It is safe to say that when we booked our holiday to the Maldives, I was over the moon, all I could feel was the warm sunshine on my face whilst picturing a beautiful island, with gorgeous soft white sand, crystal-clear waters full of marine life and a lovely little beach hut. 

When arriving on the island of Kanifinolhu I was not disappointed. It is one of the few islands in the Maldives that offers a fully all-inclusive hotel. By this I mean we could drink and eat in any of the restaurants rather than like in some hotels where you are limited to a specific restaurant. We could eat and drink as we liked (with the exception of branded champagnes). It meant that whilst we were there I didn’t carry a purse once and we didn’t worry. 

There were of course extras, scuba diving and massage treatments, but snorkelling trips and watersports were included as was yoga and plenty of other things to do while away. One thing I should mention is that we were two adults, looking for a relaxing break in the sun. To take a good book, enjoy the peace and quiet and just escape busy working life. 

Once we landed in Malé airport, on the main island in the Maldives, we were conveniently whisked away by a 30 minute speedboat transfer to the island. Greeted by friendly and welcoming staff, with a cooling drink and some chicken satay, we immediately felt like we were on holiday, happy and relaxed and ready to hit the beach. 

One area I should point out is that Club Med Kani is a family-friendly island. So much so that there is childcare from four years old included. Whilst you might think is not ideal for a romantic break for a couple without children this island ticks all the boxes for almost any guest. The children have a children’s club with space to enjoy and play including rooms such as the below:

It is on a separate part of the island and creates a wonderful place for them to relax. Whilst also creating an environment where couples and parents can relax. Admittedly we were travelling outside the school holidays, so there were only a few children on the island. Kanifinolhu was peaceful, quiet and ideal for a romantic break. 

The Manta Spa (for those staying in water villas) is a quiet and luxurious area from which you can watch the world go by. There is also an incredible spa, which immediately made me feel rejuvenated and as if I had been on holiday for weeks already.

The vast range of activities are outstanding; from paddleboarding to boat trips and scuba diving, not to mention the on land activities such as beach volleyball. For us a holiday is about good food and wine, having time to unwind in beautiful surroundings whilst if we get a little bored having some activities around to join in. 

We quickly found that the on-site dive centre would be our second home, with qualified instructors and excellent surroundings to see the best marine life the world has to offer we did enjoy some morning scuba diving. Lucky enough to see a manta ray on our first dive followed by several turtles, sharks and a wide variety of coral and fish we were completely spoilt. After a long morning on the boats we were generally ready to enjoy lunch. 

The main restaurant at Kani, the Vehli offers an excellent buffet with indoor and outdoor dining. Not your average buffet, Club Med is a hotel group which offers a spectacular range of delicious foods from France and wider Europe alongside local cuisine. We were spoilt with freshly made starters, seafood, grilled meats, sushi bar, desert bar and pizzeria. There was anything we could hope for and all freshly prepared, delicious and to top it off good red wine and a cheese board. Whilst often in the evenings we chose to dine at the à la carte restaurant, the Kandu, either restaurant offers excellent cuisine. 

The island is well designed to make the most of its idyllic paradise setting with spacious pool, spread out sun loungers enabling guests to have their own piece of paradise, and comfortable and relaxing beach cocktail bar, with incredible sunset views.

The island has beautiful gardens and is surrounded by palm trees, there is even a local shop and snacks area. It has been designed with guests in mind, with everything linking together seamlessly. Club Med Kani is excellent if you are looking for a good quality, convenient, all-inclusive hotel in the Maldives, certainly one which I would go back to. 

Tip for your stay: upgrade to one of the Manta Ray water villas for the last two nights, it is reasonable and offers a full butler service to enjoy an à la carte breakfast on your own deck whilst staying in a water villa which is priceless and memorable.