Kandolhu Maldives has earned international recognition once again, securing the 14th position among the Top Indian Ocean Resorts in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. Garnering a score of 95.23, the award reflects the discerning judgment of over 750,000 readers worldwide who participated in this year’s survey, making it one of the most trusted benchmarks in the global travel industry.
Tucked away in the idyllic North Ari Atoll, Kandolhu Maldives offers an exquisite blend of natural beauty, refined comfort, and intimate hospitality. This five-star resort, renowned for its pristine surroundings and unmatched guest experiences, features only 30 luxurious villas each designed to offer supreme privacy, unobstructed ocean views, and a personalised stay. Guests at Kandolhu enjoy tailor-made itineraries that include snorkelling along a spectacular house reef, rejuvenating wellness therapies at Varu Spa, and barefoot walks along powder-soft beaches.
One of the resort’s standout features is its Ultimate Inclusions meal plan, which gives guests access to an exceptional culinary journey across five distinct restaurants. From Mediterranean flavours at Olive, to the fresh seafood offerings and sizzling tandoor dishes at Sea Grill, each meal is a curated dining experience. Banzai serves Japanese-inspired teppanyaki and sushi under the stars, while Ata-Roa presents a vibrant menu of street-style ceviche and tacos. These diverse gastronomic options have been a consistent favourite among returning guests.
Adding to its charm this year, Kandolhu introduced its most luxurious accommodation yet: the Deluxe Ocean Pool Villa. Located over a serene lagoon, this villa redefines exclusivity with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, a private pool, and carefully crafted interiors that offer the ideal setting for rest, romance, and reconnection with nature.
Commenting on the accolade, Claudio Stupan, General Manager of Kandolhu Maldives, expressed gratitude to the resort’s guests and staff:
“We are deeply honoured to be recognised among the top resorts in the Indian Ocean. This achievement belongs to every member of our team, who consistently go above and beyond to deliver meaningful and memorable experiences. Kandolhu is a place where understated luxury meets authentic Maldivian warmth, and we are proud to be part of our guests’ most cherished memories.”
The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, now in their 38th year, are among the longest-running and most reputable honours in the travel sector. Their methodology is built on real traveller reviews, making them a true reflection of quality and satisfaction. Kandolhu’s consistent high ratings reaffirm its position as one of the Maldives’ most sought-after hideaways.
In a broader triumph for the destination, the Maldives was voted #1 in the Top Islands category in the Africa & Indian Ocean region, scoring 92.31 in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. This reinforces the nation’s enduring appeal among international travellers and highlights its continued commitment to excellence in hospitality, sustainability, and cultural preservation.
As the Maldives continues to enchant visitors with its natural splendour and world-class service, resorts like Kandolhu play a pivotal role in shaping unforgettable travel experiences that keep the islands at the forefront of luxury tourism.