Kandooma Maldives Relaunch: Enhancing Tourism Standards Under HPL Hotels & Resorts

Written By: Arpita Bhowmick

Arpita Bhowmick

I'm from Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Raised in Tatanagar, I carry the balanced spirit of the Steel City and greenery of the city with me- resilient, gritty,grounded, and committed to excellence yet calm and composed in times of tenacity. I value integrity, teamwork, and delivering results with honesty. Sacred Heart Convent School was the place where I built my foundation of discipline and curiosity and completed schooling. Then moved to Bhawanipur Education Society College, Kolkata, there I broadened my perspective and developed strong academic roots and also got first big exposure to a metro city & diverse cultural heritage. Currently I'm a student of ICFAI Business School, Mumbai , where I'm evolving my business acumen and leadership skills and working for your company Travel and tour world as a freelancer. I love to watch movies and travel, through them I collect stories, not just memories. They shape my personality by making me curious, creative, adaptive and more understanding of people. I'm always eager to learn, explore and contribute to organizations that prioritize people, purpose, and performance and keep learning and growing.

See Full Bio

July 6, 2026 6:34 PM

Image generated with Ai

A significant transition is currently being prepared for one of the most recognized island retreats in the Maldives. It has been confirmed that the long-standing management agreement between InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) will conclude on September 30, 2026.

Following this date, the property will embark on a new trajectory. It will officially relaunch as Kandooma Maldives under the direct stewardship of HPL Hotels & Resorts. This shift is viewed as a pivotal moment in the resort’s history. The property is set to become the 13th addition to the HPL Hotels & Resorts collection.

It will represent the group’s second destination within the Maldives. It serves as a companion to the prestigious Gili Lankanfushi. The resort is being positioned to embrace a more independent, localized identity. The unique spirit of the island is being prioritized through this move.

Impact on Travellers and Tourism

The transition period is being managed with meticulous attention to detail to ensure that the guest experience remains completely seamless. To facilitate this, a comprehensive and phased enhancement programme, officially designated as Kandooma Next Chapter, has been thoughtfully designed. This initiative aims to modernize various resort offerings while ensuring that the serene and relaxing atmosphere that guests cherish remains entirely undisturbed. Throughout the duration of these physical upgrades, the resort will continue to remain fully operational and will welcome guests as per the usual schedule.

As the property undergoes this significant transformation, visitors can look forward to a refined and elevated holiday experience. Several key changes are being implemented to ensure this goal is achieved:

• Villa Inventory Adjustment: The total villa inventory is being strategically adjusted, resulting in a reduction from 154 to 146 units.
• Enhanced Space: This deliberate reduction in the number of units is being executed to facilitate the creation of larger and more spacious accommodation categories for future guests.
• Quality Improvement: Substantial efforts are being directed toward elevating the overall quality and standard of all guest facilities across the resort.
• Service Standards: Despite these structural and physical changes, the long-standing commitment to providing warm hospitality and genuine, personalized service will be firmly maintained.
• Operational Continuity: The transition is intended to be felt as a positive improvement, ensuring that the guest experience is enhanced rather than disrupted during the ongoing works.

Industry Insights into Resort Management

From an industry perspective, this development is indicative of a broader strategy. HPL Hotels & Resorts aims to evolve the market positioning of its assets. By bringing the property under direct management, the parent company gains greater flexibility. The brand identity and guest journey will be better aligned with contemporary luxury.

Industry analysts observe this as a tactical move. It capitalizes on the strengths that have made Kandooma Maldives a successful destination. The resort is recognized as a leader for families, surfing, and diving. By removing the constraints of a standardized international brand, the operator is afforded new opportunities. Bespoke experiences that are rooted in the environment of the Maldives will be introduced.

The appointment of Andrew Drummond as the returning General Manager is viewed as a stabilizing influence. His existing rapport with the property provides the leadership required during this transition.

Practical Information for Future Stays

The official relaunch under the new Kandooma Maldives brand is scheduled for October 1, 2026. Until the midnight cutoff on September 30, 2026, the resort will continue to fulfill its IHG portfolio obligations.

Guests with bookings should note the following:

• Operational Status: The dedicated reservations team remains fully operational.
• Inquiry Support: Assistance is available for all questions regarding the transition period.
• Phased Upgrades: The Kandooma Next Chapter programme is executed in distinct phases.
• Tranquility Preservation: Quiet zones are being managed to protect the island environment.

Further details regarding updated amenities and new brand concepts will be disclosed in the coming months. For those planning future travel, the core pillars of the experience remain the focus. These include adventure, connection, and ocean-inspired leisure.

Comparison with Previous Developments

This transition marks a departure from the operational policies upheld during the Holiday Inn Resort tenure. Previously, the resort functioned under the standardized operational guidelines of the IHG network. Under the new Resort Management of HPL Hotels & Resorts, the property is shifting. A model that prioritizes a highly customized, niche-focused identity is being adopted.

While previous success was built on a standardized experience, the future iteration prioritizes an authentic island lifestyle. The decision to decrease the total number of villas suggests a pivot. A move toward higher-value, lower-density Tourism is observed. This trend is increasingly common in the luxury market of the Maldives. This strategic shift highlights a move from the efficiency of a global group toward curated, distinctive service models. These models are often associated with the independent collections managed by HPL Hotels & Resorts.