How Maldives’ Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Wins New ‘Leading Dive Resort 2025’ at World Travel Awards – Travel And Tour World

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has achieved a significant milestone by being named the inaugural winner of the newly introduced ‘Maldives Leading Dive Resort 2025’ category at the prestigious World Travel Awards. This recognition, announced during a glamorous gala ceremony on 29 June in Tanzania, highlights Kandooma’s exceptional commitment to providing outstanding diving experiences and advancing accessible underwater tourism.

The World Travel Awards, widely regarded as the global standard for excellence in the tourism industry, serves to celebrate the best in hospitality, tourism, and travel. The selection of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives as the recipient of this award underscores its dedication to innovation in diving and commitment to sustainability, both of which play crucial roles in shaping the resort’s reputation as a premier diving destination.

Mark Eletr, General Manager of the resort, expressed his pride in the achievement: “We’re surrounded by some of the most awe-inspiring marine life in the Maldives – it’s truly like diving in a living aquarium. From graceful manta rays and reef sharks to turtles, moray eels, and vast schools of tropical fish, our waters are teeming with life.”

The resort’s location offers guests immediate access to some of the Maldives’ most renowned dive sites, including Kandooma Thila, a popular cleaning station for grey reef sharks; Guraidhoo Corner, known for its strong currents and pelagic encounters; and Medhu Faru, where divers can drift alongside vibrant coral walls. With such close proximity to these world-class sites, guests at the resort can easily enjoy up to three dives per day, making it a perfect destination for avid diving enthusiasts.

Central to Kandooma’s success in diving tourism is the resort’s unique ‘Dive Free’ initiative, which has been described as a game-changer for the scuba community. Under this initiative, guests who stay for three nights or more and are certified divers receive two complimentary boat dives per day, complete with all necessary equipment and professional guidance. This program aims to make diving in the Maldives more accessible to a wider audience, eliminating some of the financial barriers often associated with scuba diving.

Mark Eletr emphasized the impact of the initiative: “Diving can be an expensive pursuit, so we decided to flip the script. Our ‘Dive Free’ program removes the barriers and makes the underwater magic of the Maldives accessible to more people than ever.” This initiative reflects the resort’s broader commitment to offering an inclusive and immersive experience for guests of all diving levels.

Kandooma’s on-site 5-star PADI dive centre further enhances the resort’s appeal to diving enthusiasts. Offering courses for everyone from beginners to advanced divers, the centre also provides specialty certifications, refreshers, and private excursions such as underwater photography, night dives, and wreck explorations. The PADI centre’s comprehensive range of services ensures that all guests, regardless of their diving experience, have the opportunity to explore the rich underwater world of the Maldives.

In addition to its focus on diving, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives places a strong emphasis on sustainability and marine preservation. The resort is committed to safeguarding the delicate marine environment, ensuring that future generations of divers can continue to experience the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life that make the Maldives such a sought-after destination for underwater tourism.

Kandooma’s focus on sustainability and guest experience further positions the resort as an industry leader in luxury yet affordable diving vacations. The resort’s efforts to combine world-class diving experiences with responsible tourism practices reflect a growing trend in the travel industry to prioritize environmental conservation without sacrificing luxury or guest satisfaction.

For those looking to enjoy the beauty of the Maldives, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma offers a range of accommodation options to suit various preferences. The resort is located on a stunning island in the South Male Atoll, just 40-45 minutes from the airport by boat. The island’s picturesque setting features white sandy beaches, swaying coconut palms, and crystal-clear turquoise waters, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations, including Garden and Beach Villas, two-storey Beach Houses, and the popular Overwater Villas. For families, the resort offers 2- and 3-bedroom villas as well as the Kandoo Kids’ Club, which provides an engaging program of fun activities for younger guests. Dining options are abundant, with six food and beverage outlets offering a wide range of culinary experiences that showcase the flavors of the Maldives. Whether guests are looking to relax by the beach with a refreshing drink or enjoy a gourmet meal, there is something to satisfy every palate.

For those in need of relaxation, the resort offers plenty of quiet spaces to unwind. Sun loungers and hammocks are scattered around the island, allowing guests to enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. Additionally, the Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala offers a serene escape, where guests can indulge in rejuvenating treatments designed to soothe the body and mind after a day of diving or exploration.

In addition to its recognition at the World Travel Awards, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives’ dedication to sustainable tourism and world-class service continues to set the standard for diving resorts in the Maldives. Its innovative programs, exceptional dive sites, and commitment to marine conservation make it a standout destination for those looking to experience the beauty of the underwater world while enjoying the luxury and hospitality the Maldives is famous for.

The World Travel Awards, established in 1993, acknowledge and reward excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is globally recognized as the ultimate benchmark of quality, with winners representing the highest standard of hospitality, service, and innovation. The recognition of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives as the ‘Maldives Leading Dive Resort 2025’ is a testament to the resort’s dedication to excellence and its prominent role in shaping the future of underwater tourism in the Maldives.

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