hotel review Archives - The Blonde Flamingo

48 Hours in Malaga: Embrace the Magic of Culture and Sun-Kissed Adventures

theblondeflamingo / July 12, 2023 / Leave a comment

Long time no post here! I apologize for my absence and I genuinely missed being here! Life has been incredibly busy, but I have great news – I am finally back! Around two weeks ago, I had the amazing opportunity to fulfill my travel dream, all thanks to Gallery Hoteles, an independent hotel group based in Spain.

Where is Malaga?

I have been dreaming about visiting Malaga for what feels like forever! And guess what? I finally had the chance to explore this magnificent city! Not only did I get to stay at one of their breathtaking hotels right in the heart of Malaga, but I also had the privilege of immersing myself in the region’s exceptional hospitality, mouthwatering gastronomy, and rich culture. You won’t believe how excited I am to share all of my experiences with you and give you all the best tips! Brace yourself for an inspiring and vibrant journey through this incredible city!

Malaga is located in Southern Spain, precisely on the beautiful Mediterranean coast within the enchanting region of Andalusia. Thanks to its exceptional geographical position, the city is bestowed with idyllic weather conditions, a gorgeous sunshine throughout the year. This makes it an ideal destination to explore at any time, regardless of the season. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that Málaga holds renowned status as a prominent port city, and proudly serves as the birthplace and hometown of the great artist, Pablo Picasso.

I had the pleasure of spending just 48 hours in Malaga, and let me tell you, it was more than enough to fully immerse myself in the vibrant atmosphere of this city. Picture yourself surrounded by golden sand beaches, basking in delightful weather, and indulging in a never-ending variety of tapas restaurants. As the day unfolds, the lively bars come alive, and you can’t help but be captivated by the mesmerizing sunsets. The streets are filled with live music, making every step you take a truly enchanting experience. Malaga is a place that exudes vibrancy, bursting with colors, and brimming with life!

Where to stay?

I had the opportunity to stay at the Molina Lario hotel, nestled in the heart of the lively city. This magnificent boutique hotel boasts a well-deserved 4-star rating and is conveniently situated just across from the majestic cathedral. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Malaga as you explore the countless bars, restaurants, shops, and museums, all within a short walking distance from the hotel.

Photo by talented Spanish photographer **Alejandro Moneo**

Nestled in the city center, this charming hotel comprises two meticulously renovated 19th-century buildings with original facades, accompanied by a third contemporary structure. Together, they form a unique and captivating hotel complex, blending historical allure with modern elegance.

With 103 uniquely styled, bright rooms, this hotel creates a welcoming ambiance that effortlessly embraces a sense of home. Thoughtfully curated with a great attention to detail, each room is adorned with delightful touches to ensure your comfort and convenience.

This hotel presents a diverse culinary experience that encompasses various venues. From the delightful restaurant Matiz and its charming Patio, where guests can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine infused with contemporary twists on traditional Andalusian recipes, to the bar offering a tempting selection of tapas, and the rooftop terrace, known as The TOP, serving delicious cocktails. While you’re here, I encourage you to try the Picasso-inspired cocktail—a delightful drink that celebrates the famous artist’s legacy.

Throughout my stay, I found joy in indulging in the exquisite rooftop pool. The serene ambiance, accompanied by refreshing cocktails, provided the perfect setting for basking in the sun’s warmth, all while relishing the stunning vistas that stretched across the Mediterranean Sea and the majestic cathedral.

For hotel bookings and availability please click here.

Best things to do in Malaga?

1. Experience Authentic Malaga at Casa de Guardia

Step into the rich history of Malaga by visiting Casa de Guardia, one of the city’s oldest taverns. Indulge in the delightful Pajarete sweet wine, savor the mouthwatering local hams and cheeses, and soak in the genuine Malaga ambiance that fills the air. It’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the authentic flavors and atmosphere of this vibrant city.

2. Immerse Yourself in the Local Flavors at Mercado de Atarazanas

Discover the heart and soul of Malaga by exploring Mercado de Atarazanas, a bustling market where you can find an array of fresh meat and fish. Wander through the vibrant stalls, engage with friendly local vendors, and experience the vibrant energy of this cultural hub. It’s an opportunity to taste and discover the local side of Malaga while connecting with the city’s culinary traditions.

