Indulge the wanderlust at Club Med Kani

With today’s globalization and flight affordability, traveling is no longer out of reach for the majority. Today, you can look to the skies, rails, roads, and even the sea to cross off goals on your wanderlust list. That being said, it is tricky if you are looking for the perfect island holiday experience. You can see that most of the top destinations are overrun by tourists, with nature attractions suffering after years of abuse, shopkeepers trying to sell you a product or service at every turn, or local culture being pushed aside. If you think about it, everything feels a little too overwhelming even to the most seasoned travelers. Thankfully, not all hope is lost.

Ask anyone about their vision of what a tropical paradise looks like, and most would describe white pillowy-soft sandy beaches, palm trees swaying in the soft breeze, and pristine turquoise water. And Maldives certainly ticked all the boxes for the ideal island vacation. Made up of more than 1,000 coral islands, grouped into 26 atolls over almost 300 square kilometers in the Indian Ocean, the idyllic country of Maldives does not disappoint. Most of the islands are now home to local villages and luxury resorts, leaving only 300 islands inhabited. Among the many resort islands in the archipelago nation is Club Med Kani, strategically located on Kanifinolhu Island.

Just 25 minutes away from Malé via speedboat, Kanifinolhu offers a slower pace of life compared to the vibrant Maldivian capital. As Club Med Kani slowly emerges from the horizon, you will be welcomed by a row of palm trees and tropical foliage lining the entire coast. Upon arrival, the resort’s friendly Gentle Organizers (G.Os) are ready to assist you with your check-in as well as introduce the highlights, facilities, and myriad activities available before bringing you to your room.

There are several room types to choose from at Club Med Kani, including an ocean-side bungalow with a garden or beachfront view. If you’re traveling with your family, the Superior room is highly recommended as it has interconnecting room options. The room is spacious, with large beds and bathrooms, along with separate shower areas for the whole family to spread out after the water excursion. There is also an outdoor seating area where you can take in the ocean’s breeze just a door slide away. Extra daybeds in the connecting room also give each of the family members personal space to relax without interruption. For solo travelers and couples, you can opt for the Deluxe room, where you can easily head to the beach directly from the expansive wood terrace off your room.

A turquoise paradise with coralline sand and swaying palms

However, if you really want the quintessential Maldivian experience that Club Med Kani has to fully offer, treat yourself to the Manta Exclusive Collection experience and stay at the Overwater Suite. Nothing can bring you more joy than to be greeted by a beautiful fisherman-inspired hut with stilts over the Indian Ocean. Nevertheless, the star of the cabin is the sheltered balcony with a diving platform and a stair where you get private access to the sea whenever you want. Subsequently, you can find a yoga mat and small exercise weights in the cabin for you to stretch or do light yoga in the comfort of your own private space. 

Naturally, there is more to the Manta Exclusive Collection experience – a tranquil private beach, the overwater lounge, a beach-side bar, and other privileges only for the Manta Exclusive Collection Space guests. Staying at the Overwater Suite, you will begin each morning with a delicious array of dishes, including international favorites from Continental, Japanese, and Korean cuisines. At sunset, you can head out to sip chilled Champagne and enjoy a selection of savory appetizers like sushi rolls, finger sandwiches, and samosas at The Manta Exclusive Beach Bar. What’s more, as a Manta guest, you can even enjoy a private Yoga lesson. To elevate the experience and ensure the best services are provided, Manta guests are given priority booking at most of the facilities in the resort.

Of course, no vacation is complete if you do not visit the Club Med Spa by Mandara, strategically tucked in the heart of the island’s private garden. There, you and your loved one can retreat to a blissful spa escape with one of the most ancient Asian rituals curated with the Gentle Member (G.Ms) in mind. The establishment combines Balinese traditions and European techniques that redefine the art of treatment, turning it into an experience of generosity. Once you complete your treatment, you are welcome to indulge yourself with an outdoor hot tub as you immerse yourself in the gentle lapping of the waves against the shore not too far off from you.

(Clockwise from above) Kani Kravings Food Truck; The Sunset Bar; Elevated 5T Manta experience; Private diving platform from the Overwater Suites; View from the Manta Exclusive Collection Beach Bar; Pathway leading to the Overwater Suites.

