October 1, 2026 — Starting today, the resort Maldives travelers knew as Holiday Inn Kandooma Maldives has a new name and a new operator. It is now Kandooma Maldives, run by HPL Hotels & Resorts, and it is relaunching with an all-inclusive program.
The change took effect on October 1, 2026. Owner Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) has moved management from the Holiday Inn brand to its own HPL Hotels & Resorts. The resort stays in HPL’s portfolio, where it is the company’s eighth Maldives property and the 13th hotel managed by HPL Hotels & Resorts.
The island resort has 146 villas in South Malé Atoll. Its new all-inclusive concept is organized around five themes the resort calls “Kandooma Signatures”: ocean activities (Blue), wellness and spa (Flow), dining (Table), cultural experiences (Ways) and social events (Social).
The resort is also adding eight new family beach villas with private splash pools, along with a new Beach Club. General Manager Andrew Drummond said the program lets guests “create their own island adventure.”
At a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Property | Kandooma Maldives (formerly Holiday Inn Kandooma Maldives) |
| Operator / owner | HPL Hotels & Resorts / Hotel Properties Limited |
| Previous brand | Holiday Inn (IHG Hotels & Resorts) |
| Location | Private island, South Malé Atoll, Maldives |
| What’s happening | Rebrand, change of management and relaunch as all-inclusive |
| Effective date | October 1, 2026 |
| Rooms | 146 villas |
| New features | All-inclusive program; eight family beach villas with splash pools; Beach Club |
| Opening date for new villas / Beach Club | TBA |
| Nearest airport | Velana International Airport (MLE), Malé — about 40 minutes by speedboat |
What it means for airline travelers
- Getting there. Fly into Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé. The announcement says the resort is about 40 minutes away by speedboat.
- IHG One Rewards. Now that the Holiday Inn brand has left, expect the resort to drop out of IHG’s booking channels. If you booked through IHG, with points or an IHG employee or industry rate, contact IHG and the resort to find out how your reservation will be handled. The announcement does not cover this.
- Rates. Nothing has been published about travel-industry or airline-employee rates under HPL. Ask the resort directly.
- All-inclusive pricing. With meals and activities included, compare the all-in price against what you would otherwise spend on food and excursions on a remote island.
Sources
- The Manila Times (PR Newswire): HPL Hotels & Resorts to Take Over Management of Holiday Inn Kandooma Maldives, Rebranding as Kandooma Maldives
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