Kuredu resort island and spa is one of the 6 resorts owned by a company called Crown and Champa Resorts, sort of like a conglomerate. Each of the 6 are owned by people who are related and maldivian. Some of the resorts are co-owned by foreigners. For instance, kuredu is co-owned by two Swedish gentlemen.
Of the 6 Koomandoo is one if them and lovingly the management refers to these islands as sister islands. One of the most interesting and exciting thing about this sort of joint venture is that the benefits it offers it employees. In one of my earlier post I talked about cross training. Cross training can be of two kinds - within the resort but different departments and within the resort. I find both quite exciting. The latter however is cooler, keeps it exciting for employees. So if you are bored of one, you can spend a brief period of time somewhere else.
Another benefit is that employees can get discounted rates at these sister resorts. This was novel to me but this happens with all chain hotels. Quite a perk!
My internship period turned out to be quite ideal because I got to see peak and low. Although not really peak, just the end of peak. The benefit of coming in low season is that a lot of employee training happens in this period. So product knowledge, employee activities and vacation time. So overall relaxed and kind of like quality time for employees. (haha pun intended!). So I wad fortunate to come now because new hire training is happening at kuredu. This involves resort orientation and things for new hires. I didn't attend the whole three day circus, just the last day.
I overheard about the trip to a sister island and decided to try my luck. The staff is super friendly and helpful so it was not a problem for me. This way I got to make a trip to Koomandoo.
This island is about 25-30 minutes by boat from here. It's much much smaller and quitet than kuredu. It has about 50 villas which is a seventh of the number here. I was surprised that we finished a fully island tour in about fifteen minutes. In fact while walking we could see both ends of the island. It was sort if like a main road with buildings on two ends, just a much better scenery and land condition.
The size and sister aspect is the reason why kuredu and Koomandoo staff and responsibilities are kind of shared. By this I mean some of our management handles work for them, their guests sea plan transfers is handled from kuredu and so in. I was quite excited to have visited another island.
Koomando is more a honeymooners who want a lot of peace and quite. Very niche tourist taste. They have a lot less happening in terms of activities on their island. The staff is smaller. Also it's an above 18 island. So cool doh?
I sound a bit negative here because I was constantly comparing it to kuredu. It's kind of like when you live in a big chalet and then visit a studio when your house hunting. Involuntary reactions in your head. The island was gorgeous and my favourite bit was the swimming pool. They have one sea facing pools which kind of is part of ocean. One end of it sea facing. Picture a tea cup floating on the ocean? Yup, so if you stick your arms and head on one end of the pool, you can look down into ocean water. Insane and unreal right? That's what I felt.
So if you plan to head here for your honeymoon, annual holiday and want some peace and quiet Koomandoo. Think of it like taking a walk in the neighbourhood park after working long hours and partying hard. Quiet life of temporary abstinance from all things material. Sounds like something you need-head to.... (you know where. I feel like I have typed the name too many times)
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