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5.0
#6 of 53 hotels in North Ari Atoll
Location
5.0
Cleanliness
4.9
Service
4.9
Value
4.7
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Paradise is found at Kandolhu, where island imaginings come to life. Fringed by a lively house reef, the intimate island is renowned for its inviting natural wonders, sensational dining offers, and bespoke, intuitive service. Retreat in style in one of the thirty impeccable villas inspired by contemporary Maldivian architecture. Each category features a distinctive design exuding sophisticated comfort. For the ultimate Kandolhu experience, bask in the luxuries of the Ocean Pool Villa with its expansive living area and a “glass box” bathroom featuring floor-to-ceiling windows opening to a panorama of shimmering waters. Embark on culinary journeys in five gourmet restaurants. Create that quintessential Maldivian experience on Kandolhu with the Ultimate Inclusions package. Delight in over 30 globally accredited old and new world wines, tropical cocktails, and a spectrum of premium spirits are just some of the perks included in this package. Authentic hospitality meets laidback luxury at Kandolhu.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
Myself and my husband visited Kandolhu for a week as part of a bigger trip. From the moment we arrived we knew this was going to be a very special part of our trip. This island really encompasses all of the beauty of the Maldives with turquoise seas and white sands. Our water villa was immaculate with an extensive mini bar, robes, umbrellas, iPad, wonderfully comfortable bed and even insect repellent! My husband spoke very highly of the dive team who were very knowledgeable about the area, helpful and friendly throughout his dive trips. The snorkelling on the house reef was seriously breathtaking and I highly recommend a guided snorkel as staff pointed out so many different species and shared their amazing local knowledge. We also used the spa on several occasions and found the quality of massages and facilities fantastic. For such a small island there was a wonderful variety of food options all of which were outstanding! I have a serious food allergy and the staff were always aware of this and went above and beyond to ensure my food not only safe but also ensured I enjoyed the same choice and variety that other guests had. The ethos and service on this island is something else. Everyone will say hello as you walk by, all take pride in their work, the gardens and beaches are immaculate and there was a strong environmental value. All of the staff were so genuinely warm and caring and they too seemed appreciated and valued by the management team. This island is literally perfection and we will remember our stay there forever!
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guillaume AUBLET, General Manager at Kandolhu Maldives
Responded Oct 10, 2022
Dear Chuckyegg72, Greetings from Kandolhu Maldives. Thank you so much for sharing your memories of your wonderful holiday experience at Kandolhu Maldives and for recommending us so highly to fellow travelers looking for the ideal romantic Island getaway. We are delighted to read that you enjoyed our facilities, your feedback has been gladly shared with the whole team. Thank you once again for your kind words, we are looking forward to welcoming you back soon. Warm regards, Guillaume
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kandolhu is such a cute little tiny island that can be surrounded in just 5 min walking. They just have 30 rooms so you really feel like your stranded on your own private island. I loveed their beach - powder sand and most beautiful water with many palm trees in the background like exactly how you imagine your postcard perfect paradise!
We stayed in the overwater pool villa and I absolutely love their design. The bathroom is the highlight with big glass walls all over and the big bathtub facing the pool and ocean it looks so beautiful during sunset time with the reflections of light.
I have been to many islands around the Maldives and think this must be the most picturesque in terms of island design. The little alleys with palm trees and green lush nature are so so beautiful.
The lagoon is mind blowing and the water crystal clear. We spotted turtles swimming by right in front our villa. Snorkeling here is super fun you will see lots of colorful fish. Food was great- they have 5 restaurants in the main common area which are more like different sections (for example downstairs is mediterranean and upstairs italian restaurant, next to it a meat grill restaurant ). They have one at the beach which is like a private cooking only for 2 guests which is cute for couples.
The thing that sets this island apart from many other hotels in the Maldives is the feeling you have here. Due to its small size and the all natural feels (imagine a perfect paradise island with just a few villas on it) everything feels very intimate and not really like being in a huge hotel- so its perfect to unwind for walks on the beach without seeing anybody.
