If you’ve ever dreamed of a tropical island escape that’s as exciting for kids as it is relaxing for adults, Kandima Maldives might just be the paradise you’re looking for. On our recent family holiday in the Maldives, we discovered that this luxury resort is more than just beautiful — it’s very family-friendly, full of adventure, and absolutely unforgettable. In this article we tell you about our wonderful experience and info we gathered doing research for our trip on topics like best time to visit, accommodation options, and getting there.
Family fun in the warm, clear water of Kandima resort in the Maldives.
️ Getting There — The Journey to Paradise
Our adventure began with a flight to Malé International Airport, followed by a short domestic flight and a 20-minute speedboat ride. As we neared the island, the water shifted from deep blue to dazzling turquoise, and our three-year-old daughter squealed with excitement, pointing at the fish darting below.
Arriving at Kandima Maldives by seaplane is very popular, some of our new friends arrived by seaplane. This looks like an incredible an experience in itself — a breathtaking 40-minute flight over a mosaic of turquoise lagoons and coral islands descending on to the resort’s long stretch of white sand and vibrant lagoon.
Stepping onto the jetty at Kandima, we were greeted with warm smiles, refreshing towels, and cool coconut water. The check-in was smooth and personal — a small detail that set the tone for the rest of our stay.
When to Visit Kandima
Kandima is open all year round, making it an easy destination no matter when you travel, but each season offers something a little different. The best weather tends to fall between December and April, during the dry northeast monsoon, when days are sunny, seas are calm, and rain is minimal — perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and those postcard-bright photos. From May to November, the southwest monsoon brings more clouds and occasional rain showers, but this period often means fewer guests and better specials, including discounted room rates and package deals. It’s also a great time for spotting marine life like manta rays. Whether you prefer perfect weather or great value, Kandima has a season that fits every travel style.
Our Sky Studio — Spacious, Stylish & Perfect for Families
Although many people picture overwater villas when they think of the Maldives, we chose to stay in one of Kandima’s Sky Studios, and it turned out to be absolutely perfect for our family. Located on the quieter side of the island, the Sky Studios offer modern, spacious rooms with bright island décor, a large balcony, and incredible views over the palm trees and lagoon.
We loved waking up each morning and sliding open the balcony doors to feel the warm breeze drift through the room. Our daughter loved sitting outside, spotting birds and watching the island slowly come to life. The room itself felt fresh, open, and thoughtfully designed — plenty of space for a toddler to play, a big comfortable bed, and a bathroom that made our daily beach clean-ups easy.
Another unexpected benefit was the sense of privacy. The Sky Studios are set slightly back from the beach, giving them a peaceful, secluded atmosphere while still being just a short stroll from the sand, the pool, and the restaurants. For families who want comfort, convenience, and great value without sacrificing style, the Sky Studios are a fantastic choice.
Why a Beach Villa Can Also Be a Great Option
Even though we didn’t stay in one this time, Kandima’s Beach Villas are also incredibly appealing — and ideal for families who want to step straight onto the sand. Being able to walk out of your door and onto the beach is a huge advantage with young children, especially for early-morning playtime or quick swims throughout the day.
The Beach Villas offer a bit more outdoor living space, private loungers, direct beach access, and a closer connection to the lagoon. If your dream is to wake up with the ocean right at your doorstep, or you love spending most of your day by the water, the Beach Villas are absolutely worth considering.
Both options have their own charm, and that’s part of what makes Kandima so versatile — whether you prefer elevated views from a Sky Studio or beachfront living in a villa, the experience still feels luxurious, relaxed, and wonderfully family-friendly.
The spectacular overwater bungalows at Kandima resort in the Maldives.
The overwater bungalows look amazing and are very popular. Lying in a hammock and seeing little sharks swim underneath you is certainly amazing! You can enter the water with steps from your bungalow to go for a snorkel or a swim! We decided with a small child it would be better to stay in the beach bungalows and were super happy with our decision!