3. Delight in a Sea View Lunch at Las Palmeras in Marengo

Escape to the picturesque Marengo neighborhood and treat yourself to a delightful lunch at Las Palmeras. Indulge in the famous Malaga skewers, relish the flavors of fresh fish, and savor the refreshing salads, all while enjoying a mesmerizing view of the sea. It’s a perfect combination of great food, captivating scenery, and the authentic essence of Malaga.

4. Discover Picasso’s Legacy at El Pimpi

Uncover the artistic heritage of Malaga at El Pimpi, a legendary establishment with deep connections to Picasso. Immerse yourself in the ambiance of this historic place as you sip on the traditional sweet wine, a true local specialty. Allow yourself to be transported back in time while appreciating the intertwining of art, culture, and history that this iconic venue represents.

5. Indulge in Sweet Delights at Casa Mira

Treat yourself to some delicious ice cream at Casa Mira. It’s the perfect way to end your Malaga adventure on a sweet note.

For safe travels, do not forget to get travel insurance. I never travel anywhere without one. You never know what can go wrong these days! Cedar Tree is an award-winning travel insurer. Booking your insurance with them is super quick, easy and affordable – expect to pay around £7.75 for a Single-Trip policy for a long weekend. How good is that? Cedar Tree has launched a new and improved version of its TravelMate app- a UK-first in the travel app space. You can get 24/7 support anywhere in the world. Policy holders can also enjoy Loyalty Club, which opens up a world of savings on over 400 of the UK’s most popular brands including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, BT, M&S, ASOS, Disney+ and more! If you’re planning your trip soon, get 20% off your travel insurance with my code TQKA9MK6XQ More details here : https://www.cedartreeinsurance.com/ T&C – the code is valid for 12-months direct from Cedar Tree, and is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

I hope the tips in this blog post will be helpful for your future trip to Malaga. May you fall in love with the city and its culture, just as I did. Enjoy the vibrant streets, immerse yourself in the rich history, savor the delicious cuisine, and embrace the warmth of the locals. Malaga has a way of capturing hearts and creating unforgettable memories. Happy travels!

Post in collaboration with Gallery Hoteles

Melrose Relais – a magical place to stay on the Sorrento Peninsula

theblondeflamingo / July 20, 2020 / Leave a comment

Hi everyone!

As most of you probably seen on Instagram, after months in the UK, I have finally made it to my beloved country – Italy, where I am planning to stay for a while. Last week I had a chance to stay in an absolutely beautiful place that I decided to blog about straight away. I felt like I just had to let you know about this magical site. I know traveling is not possible right now, but we can always keep dreaming and planning our future escapes, right? I hope this post will inspire your future trips!

LOCATION

Melrose Relais is located a few steps from the sea, in the splendid scene of Massa Lubrense. It’s surrounded by the typical olive trees of the Sorrento peninsula and the Mediterranean Scrub, and it’s placed only 300 meters away from the famous beach Marina di Puolo. The view from this property is absolutely stunning. It’s overseeing Mount Vesuvius on one side and Island of Capri on the other.

HOW TO GET THERE

The nearest airport is Naples International, 57 km from MelRose Relais. There are few ways to get there : either by Circumvesuviana train from Naples station, by Curreri bus or by car – From the A3 Napoli – Salerno highway.

The property also offers a paid airport shuttle service. You can read more here. We got there by car from Naples and the views on our way were incredible! The trip took us less than an hour.

ACCOMMODATION

Melrose Relais offers few different room types : Classic, Deluxe, Superior 2+2 – perfect for families ,and Junior Suite. All rooms are bright, modern with a little Mediterranean touch. I stayed at Junior Suite and it was a perfect choice for us as a couple as we had our own private terrace with the most magical views over Bay of Naples and island of Capri. We enjoyed them every morning while having breakfast. It was a perfect way to start our day. What a dream! I already miss it. I also absolutely loved the typical Sorrento majolica tiles everywhere on the terrace and also in the bathroom- so beautiful! Could I please move in?

DINING

Our day would start with breakfast on our private terrace. It was perfect! Then we were having lunch by the pool – super chilled but chic at the same time- they serve everything so beautifully and the food was absolutely delicious! As the owner said- everything from her grandma’s recipes.

