Good to know

FAQs

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU STEP ASHORE.

Smooth transfers, sea conditions, or simply knowing what to pack – we’ve gathered the answers to help you settle in with ease. If there’s anything else on your mind, we’re always right here and ready to help.

No question too small to ask

Where is Kandolhu Maldives located?

Kandolhu Maldives is tucked away in the North Ari Atoll, around 70 kilometres south-west of Malé.

How big is Kandolhu Maldives?

Kandolhu measures just 150 by 200 metres. Small enough to walk around in a few minutes, and for everything to feel wonderfully close.

How are transfers organised?

Our Airport Hosts will meet you on arrival and help with your seaplane check-in. From there, it is approximately 25 minutes by seaplane, followed by a short 10-minute speedboat ride to Kandolhu. Seaplane transfers operate during daylight hours. Full information is provided on our getting here page.

What is the usual climate?

The Maldives enjoys a warm tropical climate and plenty of sunshine throughout the year. December to April generally falls within the northeast monsoon, while the southwest monsoon from May to November typically brings more rainfall.

Are children allowed?

Yes. Kandolhu welcomes children aged eight years and above. Our small island and intimate atmosphere mean we are unable to accommodate children under eight.

What is the best currency to bring to the Maldives?

US Dollars are the most useful currency to bring. We also accept Euros, Pounds Sterling and Swiss Francs at the resort.

Will I need much ready cash?

Not much. There is no need to change money into Maldivian currency for your stay. Extras at the resort can be charged to your villa and settled during your stay or on departure.

Which credit cards do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, RuPay, Discover Card, and China UnionPay. Digital wallets work here too: BML Pay, Swipe, Apple Pay, Google Pay, AliPay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay.

Can we book directly with the resort?

Yes. You can book directly through the Kandolhu website or contact our reservations team at info@kandolhu.com.

What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 12:00. Early check-in and late check-out may be possible, subject to availability.

What happens if my flight arrives after seaplane operating hours?

Seaplane transfers operate during daylight hours. If your international flight arrives too late to connect, please speak to our reservations team before finalising your flights so we can advise on the best arrival arrangements.

What is the baggage allowance for the seaplane transfer?

Trans Maldivian Airways currently allows 25 kg per person: 20 kg of checked baggage and 5 kg of hand luggage. Excess baggage is subject to additional charges, so we recommend checking the latest TMA conditions before travelling.

What should I pack for Kandolhu Maldives?

Travel light. Swimwear, lightweight clothing and good sun protection will cover most days. A rash guard is useful for time on the reef, and trainers are worth packing if you plan to use the gym. Otherwise, bare feet and sandals will take you almost everywhere.

Do you have TVs in the rooms?

Yes. Every villa has a flat-screen TV with a selection of international channels.

Do the villas have safes?

Yes. Every villa has an electronic safe for your valuables.

What amenities are included in every villa?

Every villa has a king-sized bed, air conditioning and fan, TV, telephone, private bar and wine cellar, coffee machine and kettle, hairdryer, safe, ironing facilities, bath and beach towels, robes, slippers, bathroom amenities, torch and Wi-Fi. Outside, you will also find a private sundeck with loungers and a sun umbrella.

Which villas have private pools?

Our Duplex Pool Villas, Pool Villas, Ocean Pool Villas and Deluxe Ocean Pool Villas all have private pools. Beach Villas are our only villa category without one.

Do the villas have a minibar and wine chiller?

Yes. Every villa has a private bar and its own wine cellar. What is included will depend on your meal plan; Ultimate Inclusions includes a curated selection of wines and premium beverages in-villa.

How often are the villas serviced?

Housekeeping visits twice daily, keeping things quietly taken care of while you get on with island life.

What meal plans do you offer?

There are three ways to stay: Bed & Breakfast, À La Carte Dining and Ultimate Inclusions. Bed & Breakfast includes breakfast at The Market; À La Carte Dining adds lunch and dinner across our five restaurants; Ultimate Inclusions brings dining, drinks and selected island experiences together in one plan. More information is available on our meal plans page.

How many restaurants and bars are there at Kandolhu?

For an island of just 30 villas, there is plenty to discover: five à la carte restaurants, The Market, Olive, Sea Grill, Banzai and Ata Roa, plus Vilu Bar. Villa Dining and private dining experiences add a few more ways to make a meal your own.

Can you cater for dietary requirements and food allergies?

Please let us know about any dietary requirements, allergies or intolerances, ideally before you arrive and again when ordering. Our menus identify dietary options and common allergens, and our team will be happy to guide you through the most suitable choices.

