepped from the boat onto the dock and was almost immediately greeted by these gorgeous baby reef sharks!
I couldn’t have imagined a better welcome to Kandolhu or a better start to my time in the Maldives.
It is still hard to believe that it was only the beginning of a trip that just got better and better!
Stay tuned.
THE LOWDOWN
Getting to Male: Flights arrive to Male from most major airport hubs – with most frequent flights arriving from Singapore and Colombo
Kandolhu Resort & Spa: A duplex pool villa will set you back around $746 USD/night on bed and breakfast basis – click here for more information
Threads: My red maxi dress is by Spell and the Gypsy, whilst my purple dress is by Tigerlily Swimwear
Camera: Images captured with an Olympus OM-D E-M1 in conjunction with M.Zuiko 12-40mm f2/8 lens
Remember: Pack more sunscreen that you think you will need, it’s super expensive to buy once on an island!
Loved this post & the pics itl be good to connect
Thank you! 🙂
Nice blog Sister :).. Good information to know 🙂 .. always makes you happy to see the blue color of water 🙂
Yes it does… the ocean is such a wonderful thing to wake up to every day 🙂
I too love Maldives. It’s pristine beauty is unmatched 💖
I totally agree! There is just nowhere else on earth quite like it.
The photos are perfect and it looks like a wonderful place, and a lovely trip, I would love to go there 🙂
Thank you so much! I hope you do get to go there one day soon 🙂
Wow, the Maldives look gorgeous. Thank you for a great blog on it.
Thanks so much 🙂 It is my pleasure!
The Maldives are calling me after reading this post!!! Amen to you for going single haha- I imagine its couples paradise… That villa that wow I would never leaver 🙂
In some places it definitely is, but there are definitely a few resorts that are not aimed at honeymooners!
that sunset is amazing!
Isn’t it just!? I love a good sunset 🙂
Crazy beautiful indeed! Looks like heaven with that private pool. Glad the sun made its appearance!
Me too, overcast is fine, but sunniness makes it special!
The Maldives is on my dream list of places to visit! It looks stunning!
It really is! I hope you get there one day very soon 🙂
The Maldives are a bit of a hike from the US but definitely on my list for a future trip. Looks absolutely amazing!
Awesome to hear it! It is very well worth the trek and long haul flights!
incredible!!x
Thank you! <3
Haha, our wardrobes match. Good taste!
I’d love to see the Maldives. One day!
Hahaha are you a fan of the flowy maxi dress too?
Very much so!
There is nothing better than a small paradise, with a plethora of attractions!
I wholeheartedly agree!
I do like the shower and bath outside. It definitely looks very luxurious.
Beautiful for sure!
So beautiful 🙂
Thank you <3
Just had a thought! With all your travels you must have collected oodles amazing clothes, paintings, gadgets….do you have a very large room at home??
Actually, not really! I keep a coin from each country and that is pretty much the extent of my souvenir collecting! I’d rather save my moolah for more adventures than buy things tbh
Omg, take me there
Been checking the flights from Adelaide – seems to be quite a long flight, hopefully all worth it !!!! Definitely booking, thanks for all your homework to make my decision easier Ellen.
Not too bad Vicki if you go via Singapore – and it is well worth the trip! When are you thinking of going?