The Cat Empire
in the Maldives
“Up close and personal with one of Australia’s most infectious and beloved jazz/funk bands.”
Over 3 separate sunset into evening sessions, guests were entertained by The Cat Empire in exclusive, intimate concert mode, featuring all their favourite songs. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the magical Maldives.
May 17-24, 2026
What we Love
Magical MALDIVES
Located on a beautiful private island in the Maldives South Male Atoll, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma offers an amazing musical Maldives holiday experience like no other.
MUSIC IN PARADISE
This Music in Paradise week features The Cat Empire performing 3 intimate sunset concerts across 3 amazing destinations at Kandooma Resort. Music and crashing waves will provide natural percussion, as fans dance the evening away on the beach.
ALL NIGHT LONG
This specifically curated Music in Paradise event features one of Australia’s most celebrated live acts performing their unique fusion of jazz, funk, ska, reggae and roots /blues. Guaranteed to inspire organic dance breakouts en masse all night long.
MEET A MUSIC ICON
One of Music in Paradise’s unique features is we provide an organized informal meet your idols moment, whereby you can have a brief chat, grab a selfie or two and sign some merch or your event poster.
What you love 14 REVIEWS
Grinning like a Cheshire Cat
The Cat Empire at Kandooma was an exceptional experience. From the moment my wife stumbled upon Felix quietly playing his guitar on the deck beside ours through to the departure morning for the band where I had a great conversation with drummer Daniel Farrugia, it was up close and personal. (I had taught a Daniel Farrugia in St Albans years ago, but it wasn’t him.) After we spoke with Felix for about twenty minutes, my wife said, “I hope you don’t mind us intruding.” Felix, “That’s why we are here. To spend time with our fans.” And that is exactly what happened. It was a week with friends, fellow members of the tribe. The Kandooma resort staff were fabulous: ever friendly and helpful. The food was fantastic. We have been to some big shows where you watch more on the big screen than on the stage. Music in Paradise’s The Cat Empire in Kandooma was the opposite of that. It was personal. It was interactive. The band and the audience was one. Exceptional. Very well done, Music in Paradise team.
One of the best weeks of my life
Wow what can I say! It’s impossible to completely explain unless you experience it yourself!
We have all come home with our minds completely blown, what an incredible experience.
Not only was it In Paradise, organised impeccably, but we had three incredible live shows to entertain us with one of our favourite favourite bands the cat empire!
We enjoyed numerous snorkelling tours, with sharks, manta rays and Turtles! Charted a private boat that took us to a private island! Went kayaking, speedboat Ringo’ing to name a few!
17 of is made the journey to reunite from all around the world and we are so glad we did!
We can’t thank the staff enough, those for Music In Paradise and those from the resort. We’ve gone home with friends for life.
We’ve already booked our places on the next one in Fiji!
I thoroughly advise anybody making the effort to attend one of these at least once in your lifetime 🫶🏻
WOW WOW WOW
The Cat Empire, Como Cocoa Island, and Music in Paradise – what an absolutely amazing experience!
Returning to the Maldives for our second visit was already something we were looking forward to, but this trip exceeded every expectation. Como Cocoa Island provided the perfect backdrop, with its stunning overwater villas, crystal-clear waters, incredible cuisine, and the most welcoming hospitality.
The highlight of our stay was undoubtedly Music in Paradise featuring The Cat Empire. Watching such an iconic band perform in an intimate tropical setting, surrounded by the beauty of the Maldives, was simply unforgettable. The energy, atmosphere, and connection between the artists and audience created a truly magical experience unlike anything we have experienced before.
Every detail was perfectly organised, allowing us to relax, unwind, and immerse ourselves in both the music and the paradise that surrounded us. This was more than just a holiday—it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we will be talking about for years to come.
A huge thank you to everyone involved in making this event so special. We cannot wait to return to the Maldives again!
Amazing! what a week that was!
Wildly exceeded my expectations!
Three up close and personal shows with The Cat Empire, who were running hot!
The accommodation was fantastic, especially the resort staff who could not be faulted.
MIP did a fantastic job of organising the event.
We will definitely be back for more!