Can I dine in my villa?

Yes. Villa Dining is available for breakfast from 07:00 to 10:30, and for lunch and dinner from 11:00 to 21:30, with a menu of international and local favourites. Note that villa dining is not included in all meal plans.

Can I arrange a private dinner?

Absolutely. Choose from dinner on the beach, by your villa or out on our Moonlight Jetty. Private dining is subject to availability and weather conditions, with advance notice required.

What is included in Ultimate Inclusions?

Ultimate Inclusions covers breakfast, lunch and dinner across our five restaurants, wines, premium spirits, cocktails, beers and non-alcoholic drinks. It also includes a 10% Varu Spa discount, complimentary snorkelling equipment and non-motorised water sports, plus either one private guided house-reef snorkel or one Champagne and canapé sunset cruise per person, per stay.

Is it possible to get married on Kandolhu Maldives?

Kandolhu offers bespoke Island Vows and renewal-of-vows ceremonies in beautiful settings around the island. Please note that these are symbolic celebrations and are not legally recognised marriage ceremonies.

How is the snorkelling on the island?

Exceptional, and wonderfully easy. Kandolhu's house reef surrounds the island and can be reached directly from the beach through dedicated snorkelling channels. Turtles, sharks, eagle rays, colourful reef fish and anemones are all part of what you might discover just a few metres from shore.

Do you have a dress code?

There is no formal dress code. Island life is relaxed, although we ask that swimwear is covered when visiting restaurants and reception, and in the bar during the evening. Topless sunbathing is not permitted.

How many shoes do I need?

Very few. Kandolhu is made for barefoot days. Sandals or slippers are plenty for most of your stay; just bring shoes and suitable trainers if you plan to use the gym.

Do you have any evening entertainment on the island?

Kandolhu keeps evenings intentionally low-key rather than running a nightly entertainment programme. Vilu Bar hosts occasional special events and gatherings, with live music and island celebrations also appearing throughout the year.

Is snorkelling equipment available?

Yes. Complimentary snorkelling equipment is included with all three meal plans, so the house reef is yours to explore whenever the mood takes you.

Can I snorkel directly from the beach?

Yes. Dedicated snorkelling channels around the island lead from the beach towards the outer edge of Kandolhu's house reef. The reef begins just a few metres from shore.

What water sports are complimentary?

A selection of non-motorised water sports is complimentary with prior reservation, including windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, catamaran sailing and kayaking. Wakeboarding, kneeboarding and selected lessons are available at an additional charge.

What excursions are available from Kandolhu?

Head beyond the island for manta ray and whale shark adventures, reef-hopping, sandbank escapes, fishing, sunset cruises and guided snorkelling trips. Private charters can also be arranged when you would rather make the day entirely your own.

Can we renew our vows at Kandolhu?

Yes. Our Island Vows experience can be tailored around you, with a secluded beach setting, ceremony coordinator, tropical flowers, local drummers, cake and Champagne among the available touches. The ceremony is symbolic rather than legally binding.

Can I learn to dive at Kandolhu?

Yes. Noovilu Sports offers introductory experiences for complete beginners as well as PADI and SSI certification courses. Kandolhu's house reef makes a particularly memorable place for those first breaths underwater.

What is your smoking policy?

Smoking is not permitted inside villa bedrooms or in our restaurants. Ashtrays are provided on villa decks, and designated smoking areas can be found outside the restaurants.

Are there medical facilities on the resort?

First aid is available at the resort clinic on the island.

Do you have internet facilities available to the guests?

Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in every villa and across most public areas of the island.

Is there a gym at Kandolhu?

Yes. Kandolhu has a gym available for guests during their stay.

Is laundry service available?

Yes. Laundry service is available through the resort, though there are additional changes.

Is there a boutique on the island?

Yes. Our small island boutique carries local items, apparel, postcards and a selection of souvenirs.

Is reception open 24 hours?

Yes. Reception is open 24 hours a day and includes a small library with books and board games.

Island News

Kandolhu Maldives Announces Exclusive Chef Collaboration with German Chef Pascal Oudotte in March 2026 Kandolhu Maldives is thrilled to announce the next chapter in its series of chef collaborations, welcoming renowned Chef Pascal Oudotte from Michelin Guide rated restaurant, Stilbruch in Karlsruhe, Germany. This exciting residency in March next year will feature a series of curated culinary events that promise an unforgettable gastronomic journey. More detail