Kandolhu Maldives has once again captured international acclaim, earning the #14 position among the top Indian Ocean Resorts in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. The intimate island retreat achieved an impressive score of 95.23, a recognition shaped by votes from hundreds of thousands of readers across the globe.
Located in the crystal-clear waters of the North Ari Atoll, Kandolhu Maldives is a serene hideaway where understated luxury meets personal comfort. The five-star resort enchants its guests with untouched beaches, vibrant marine life, and world-class dining, offering a true escape into tranquility. With only 30 villas on the island, the resort provides a rare sense of privacy and exclusivity. Visitors can spend their days snorkeling through the colorful house reef, rejuvenating at Varu Spa, enjoying a candlelit dinner under the stars, or simply relaxing on the white sand beaches.
Kandolhu’s renowned Ultimate Inclusions meal plan complements its reputation for fine dining, featuring five unique restaurants that span global cuisines. Among them, Olive offers panoramic Mediterranean-inspired open-air dining, while Sea Grill invites guests to savor freshly caught fish and sizzling cuts as the sun sets over the island. For lovers of Asian cuisine, Banzai delights with sushi and teppanyaki served beneath the stars, and Ata-Roa presents an authentic taste of Latin street food with its distinctive takes on ceviche and tacos.
The recognition coincides with the unveiling of the resort’s most opulent accommodation to date — the Deluxe Ocean Pool Villa. Perched over the lagoon in one of Kandolhu’s most scenic locations, this new villa category blends modern elegance with total seclusion. It offers sweeping ocean views, a private pool, and customized spaces designed for guests seeking both privacy and comfort.
General Manager Claudio Stupan expressed his gratitude for the global acknowledgment, saying, “We are deeply honoured to be recognised among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler. This award is a reflection of the heartfelt dedication of our entire team, who strive every day to deliver exceptional and truly personalised experiences to each guest.” He added that Kandolhu prides itself on blending relaxed luxury with authentic Maldivian warmth — a combination that continues to earn the trust and loyalty of travelers from around the world.
Now in its 38th year, the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards remain one of the most respected recognitions in international travel, representing the opinions of discerning explorers. With over 750,000 votes submitted in the 2025 edition, Kandolhu’s placement highlights its enduring ability to provide experiences that resonate deeply with visitors.
The Maldives itself also received top honors this year, being voted the #1 destination in the “Top Islands: Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 Africa & The Indian Ocean” category, securing 92.31 percent of the votes — reaffirming the nation’s place as a world-leading island paradise.