Every morning began with the gentle sound of the ocean and the sight of the sun rising over the lagoon — a view we’ll never forget.
Accommodation Options at Kandima
Kandima offers a great mix of accommodation for every type of traveller, whether you’re a couple looking for privacy or a family needing space and convenience. You can stay in the stylish Sky Studios, perfect for those who want a modern room close to all the action, or upgrade to the spacious Beach Villas, which open directly onto the sand with private decks and ocean views. Families often love the Beach Pool Villas, giving kids room to play while adults enjoy the private pool. For something truly special, the Aqua Villas sit right above the turquoise lagoon, offering sunrise views and steps straight into the water. And if you want the full luxury experience, the Ocean Pool Villas give you extra privacy, a private pool, and uninterrupted views of Dhaalu Atoll.
Accommodation options at Kandima Maldives
️ Beach Days and Turquoise Dreams
Kandima’s beaches are pure magic — soft white sand, crystal-clear water, and endless space to explore. The island is over 3 km long, so even at full capacity, it never feels crowded.
Walking to the restaurant for lunch on the perfect white beach of Kandima Maldives resort.
Our daughter spent hours building sandcastles and chasing crabs, while we lounged in hammocks and beach beanbags, sipping smoothies from the nearby bar. The shallow lagoon was perfect for toddlers, giving us complete peace of mind as she played at the water’s edge.
🤿 Diving, Snorkeling & Watersports with Aquaholics
As scuba diving lovers, we couldn’t wait to explore the Aquaholics Dive & Watersports Centre. The dive team was incredible — professional, fun, and passionate about the ocean.
We alternated dives so one of us could stay with our daughter. The house reef was fun and free to go to for snorkeling everyday. There are some spots to snorkel from the shore near the bungalows, but they are not great.
Turtle snorkeling tour – We did a turtle/snorkel tour with a boat that we paid extra for. This was fantastic, world class snorkeling with amazing colorful corals, turtles, and reef fish, we even spotted reef sharks, and eagle rays. I really loved this tour and managed to do some deep freediving on the drop-off next to the reef.
Snorkeling was one of our favorite family activities in the Maldives. Our daughter even saw turtles!
Diving Around Kandima
The diving around Kandima is some of the best in the Dhaalu Atoll, with sites that suit both beginners and experienced divers. The reefs are healthy and full of colour, and it’s one of those areas where you feel like you’re swimming through a postcard. Popular spots include the Kandima House Reef — perfect for easy, relaxed dives with turtles and reef fish. Madivaru Kandu, is an advanced channel dive where grey reef sharks, white tip sharks, and eagle rays are often found. Kandima Corner, is another advanced dive with amazing marine life and possible strong currents. Each site feels close, accessible, and uncrowded, which makes diving here especially enjoyable.
On non-diving days, we snorkeled together, introducing our little one to “Nemo” and “Dory.” We also couldn’t resist the watersports: wakeboarding, waterskiing, and banana boat rides across a turquoise lagoon so clear it looked unreal. Getting on a waterski for the first time in 10 years was a challenge, but I had a lot of fun.
Kandiland Kids Club — A Paradise for Little Explorers
One of the things that sets Kandima apart is how well it caters to families. The Kandiland Kids Club is amazing and after our daughter made some friends, she wanted to go to the kids club everyday.
The staff were truly amazing — kind, patient, and full of energy. The club features a splash pool, outdoor playground, mini kitchen, arts and crafts, and daily themed activities like “Ocean Explorers” and “Little Chefs.”
Our daughter had a great time at the fantastic kids club, Kandiland at Kandima resort. We could leave her there to play, and she loved it!
It was the perfect balance — she got to play and make friends while we enjoyed some grown-up time snorkeling, diving, relaxing, or sipping cocktails by the pool.
Kids from 4 and up can stay at the kids club, for younger ones you need to make a special arrangement with the club.
