Kandooma Maldives Marks a Milestone of 40 Remarkable Years

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives celebrates a remarkable 40-year journey, having opened its doors in 1985 and become a beloved destination for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences and exceptional hospitality. Over the years, the resort has built a strong reputation as a place where guests return time and again to create memories and connect with nature. As the resort marks this significant milestone, its legacy continues to thrive, with a steadfast commitment to offering an unparalleled experience for every guest.

Celebrating 40 Years of Excellence

Reflecting on this achievement, Mark Eletr, the General Manager of the resort, shared his thoughts, emphasizing the resort’s enduring commitment to its guests and the future:

“Celebrating four decades of Kandooma is a testament to the passion, dedication, and warm hospitality that have defined this island. From its very first guests in 1985 to those who continue to return, we are honoured to be part of so many cherished memories. Looking ahead, we will continue our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and providing truly unforgettable experiences for everyone who visits our shores.”

To commemorate this milestone, the resort will host a series of special events leading up to the official celebration on March 19, 2025. These festivities will include a variety of exciting activities, such as sustainability initiatives and exclusive surprises for guests checking in on the anniversary day. One of the key highlights will be the Anniversary Gala Dinner at Kandooma Café, where guests can enjoy live music from a DJ and singers. As a gesture of gratitude, the resort will also gift up to 40,000 IHG Rewards Points to lucky diners attending the gala.

Honoring Long-Serving Team Members

In addition to the festivities, the resort will honor its longest-serving team members as part of its celebration. In line with its commitment to environmental preservation, the resort will plant 40 coconut palms. Each tree, named after a dedicated staff member, will serve as a lasting symbol of their contributions to the resort’s success and its dedication to nature conservation. Zakariyya Mahmood, who has been part of the island since 1982 and now serves as Crew Leader for Plant Maintenance, and Mohamed Hashim, who began as a gardener in 1986 and now serves as Housekeeping Manager, will lead this meaningful tree-planting ceremony alongside their colleagues. Their decades of service have played an integral role in shaping the resort’s history and creating the welcoming atmosphere that guests enjoy today.

Mark Eletr also expressed his admiration for these long-serving employees, saying:

“Our people are the heart of Kandooma, and it is truly inspiring to see individuals like Zakariyya and Hashim, who have dedicated decades of their lives to this island. Their unwavering commitment makes Kandooma a home away from home for so many guests, and we are proud to celebrate their contributions as part of this special milestone.”

A Symbol of Legacy: The Underwater Time Capsule

In another unique addition to the anniversary celebrations, the resort will unveil the Underwater Time Capsule. This sealed waterproof container, filled with guest wishes, employee letters, and memorabilia, will be placed at one of the island’s dive sites. It will be retrieved ten years later, during the resort’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2035, providing a lasting reminder of Kandooma’s enduring legacy.

Looking ahead, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives remains dedicated to evolving while preserving the authentic charm that has made it a cherished destination. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and creating meaningful experiences, the resort will continue offering exceptional stays for future generations of guests.

This summer, the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort offers the perfect opportunity to disconnect from daily life and reconnect with yourself. In celebration of International Yoga Day on June 21st, the resort hosts an immersive five-day yoga retreat from June 20th to 24th, guided by the highly experienced and respected yoga instructor Emilia Métaireau. With its serene surroundings, the retreat provides a peaceful sanctuary for wellness seekers to refresh their mind, body, and spirit while embracing the transformative power of yoga, meditation, and mindful movement.

A Mid-Summer Reset in Paradise

Held at an ideal time for a mid-summer reset, this retreat invites participants to rediscover their inner balance in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. Surrounded by the Maldives’ crystal-clear waters, vibrant reefs, and unspoiled beauty, guests step away from their routines and focus on restoring their energy and clarity. Moreover, Emilia, whose teachings span over a decade and more than 2,500 hours of global experience, brings a grounded and expansive presence to the experience. She blends breathwork, ancient wisdom, and conscious movement, guiding each guest toward a deeper connection with themselves.

A Thoughtful and Immersive Daily Practice

The retreat begins each day with rejuvenating sunrise yoga, allowing guests to wake up and center themselves before embracing the day ahead. In the evenings, the focus shifts to calming rituals designed to soothe the body and still the mind. To enhance this immersive experience further, guided meditations and energy healing practices integrate seamlessly into the program, creating a journey of self-discovery and spiritual connection. Each session is thoughtfully crafted to help participants not only practice yoga but also experience the deeper emotional and mental benefits that come with it.

Exploring the Five Koshas: A Journey Inward

A key focus of the retreat is the ancient yogic philosophy of the five koshas—five interconnected layers of being that shape our experiences of life, health, and spirituality. These layers include the physical body (Annamaya Kosha), the energy body (Pranamaya Kosha), the mental body (Manomaya Kosha), the intellectual body (Vijnanamaya Kosha), and the bliss body (Anandamaya Kosha). Throughout the retreat, guests explore these layers through mindful movement, meditation, and yoga, with each practice designed to bring them closer to a state of peace, clarity, and self-awareness.

Luxurious Spa Treatments to Complement Your Journey

Adding to the holistic experience, guests indulge in treatments at the resort’s luxurious AVI Spa, a sanctuary perched over the water and designed to promote deep relaxation and wellness. Named after the local word for “sunshine,” AVI Spa offers a variety of signature treatments and therapies that nurture the body and soul, perfectly complementing the retreat’s focus on mindfulness and rejuvenation.

An Idyllic Setting for Renewal and Rejuvenation

Furthermore, the stunning location of the resort enhances the retreat experience. Situated at the southern tip of Raa Atoll, bordering a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a juvenile manta ray aggregation site, the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort offers a peaceful and inspiring backdrop for reflection and rejuvenation. As the first and only all-Club InterContinental resort, it provides exclusive benefits to guests, including indulgent amenities and luxurious accommodations. The resort features overwater villas, an adults-only area, an exquisite spa, and a variety of dining options, ensuring that each guest enjoys a complete experience of luxury and wellness.

Kandooma Maldives Marks a Milestone of 40 Remarkable Years

Celebrating 40 Years of Excellence

Honoring Long-Serving Team Members

A Symbol of Legacy: The Underwater Time Capsule

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