Kandooma Maldives has been named Leading Family Resort at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026. But alongside the award, it’s the resort’s acknowledgement of a gap in holidays for older children that caught my attention.
As a mum of a tween and a teen, I’ve noticed that family-friendly accommodation doesn’t always cater equally well to every stage of childhood. A kids’ club can be a fantastic drawcard when children are younger, but there comes a point when they’ve outgrown the activities without necessarily wanting an adult-style holiday either.
Kandooma says it recognises that gap and is turning its attention to how it can better engage older children.
Beyond the kids’ club
Kandooma Maldives General Manager Andrew Drummond says the award recognises the resort’s commitment to families, but changing expectations mean its offering needs to keep evolving. He describes a balancing act familiar to many parents: older children want freedom to explore, socialise and make their own choices, while parents want reassurance that they’re safe and well looked after.
“They’re not kids who love going off to the Kids’ Club and they are not yet adults who are content lounging by the pool,” Drummond said. “We’re focusing on finding a way to engage 13- to 18-year-olds and give them a great holiday. At Kandooma we haven’t forgotten them.”
Although the resort refers to a gap for tweens, the age group Drummond specifically identifies is 13 to 18. The announcement outlines a direction for its family offering, rather than details of a new teen club or a dedicated program. Even so, it’s encouraging to see older children included in the conversation. For families like mine, activities that appeal to this age group would make a real difference when choosing where to holiday.
Room for different stages of family life
Located in the South Malé Atoll, Kandooma Maldives has 146 villas across garden, beach and overwater settings.
According to the resort, family accommodation options include Beach and Garden Villas with space for additional beds and interconnecting options, Beach Houses suited to younger families, and two- and three-bedroom accommodation for larger or extended families.
Facilities include the Kandoo Kids’ Club, watersports, a PADI 5-Star Dive Centre and a surf shop operated by Perfect Wave, alongside restaurants, bars and a spa.
Children under 13 can stay and eat free through the resort’s Kids Stay & Eat Free program. Families travelling with older children should factor in that guests aged 13 and above are treated as adults for booking purposes. Check the applicable room, meal and package conditions before booking.
A Speedboat Transfer from Malé
Kandooma is approximately 45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, with no seaplane transfer required. Drummond says simplifying arrival is an important part of the family experience. The resort’s airport team meets guests and escorts them to their boat, helping families manage the final leg of the journey after an international flight.
The SATA recognition is the headline, but Kandooma’s attention to older children is the part I’m keen to follow. A family holiday still needs to work for the whole family when the kids have outgrown the kids’ club.
Let me know what you think!