At night we would dine at their beautiful restaurant under olive trees, facing the sea and the most incredible sunsets. It was such a magical and romantic experience. I absolutely loved the laterns, candles, and flowers everywhere. It was honestly so special. Not even mentioning how incredible the food was. I felt like the chef was reading my mind. What I won’t ever forget is the tuna tartare I had there – one of the most delicious ones I ever tried! I will surely go back to Melrose for dinner!

Recently Melrose opened the most gorgeous Bistrot – I absolutely loved the design, colors and decor. The Bistrot is available for both- hotel and non-hotel guests. I highly recommend booking it!

THINGS TO DO

There’s a lot to do around. You should definitely explore the beautiful Massa Lubrense and head to the magical Cala di Puolo Beach which is only 13 minutes walk. You should also explore Sorrento- I promise you’ll fall in love at first sight! My love started from the moment I ate this huge croissaint, haha!

Apart from that, Melrose offers tours by boat (both private or in group) to Capri, Positano, Li Galli, Baia di Jeranto, Amalfi. We took a Capri tour and I absolutely loved it. It was such a beautiful day on the sea, with the loveliest crew, great music, stunning views ,and even homemade limoncello! During the tour we also stopped at Capri for a few hours so we could hang around the island. Ah, no place like Capri! I have seen it so many times and I can’t get enough! Just look at it!

To sum up, I had the best stay at Melrose Relais and I can recommend this place with all my heart due to its stunning location and incredible family who put all their hearts to create this place and it’s magic.

They kindly offer 10% off your stay when using the code blondeflamingo10 when booking. The code also gives you free parking. I really hope you’ll book it and fall in love with this magical property and the most wonderful hospitality. You can book your stay here.

Post in collaboration with Melrose Relays

Where to stay in Trentino- hotels for every budget

theblondeflamingo / February 15, 2020 / Leave a comment

Last month I had a pleasure to visit Trentino for the second time. I couldn’t be happier to return to this region! Last year I published the article focusing on why you should visit this part of Italy. If you’ve missed it, you can read it here. This year, as I stayed there a bit longer ( 10 days) I had enough time to experience the best places to stay so I am finally able to also recommend you the most magical hotels that I am sure you’d absolutely love.

Chalet al Foss

Let’s start with my absolutely favourite chalet I’ve ever stayed and my personal highlight of the Trentino trip. Chalet al Foss is located just outside Vermiglio and 6 km from Passo del Tonale, in a peaceful and sunny area with the view over the mountains.

This boutique accommodation offers 44 rooms – different style at different price range but they all have one thing in common- the most magical view! When I say “magical” I seriously mean it! To me this view was a pure luxury. Apart from the most stunning views this hotel is famous from it’s incredible outdoor Alpin Spa. It also features an outdoor heated pool, a sauna with a view ( the most beautiful my eyes ever seen!) and hot tubes. What a pleasure after all day on the slopes! Oh talking about the slopes- there is a local free skibus service to the ski slopes of Passo del Tonale and not far from the cross-country ski tracks of Velon and Stavel. If you fancy driving there yourself, it takes about 20 minutes. I also need to mention the food in this hotel was absolutely delicious – both buffet and a la carte. This place is so incredibly romantic. It’s seriously a perfect getaway for couples. In the evenings the staff members light the candles around the pool and there is a beautiful fireplace too- a perfect spot for a glass of Lagrein red wine. Ahh, what’s more to add! You can book your stay here.

Rifugio Capanna Presena

When I looked this place up before the actual trip I didn’t know what to expect. I have never stayed at the mountain hut before and also the idea of going there without all my luggage – we were going up there by gondola and we were told to only pack for one night in a backpack. What a challenge for the flamingo fashionista- believe me or not, but I have never ever travelled with the backpack. You may laugh as it was only for a night, haha but I am not going to lie it was challenging for me. But do you know what? It was EPIC. Rifugio Capanna Presenna is located 3000m above the ground, in the heart of Presena Glacier. This place honestly had some kind of energy I can’t explain. The views from there were insane! It was also extremely cold up there, but hey- it was all worth it! I have never watched sunset like that in my life! It was freezing but so magical and pink!

