Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma to be renamed Kandooma Maldives under HPL Hotels & Resorts
An exciting new era is on the cards for a famous resort of Maldives when the management agreement between Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) comes to an end on 30 September 2026. The Maldives will start a new era on 1 October 2026 under the management of HPL Hotels & Resorts, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hotel Properties Limited (HPL). This event is very significant in the history of the resort, which is going to become the 13th property in the portfolio of HPL Hotels & Resorts and the second resort in Maldives owned by HPL after Gili Lankanfushi Maldives.
Since the last time when the resort had the name Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, much time has passed. However, this is the new era of development for HPL in respect to the evolution of the resort's image, guests' experience, and positioning on the market while retaining the uniqueness of the island resort of Kandooma. With this end in mind, the implementation of Kandooma Next Chapter, an intricate development program intended to deliver novel villas and facilities to Kandooma Island, has been planned.
In particular, the development of the resort will be gradual and it will allow guests to benefit from the tranquil holiday provided by the resort that makes the island so special. Specifically, the manager who will be responsible for managing the process and developing the resort will be Andrew Drummond, the former General Manager whose relation to the island is well-established."Kandooma has always had its unique personality and good reputation. All the changes that have recently taken place were done taking into account all the qualities of the resort in order to improve its characteristics," said Andrew Drummond.
It is necessary that the well-being of the guests is the topmost priority of the management.
“The improvement program is designed according to the guest experience. The work will be carried out in different stages, while making plans according to the resort operations, zones and guest areas so that holiday experiences are always enjoyable and uninterrupted.”
“We can assure you that the warm welcome, genuine services, and unique experiences that made Kandooma special will continue.” he explained.
In terms of the renovation plan, the resort will go from 154 villas to 146 villas and therefore create more space for better accommodations and guest experience. As far as information about the new brand experience will come out in the coming months, the new brand of Kandooma Maldives will take inspiration from its natural environment, social environment, and oceanic lifestyle.
“Kandooma has established itself as one of the Maldives’ top resorts for families, surfing, and diving, and that heritage will remain at the core of the brand,” said Drummond. The resort will run throughout the process of change and receive the guests as usual. More information about the Kandooma Maldives brand, new experience, and improvements will be announced before its official launch on 1 October 2026.
