Kandolhu All-Inclusive: Is the Ultimate Package Worth It?
Kandolhu’ Ultimate Inclusions vs. Full Board: A 2026 Cost-Benefit Analysis
June, 2026
One of the most common questions travelers face when booking a Maldives holiday is this: Which meal plan should I choose? With prices for food and drinks on remote islands often reaching eye-watering levels, the decision can make or break both your budget and your experience.
Kandolhu Maldives offers several options: Bed & Breakfast (BB), Half Board (HB), Full Board (FB), and the comprehensive Ultimate Inclusions All-Inclusive package. But is upgrading to the top-tier package actually worth it? Drawing from real guest experiences in 2025–2026, here’s an honest cost-benefit breakdown.
What Does the Ultimate Inclusions Package Actually Include?
Before crunching the numbers, it’s worth understanding what you’re actually paying for. Kandolhu’s Ultimate Inclusions is widely regarded as one of the most generous all-inclusive packages in the Maldives. Here’s what’s included:
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All food, everywhere, anytime – Full access to all five à-la-carte restaurants (The Market, Sea Grill, Olive, Banzai, and Ata Roa) with no restrictions
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Premium beverages – Over 30 globally accredited old and new world wines, tropical cocktails, and a spectrum of premium spirits
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In-villa minibar – Replenished daily with soft drinks, beer, and wine
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In-room wine chiller – Stocked with a selection of wines
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Complimentary snorkelling equipment – And unlimited use of non-motorised water sports
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Exclusive perks – Champagne sunset cruises, private snorkelling tours, and GoPro Hero5 cameras provided in each villa
One guest perfectly summarised the experience: “We chose the all-inclusive package, which was totally worth it for us. At every meal, you can choose dishes from all the menus of the various restaurants.”
The Price Reality: What Does It Cost to Upgrade?
Upgrading to the Ultimate Inclusions package typically costs around £140 per person, per night. That sounds significant. But here’s the critical question: what would you spend without it?
Without the Package (FB or HB):
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Lunch – À-la-carte dining at The Market or Ata Roa: $50–80 per person
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Dinner – Sea Grill, Olive, or The Market: $80–150+ per person
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Cocktails – Premium cocktails at Vilu Bar: $18–25 each
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Wine with dinner – Bottle of mid-range wine: $60–120
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Minibar – Daily replenishment: $20–40
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Water – Bottled water with meals: $6.80 per bottle
One reviewer noted with frustration that even on a full-board plan, *“a glass of ordinary water cost an extra $6.80”*. That’s $13.60 per day for two people just for water with lunch and dinner. Over a 10-night stay, that’s already $136—before you’ve ordered a single cocktail or glass of wine.
The Guest Verdict: “Best I Have Ever Experienced”
The feedback from guests who have experienced the Ultimate Inclusions is overwhelmingly positive. One reviewer, after a 10-day stay, declared: “Full all inclusive package is the best I have ever experienced!”
Another guest, a seasoned Maldives traveller, broke it down practically: “On Kandolhu we have always booked Ultimate All Inclusive. Holidays definitely go through the stomach with us and the bill works for us.”
The real value, however, goes beyond the numbers. One reviewer described the experience simply: “We went for all inclusive… I would still personally choose all inclusive when visiting again just for the ease of not having to think about anything.”
That’s the hidden value: peace of mind. No bill-watching. No mental arithmetic after every meal. No hesitation before ordering that second cocktail or that bottle of wine with dinner.
When Is It NOT Worth It?
The honest answer: if you don’t drink alcohol and eat lightly.
One experienced guest offered a pragmatic perspective: “You have to think carefully whether the difference to full board is right. Do you really drink so much that it pays off?”
And another added a sobering note: “You have to drink a lot of alcohol to get the serve back in.”
For teetotallers or those who rarely drink, Full Board (which includes all meals but not beverages) might be more cost-effective. However, remember that even water isn’t included in Full Board—so you’ll still be paying for bottled water with every meal.
What’s NOT Included (The Fine Print)
Even the Ultimate Inclusions package has some exclusions. It’s worth knowing what you’ll still pay extra for:
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Special dishes – Lobster, premium meat dishes, and certain speciality items are not included
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Premium wines – More expensive wines are clearly marked on the menu and incur additional charges
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Themed nights – Special dining events like Maldivian Night and Indian Night may carry a supplement
One guest advised: “It is clearly visible on the map which ones they are”—so there are no surprises.
The Comparison: Kandolhu vs. Other Resorts
When compared to other Maldives resorts, Kandolhu’s offering stands out. Unlike many properties that restrict dining options based on your meal plan or villa category, Kandolhu gives Ultimate Inclusions guests full access to all five restaurants.
One reviewer, who had visited four other islands, noted: “The dine-around concept is excellent and offers an impressive variety… every dinner was a delight.”
In a market where luxury all-inclusive packages can range from £3,000 to £8,000+ per person, Kandolhu’s offering represents strong value for the quality delivered.
The Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?
For most guests, yes—emphatically so.
Here’s why:
| Factor | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Heavy drinkers / wine lovers | Absolutely worth it. Premium spirits and 30+ wines included |
| Foodies | Access to all 5 restaurants, no restrictions—priceless |
| Families | Minibar, snacks, and zero bill-watching = stress-free |
| Couples | Champagne sunset cruises and private dining included |
| Teetotallers / light eaters | Consider Full Board; but factor in water costs |
One long-time guest, visiting for the seventh time, put it simply: “The quality is always top, the preparation fantastic. Thanks to the whole kitchen crew… we didn’t have to eat anything twice unless we wanted it because it’s delicious.”
Another guest, reflecting on their stay, concluded: “We would definitely come back… if we get the chance.”
Practical Tips for Booking
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Do the maths – Estimate your daily drink consumption. If you’ll have 3–4 cocktails and wine with dinner, the package pays for itself.
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Upgrade before arrival – Packages are typically cheaper when booked in advance rather than added on-island.
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Consider the season – Low season (May–November) often brings softer rates, making the upgrade even more attractive.
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Don’t forget the hidden savings – Free snorkelling gear, non-motorised water sports, and the in-villa wine chiller all add value.
Final Verdict
Kandolhu’s Ultimate Inclusions All-Inclusive package delivers exceptional value for the vast majority of guests. The combination of unrestricted access to five world-class restaurants, premium beverages, and thoughtful in-villa touches creates an experience that one guest called “the best I have ever experienced”.
As another reviewer wisely observed: “The whole island embraces you… we had never experienced anything like this before.”
And when it comes to the all-inclusive package? It’s not just about the money saved—it’s about the freedom to fully embrace that embrace, without a second thought about the bill.
Is it worth it? For most, absolutely. Kandolhu’s Ultimate Inclusions isn’t just a meal plan—it’s a ticket to a truly carefree paradise.
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