The hotel features 8 suites where you can soak up the splendour of the nature. The design is quite simple but very unique at the same time. Each room is beautifully decorated with stones and wood and can accommodate 2- 4 people. The group suite can accommodate up to 12 people. I personally stayed in the room for 4- 2 people slept downstairs and 2 upstairs. We were sharing the bathroom. Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, bar and a lounge during their stay The food was very tasty and their lounge is so cosy- a perfect spot for a Bombardino night with friends! You do remember what Bombardino is, right?

My favourite thing about this mountain hut (apart from the most incredible sunrise and sunset I have ever witnessed in the mountains) was their stunning SPA and Wellness centre. I absolutely loved their heated pool and the sauna both with the most panoramic view over glacier peaks. It was truly magical and I would say romantic. Perfect escape for either a couple, a family or a group of friends. You can see more and book your stay here.

While staying here we also attended a very fun Ice Music concert inside the igloo. So cool! Can you believe the instruments were made of ice too? To me it was a super fun experience. I loved the colorful light effects too! And yup, I was singing like crazy, haha! This event runs from January 4th to March 29th 2020, every Thursday and Saturday. PS. Wear the ski pants, hat and gloves!

Lefay Resort and SPA Dolomiti

Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti is set in the woods, overlooking the Dolomites in the ski area of Madonna di Campiglio ( 6 mins stroll from the ski slope) and is located in Pinzolo, the largest town in the Rendena valley. This hotel would be for those looking for a luxury and also wellness and SPA lovers. Lefay is also famous for it’s BIO architecture inspired by the nature.

Everything about this place was perfect from the moment I stepped in. The service was incredible! We didn’t stay here over the night ( I wish we did) but we were lucky to experience their famous and absolutely gorgeous SPA- one of the largest ones in the Alps.

Their wellness centre features 9 saunas, cold water bath, ice & tempered waterfall, sensory showers, fitness centre and stunning relaxation areas. There is also a huge heated outdoor pool with the magical view over the mountains. Wow!

This luxury accommodation offers 22 residences and 88 suites spacious and lightened by the big windows, with oak woods and natural fabrics to create a cosy atmosphere. Dining wise, there are two chic restaurants, and indoor and open-air bars. There are also two golf courses located just a few minutes from the Resort and those who are looking for adventures may choose among horse riding and mountain bike excursions. I highly recommend this hotel if you’re looking for a luxurious getaway or a SPA break. To me it would be a perfect place for a honeymoon too. You can read more and book your stay here.

Hotel EDEN Andalo

Eden Hotel is a family run place set amid the Brenta Dolomites. This relaxed mountainside resort has a great location – only 4-minute walk from the lifts at the Paganella ski resort. Depending on your needs and budget, there are different types of accommodations to choose from including: rooms, suites, and apartments.

My room was really quite small, modern and fresh but also very cosy. I really liked the view from my little balcony.

This family- run hotel would be a perfect hotel for families travelling with kids. There’s a Baby Club and Miniclub with afternoon and evening entertainment, where your kids are well looked after so you can enjoy the Eden Spa Wellness and Beauty Centre. I absolutely loved their relaxation area with Himalayan salt to regenerate after snowboarding for hours. PS. I obviously loved the egg chairs too! You know me already, haha!

What’s really special about this property is the atmosphere. The staff really makes you feel like home. You can experience the real Italian hospitality and cuisine here. Oh these sweet Italian breakfasts and lots of carbs and wine every night! I miss it!

This property offers lots of greats packages full of fun activities – guided hiking tours, trekking, fat biking. You can check their packages out here.

I hope you will get to experience beautiful Trentino soon! I love this region so much and I hope to visit again next season!

This post is in collaboration with Visit Trentino

5 best things to do in Corfu

theblondeflamingo / November 11, 2019 / Leave a comment

Those of you who are with me since the very beginning already know about the special connection between me and Greece. After high school I won a casting, got a job in Kos Island and moved there on my own at the age of 19. Why Greece? Well, to be honest my love to Greece started to grow after reading the book “The Sisterhood of travelling pants“, haha, but the real love to Greece came after living on the island for few months surrounded by greek culture, their incredible hospitality, sun, food, wine and the warmest people I’ve met. It was life-changing. I felt like I seriously belong to this place and its lifestyle. It was the best job I could have as it gave me an opportunity to discover many beautiful and less known islands like Kalimnos, Pserimos, Plati and Nisyros. I was more and more in love with Greece and never wanted to leave. After moving to London (which was not easy considering the weather and completely different culture), I never stopped going back to Greece. Through all these years I have managed to go back to Kos to see old friends, visit Mykonos quite few times ( I love its bohemian feel), explore Santorini and Crete with my mum last year. This year, exactly one month ago I was kindly invited by Discover Greece to explore Corfu and lesser known island- Paxos. I couldn’t be happier and said yes right away!

