Kandooma Begins Next Chapter Under HPL Hotels & Resorts

06 July, 2026

A new chapter is about to begin for one of the Maldives' most recognised island resorts. The management agreement between Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) will conclude on 30 September 2026, paving the way for a significant transformation.

From 1 October 2026, the resort will commence operations as Kandooma Maldives, managed by HPL Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of Hotel Properties Limited. This transition represents a significant milestone in the resort's evolution, with Kandooma becoming the 13th property in the HPL Hotels & Resorts collection and the group's second Maldivian destination, joining the renowned Gili Lankanfushi Maldives.

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A Legacy of Island Hospitality

Since first welcoming guests in 1985, Kandooma Island in the South Malé Atoll has built a legacy spanning four decades. Located just 45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the resort has earned a reputation as a favourite among families, divers, surfers and returning guests from around the world.

The resort's 40th anniversary in 2025 was marked by celebrations honouring the people who shaped its legacy—including Zakariyya Mahmood, who has been part of the island since 1982, even before it welcomed its first guests, and Mohamed Hashim, who started as a gardener in 1986 and rose to become Housekeeping Manager. These long-serving team members embody the warm hospitality that has become synonymous with Kandooma.

Under the Holiday Inn Resort banner, Kandooma became known for its world-class diving and surf breaks right at its doorstep, earning accolades including "Best Surf Resort in the Maldives" at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards.

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A New Chapter Begins

The transition from Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives to Kandooma Maldives reflects HPL's long-term vision to evolve the resort's identity, guest experience and market positioning—while retaining the authentic island spirit that has made it a beloved destination.

Headquartered in Singapore, HPL Hotels & Resorts is a hospitality management company wholly-owned by Hotel Properties Limited, a main-board listed company. Since its beginnings with just two hotels in 1991, HPL has grown to operate properties across Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean. The group's portfolio includes Concorde Hotels, Hard Rock Hotels & Resorts, Casa del Mar in Langkawi, Casa del Rio in Melaka, The Boathouse in Phuket, and Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives.

The addition of Kandooma Maldives strengthens HPL's presence in the Maldives, joining Gili Lankanfushi—an award-winning luxury resort that HPL acquired in 2012 and has operated as a benchmark for eco-luxury hospitality.

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Kandooma Next Chapter: Thoughtful Enhancement

Supporting the transition is Kandooma Next Chapter, a carefully planned enhancement programme that will introduce refreshed all-villa accommodation, upgraded guest facilities and new experiences across the island.

Key elements of the enhancement programme include:

• Refined Villa Inventory: The resort's accommodation will evolve from 154 villas to 146 villas, creating opportunities for larger accommodation categories and enhanced facilities.

• Phased Renovation: Improvements are being delivered through a staged approach, with work on public areas—including the reception and dining venues—scheduled from May to September 2026.

• Guest-Centric Planning: The enhancement programme has been designed around the guest journey, with careful planning around resort operations, quiet zones and guest spaces to ensure holiday experiences remain enjoyable and uninterrupted.

Importantly, the resort will continue operating throughout the transition period and welcoming guests as normal.

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A Familiar Face Returns to Lead

Returning General Manager Andrew Drummond, who previously led the resort during its pre-opening phase in 2007–2008, has been appointed to oversee the transition and future upgrade of the property.

An Australian national with a 28-year hospitality career spanning beach resorts, city hotels and ski resorts across Australia and Malaysia, Drummond brings a deep understanding of Kandooma's identity and guest expectations. He was most recently General Manager of Casa Del Mar Langkawi, another HPL property frequently voted the number one hotel in Langkawi on Trip Advisor.

"Kandooma has always had a strong identity and loyal following. The changes now underway have been carefully considered to enhance what guests already love about the resort while introducing new elements that will strengthen its appeal for years to come," said Andrew Drummond.

Drummond emphasised that guest comfort and experience remain the resort's highest priority throughout the transition period:

"The enhancement programme has been designed around the guest journey. Work is being undertaken in stages, with careful planning around resort operations, quiet zones and guest spaces to ensure holiday experiences remain enjoyable and uninterrupted. Guests can continue to expect the warm hospitality, genuine service and memorable experiences that have become synonymous with Kandooma."

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What to Expect from the New Kandooma Maldives

While many details of the new brand experience will be unveiled in the coming months, the new Kandooma Maldives brand will draw inspiration from the island's natural environment, social spirit and ocean lifestyle—celebrating the experiences that have long defined the destination.

"Kandooma has earned a reputation as one of the Maldives' leading family, surf and diving resorts, and those strengths will continue to be at the heart of the brand," Drummond added.

The resort's commitment to sustainability also continues, building on its Green Globe certification and marine conservation initiatives including Turtle Awareness activities and Manta conservation efforts.

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Looking Ahead

Further announcements regarding the Kandooma Maldives brand, new experiences and enhancements will be released in the lead-up to the official launch on 1 October 2026.

For travellers seeking an authentic Maldivian island experience—whether for family holidays, world-class diving, surfing or simply relaxing in paradise—Kandooma's next chapter promises to honour its rich heritage while embracing a bold new future.

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Located in the South Malé Atoll, just 45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kandooma Maldives offers pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and spacious overwater and beachfront villas. The resort will continue welcoming guests throughout the transition period.

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