The owners are a super nice australian couple living on the island and I think its just a little dream of a place they created together.
Would recommend to everybody who is looking for a tropical getaway on a tiny paradise island with good food away from the crowds :)
We had the best time at Kandolhu and its def one island i would love to visit again in a heartbeat!
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Date of stay: February 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:get one of the 7 overwater villas and jump into amazing lagoon first thing in morning!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Just back from 9 nights in Kandolhu, what an amazing experience. It was our first trip to The Maldives, and Kandolhu was our second island destination. From the minute the boat collected us from the sea plane pontoon to the minute we sadly had to return, it was faultless. The best way I can describe the Island itself would be say it was like Robinson Crusoe's Island, but the 5 star+ version. All of the staff were wonderful, attentive, but subtly in the background, nothing was too much trouble. We stayed in a jacazzi beach villa, sunset side of the island, and it was so peaceful and quiet. The room wasn't huge, but in all honesty it was plenty big enough, who wants to spend too much inside really? The bathroom on the other hand was massive, loved the outside shower. The All Inclusive is fab, you really couldn't want anything more. I mentioned to Laura that the only thing that would be useful was a magnifying mirror in the bathroom... 10 minutes later, one was in our room! We snorkelled for the first time and the amount we saw was just fantastic, the Dive School staff are brilliant, special thank you to Mavin and Morgan for taking some fantastic photos and videos for us. Plenty of trips to go to different dive/snorkel sites if you want. It was the perfect chilled, quiet relaxing island and exceeded our expectations, which is not an easy thing to do! We would go back in an instant, thank you everyone at Kandolhu for making our trip so memorable. Hopefully see you all again soon!
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Date of stay: January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We visited this island in Jan 2019 for our honeymoon. We had just had 5 nights in Kuramathi and honestly this island was so much more special. From the moment we arrived on boat, we were greeted by the managers who were very welcoming and that was a lovely touch.
We had a beach villa, and the accommodation was spot less. The bathroom, with jacuzzi bath and outdoor shower. The room itself came with a fully stocked wine fridge and snacks, all of which was included. There’s a beach bag for each of you in the room, including towels, frisby and a Go Pro which was just fantastic for snorkelling.
This island is very small and takes no more than 10 mins to walk round and therefore feels very exclusive and special. We were made to feel very welcome the whole time and I must add the food was fantastic too.
We are already trying to work out when we can save up to go back!!
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Date of stay: February 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The island is very small and therefore everything is very quiet, cosy & personal. The whole team is incredibly friendly, sweet, always in a good mood and fulfils your every wish. We had a beach pool villa. The villa is very nicely furnished, spacious, generous, great bathroom with outdoor shower. Beautiful view of the private (freshwater) pool, the beach and the sea from everywhere. Everything very well maintained and lovingly arranged. Big praise to Laura, Mark and their team also regarding Covid measures! You feel absolutely safe (the island is FFP2 mask free for guests, staff are constantly tested and always wear masks). We also got married at Kandoluh which was super romantic and beautiful! The whole setup of the beach where our ceremony took place was breathtakingly beautiful and perfectly arranged! We are absolute foodies, good food is very important to us and we were not disappointed. There are several restaurants, we visited them all and each one was unique and very good! There is a large water sports centre where many activities and tours are offered, but the house reef alone is also very beautiful, and you are surrounded by sea turtles, black tip sharks and countless fish all the time, so just put on your diving goggles & snorkel and dive! Great spa with very good massages (and we are spoilt and demanding there too...). Conclusion: Kandoluh is an absolute dream in every respect (!) that we can only warmly recommend.