Up there as one of the best holidays we have ever had
What a week in the Maldives with the cat empire and music in paradise. What can you not love about 3 concerts from such a great band with amazing fans from all over the world who share your love of music, life and having fun.
To then be able to meet and greet the band and have them around at times after the gigs was really great to catch up and thank them for 23+years of music since I first saw them.
Then to top it all off the free diving is there to explore the underwater world in the area which is full of turtles, sharks, eels, lion fish, big wrasse and pretty amazing structures to explore. Such an amazing time was had by all and we would do it all again in a heartbeat. If you are considering the tour, just do it. You won’t regret it
Best Party Ever
How lucky to have spent a fantastic week on an amazing island with our favourite band.
Music In Paradise did an amazing job. So well organised and with just a wonderful atmosphere of laughter and music. Will remember it forever!
The Mighty Cat Empire in the Maldives
What an epic week. Up close and personal with The Cat Empire whilst staying in a beautiful villa with loads of diving and snorkelling opportunities. The MiP team did a fantastic job setting up and managing around the weather for three full gigs with a couple of impromptu acoustic performances thrown in too. This really was the trip of a lifetime.
Fun and relaxing
This trip was so good. We loved the concerts of course, but the food and snorkelling and the staff made it amazing. You won’t regret attending a Music in Paradise event.
MUSIC! + PARADISE!!!!!
Oh no… I’ve found a new addiction!
And I have one huge dilemma.. there are three artists I want to attend the MIP event for in the upcoming year.
Let me tell you why I have this problem…
As someone who’s passionate about live music and travel, this experience was an unforgettable way to combine both loves. Picture this: three mesmerizing Missy Higgins performances, with her brilliant band, set against a backdrop of sunsets melting into turquoise waters. Pure magic.
The Music in Paradise (MIP) team absolutely nailed it—from their impeccable choice of location to their seamless communication and the intuitive app that kept us updated on every event. They created a week filled with joy, connection, and awe. There was an overwhelming sense of celebration and respect—both for the natural beauty of the Maldives and for Missy herself. Fans remained gracious and considerate, while Missy and her crew seemed completely at ease, enjoying the resort alongside us.
Beyond the music, the MIP team thoughtfully curated a range of activities: daily yoga, surfing, an unexpected beach bonfire night, salsa dancing under the stars, and even a heartfelt meet-and-greet with Missy. Every detail felt intentional, and every day brought something new to discover.
Kandooma Resort was paradise. The food and drink offerings were generous, with flexible packages to suit everyone. We arrived to a string of surprise experiences: themed celebration feasts, sunset cocktails, live DJ sets, nightly dinner performances, and cultural evenings showcasing the spirit of the Maldives. We snorkeled, jet-skied, scuba-dived, cruised at sunset, and even went on a once-in-a-lifetime tour—swimming with nurse sharks, watching dolphins play, feeding wild stingrays, and witnessing a pod of manta rays glide past us. Breathtaking doesn’t begin to cover it.
The staff made the stay even more special—warm, attentive, and genuinely kind. By the end of the week, they knew us by name and even anticipated our favorite food and drinks.
And finally, the other guests… what a wonderful community. We all arrived with a shared love of Missy’s music, but we left with much more—laughter, memories, and a new circle of friends.
This wasn’t just a holiday. It was a soul-filling, heart-opening adventure I’ll never forget. Until next time, MIP. You’ve got me hooked.
Do it. You won’t regret it!
Honestly even if you are just considering going on one of these trips, do it. My partner and I legitimately had one of the best weeks ever. The music in paradise team were all extremely helpful and the events were all very well organised. A week in the sun, cocktails, swimming, delicious food and music on the beach? What more could you ask for.
Expectations exceeded
My expectations of this trip were very high and they were exceeded in every way. In addition to the amazing people and gorgeous surroundings, we were treated to three intimate incredible concerts that will live in my memory for ever.
Paradise comes to life
After 3 years attending MIP, twice in the Maldives and once in Fiji, I have booked again for my 4th time next year! The events are fun, intimate and memorable. Have made loads of life long friends during the MIP events and look forward to more adventures. The team are lovely and are considered friends and is always a delight to see them again!
What a fabulous week!!
We are so glad we came!! Going to concerts will never feel the same as how intimate this really was, with a beautiful group of like minded people.
