Tropical State of Mind at Kandima Maldives

I have always been dreaming about visiting the Maldives, so-called paradise on Earth. A few years ago it remained a sort of an exclusive destination, for the millionaires. In 2019 it is a dream-come-true destination for many.

Along with the international growth of the tourism industry, the paradise country opened its gate for…everyone.

As a matter of fact, you can get a ticket for around $700 return July-September, or an all-inclusive offer starting from $1700 per person. The so-called pick season in the Maldives is October- March but it is especially popular during Christmas and the New Years. We went in September but the weather was really nice – 2 out of 8 days were rainy. I would avoid June-August.

We stayed at a fantastic 5 star resort-island.

About Kandima

The 5***** star resort Kandima Maldives is located on the largest island in Dhaalu Atoll (3,5 km long). There are two options for you to reach Kandima from Male International Airport: domestic Air Transfer to a nearby airport and then a 20 min speed boat trip or a Sea Plane transfer directly to Kandima.

The resort seems like a small town to me. Not only has Kandima Maldives the longest outdoor swimming pool in the Maldives, the whole variety of options for water-sports, the largest beach club, tennis, football, basketball courts AND a water park for kids! It also offers a marine biology centre, an art studio, cooking classes and one of the best SPA treatments in the Maldives. There is also an impressive number of restaurants and bars – Kandima has 10 of them! Four a la carte (full dining restaurants), two buffets and two amazing beach clubs.

What Kandima also has is…. a sweet water lake located in front of a lovely Cafe Aroma and an Art Gallery.

An average stay in the Maldives for the couples is 2 weeks which seems to be just right to be able to explore the whole resort.

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For my Maldives trip, I took five Envya Swim pieces. I like to style my summer pieces in a retro aesthetics which is why I chose Envya. The brand has a dedicated team who makes sure the designs are up to date with the SoCal theme as well as the colours and cuts are on point. Envya girls will be classy, trendy, effortlessly cool, and will try out different styles to complete her fashion statement. Bikini tops and bottoms come in different design with a matching style. Their standard bikini top is designed to be moderate coverage with removable padding cups for extra comfort, as the spaghetti strings give support to neck and back. You may tie them either at the back or sides for getting a better fit. They design for all women whether they are a mommy, young lady or a cute little girl. Envya range of swimwear and bikinis win the hearts of every generation of women. They strive to be the best bikini shop in Los Angeles.

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Another highlight from my Envya collection – the metallic bikini, which seems to be their best-seller on Instagram! I really really recommend it. It is not only super comfortable but also great for tanning.

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Here my two favourite red pieces from Envya – convertible one piece and my dotted ruffled bikini. I looove the retro vibe about them! They look really great against the Maldivian landscape.

Accommodation

There are a 8 different types of accommodation at Kandima Maldives. We were lucky enough to stay at two of them during our trip –Sunset Beach Pool Villa with Jacuzzi and Aqua Villa. The beach villa is a perfect hideout, and the vibe of it reminds me of our wedding villa at Zeavola in Thailand (Phi Phi).

Over-the water bungalow at the Aqua Villa is what ‘the real Maldivian experience’ is, at least to me. There are a few types of water villas. Honeymoon Aqua Pool Villa has everything the newlyweds would possibly want. Not only the privacy among the most amazing interiors but also the best views in the house for epic sunset sessions (see my Insta Stories and Tik Tok for the reference).

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Garden villas (Sunset and Sunrise villas) are amazing! The one we stayed at is equipped with an outdoor bathroom with jacuzzi, a pool facing the amazing views of the Indian ocean. We really enjoyed our floating breakfast which you can preorder for $120++. I think it would make a really nice addition to a honeymoon. It has to be ordered at least a day before.

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I’d love to introduce you to the S5 Skincare – an amazing series I took to my Maldives trip with me. I started my journey with my Anti-Redness Calm serum a few Months ago (June) and I was very pleased with the results. I determine my skin as normal but I have always had some problems with the reddish skin, spider veins and my skin feels very sensitive at times. At S5 Skincare I have suggested an exact solution – their calm and anti-redness serum. The product was carefully selected for me and the choice was based on problems I had indicated. I think such solutions and the way the brand works is innovative and helpful as I know many of us to struggle to find the right product.
At the beginning of September, I started to use S5 Skincare as a combo of 4 – Nourish Cleanser, Calm Serum, moisturising Serenity Cream and Renew Eye Cream. I treat it as my little beauty ritual for day and night (in the morning I only use my cleanser and moisturiser). I am very pleased with the results which were visible within a week!

A few words about the brand: It was created by Laura Rudoe, who suffered from acne for many years. She decided to find the ‘best cure’ which is exactly what she did! Laura has devoted years of research to harnessing the most effective bioactives found in nature. Laura also shares about her lifestyle, healthy routines and the newest findings on her website.