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Date of stay: May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You just have to read all the amazing reviews and realise that everything that has been said is absolutely true! Kandolhu really is the perfect Maldives island escape. This is where you go to completely relax, recharge your batteries and be pampered by the best customer service I have ever experienced at a hotel. I have travelled extensively to many 5 star hotels around the world, but Kandolhu just gets it right in every way possible, I can’t find one fault. Yes, the island is perfect with the most amazing house reef, where you feel like you are swimming in an aquarium, I have never seen so many underwater creatures, with every snorkel experience a highlight; one moment you are swimming alongside a leatherback turtle, the next an eagle ray, or reef sharks, and every kind of colourful fish. The accommodation across all of the room categories are of a high quality, we were lucky to experience 2, first we started in a duplex pool beach villa, all I can say is wow... you will not want for anything, it even has 3 showers! But we just loved the outdoor bathroom. Being on all inclusive there was a wine fridge with 30 wines to choose from, also spirits, and each day they supplied us with fresh sliced lemon and ice for my evening g & t!. We then moved on our last night to a one storey beach pool villa, which was lovely, but have to say, we were most taken by the duplex!. The food was high end quality, we didn’t have one bad meal, especially loved the sea grill and the Mexican for lunch. But what makes this island so special is the staff, they remember your name, they smile, and this is not forced, they are genuine people who appear to love their jobs and take pride in giving the guests a memorable experience, without ever being intrusive. Our holiday was made even more special as we made great friends with another couple and shared many experiences with them during our stay. In fact most of the guests were super friendly and this just helped to make you feel relaxed and comfortable. This is really an island for couples, who want to relax, and do as much or as a little as they want. Apart from snorkelling we paddle boarded, kayaked and my husband went sailing. If you want to do a trip, strongly recommend the snorkelling to outside reefs, Morgan was so informative, a champion free diver who took a fabulous video of our day and was great company. I didn’t want to leave, and I am still dreaming of paradise, the sun set, the aquamarine water, the peace, the beauty etc. We just need to save up now to be able to return soon! Keep up the good work Kandolhu.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We visited Kandolhu for our honeymoon in March 2020 and cannot praise the island, or the staff, enough. It is absolute paradise. We have never seen sea so clear or had such amazing customer service on a holiday. We wanted somewhere peaceful and quiet, with excellent food, and that is exactly what we got. All of the staff were brilliant and very attentive - from Laura and Marc (the management) to the waiters and bar staff, and the cleaners and gardeners too. The food was extremely good quality and the cocktails were amazing! We visited the spa once and the gym most days; the facilities were often so quiet it was like being on your own private island. Unfortunately covid-19 meant we had to cut our honeymoon short, and towards the end of our trip the island had to reduce the number of staff available and restaurants that were open. However, this was all handled superbly and Laura and Marc were absolutely amazing throughout - we cannot thank them enough for how well they handled the situation! We hope to return for honeymoon 2.0 in the future!
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Date of stay: March 2020
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Words are simply not enough. My wife and I have never experienced anything quite like this place in our entire lives.
Not only is the island a literal paradise, but the staff, the service, the food, the drinks, absolutely everything about this place is just of the highest possible quality. The resort is managed meticulously, resulting in a level of service which I genuinely do not believe can possibly be bettered.
You will never have to lift a finger, empty glasses will be refilled the moment they run dry, plates will be cleared the moment you take your final bite and place your cutlery down, every single staff member will greet you with a warm smile and make you feel like you've been friends for years. Honestly, I never in my wildest dreams imagined that service like this existed, particularly service that is just so genuine.
Every restaurant offers something different and of impeccable quality. You literally will not have a bad meal or drink on this island.
The spa is exquisite, the ladies who run the spa are wonderful and happy and just add to the general feeling of relaxation.
The management bring a level of sophistication and friendliness which is faultless. You will feel less like a guest and more like a family member.
Finally, the island itself, again, no words. Imagine what a paradise island looked like to you as a child, imagine where you would be listening to your Desert Island discs, this is that island. The reef is impeccable and easily accessible, the sea life is stunning (you will see Turtles and Reef Sharks 100%), the flora and fauna are beautiful and the sunsets are majestic.