I flew to Corfu from London Heathrow Airport with AEGEAN Airlines which is a Star Alliance member and winner of Europe’s Best Regional Airline, offering direct flights from 3 UK cities to 1 Greek destination and onwards to 31 domestic destinations. I personally had a layover in Athens where I’ve met the rest of the crew and we continued the journey to Corfu together. The views on the way were absolutely beautiful!

After we’ve landed we got picked up from the airport by a minivan from Travelco that escorted us to our hotel. The transfer was very comfortable- I fallen asleep right away, haha! If you’d like to book your transfers you can do it here.

During our trip we’ve stayed at Kontokali Bay Resort & Spa – a lovely 5 star hotel set on the Ionian Sea coast, surrounded by lush green gardens and sandy beaches. My favourite thing about this hotel was the most beautiful swimming pool looking gorgeous not only in the day light but also at night (so magical!) I also loved their delicious breakfasts. Imagine having a traditional greek breakfast with this view! Ah, I miss it!

Breakfast chill with my girl Julia from **Des Belles Choses**

Now let’s talk Corfu! I remember our guide’s introduction about Corfu and I recorded it very well- Corfu, the island of Spiros, music and olive trees. I would probably add – the island of delicious wine, incredible food and the most romantic sunsets and hiking trails. Also, the most green island I’ve ever visited – can you believe 70% are olive trees? Wow!

During this trip we got to experience many incredible things but I have decided to focus on my top 5 and I hope this little guide will make you want to book a trip to this magical island in the nearest future.

1.GO ON A JEEP SAFARI

One of my favourite experiences in Corfu was a jeep safari with Uncharted Escapes. You already know me and my travel style quite well- I love adventures, going off road and off the beaten path and love travelling in style- this tour had it all. We were picked up from our hotel by a very stylish car – loved the cream, leather seats. I “reserved” the front seat straight away to make sure I’ll witness the best views. And I did. Wow, it was incredible! Corfu is really the most green greek island I’ve ever been to. We drove through the most spectacular olive fields, hidden paths in the mountains and the most picturesque villages. We’ve also got to discover the Mount of Pantokratoras– the best panoramic view of Corfu. Believe me, my snaps don’t justify how incredible this tour was!

We finished off the jeep safari with visiting one of the oldest villages in Corfu called Perithia. Strolling around felt like a fairytale. I have probably never experienced such an authentic greek village before. We’ve were also lucky to dine at the most charming and authentic Tavern called Foros. It was only another reminder why I love Greece so much! Nothing beats greek hospitality, greek wine and food. Just look at these surrondings! You should totally visit this place when in Corfu! PS. Thank you, Vasilis for being the best guide (Hope you’ll get to read this!)

2. Visit a traditional Olive Oil Mill

So many trips to Greece and I never got to experience it! Luckily Discover Greece put it on our itinerary! We went on Olive Tour organised by the Dafnis Family, producers of The Governor Olive Oil. It was such an experience! We’ve learnt so much about the history, the production and the product itself. Their story was really moving! If you visit, you’ll see what I mean! I especially enjoyed the olive oil testing (did you know that you can add extra virgin olive oil to the greek yogurt and it tastes so good?) and learning about the health benefits of their olive oil. Here’s some snaps from the tour! I highly recommend it!

3. Get lost Corfu Old Town

As you already know I have visited quite a few greek islands but Corfu Old Town is nothing like what I have already seen before. It felt like walking through many centuries of history. Corfu’s Old Town was very vibrant and romantic to me -especially at night . I loved all the colours, mix of Venetian and Byzantine architecture and getting lost around old, cobblestoned, narrow alleys. I wish we had more time to explore as it was absolutely magical! Just look at these charming streets!

