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Resort

BANDOS MALDIVES

Bandos, North Male' Atoll

Bandos Maldives is one of the most established resorts in the Maldives, located in the North Malé Atoll, just 7 km from Velana International Airport

Bandos Maldives is one of the most established resorts in the Maldives, located in the North Malé Atoll, just 7 km from Velana International Airport. Set on an approximately 18-hectare tropical island, the resort combines white-sand beaches, lush vegetation, a large natural lagoon and an exceptionally accessible house reef. The resort's current 2026 brochure describes Bandos as an iconic coral island with 220 villas, diverse dining and extensive recreational facilities. Bandos is particularly well suited to families, couples, divers, snorkellers and active travellers who want the classic Maldives island experience without a long domestic flight or seaplane transfer. The resort is reached by a speedboat transfer of approximately 15 minutes from Velana International Airport. A Resort With Maldives History Bandos occupies an important place in the history of Maldivian tourism. It opened on 10 December 1972, becoming the country's second resort, following Kurumba. From its early days as a small island resort, Bandos has developed into a full-service property while retaining its distinctly tropical, traditional island character. Its long history is particularly significant for diving. Bandos has one of the Maldives' longest-running dive operations and continues to be strongly associated with marine exploration and diving in the North Malé Atoll. The resort says its dive centre provides access to more than 40 dive sites, while its facilities include the Maldives' first hyperbaric and decompression chamber for divers. The Island Bandos is a relatively substantial resort island with a combination of dense tropical vegetation, sandy beaches and a surrounding lagoon. Unlike some newer resorts designed almost entirely around villas and minimalist landscaping, Bandos has a more established tropical-resort atmosphere. The island is also well suited to guests who enjoy having plenty to do. There is a swimming pool, water-sports centre, dive centre, spa, fitness and sports facilities, children's club, restaurants and bars. One of its strongest characteristics is the ability to combine relaxation on the beach with easy access to marine activities.

Room Types

  • Standard Beachfront Room
  • Garden Villa
  • Deluxe Beachfront Room
  • Superior Villa
  • Beach Villa
  • Premium Beach Villa
  • Beach Pool Villa
  • Sunset Water Villa with Pool

Activities

  • Water Sports & Activities
  • Bandos has a large range of activities, making it considerably more active than a resort designed purely around relaxation.
  • Activities include:
  • Scuba diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Windsurfing
  • Water skiing
  • Jet skiing
  • Parasailing
  • Flyboarding
  • Catamaran sailing
  • Fishing
  • Dolphin cruises
  • Sunset cruises
  • Island excursions
  • Male City excursions
  • Island hopping
  • The Water Sports Centre caters to both motorised and non-motorised activities.
  • Sports & Recreation
  • The Clubhouse provides a selection of sporting facilities including:
  • Tennis
  • Badminton
  • Squash
  • Table tennis
  • Fitness centre
  • Swimming pool
  • The island also has a dedicated water-sports centre and extensive ocean-based activities.

Dining

  • Bandos provides a broad choice of dining experiences, with the current resort information highlighting four restaurants and three bars.
  • Gallery Restaurant
  • The main restaurant and primary buffet venue, offering international cuisine in a spacious setting. It is particularly practical for families and guests staying on meal plans.
  • Sea Breeze
  • Located beside the ocean, Sea Breeze provides a more relaxed waterfront dining environment with a selection of cuisines and views over the water.
  • Huvan
  • Huvan is one of the island's best spots for sunset drinks and evening dining, with an open-water setting and a relaxed atmosphere.
  • The resort also provides additional dining and bar venues, including Umi Yaki, Sand Bar, Grill Bar and Pool Bar.

Spa & Wellness

  • The Orchid Spa provides a dedicated wellness environment where guests can enjoy massages, facials, body treatments and other relaxation therapies. The spa is designed around the natural tropical surroundings of the island and provides a quieter alternative to the resort's many active facilities.
  • Bandos also has a fitness centre and Clubhouse, with facilities for guests who want to remain active during their stay.

Family Features

  • Excellent choice for families, especially families who want a resort with plenty of activities rather than a quiet, adults-oriented island.

Honeymoon Features

  • Bandos is not positioned as an ultra-exclusive honeymoon resort, but couples can still enjoy a very attractive romantic holiday.
  • The best options for honeymooners include:
  • Sunset Water Villa with Pool
  • Private pool • direct lagoon access • sunset views • overwater setting
  • Beach Pool Villa
  • Private pool • beachfront setting • outdoor space • romantic atmosphere
  • Premium Beach Villa
  • Duplex design • private outdoor area • open-air jetted bathtub
  • Couples can also enjoy sunset cocktails at Huvan, private dining experiences, spa treatments and sunset cruises.
  • Honeymoon verdict: Very good, particularly in the higher villa categories, although couples seeking an ultra-private boutique or adults-only atmosphere may prefer a smaller luxury resort.

Kids Facilities

  • Kokko Kids Club
  • The resort's Kokko Kids Club provides supervised activities designed for younger guests, allowing children to socialise and participate in creative and recreational programmes while parents enjoy some time for themselves.
  • Other family advantages include:
  • Family-friendly lagoon areas
  • Children's activities
  • Child-friendly dining
  • Interconnecting accommodation options
  • Water sports
  • Swimming pool
  • Sports facilities
  • Kids' Club
  • Junior Spa treatments
  • The resort specifically promotes Bandos as a family-friendly destination and highlights its shallow waters, Kids Club and range of activities for different age groups.

Diving

  • Excellent for:
  • Beginner divers • Experienced divers • Snorkellers • Marine-life enthusiasts • Repeat Maldives visitors
  • If the main reason for choosing a resort is underwater life, Bandos deserves serious consideration.
Holiday Types:ADVENTUREHONEYMOONROMANTICFAMILY

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