I cannot stress how unbelievably perfect this island and resort is. Whilst this felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I hope and pray that it isn't.
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Date of stay: December 2021
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kandolhu is a small but beautiful little island were you can find fantastic food in all of their five restaurants. Since the island only have 30 villas you will never feel that the island is crowded. If you want piece and quiet combined with great food, this is where you should come.
The house reef is just outside the beach and its full of life. Turtles, fishes in every color and small sharks makes the experience wonderful.
We stayed in one of the two stories villas on the beach. The villa is very exclusive with its own pool and if you choose the all inclusive pages, you will find that the wine cooler with way over 30 bottles is always full.
The staff is very friendly and helpful. When we arrived at the island we were welcomed by th General Manager with staff which was very nice. I would like to say thank you to all the staff and also would like to give a special thank you to Mae that fixed everything for us and handled our reservation. She is the best!
Kandolhu will always have a special place in our heart and we will return for sure.
Thank you for a great stay!
Mats & Family
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Date of stay: July 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:The two story villas are great.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was our third trip to Kandolhu and sixth in the Maldives. For us this island is just perfect and this is why we have kept on returning and would certainly look so to do so again.
There is a combination of things which makes island quite unique. The multiple dining options for an island this size are fantastic, Ato Roa for us has been our go to place for lunch since it’s creation 2 years ago. The simplicity of the menu - excellent tacos and ceviche, and set up of the the restaurant overlooking the beautiful ocean and back towards the island where are you able to interact with other guests if you wish truly makes a remarkable and unique dinning option.
The staff too are an absolute asset to this resort. They become more like old friends particularly when you see the same faces on return visits which is really nice to see. They know your name by the first day, table and drinks preferences, this time we felt like we were returning home.
The island itself is simply stunning you can walk around it in around 10 minutes and there is a really chilled vibe from the moment you step off the speed boat.
This time we split our stay with six days in a Pool Villa and five days in Overwater Pool Villa. You honestly cannot go wrong with any choice of villas on this island, they all are beautiful and we enjoy our time in both for different reasons. The beach pool villa provides loads of outside space, a private beach just in front of your villa and a large private pool. There are many different outside seating options and plenty of shade or sun depending on where you want to be. We also enjoyed playing games on the beach with the provided beach bag containing frisbee, bat and ball etc.
The overwater pool villa obviously gives exceptional views over the ocean and you can see many types of marine life from your deck without setting foot in the ocean. We are probably split as a couple as to which one we prefer. The sunset view from this villa is epic and not something easily matched, also stepping from your villa straight down into ocean to begin your snorkelling sessions is pretty special.
The spa as well deserves a mention we have had some of the best massages we have ever had in this spa. We would certainly recommend booking a massage on your first day of arrival or as early as possible to truly get into the island vibe and take full advantage of the chilled atmosphere. Soon stresses of work will seem a long long way away!
There are of course many places to see and visit in the world, But we always struggle not to return to Kandolhu. From the moment you leave you just want to book a return visit!
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Date of stay: November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Misha,
Greetings from Kandolhu Maldives.
For information, please contact our Dive team at : divers@kandolhu
Our team will be delighted to assist you.
Warm regards,
Kandolhu Team
Dear Misha,
Greetings from Kandolhu Maldives.
For information, please contact our team at : info@kandolhu
Our team will be delighted to assist you.
Warm regards,
Kandolhu Team
London, United Kingdom265 contributions1 helpful vote
Of course you can take your drink to your room.
No jet ski or other motorised sports, it's just a tiny island and they will disturb the tranquility otherwise and the sea life.
There are more places to choose from in the North Ari Atoll area.
PRICE RANGE
$817 - $1,702 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
kandholhu island hotel north ari atoll, kandholhu island resort and spa
LOCATION
MaldivesAlifu AtollNorth Ari Atoll
NUMBER OF ROOMS
30
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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