We’ve finished the tour with a stop at the best ice cream shop in Corfu Old Town- Papagiorgis. I highly recommend trying Kumquat – typical fruit from Corfu. It was so good! PS. Wish I could have it right now!

If you’d also like to experience a very authentic greek dining experience in the Old Town, I highly recommend Marina’s Tavern. It was personally my favourite dinner during the trip. I loved the food ( I had grilled octopus and it was so tasty!), the house wine and the vibe of the place. It felt like eating in a greek home. Take me back!

4. Visit to a winery

I bet you already know how much I love wine, so imagine how excited I was when I found out we’re going on a wine tour- yay! We have visited Theotoky Estate which was a love at first sight. The estate is located at Rosa Valley- one of the most ecological and peaceful spots in Corfu, covered in pine trees, olive groves and vineyards. We’ve finished off the lovely tour with a picnic, laughing, sipping their delicious Rose wine, during golden hour. I honestly felt like a movie set! I was the happiest!

Here with my partner in crime- **Julia from Des Belles Choses**. Thank you so much for sharing and snapping these moments with me!

5. Day cruise to Paxos

Let’s talk about my most favourite day during this incredible trip- visit to Paxos– the smallest of the Ionian islands in Greece and also the island I have heard absolutely nothing about, which made me even more excited. When we got there I couldn’t believe my eyes- the contrast between green trees and aqua blue waters was absolutely insane. It made us want to jump off the boat straight away! Just look at it!

What got my attention straight away were these beautiful, pastel-coloured houses contrasting with the deep blue Ionian Sea and the baby blue sky- what a dream! We only had a little time to explore but I promise- you’ll fall in love with this little island. There are also some breathtaking beaches around. The heart of the town is full of charming restaurants, cafes and tiny, colourful streets- I could be wandering around for hours! Here’s my happiest pink spot!

If you ever visit Paxos and you’re not sure where to eat please visit Thalassa restaurant. It was such a cosy place with the loveliest owner, the most delicious food (especially seafood!) and the most magical sea view. I also made a friend who turn out to be a great little helper as we ordered way too much food, haha!

After the lunch we’ve headed back to the boat. We were all happy tipsy after all the greek wine ( well, at least I was, haha). We had so much fun, dancing, singing, jumping off the boat, swimming in the crystal clear water and drinking more wine of course! We were also lucky to witness the most beautiful sunset. We made memories for life! These moments still keep flashing in my head. Does life get better than that?

Apart from the most dreamy sunset, we also danced under the moonlight. I will never ever forget it! I wish I could do it all again! After all day on the boat, we’ve arrived at the Marina of Old Fortress and headed straight for dinner to Corfu Sailing Club Restaurant. It was seriously the most perfect end to this magical day and also the most memorable trip! We’ve celebrated with more greek food, greek wine and the most idyllic view over the marina. This location was truly spectacular and incredibly romantic! I highly recommend it!

I hope my little guide and my huge photo gallery will encourage you to visit Corfu and Paxos in the nearest future. Thank you Discover Greece and all the partners for showing me around these beautiful islands. One thing I know for sure- I will be back one day!

Post in collaboration with Discover Greece

Kandima Maldives- the new lifestyle resort

theblondeflamingo / October 30, 2019 / Leave a comment

Those of you who follow me on Instagram, know that last month visited one of my favourite destinations in the world – Maldives again. It was my third visit to this country as I absolutely love its vibe, people, culture and I love exploring the new islands. This year I have discovered the island which is completely different to the ones I have been to before- welcome to Kandima Maldives located on Dhaalu Atoll. To me, Kandima is more than just another resort island- it’s a lifestyle. It’s a huge (3.5 km long) and really chilled island with plenty of on-site activities to choose from. You definitely won’t be bored at Kandima! What’s more, it’s a perfect resort for everyone, whether you seek a romantic escape, a family holiday, a wellness and spa retreat, wedding destination, bachelorette, friends getaways or honeymooners.

HOW TO GET THERE

There are two options for you to reach Kandima from Male International Airport- either a domestic Air Transfer to a nearby airport and then a 20 min speed boat trip or a Sea Plane (more expensive option) transfer directly to Kandima. The views on the way are absolutely incredible!

Well, the moment you land is absolutely insane too. It’s my absolutely favourite thing about the Maldivies- oh, these endless blues….