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Weddings At Kandima

Kandima is a perfect place for a wedding, honeymoon but also a proposal, hen parties or a small elopement. Kandima Maldives provides wedding planning services, so every wedding ceremony and reception is tailor-made. The staff has years of experience in hen- and bachelorette parties as well, so you could arrive a few days before your Big Day to host the party at this paradise island.

There are a few strategic wedding locations on the island. There is the floating platform, the beach, Breeze pool bar, an amazing deserted island located nearby (also called the picnic island) and a coconut grove.

The couple chooses their dream wedding spot according to their needs, budget as well as the number of guests. It is all carefully discussed with the wedding team ( e-mail mykindofplace@kandima.com )

Let me quote their wedding planners:

‘If you’re looking for a tropical wedding full of friends and family, this could be just the celebration you’re looking for. Don’t want anyone to be offended because they only got an invite to the Bachelor or Bachelorette party? Are you worried that your wedding may come with a huge price tag too? Worry no more! You’re in the right hands and in the right place. Our personalised Group Wedding Packages are a great way to make sure all your guests get to share your special day with two of you. At Kandima Maldives the bigger the party, the greater the perks! Share your wedding with as many family members and friends as you’d like, because the more people you bring, the more fabulous the price gets! What’s even better is that your guests can bring kids along because there’s a place for everyone at Kandima Maldives. OUR WEDDING PACKAGES ARE DESIGNED FOR GROUPS OF UP TO 20, 40, 60, 100 & 200 GUESTS.’

The rates vary and are depending on your chosen location and a number of extras. The Couple Package starts from $1,800++ for ‘I DO with a view‘ (the floating platform ceremony) while the group packages start from $400++ for 5-10 rooms which is a package for a minimum of 25 guests.

There are loads of FABULOUS options for a wedding reception – pool party, Spa treatment for a wedding group, private hire of Aroma Art Café for the bridal shower (with tea, coffee and snacks) or a crazy bonfire night with sweets and wine on the Breeze Beach with a private band. Kandima wedding planners are open for some new ideas, suggestions and solutions.

Activities at Kandima

There are the whole lot of to-do options – you could do a different activity…. every day for two weeks. Apart from scuba diving and swimming, you could do…. anything you want!

They have bikes, gym, sports courts and even an art gallery with the painting workshops! The resident artist, Aima, takes care of the art studio located right next to Aroma Art Café, overlooking the sweetwater lake I mentioned. Aima takes care of the art gallery but also runs the workshops (usually taking place on weekends).

Cycling around Kandima was a lot of healthy fun! It was the easiest way to get around the island. The rental is $5 a day, you can do it anytime you want without the need for prebooking. It will make your stay at Kandima a lot more interesting – that is for sure. The resort has a net of small golf ca r(which they call buses) with the hop on hop off service but cycling is so much better for your health and… for your tan. We kept the bikes outside our villas.

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For our cycling trips, I wore my new blouse from By Is.la. All of their t-shirts are made from 100 % organic cotton, a natural fibre that uses less water than standard cotton and its production does not involve the use of chemicals (no fertilisers or pesticides). Their sweatshirts are made from organic cotton and a small percentage (15%) of recycled polyester. That’s to avoid any shrinkage of the garment after wash. To ensure that the brand’s sweatshirts are nice and soft against the skin, it is never in direct contact with the polyester. All of their garments are GOTS certified and PETA certified, made from 100%vegan materials. Their products are produced mainly in Asia, in factories that comply with working conditions requirements in line with BY IS.LA’s commitment to the Fair Wear Foundation.

Aquaholics

Apart from the kayaks, boats, the famous ‘banana boat’, ski jets and the snorkeling equipment KANDIMA offers… the glass bottom kayaking experience! I think it is such a unique way of seeking the magnificent underwater world without dipping in! It is one of the best post-lunch activities (burning calories in a style)! We also did a complimentary snorkeling trip. It takes 45 minutes, and you will be taken to a nextdoor snorkeling platform by the speedboat.

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There are also a tennis court, basketball court and… a football court, where you could also watch Matches!

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SPA

Kandima is simply KNOWN for their great esKape SPA. I am in love with the outdoor space, with a little swimming pool and bathroom. It smells like heaven. We were told to try their iconic coconut scrub but unfortunately – we did not have enough time.

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In general, I really recommend choosing Kandima Maldives – whether it is for a wedding, honeymoon or simply for a girly vacation. I already miss this place and I am sure we will be back! SoKool place and a real paradise!

The stay was sponsored by Kandima Maldives but all the opinions are my own.

This post contians paid advertisements.