Maldivian newcomer makes show debut

Pulse Hotels & Resorts is led by Sanjay Maniku and Mohamed Khaleel, who have a 20-year pedigree in Maldives tourism and have been involved in starting many resort projects in the Indian Ocean.

Their first project under the new umbrella brand will be Kandima Maldives, owned by a group of investors active in Maldives tourism for the past 30 years. “This will redefine the Maldives experience for a new generation of travellers,” Maniku said.

Kandima will offer the largest beach club in the country and a 100-metre pool. Use of new technology will also be a feature, with guests using RFID wristbands during their stay.

It will position itself as a four star-plus resort, but Pulse Hotels & Resorts will also be opening a five-star property in the Maldives in 2017 and other hotels worldwide will follow.

Kandima is set on a 1.8 mile-island in Dhaalu atoll, a 30-minute flight from Male International airport.

“One of the main points of difference is our offer of a contemporary quality experience that will be suitable for everyone from honeymooners and families to groups of friends.

“This new game-changing lifestyle resort will embody all the positive values of the Maldives, while adding its own innovative, vibrant and playful style,” added Grant Jeffries, general manager of Kandima.

There are 274 studios and villas across the island, 10 dining options, daily yoga and meditation classes, art studio, marine biology school, electric scooters, beach volleyball, petanque and crafts lessons.