Komandoo

Komandoo Island Resort is the adults-only sister property to Kuredu in Lhaviyani Atoll — sixty-five villas, with a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere than its larger sibling.

The reef directly accessible from shore is alive in patches, and the dive operation is shared with Kuredu via daily boat connections. The lagoon is broad and well-coloured. The food across the two restaurants is reasonable. The all-inclusive plan is generous and covers most dining and house spirits. Best for adult couples wanting a quieter Lhaviyani option with full AI in a small-resort format. Not built for variety — the property's strength is its small-island intimacy and the adults-only positioning rather than dining breadth or architectural design.

Why people come here

Komandoo is the Maldives distilled to its simplest, most romantic form. No kids, no sprawling public spaces, no need to book a table three days in advance. The resort has exactly 65 villas, so the island never feels busy—even when it’s full. A good rule: to think of it as a boutique hotel on water: every meal is included, the wine list is generous, and the staff remember your cocktail preference by day two. The all-inclusive package covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, selected alcoholic drinks, and non-motorised water sports, which means you can wake up, snorkel the house reef, and return to a fresh coconut without ever reaching for your wallet. That kind of ease is rare in the Maldives, and it’s why Komandoo consistently ranks among the top adults-only all-inclusive resorts.

The villas—small footprint, big romance

Komandoo offers three villa types: Beach Villas, Water Villas, and Jacuzzi Water Villas. The Beach Villas sit close to the sand, each with a private terrace and outdoor shower. They’re charming, but most couples I work with opt for the Water Villas or Jacuzzi Water Villas. The Water Villas hover over the lagoon, connected by a short jetty, and come with glass floors so you can watch fish swim beneath you. The Jacuzzi Water Villas add a private outdoor jacuzzi on the deck—well suited to sunset soaks. All villas are compact but thoughtfully designed, with teak floors, white linen, and Maldivian wood carvings. There are no televisions, which I consider a feature, not a bug.

Dining—all-inclusive done right

The main restaurant, Aqua, serves buffet-style breakfast and lunch, and à la carte dinner. The food is consistently good — grilled lobster, Maldivian curries, and fresh sashimi—without trying to be Michelin-starred. For something more private, the resort offers destination dining on the beach or over water, though these are not included in the all-inclusive package. The wine list is solid, with a focus on New World labels, and the cocktail menu includes classics like mojitos and piña coladas, plus a few Maldivian twists. I always recommend the passionfruit daiquiri—it’s dangerously easy to drink.

The house reef—snorkelling from your doorstep

The house reef at Komandoo is one of the few in Lhaviyani Atoll that you can reach without a boat. Step off the beach and you’re in waist-deep water; another few strokes and you’re over coral heads concentrated with anthias, butterflyfish, and the occasional turtle. The reef isn’t as dramatic as those in Baa Atoll, but it’s healthy and accessible, making it well-suited to casual snorkellers. The resort provides free snorkelling gear, and the dive centre offers guided reef tours if you want to explore further. Visibility is usually best in the morning, before the wind picks up.

The overwater spa—floating serenity

Komandoo’s spa sits on its own jetty, with treatment rooms that open onto the lagoon. The signature massage, the Maldivian Dream, starts with a foot scrub using local sandalwood and coconut oil, followed by a full-body massage with warm stones. The spa menu also includes facials, body wraps, and couples’ treatments. Guests come for honeymooners here for sunset massages, and they always return glowing—both literally and figuratively. The spa isn’t included in the all-inclusive package, but the rates are reasonable compared to other Maldives resorts.

Who it suits

Komandoo is my go-to recommendation for three types of travellers. First, honeymooners who want romance at a softer rate. The Jacuzzi Water Villas are made for couples, and the adults-only policy ensures no interruptions. Second, couples celebrating anniversaries or milestone birthdays. The resort’s intimacy makes it feel like a private island, even though it’s not. Third, value-conscious travellers who refuse to compromise on quality. Komandoo delivers all-inclusive luxury at a fraction of the cost of Kudadoo or Milaidhoo, and the service is just as attentive. If you’re looking for nightlife or a resort with a kids’ club, this isn’t the place. But if you want quiet, romance, and a house reef you can snorkel before breakfast, Komandoo is the answer.

The honest bit

Komandoo isn’t perfect, and I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t mention the trade-offs. The island is small, so if you’re someone who likes to wander for hours, you’ll have explored every path by lunchtime. The Wi-Fi can be patchy, especially in the overwater villas—don’t expect to stream movies. The all-inclusive package covers a good selection of drinks, but premium spirits and champagnes are extra. And while the house reef is convenient, it’s not the most biodiverse in the Maldives. If you’re a serious diver, you’ll want to take the resort’s boat to nearby sites like Kuredu Express or Fushifaru Thila. None of these are dealbreakers, but they’re worth knowing before you book.

Getting here—35 minutes by seaplane

Komandoo is located in Lhaviyani Atoll, about 130 kilometres north of Malé. The only way to reach it is by seaplane, a 35-minute flight that offers stunning aerial views of the atolls. Seaplane transfers are not included in the all-inclusive package, so factor that into your budget. The resort can arrange your transfer, or I can handle it for you—just message me on WhatsApp. Flights typically depart from Malé International Airport in the morning and early afternoon, so plan your international connections accordingly. If you’re arriving late, you’ll need to spend a night in Malé, which I can also arrange.