ACCOMMODATION

Kandima caters for guests all ages on different budgets. It has a range of accommodation types options from affordable studios to luxury aqua villas. Personally I had a chance to stay at two completely different accommodation types. For the first two nights I have stayed at beautiful Sunset Beach Pool Jacuzzi Villa. I absolutely loved the modern, colourful decor, stylish pool and semi-outdoor bathroom with bathtub, rainfall shower and a day bed. Let’s talk about sunsets… one of the most incredible I have ever seen! And what’s better way to watch them than from a private pool with a little glass of wine in hand? Another thing I loved about staying at this villa is walking out barefoot straight after waking up and having the most beautiful white, sandy beach right in front of me. What a dream! Have a little peek! PS. You can also pre-order a floaty breakfast- I highly recommend it! What an experience!

After the most magical two nights at the beach villa I’ve moved to the Aqua Villa. Ah this must be my most favourite part when in Maldives! There’s no better experience than that in my opinion- a pure luxury. Aqua villa at Kandima features a private sun-deck with sun loungers and the most incredible huge bathroom with a bathtub overlooking the ocean- absolutely insane! My favourite thing to do after waking up was swapping my pyjama for a swimsuit and going for a morning dip in the lagoon. Best start of the day ever! The things you can see under the water are OUT OF THIS WORLD! (and you have it all to yourself, hihi!) Here’s some photos!

MOVING AROUND

As it’s a huge resort island, Kandima offers bikes rental at $5 per day. It’s such a fun and healthy way to move around. You can rent them anytime- no need to pre-book anything. We kept the bikes outside our villa. If you’re not a fan of cycling, buggy service is available too. Personally I preferred the bikes- didn’t need a gym these days, haha- bikes were less painful work-out!

DINING

Kandima offers lots dining options on the island. There’s 10 restaurants and bars in total. Four a la carte (full dining restaurants), two buffets and two beautiful beach clubs. You can check them all out here. I personally loved the beach club the most- guys it was ALL PINK! There’s nowhere else you could possibly find me, haha!

THINGS TO DO

As mentioned earlier- there’s NO WAY you’ll be bored at Kandima. There’s so much to do. There are cooking classes, art classes ( they have their own art gallery supporting the local artists), yoga classes, kickboxing classes and plenty of night activities. There’s even Forbidden Bar (adults only) accessible through a Kool psychedelic tunnel famous for the best parties! If you need to get some work done, there’s also Aroma Cafe overseeing the salty lake which is such a relaxing place to work or just have a cup of good coffee (yes, there’s a a salty lake on the island!) There’s also a beautiful esKape spa located in the middle of a tropical jungle. I highly recommend trying their famous coconut scrub! For sports lovers there’s a BURN gym, tennis court, basketball court, volleyball court and a football court. Apart from all that you can also be jogging 3km on the most beautiful beaches with no palm trees blocking the way- this is very unique to Kandima!

For water sports lovers there’s also Aquaholics – water sport centre that offers all sports activities including, snorkelling around the most incredible reefs (Dhaalu atoll is one of the most pristine regions in the country), diving with sharks, parasailing and as well as boat trips and team sports. My favourite experience was something that has been on my bucket list forever- floating over fish and baby sharks in the glass-bottom kayak (wearing a flower crown of course, haha!)

Aroma Cafe

KIDS

If you’re travelling as a family, I promise you, there’s no better place to take your little ones than Kandima and its famous Kandiland– the largest kids club in the Maldives equipped with a pirate ship and large in-ground trampoline. When I saw it I honestly couldn’t believe my eyes! Kandiland offers a daily programme full of fun and informative activities and a baby sitting services so the parents can enjoy a little private time on the island too.

WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS

As you already know, Maldives is famous wedding and honeymoon destination. Kandima Maldives offers a tailor-made wedding planning services for your dream wedding. You can choose your dream wedding spot ( there’s few places on the island and on a local picnic island) according to their needs, budget as well as the number of guests. If you have any questions, please e-mail mykindofplace@kandima.com.

For honeymooners, Kandima has the most incredible Honeymoon Aqua Pool Villa, located at the tip of the Aqua Villa jetty, which is the best spot for romantic sunset sessions! I have experienced it myself and sunsets you witness from this villa are insane. Just look at it and imagine being here with your loved one!