The experiences of a lifetime!
Music In Paradise is an addiction! After three trips with them, their exclusive experiences & intimate performances evenings, I cannot recommend them enough. I have booked their high end packages as well as the lower end and have never been disappointed with what Music In Paradise provided for me, like they have hand-picked their resorts and venues so that you are spoilt no matter where you stay, or who you are seeing perform.
A special thank you to Lara – our Travel Events Manager/Guru – who has taken care of me & my travellers from day one booking in 2023 to my most recent trip! She never makes me feel like I’m asking a silly question and makes sure every event has run smoothly 💓
Thank you a million times Music In Paradise, and I hope to see you again soon 🎼🌴🌊
Aussie icons The Cat Empire have had an illustrious career, spanning decades and genres.
Illuminating stages across the globe, the band are a magnetic force that have captivated millions of adoring fans with their high energy performances and explosive sound and visuals. With the band’s infectious groove and vibrancy, audiences are guaranteed to shimmy, shake, and sing their way through a Cat Empire set.
THE Cat Empire’s message, on stage and in the studio, has always been about breaking down borders: musical, geographic, lingual.
Bird in Paradise.
The Cat Empire’s Bird in Paradise is The Cat Empire’s vibrant and liberating tenth studio album. Born out of raw energy and spontaneity, the record began as an experiment rather than a deliberate project.
Lead singer Felix Riebl had long envisioned a flamenco-inspired album, and the seeds for this idea were planted during sessions for their last album, Where The Angels Fall—finally flourished into an electrifying and cohesive body of work.
Where The Angels Fall was notably poppier by The Cats’ standards, with a polished production and vibrant, colourful sound, Bird In Paradise marks a triumphant return to a more organic, “live in the room” sound.
From the outset, the band made the bold decision to ditch the fragmented methods of modern production, opting instead to capture the magic of musicians playing together in the same space. The result is electrifying—an album that crackles with vitality, pulling you straight into the heart of the action, as if you’re right there with the band, soaking in every note of their undeniable chemistry.
The journey to Bird in Paradise was a serendipitous one. Initially intended as a collection of individual tracks, the album began to take shape within the first few days of recording.
The title track was even written in a whirlwind, late-night session just before recording began—an emblem of the chaotic creativity that defines the album.
The process was dynamic and playful, with members of the band’s children dancing in the studio and a shared sense of musical joy that permeates every note.
The album’s flamenco inspiration brought together a broader creative team than ever before. Longtime collaborator Richard Tedesco, alongside the core band members-Felix Riebl, Ollie McGill and Ross Irwin, were involved early in the writing process, enriching the sound with strings, horns, and subtle, intricate arrangements.
Band member Lazaro Numa’s contributions to the horn section added another layer of depth, Grace Barbeco-wrote four of the tracks on the album, while the entire ensemble leaned into their individual strengths, creating a record that celebrates the collective talent of this musical family.
‘La Gracia ‘is a vibrant tapestry of global influences, inspired by trumpeter Lazaro’s first journey to Spain with the band.’
Blood on the Stage’ channels the pulsating energy of The Cat Empire’s European tour.
‘Doing Fine ‘is a self-affirming burst of vibrancy, brimming with edgy and dynamic energy.
This album breaks new ground with the most languages ever featured on a Cat Empire record, a vibrant celebration of the band’s boundless creativity.
It’s a kaleidoscope of cultures woven into their unmistakable sound, making every track a global experience.Visually and sonically, Bird in Paradise is a cohesive masterpiece.
Giulia McGauran, the artist behind the album’s artwork, created the visuals while the band were in the depths of recording, resulting in a stunning, carnivalesque aesthetic that perfectly complements the sound.The title isn’t just a clever play on words; it’s a reminder that birds belong in paradise too, much like the music here finds its natural, vibrant home.
For fans, this album offers a refreshing callback to The Cat Empire’s earlier days, while showcasing the wisdom and musicality they’ve honed over two decades.It’s a testament to their ability to create worlds within their music—worlds that are expansive, colourful, and authentic.
With Bird in Paradise, The Cat Empire prove they’re not just making music; they’re building a legacy that continues to surprise, inspire, and soar.
“Relax all day, share in great music, dance long into the evening!”
