Kandima Maldives has been named the winner of the Family Activities and Entertainment category at the Family Traveller Awards 2026, recognizing the island resort’s efforts to make the Maldives a destination for families and multigenerational travelers.
The awards, hosted by Family Traveller, the United Kingdom’s leading family travel brand, were presented Sept. 11 at The Swan, a riverside venue on London’s South Bank. The competition attracted hundreds of entries across 19 categories covering hotels, villas, tour operators, cruise lines, destinations and other travel industry businesses. An independent panel of family travel journalists shortlisted finalists, with thousands of public votes determining the winners.
Located in the Maldives, Kandima has positioned itself as an alternative to the destination’s traditional honeymoon-focused image, offering activities and accommodations designed to appeal to children, parents and grandparents. The resort combines a range of entertainment options with room rates intended to accommodate different budgets and an annual events calendar encouraging families to share experiences.
Recent additions include the Kandima Running Club and Fresh Labs’ foraging and farm tours, which offer opportunities for families to explore the island’s natural environment and agriculture together.
The resort also features Fast Track, described as the Maldives’ longest and fastest asphalt go-karting circuit, and PlaySpace, an entertainment hub offering family gaming, escape room adventures and virtual reality experiences. These attractions provide activities for older children and adults alongside options for younger guests.
“We’ve always believed a great family holiday is about balance – with the freedom to come together as a group and just as easily find a moment of your own,” said Dermot Birchall, general manager of Kandima Maldives.
Birchall thanked guests and partners who voted for the resort and have visited over the years, adding that Kandima plans to continue developing experiences for its guests.
Future plans include an Adventure Park featuring outdoor experience zones designed to connect children’s play with adult recreation. The planned attraction will offer active challenges and team-building activities intended to encourage families to explore and participate together.
Part of Pulse Hotels & Resorts, Kandima Maldives is a 270-room lifestyle resort spanning three kilometers. Its amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, a football pitch, a 24-hour gym, tennis and volleyball courts, a watersports center, an art studio and a range of fitness and recreational activities.
The award reinforces the resort’s focus on making the Maldives accessible to travelers seeking active vacations, shared family experiences and opportunities to connect across generations.