While the wellness aspect is taken care of, two restaurants at Club Med Kani are ready to cater to any of your culinary desires – the Vehli and the Kandu. Naturally, when you think about all-inclusive, you cannot help but picture buffet lines and food that languished for too long under heat lamps. Yet, at The Vehli, its sumptuous selection of dishes spans a wide variety of international and Asian traditional cuisines, all freshly prepared, and will keep you coming back for more. Besides the buffet-styled dining at The Vehli,  you will be pleasantly surprised to find out that The Kandu does provide à la carte offerings, including a lobster menu at an additional cost served with foie gras or sashimi. Besides the restaurants, there is the new Kani Kravings Food Truck that offers you daily teatime snacks as well as an ice-cream trolley stationed near the beachfront ready to serve you icy treats.

After your meals, you can then proceed to any one of the four bars available at the Club Med Kani to indulge in your choice of cocktails and mocktails all day long. The Iru, which is located on the edge of a picturesque lagoon, is the perfect place to enjoy a drink or two amidst comfortable modern seating on the sand while The Sunset, as its name suggests, is the place to be to toast to the golden hour near the pool. Needless to say, you can also appreciate a cup of coffee, iced or with a shot of rum, at the bar, freshly brewed to your preference. For those who are staying at the Manta Exclusive Collection Space, you will get special access to The Mantra Exclusive Collection Lounge and The Manta Exclusive Beach Bar. 

Additionally, organized once per week and weather-dependent, you can opt for a once-in-a-lifetime romantic dinner under the stars along the beach for an additional fee. Definitely curated for a romantic evening, the decor is pristine and white-themed, from the white table linen to the bouquet on the table, made more prominent thanks to the white sandy beach. As the night continues, the entertainment and live music set the scene for an unforgettable celebration. Another unique experience is the Nomad Festival, where you are invited to escape to a distant space where you can break free from conventional norms and expectations. The festival offers a bohemian-chic vibe with themed menus and events planned for the evening. A casual and easy-going Insta-worthy event not to be missed with your family, activities include dreamcatcher making, eco glitter makeup workshop, and tribal friendship bracelet making.

(Clockwise from above) Flying trapeze; Stand up paddle; Snorkeling discovery; Superior Room; Sailing.

Honestly, there is never a dull moment at Club Med Kani. There is a list of water sports to choose from, including kayak, stand-up paddle, scuba diving, pedalo with slide, sailing and snorkeling to name a few. The latest splash of excitement available at additional cost is the waterbike, which is an eco-friendly way to explore the blue turquoise playground. On dry land, the resort offers a new and refreshed range of land sports activities for you to come join in the fun while soaking up the sun. From the latest trendy sports activity like padel tennis to the adrenaline-pumping flying trapeze, you will be thrilled by the choices available. Alternatively, there are less extreme activities such as cooking lessons (pre-booking required) and glass bottom boat excursions (at additional cost) that are suitable for young children. Regardless, you are in for an enriched stay at Club Med Kani.

For the avid divers, you will not be disappointed as well. From the end of May all the way to October, you can make the most of the waterworld breaks in Maldives. Join the Manta Ray Discovery Dive, led by a PADI-certified staff, and explore up close the graceful gentle giants at the well-known dive site Lanka Manta Point. See for your eyes how the rays interact and play as they do a backward somersault or glide above you. As you go deeper into the waters, you will have the chance to see multitudes of marine life and colorful coral reefs as well. If you are lucky enough, you can even catch a glimpse of the whale shark. For those without any diving experiences, you can try the turtle safari to uncover magical snorkeling locations and learn more about marine life preservation. The team of experts can also take you to a protected snorkeling area where turtles come to feed. 

The Manta Exclusive Collection Lounge

Additionally, you can join the CSR initiative and immerse yourself in meaningful experiences aimed at preserving the natural wonders. Through Club Med’s new eco-conscious activities like coral adoption, eco-snorkelling, or beach cleanup, you can be a part of a greener future while enjoying the beauty of the Maldives. As the sun goes down, the resort takes on another life filled with music, dancing, and attractive event program lineups. The theater show consists of a geomatrix show circus and acrobatic acts, dances, skits, and even multicultural evenings– all performed by the resort G.Os. There is a lot to do and see. While it sounds a little overwhelming, it is the embodiment of Club Med.

At the end of your stay, there is no doubt that Club Med Kani is where your all-inclusive experience exceeds expectations. The perfect vacation begins when you step into the resort and can last up until you are back in your own home. Whether partaking in new pursuits or immersing in a favorite pastime, Club Med’s unmatched offerings make every minute of your stay worth celebrating. From accommodations and activities to gourmet cuisines and unlimited drinks, it is clear that the resort aims to create lasting memories for everyone of all ages.

For bookings and reservations, head to
www.clubmed.com

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