The first Holiday Inn resort in the Maldives has opened on Kandooma Island on the South Malé atoll.

The 160-room Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives lies 35km south of Malé International Airport, which is around 40 minutes away by speedboat. It offers eight categories of villa, from those with garden views to overwater villas. All have been designed with large picture windows to reveal spectacular views of the Indian Ocean or the resort's gardens. Guests can also opt to get even closer to nature since all the villas come with optional outdoor showers.

Food and beverage options include in-villa barbeques, dining by the pool, or Mediterranean-Thai cuisine at The Kitchen, the resort's specialty restaurant. Recreational facilities include the Kandooma Spa, a fully equipped dive centre and catamaran, windsurfing, snorkelling and surfing lessons and rental.

Also on offer are guided kayak safaris, sunset cruises and picnics on neighbouring islands, with night time activities including moonlit campfire tales or guided stargazing.