Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has been recognized with two top honors at the 11th annual LUXlife Hospitality Awards, solidifying its position as a leader in family travel and sustainable hospitality in the Indian Ocean. The property was named Best Family Resort 2026 – Maldives and received the Sustainability Excellence Award 2026 – Maldives, reflecting its dual commitment to guest experience and environmental stewardship.
Recognition for family and sustainability
General Manager Andrew Drummond expressed pride in the accolades, noting that they validate the resort's focus on two core pillars. "These awards recognise two areas that are incredibly important to us, and the timing couldn’t be better," he said, pointing to the upcoming rebranding. The resort will officially become Kandooma Maldives on 1 October, a move that aligns with its evolution as a standalone brand under HPL Hotels & Resorts.
Kandooma's family offerings are designed to cater to multi-generational travelers, a segment that continues to grow across the industry. The resort features spacious villas, a dedicated Kandoo Kids’ Club, and a wide array of land and water activities, from snorkeling to surfing. These amenities have made it a popular choice for families seeking both relaxation and adventure in the Maldives.
On the sustainability front, Kandooma has implemented initiatives focused on renewable energy, waste reduction, marine conservation, and community engagement. These efforts align with broader industry trends, as seen in PHIST 2026's push to redefine sustainability beyond green credentials. The resort's commitment to protecting the marine environment is particularly notable, given the Maldives' reliance on healthy reefs for both tourism and local livelihoods.
Award process and resort profile
The LUXlife Hospitality Awards are determined through an independent, merit-based evaluation, assessing nominees on service quality, guest satisfaction, brand reputation, and overall performance. This year's recognition places Kandooma among a select group of properties that excel in both family hospitality and sustainable operations.
Located in South Malé Atoll, Kandooma Maldives comprises 146 villas, many with direct beach or ocean access. The resort is well-known among dive enthusiasts and surfers, offering some of the best conditions in the region. Its proximity to Malé International Airport makes it a convenient option for international travelers, particularly those from Asia-Pacific and Europe.
The rebranding to Kandooma Maldives on 1 October marks a new chapter for the property, which will continue to be managed by HPL Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of Hotel Properties Limited. This change is expected to strengthen the brand's identity and allow for more tailored marketing efforts in the competitive Maldivian resort market.
Industry observers note that the resort's dual recognition comes at a time when family travel and sustainability are converging as key drivers of booking decisions. As Laguna Phuket expands its family offerings to tap into the multi-generational travel boom, Kandooma's approach demonstrates how resorts can differentiate themselves by integrating these values into their core operations.
For travel professionals, Kandooma's awards serve as a case study in how to balance guest satisfaction with environmental responsibility. The resort's ongoing investments in renewable energy and waste reduction are not just marketing points but operational strategies that can reduce costs and appeal to eco-conscious travelers.
As the Maldives continues to attract high-end tourists, properties like Kandooma are setting benchmarks for quality and sustainability. The resort's success may also inspire other operators in the region to pursue similar certifications and recognitions, contributing to the destination's overall reputation as a leader in responsible tourism.
For more information about Kandooma Maldives, visit their official website.
