Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has been crowned ‘Maldives  Leading Dive Resort 2025’ at the prestigious World Travel Awards, marking a major milestone as  the inaugural winner of this newly introduced category.  

The announcement was made at a glittering gala ceremony held on 29 June in Tanzania, attended  by tourism and hospitality leaders from across Africa and the Indian Ocean. The accolade honours  Kandooma’s commitment to exceptional diving experiences and innovation in accessible  underwater tourism.  

“We’re surrounded by some of the most awe-inspiring marine life in the Maldives – it’s truly like diving  in a living aquarium,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.  “From graceful manta rays and reef sharks to turtles, moray eels, and vast schools of tropical fish, our  waters are teeming with life.”  

Just minutes from the resort are world-class dive sites including Kandooma Thila, a renowned  cleaning station for grey reef sharks; Guraidhoo Corner, famous for its strong currents and pelagic  encounters; and Medhu Faru, where divers drift alongside vibrant coral walls. The close proximity  of these sites allows for up to three dives a day – ideal for enthusiasts chasing underwater thrills. 

Central to Kandooma’s diving success is its bold ‘Dive Free’ initiative – a game-changer for the  scuba community. Guests who stay three nights or more and are certified divers receive two  complimentary boat dives per day, including equipment and professional guidance.  

“Diving can be an expensive pursuit, so we decided to flip the script,” Eletr added. “Our ‘Dive Free’  program removes the barriers and makes the underwater magic of the Maldives accessible to more  people than ever.”  

Kandooma’s on-site 5-star PADI dive centre offers courses for beginners through to advanced,  specialty certifications and refreshers, as well as private excursions for underwater photography,  night dives, and wreck explorations.  

With its commitment to sustainability, marine preservation, and guest experience, Holiday Inn  Resort Kandooma Maldives has proven that world-class diving doesn’t have to come with a luxury  price tag – just a sense of adventure.  

For more information or to book a diving escape, visit: www.maldives.holidayinnresorts.com 

Located in the South Male atoll 40-45 minutes from the airport by boat, Holiday Inn Resort  Kandooma Maldives is a beautiful, natural island paradise. White sand beaches, swaying coconut  palms and turquoise waters form the backdrop for leisure pursuits and some of the best scuba  diving in the Maldives. Guests can choose from Garden and Beach Villas, two-storey Beach Houses  and the popular Overwater Villas. Families are well catered for with a choice of 2- and 3-bedroom  villas, as well as the Kandoo Kids’ Club with its fun activities programme. Six food and beverage  outlets ensure healthy appetites are satisfied and the flavours of the Maldives are explored.  Guests seeking time out and relaxation will enjoy sun loungers and hammocks dotted around the  island. Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala offers a tranquil escape for body and mind. Visit  www.maldives.holidayinnresorts.com  

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence  across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today the WTA brand is recognised globally as the  ultimate hallmark of quality with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. Visit:  www.worldtravelawards.com