Kandima Maldives appoints Dermot Birchall as New General Manager
21 February, 2025
The ultimate playground in the Maldives where every moment is extraordinary, Kandima island resort has announced the appointment of Dermot Birchall as its new General Manage. With over 20 years of experience across leading luxury resorts and five-star hotels in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, Dermot brings a dynamic leadership style and a strong track record in driving operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and commercial success.
At Kandima, Dermot is set to build on the island resort’s playful, smart, and socially responsible ethos, focusing on creating innovative guest experiences, enhancing service excellence, and expanding Kandima’s diverse lifestyle offerings. With a deep passion for the hospitality industry, his vision is to take the island’s unique concept of active, fun, and laid-back luxury to the next level.
"Kandima is not just a resort—it’s a lifestyle, a vibrant island escape unlike any other. From the moment I stepped onto the island, I could feel its energy, its pulse, and its potential to redefine what a Maldivian island getaway can be. I’m incredibly excited to work alongside the amazing Krew to push the boundaries of guest experiences, introduce fresh, innovative ideas, and continue delivering the kind of seriously stylish, anything-but-ordinary hospitality that Kandima is known for. My goal is to ensure every guest leaves with unforgettable memories, whether they’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or something in between. I can’t wait to take this journey with the team and our guests!"
Dermot’s extensive background in leading high-performing teams, launching new guest experiences, and integrating sustainability into resort operations aligns seamlessly with Kandima’s forward-thinking approach. His leadership will be instrumental in strengthening Kandima’s position as one of the Maldives’ most exciting and diverse lifestyle destinations, catering to couples, families, solo travellers, MICE groups and thrill-seekers alike.
Spanning 3km of tropical paradise in Dhaalu Atoll, Kandima offers an unmatched blend of world-class water sports, outdoor adventures, creative dining concepts, and entertainment hubs, alongside ten exceptional restaurants and bars. Adding to its dynamic offerings, Kandima has made waves with the launch of the Maldives’ first and longest asphalt e-go-karting track, delivering high-speed thrills in an island setting. Under Dermot’s guidance, guests can expect an even more elevated island experience, packed with surprises, innovation, and Kandima’s signature fun and fresh approach to hospitality.
Related stories
Kandima Maldives
Best Experience for: Couples, Family, Activities, Beach, Nightlife, Value
Kandima is a "new look" of the Maldives combining wild parties in the beach club, extensive dining options and even a chance to see the dolphin from the bathroom. It's about genuine hospitality with a human face and clever solutions that use the latest innovations, not to mention the playful spirit of a private island. Kandima was a late-comer to the Maldivian tourist market and is markedly different to the classic honeymooner resorts. It's aimed at sports-loving, party-going groups as well as couples and active families, and has a range of accommodation options, from affordable studios to luxury pool villas.
Located on a lush tropical island in Dhaalu Atoll is just a 30-minute flight from Velana International Airport, Kandima offers a choice of 266 stylishly designed studios and villas, with 11 different categories to choose from. The four-star plus resort has first class facilities, boasting the largest pool in the Maldives, tennis courts, an art studio, a marine biology school, a kids club, a game room, a library, a gym, a yoga studio and a spa.
Read More
Beach or Water Villa?
Maldives - a name that became synonymous with honeymooners' paradise in the tourism world, has slowly revamped to cater to the needs of families visiting
Read More
Best Maldives Resort Offers & Packages
Find out more about the most unparalleled Maldives hotel deals and special rates, when Book Direct your next beach holiday
Read More
Maldives Hotel Reviews
Some of the best hotels and resorts in the Maldives are already included in this list, and the good part of them offers the best prices. We will constantly add new hotels
Read More
10 Exclusive Resorts in Maldives
The Maldives is paradise destination that should be on the bucket list of every discerning travelers. There's a special breed of hotels there that cater to the most tasteful of luxury travelers Read More
Newest Maldives resorts to Explore in 2024
Here are just 10 of the amazing new resorts in the Maldives that are set to welcome guests Read More
10 Most Affordable Water Villas
While it may never be cheap to visit thу Maldives, fortunately there are still some chic and relatively affordable overwater villas you can stay. Read more
Maldives Luxury Guide
Here's the best of Maldives for luxury travellers. We've compiled the finest recommendations of places to stay, ranging from the most celebrated five-star resorts to luxurious private islands Read More
Maldives Romantic Guide
The ultimate ‘flop and drop' and honeymoon destination, the Maldives is the playground for the most amazing and finest utilization of each second of this extremely valuable and hopeful time with each other in tota Read More
Maldives Budget Guide
Budget travellers choose Maldives as their destination of choice thanks to the variety of affordable stays Read More
Maldives Family Guide
Maldives - a name that became synonymous with honeymooners' paradise in the tourism world, has slowly Read More
Maldives Diving Guide
The life of these paradise islands below the Indian Ocean's level is the main draw attracting thousands of divers Read More