I just returned from an incredibly relaxing, fun, social and entertaining week at Kandooma Resort, Maldives.

It was my first trip to Kandooma, but definitely won’t be my last.

After having such an amazing time, I felt compelled to share the love so you can contemplate ticking Kandooma off your bucket list too.

Here’s 7 key reasons why I think Kandooma is the king.

Keep an eye out for my extended diary/blog complete with a comprehensive video and photo gallery of last week’s Surf Music In Paradise event in coming weeks.

1 – The journey to Kandooma is seamless.

The ultra comfy Singapore Airlines flight to Singapore is barely over 8 hours in duration. The flight connection was ideal, the changeover swift, less than half an hour spent connecting flights to Male.

The Singapore to Male flight takes 4 hours and then you are met by the smiling faces of TPW Kandooma Resort team at Male airport. They transport you to a slick, over-sized fast ferry, so you can kick back and enjoy the pleasant, 40 minute scenic ride to Kandooma in calm seas. We were checked in quickly, handed a cool mocktail and driven by comfy buggy to retire in our stylish villa by The Point.

2 – The accommodation is clean, contemporary and so close to the surf.

The accommodation in beach villas on the point is the closest you can get to a surf break anywhere in the world. The water is so warm, clean and crystal clear blue it is silly. You can literally fall out of your room into the water.

3 – The Surf

You always sleep well in the slick, air-conditioned villas or rooms. You will always rise refreshed pre-dawn, excited by the prospect of surfing Kandooma Right or one of 6 other nearby breaks. Riptides is a fun, rippable right merely 10-minute dhoni ride away. Tucky Joe’s is a punchy, hollow left. Foxys and Quarters are also extra nearby options.

The fun, fast, punchy 2-3 foot right runners out front at Kandooma Right kept me more than entertained in two lengthy daily sessions. When I felt like some variety, I would take a dhoni with TPW’s super relaxed and knowledgeable surf guides over to Riptides. Neither break was ever crowded, and whilst it never really got bigger than 3-4 foot, there was always a fun wave on. Too easy.

4 – The Food

Kandooma’s culinary team just won the prestigious Gold Medal from the recently concluded AEC Culinary Challenge 2015 held at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre September 2-5, 2015 in Bangkok, Thailand. Enough Said? No. I need to mention the view, the dining atmosphere and the variety of options whether at breakfast, lunch or dinner are endless. The service is amazeballs and nice and relaxed.

5 – Surf Music In Paradise

Surfing and music have gone hand in hand since Gidget, The Beach Boys, Morning Of The Earth… the list goes on. Well, to be able to go surfing every day and then enjoy 3 or 4 epic, intimate, boutique style sunset gigs whilst you are on holidays is such a surreal experience it is kind of too cool for words. You meet new friends, get to cuddle up to your partner on a beanbag, and socialise with the musos and fans post-gig. Ridiculously chilled! Tex Perkins and his surfing/guitarist cohort Murray Paterson played 3 amazing gigs at Kandooma last week. They had so much fun, they added a 4th unscheduled gig. Pete Murray is hosting a similar week at Kandooma next year. You really need to do this.

6 – Go Surfing with TPW Legends

1988 World Champion Barton Lynch is a TPW ambassador. Barton’s annual Carpe Vita trip in 2016 has already sold out, so BL and his lovely wife Holly are hosting a week at Kandooma from May 9-16: surfing, coaching, yoga, wellness and chat time with BL.

1990 World Champion Pam Burridge is also hosting a coaching trip to Kandooma with her guru shaper, husband Mark Rabbidge on August 15-22, 2016. Improve your surfing with Australia’s favourite and also get some quiver tips off Mark. Priceless! Enquire here.

If you hurry, you can also catch Australia’s most popular surfing icon Mark Occhilupo and his son Jay’s October 11-18, Kandooma 2015 trip. There’s some last minute spots left on Occy’s trip if you book now. This will be all time.

7 – The Surf Guides and Yoga Instructors at Kandooma

The whole TPW team are such happy, helpful, positive individuals it is ridiculous. Rob ‘Undies’ Underwood is the king of Kandooma Right. Rob had Tex Perkins, his sons and daughters up and standing in no time. You can also do yoga with Rob’s partner Jolie and or her assistant Mel (pictured above) at Kandooma.

The list could go on and on with Kandooma. I ran out of time and space to mention the various bars, awesome kids club, diving, fishing, multiple resort pools etc etc.

2015 Last-Minute and 2016 Early Bird Deals apply for Kandooma and all our Maldives boats.

 


Maldives 2015 and 2016 Specials
(Book by December 1st)
From US$770 for 7 nights (flights extra)
– Maldives Early Bird Deals
– Resorts with a wave out front
– Surf charters for all budgets
– The Perfect Wave’s own operations


Surf with Occy at Kandooma
(October 11-18, 2015)
From $2,844 per person + flights
A once in a lifetime chance to surf with 1999 ASP World Surfing Champion Mark Occhilupo


Pete Murray at Kandooma
(12 – 19 June 2016)
Price TBA – Enquire today
Join Peter for 3 unique, exclusive and intimate shows that you will never forget. Surf Kandooma Right and nearby breaks and kick back at the sunset shows.


Barton Lynch Surf Coaching Trip
(9 – 16 May 2016)
at Kandooma Resort
7-night package excl. flights from US$2,408 surfer / US$1,148 non-surfer
Includes Yoga Clinic with Holly Lynch


Surf Coaching with Pam Burridge
(August 15 – 22, 2016)
From US$2,362 per person + flights
Surf with Pam Burridge in the Maldives. Australia’s Queen of surf is hosting a coaching trip in paradise with her husband, legendary shaper Mark Rabbidge.

Written by:
Ben Horvath

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