First Holiday Inn resort in the Maldives opens. Wednesday, 16th December 2009 Source : IHG

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives lies 35 kilometres south of the Malé International Airport, and is a convenient 40 minute speedboat ride away. The 160-room resort features all the new Holiday Inn brand hallmarks such as comfort bedding and showers to the commitment to provide genuine, personalised service from arrival to departure.

With its close proximity to the capital city Malé, and world-class surf and dive sites such as the Kandooma Channel, Kandooma Caves and Kandooma ‘Thila’ (an undersea mountain), the resort is an ideal tropical island retreat for business and leisure travellers, and water sports enthusiasts.

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has eight categories of villas from those with garden views to overwater villas. All have been designed with large picture windows that reveal spectacular views of the Indian Ocean or the resort’s gardens. Guests can also choose to be close to nature as all villas come with optional outdoor showers.

Modern comforts such as iPod docking stations, flat screen televisions and wireless internet connections, as well as little luxuries such as fresh ground coffee, loose leaf tea, and freshly squeezed orange juice can be found in every villa. Radio Kandooma, the resort’s very own radio station with three channels and resident DJs, connects guests to local rhythms and sounds while providing a steady stream of music to unwind to.

As an added service, the DJs can programme personalised song lists on rental iPods so guests can listen to their favourite tunes anywhere they venture.

The resort offers an extensive range of food and beverage options catering to different tastes and budgets. These include barbeques in the privacy of the villas, dining by the pool, or enjoying Mediterranean-Thai cuisine while taking in views of the Kandooma Channel at The Kitchen, the resort’s specialty restaurant. Wine lovers will relish the resort’s well-stocked wine cellar with more than 200 labels to choose from. To catch the stunning sunset guests can have cocktails and tapas at the rooftop lounge – the perfect end to a relaxing day.

A host of recreational activities at the resort ensure that there is never a dull moment for adults and children alike. Full spa services are available at the COMO Shambala Spa. Diving enthusiasts will appreciate the resort’s fully equipped Dive Centre, which offers certification for scuba and open water diving courses. Catamaran, windsurfing, snorkelling and surfing lessons and rentals are also available.

Guests can explore Kandooma and its spectacular surroundings on guided kayak safaris, sunset cruises and have picnics at neighbouring islands. The activities continue even at night with moonlit campfire tales by a Maldivan storyteller or guided stargazing. The resort offers dedicated babysitting services and a full suite of activities including baking, acting (in a filmed play) and snorkelling at the resort’s Kids’ Club, parents can rest assured that their children are having a fun time in a safe environment.

“Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. With our modern facilities, enhanced service experience and ideal location, the resort is a fantastic island getaway. Guests can participate in various water sports, or simply find respite in the comfort of their villas and blue surroundings. We are very proud to operate under the relaunched Holiday Inn brand and provide real value to our guests,” says Brendan Corcoran, General Manager at the resort.