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives offers an unbeatable holiday experience for those searching for that extra special touch.
Located on a private island in the South Male Atoll, the resort features spectacular architecture inspired by sea barnacles and exudes a tropical island atmosphere, lush tropical greenery, white sand beaches and turquoise waters are more than enough paradise for guests to enjoy relaxed seclusion and privacy.
All the accommodation has been built around the edge of or on the water.
Each villa type is fresh and contemporary in appearance, with clean lines and minimal clutter, incorporating all modern amenities, whilst retaining the warmth of natural wood finishes. Large windows mean that you are only a glance away from the great blue outdoors.
Choose from Gold – Beach Villas, VIP – 2 Storey Beach Houses and Ultimate – Overwater Bungalows.
Where you'll be
Located on a private island in the South Male Atoll, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives offers an amazing Maldives holiday experience to those looking for an easy-going tropical island atmosphere. White sand beaches, lush tropical greenery, numerous swimming pools and turquoise waters are more than enough paradise for guests to enjoy relaxed seclusion and privacy, making it a popular choice with families and couples young and old.
Where you'll sleep
For Music In Paradise, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives offer three categories of accommodation: Beach Villas, Seaview Beach Houses and Overwater Bungalows. All the accommodation has been built around the edge of or on the water. Each villa type is fresh and contemporary in appearance, with stylish beachy decor, whitewashed timber floors, state of the art beds and your choice of pillows (hard or soft), fresh oranges with orange press and quality tea and coffee neatly compliment any occasion.
What you'll eat
Enjoy a culinary journey as Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, eating and drinking experiences offer everything from sumptuous buffets served at the Cafe for breakfast, lunch and dinner; to the classy a la carte restaurant, ‘The Kitchen’ offering fine beachfront dining. Wake up to fresh squeezed orange juice whilst lounging next to the amazing infinity pool flowing out on to the white sandy beach and turquoise lagoon beyond where the resident manta rays play for your snorkelling pleasure. The Sunset Bar offers the perfect sunset chill out session. You will be on sensory overload!
Once-in-a-lifetime Experience
Unforgettable experiences are the heart of the Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, with a long list of remarkable outdoor and water adventures on offer, from picnic island trips, to aqua surfaris and windsurfing just a booking away. Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives activities cater to everyone, be it the advanced diver, the extreme sport enthusiast or the family in need of some tranquil chill out time in the Maldives’ magical wilderness.
Evening activities on offer may include live music, discos and local folklore. You can also enjoy tennis, football, table-tennis and darts, as well as just relaxing in the expansive resort pool. Plenty to keep you busy when you are not surfing or soaking up the sun on Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives’ beach! For a sampling of Maldivian life, visits to Guraidhoo can be arranged.
World’s Most Breathtaking Yoga
Taught by the resident yoga-instructor, the vinyasa-style yoga class weaves together the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of your vacation, to help you centre yourself in a space of complete wellness and relaxation. Suitable for yogis of every level, the yoga classes can be an inspiring start to the day, or a way to unwind into your island evening.
Mesmerizing Tropical Ecosystem
Manta rays, whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, oriental sweetlips, parrotfish, green turtles and other rare species of marine life are commonly found among Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives’ home reefs. The Dive Centre is comprehensively equipped to meet the needs of advanced divers but also suitable and thoughtfully set up for absolute beginners. Bubblemaker – for kids, Discover Scuba Diving – the first encounter with the wonders of marine life! And a multitude of PADI training courses are available.
Exclusive Surfing, Perfect Waves
Perfect Wave, the world’s largest surf tour operator, run the surf program at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives and boast experienced resident surf guides and surf instructors. Surfing is exclusive and limited to a maximum 50 surfers, so you must pre-register for the surf program. The surf breaks around Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives have something for everyone, from beginners that want to move to an intermediate level to experienced surfers wanting fast barrels and rippable walls.
Refresh & Reset
The idyllic setting at the COMO Shambhala Spa at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives sets the scene of serenity and calm and is the perfect getaway from all the pressures and demands of today’s modern world. The spa experience is all about energizing in a natural environment with its wide range of therapeutic massages and spa treatments in five treatment rooms with breathtaking oceanic views.