Kandima Maldives - Why this Maldivian island works for honeymoons and families alike

After a few dreamy days at Nova, complete with a vow renewal that finally made up for our original wet November wedding almost 20 years ago, we somehow managed to roll straight into Kandima on what can only be described as an accidental honeymoon.

We didn’t realise it at first, but the 3km island in the Dhaalu Atoll is packed with activities, making it an ideal place for couples and families alike. It strikes a balance between laid back luxury and a surprising amount of energy, offering far more than a simple fly and flop escape.

Our home for the stay was an aqua villa stretching out over the Indian Ocean, complete with a swirlpool just outside the sliding doors of the comfortable living space. Inside, the villa featured a double bed, sofa, fridge, mini bar and ample wardrobe space, leading through to a bathroom with a waterfall shower and large bath overlooking the ocean. Despite the open views throughout, it felt spacious and impressively private.

Food worth planning your day around

Food plays a major role in the Kandima experience. At either end of the island sit Zest and Flavour, the all you can eat buffet restaurants that keep guests fed throughout the day, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner from early morning until late evening.

For those looking for more than buffet dining, there is a strong range of speciality restaurants, including Azure Mediterranean, Sea Dragon Far East fine dining and Smoked beachfront grill house, each offering something distinctly different.

We were lucky enough to try them all, enjoying the chilled vibes of Azure and the relaxed beachfront setting at Smoked, but the standout for me was Sea Dragon. From the moment you arrive, the restaurant feels like an experience in its own right, with vibrant colours guiding you through to the entrance and bold Far East inspired architecture setting the tone.

Seated under the stars with the Indian Ocean lapping at the shore, we shared a selection of dishes including lobster and crab spring rolls and chicken gyozas, followed by beef cheek poached in a classic Thai curry and Gong Bao wok fried chicken. The food was excellent, but it was the atmosphere that really elevated the evening.

Even with full bellies, it would have been easy to call it a night, yet the island truly comes alive after dark. Both the Beach Club and Breeze Bar become hubs of activity, offering entertainment and a lively evening atmosphere.

An island that gives everyone space

Away from the restaurants and bars, the island offers a wide range of experiences designed to cater for every generation.

Kandima gives guests the space to slow down and enjoy a gentler pace of life, whether that means relaxing on the beach with cocktails, making use of the Eskape Spa and gym, or taking part in art classes at the Kula art studio, which was a particular highlight for me.

For those seeking more action, the Aquaholics Dive Centre offers a variety of excursions, Fast Track electric go karting provides some unexpected high octane fun, and PlaySpace combines tenpin bowling, pool tables, escape rooms and a state of the art VR experience to keep both children and parents entertained for hours.

The island is well set up for families and groups, allowing everyone to explore their own interests during the day before coming back together in the evening to share meals or drinks.

The Castaway experience

With the end of our stay approaching, we managed to squeeze in the island’s Castaway experience, which felt like the perfect way to round off our impromptu honeymoon.

Just 24 hours after booking with the Aquaholics team, we were taken by speedboat to a remote, uninhabited island a short distance from Kandima.

Waiting for us were a table and chairs, a parasol, canapés, Champagne and beach towels. After unloading everything, our guide hopped back on the boat, leaving us completely alone for the next few hours.

We waded through knee high waters, explored nearby sandbanks, snorkelled the coral reefs just offshore and simply enjoyed the novelty of having a tiny island to ourselves. Kandima already feels indulgent, but those few hours alone were a genuine highlight of the trip.

Why Kandima lingers long after you leave

While writing this review, my main challenge has been working out how to fit everything in that the island has to offer. Kandima packs in an impressive amount without feeling overwhelming.

We hadn’t anticipated how well it would complement our more relaxed stay at Nova. Our impromptu honeymoon could easily have been a simple beach escape, but instead it was filled with memorable food, varied entertainment and thoughtful experiences that made it feel special from start to finish.