Food Heaven — Culinary Delights for All Ages
One of the absolute highlights of our family holiday at Kandima was the food. With so many dining options on the island, we never felt stuck for choice. We kept to the same meal plan and I have to say: the buffet was outstanding. We ended up eating there three times a day, and every meal felt fresh, varied, and genuinely exciting.
The beautiful restaurant is set right on the sand, which adds a completely different atmosphere. Sitting with our feet in the soft white sand while enjoying dinner felt like the kind of postcard moment you always hope for on a Maldives trip.
On days when we felt like changing things up a bit, Kandima offered fantastic alternatives to the buffet:
Breakfast at Flavour
Mornings could start with tropical fruits, pastries, live cooking stations, and Maldivian favourites like mas huni. Our daughter’s favourites? The pancake corner and smoothie bar.
🥗 Lunch at Aroma Café
A perfect lagoon-side spot for wraps, fresh salads, and iced coffees — great for a relaxed break between swims.
Dinner Delights
Azure served Mediterranean-style seafood, while Smoked offered perfectly grilled meats and seafood under the stars.
Overall, between the generous buffet spreads, the toes-in-the-sand dining, and these extra restaurant options, Kandima’s food scene really made the trip for us.
Walking past the Kandima sign on our way back to the bungalow after dinner.
️ Exploring the Island — Adventure & Relaxation
Kandima is one of the largest resort islands in the Maldives, which means there’s always something new to discover. We borrowed bicycles and spent hours exploring hidden coves and scenic spots.
The resort offers yoga sessions, art classes, beach volleyball, and even a state-of-the-art gym. For pure relaxation, we visited the Kandima Spa, where soothing massages and ocean sounds melted away any trace of stress.
Evenings in Paradise
As the sun dipped into the ocean, the island transformed into a soft glow of music and laughter. Kandima has a fun, social vibe with live bands, sunset DJ sets, and movie nights under the stars.
Our daughter loved the evening walks along the jetty — spotting baby sharks and glowing fish beneath the lights. By bedtime, the gentle sound of the ocean lulled us all to sleep.
Why Kandima Maldives Is Perfect for Families
Kandima manages to do what few luxury resorts can — it feels equally perfect for couples and families. While it’s stylish and sophisticated, it’s also full of life, laughter, and warmth.
The staff made our daughter feel like the island’s VIP guest, greeting her by name and surprising her with little treats. The genuine hospitality and family-friendly design made our stay feel effortless.
The beautiful swimming pools, each with a bar was great to relax in with the other families we met at Kandima.
🧭 Family Travel Tips for the Maldives
Planning your own Maldives family holiday? Here are a few things we learned:
Choose a beach villa — easy beach access makes life simpler with kids.
Use the Kids Club — Kandiland is world-class and toddlers love it.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen — the sun is intense year-round.
Book dives and activities early — popular excursions fill up fast.
Pack minimal toys — the beach and sea will keep them entertained all day.
Our Final Thoughts — Goodbye, But Not Forever
Leaving Kandima was the hardest part. As we boarded the boat back to Malé, our daughter waved and asked, “Can we come back tomorrow?” And honestly, we wished we could.
Our week at Kandima Maldives was everything we hoped for — sunshine, adventure, incredible food, and time together as a family. It reminded us how special it is to travel with a child, to see the world through her eyes, and to find a place where adults can relax and kids can thrive.
If you’re dreaming of a Maldives resort for families, look no further. Kandima offers the perfect mix of fun, comfort, and barefoot luxury. We arrived as guests and left feeling like part of the Kandima family — and we can’t wait to return.
Kandima Maldives Family Holiday Highlights
- Perfect for families with young kids
- ️ Stunning 3 km long island with pristine beaches
- 🤿 Excellent diving, snorkeling, and watersports
- World-class kids club and family facilities
- ️ Diverse dining options with something for everyone
- ️ Spa, yoga, and plenty of adult relaxation time
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