There aren’t too many places on the planet like this.
Where the sea is such a deep blue, you can’t decipher it from the horizon; only when the sky turns pastel orange as the sun sets do you start to get a feel for the ocean’s vastness and how remote the Maldives are.
Located a few hundred kilometres southwest of Sri Lanka, the southernmost islands are dissected by the equator – and yet it can feel like the edge of the world. It’s not surprising Premier League footballers elect to unwind here.
Joe Gomez has soaked in the summer sun here; so too has Manchester United cult hero Wes Brown. Last summer, Manchester City’s shot-stopper Ederson touched down on the remote islands – the latest superstar to holiday at Kandima.
Kandima is located on the largest island in Dhaalu Atoll, 45 minutes from Male, the country’s capital city.
(Image: Kandima Maldives)
Quite simply, it’s a sports lover’s dream.
Kandima boasts – what it calls – its Sports Arena. In this section of the 3km island, there’s a tennis, volleyball and badminton court; a football pitch, which doubles up as a cricket pavilion; the BURN Fitness Centre boasts state-of-the-art fitness facilities.
It even has a private swimming pool under the protection of palm trees, for those looking for a plunge away from the scorching hot sun.
However, to understand the true meaning of sports here, you must dip into the vast blue ocean. Diving into the Pacific Ocean here is to transport yourself into another world – it’s here the island truly, and literally, comes alive.
This is the land of whale sharks, manta rays and dolphins.
The crystal clear oceans offer up the cast of Finding Nemo, most commonly the Moorish Idol (Gill, voiced by William Defoe). While, above the surface, thrill seekers can indulge in just about every aquatic sport under the sun.
(Image: Kandima Maldives/muhaphotos.com)
“Explore the vibrant blues surrounding Kandima Maldives,” the website declares. “Whether you seek speed, adventure, relaxation, marine beauty, or a chance to bring to life your own private slice of paradise.
“From water sports that defy gravity to leisurely aquatic escapades, we offer a playground of endless possibilities to make sure your time here is an absolute blast”
It’s an entirely different world.
Last month, I kicked back to island time with my girlfriend – experiencing where top-flight footballers can shut off from the pressures of the beautiful game.
From touching down on the glistening sand, eating some fresh fish and being led to our water villa – it was perfect. I was told there was a chance, albeit small, of spotting dolphins from my villa, even if I didn’t I wasn’t going to sulk… a pod had come crashing past us on the boat to the resort.
And while it can be tempting to stare off into the horizon here, there’s a whole island to explore.
(Image: Kandima Maldives)
We dived into numerous activities: a sunset cruise, spa treatments and even coconut painting. However, it was the snorkelling that really created memories for a lifetime.
Cards on the table, I’m terrified of the ocean – I always have been. However, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that couldn’t be missed – and the ocean was such a crystal clear blue, it was almost inviting.
It was swimming above the vibrant coral reefs where we spotted turtles and black-tipped reef sharks, one of the four species that inhabit the reefs that protect islands.
These reefs also provide the food source for the islands, I’ve never experienced fresh fish quite as good as I did here. The tuna was a highlight – all locally sourced, of course.
And that’s without mentioning the setting, dinners were hosted under the stars at a variety of restaurants – to the backdrop of waves crashing against the sand – as we were told the lack of light pollution can often lead to Orion’s Belt being visible to the naked eye.
However, I still wanted to check out the sporting facilities – so I used some spare time to cycle to the football pitch.
(Image: Kandima Maldives)
Football always amazes me, it is truly the global game and to see it existing in these small corners of the world always fascinates me. I’ve been to pitches across the globe, but I don’t think I’ve seen one as picturesque as Kandima’s.
While it’s artificial, the cage is equipped with a stand as palm trees offer natural protection from the sun. The stand is often used by fans, as when professional footballers, such as Daniel Agger, roll into town games are staged between two teams.
During my time in paradise, there was a cricket tournament going on, with the pitch briefly turned into a pavilion – friendly games were hosted between staff and holidaymakers.
While the football pitch was the centre piece of the Sport Arena, there the tennis court, located adjacent to the pitch, was just as impressive. And so too was the badminton and volleyball courts that were crammed into the small area of the island.
I spent a week in paradise last month, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience – and it’s not a surprise that Premier League footballers unwind here. While it feels like it could be on the edge of the world, it’s the centre of relaxation.
Who knows what footballer who chose to touch down on the sun-kissed beaches next. Whoever it is, they’re in for some amazing experiences, alongside memories that will last a lifetime.
Kandima Maldives is an island lifestyle destination with extensive offerings for both fitness-fanatics and families alike.
Set on the 3km long Dhaalu Atoll, the resort has its own 24/7 fitness centre, football pitch, tennis court, one of the largest kid’s clubs in the Maldives, and diving and exhilarating water sports for visitors of all ages to enjoy.