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Welcome to the new Maldives!
Okay, so the island nation is still the same. However, a vacation in this tropical escape is more elaborate and inclusive than before. What was earlier known as the ultimate spot for romantics and luxury travelers is fast becoming an idyllic destination for a diverse set of holiday seekers.
On the one hand, public islands, with their guesthouses, now cater to solo and budget travelers wishing to enjoy the splendors of the Maldives. At the same time, private retreats are going out of their way to offer facilities that result in unforgettable vacations for families.
In particular, resorts are paying more attention to children. They have been investing in attractions, creating spaces, and organizing events that help keep the little ones active and amused during their time on the island. Therefore, most family-friendly resorts in the Maldives now have special clubs, especially for youngsters.
So, when planning to book a resort in the Maldives for a family holiday, it is essential to check if it accommodates children beyond providing appropriate living spaces.
Our list of the best kids’ clubs in the Maldives makes this task easier. In it, we cover from the lavish to the more home-like kids’ clubs in the Maldives, each featuring a wide range of educational and exciting recreational options.
Why choose a resort with a kids’ club?
You might initially wonder why to base your resort selection on the presence of a kids’ club. Well, there are four good reasons for that.
Battle boredom – In the Maldives, there is typically only one resort on one island. As a result, children might get bored because of the limited activities, many of which are only for adults.
Me-time for adults – Traveling with a family does not mean adults cannot enjoy some me-time on the islands. Thanks to kids’ clubs in the Maldives, children play under professional supervision. At the same time, parents can relish an intimate moment or savor a gourmet lunch sans the little ones.
A place to make new friends – Tourists come to the Maldives from across the globe. Consequently, a kids club is an excellent place for children to mingle with other kids staying on the island and learn about different cultures.
Avoid the afternoon sun – The afternoon sun in the Maldives can be a little harsh. The clubs, therefore, prove to be an entertaining respite for active youngsters wanting to stay busy.
Points to remember about kids’ clubs in the Maldives
Although kids’ clubs in the Maldives are slowly becoming a standard addition in resorts, they have a few limitations. Most of these centers look after children 4 to 12 years old. Some island retreats have a separate club for teens.
Moreover, kids’ clubs have limited working hours. The timing differs from one island to another, but it’s usually from 9 AM to 7 PM.
Additionally, the best kids’ clubs in the Maldives also offer a range of add-ons. These can include babysitting services at a fee, food and drinks, as well as planned excursions like trips to nearby sandbanks.
One&Only Reethi Rah
When booking a holiday at One&Only Reethi Rah, you can be sure that everyone in your family will have plenty of occasions to have fun. While the adults are busy wining and dining, the private island takes care of its little guests but providing not one but two kids clubs.
KidsOnly is for children between the ages of 4 to 9. The certified counselors at the center plot all types of enjoyable activities. Kids can do creative art projects, take Maldivian drumming lessons, or go on treasure hunts. There are bonfires on the beach, a mini spa, and outdoor games when the weather is bearable. Children can also go snorkeling with turtles, learn to cook new dishes, and play dress-up.
OneTribe, on the other hand, is a dedicated kids’ club for tweens. Besides art and crafts, children can attend a mini disco, take sailing lessons, play team games, and learn about the marine life of the Maldives.
The kids’ clubs at One&Only Reethi Rah also have their own swimming pool, host movie nights, and children can munch on complimentary snacks throughout the day.
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
JW Marriott’s independent kids’ club is a riot of colors, with a running theme inspired by the underwater world. FAMily by JW’s Little Griffins is a grand place packed with plentiful amenities that focuses on involving children through activities.
In fact, while staying at JW Marriott Maldives Resort and Spa, you’ll realize that they organize over 100 different events for children, a feature uncommon in Maldivian resorts.
The trained coordinators, present at one of the most energetic kids’ clubs in the Maldives, help create a safe and amusing ambiance for children to play at ease without their parents. When the weather is comfortable, kids can indulge in beach games, pool activities, or play on a large outdoor pirate ship. Furthermore, children learn sandcastle making, kite flying, and cooking.
When the weather is too hot to be outside, the staff keeps the little ones busy with indoor activities. Science experiments like slime making, art and craft using recycled products, storytelling, board games, and educational talks are but some of the many fun things to do in the club’s vibrant, comfortable, air-conditioned interiors.
Kandima Maldives
Kandiland at Kandima Maldives is one of the largest kids’ clubs in the Maldives. Open for children ages 4 to 12 years, it consists of spacious indoor and outdoor play areas and a small waterpark. The latter has jets, fountains, water guns, and a water wheel.
The inside of the entertainment center is a colorful space brimming with fun games such as foosball, a rock-climbing wall, table tennis, a ball pool, and a trampoline. There are also large areas for kids to run around or lounge on couches and beanbags.
The best part about Kandiland is their team of multi-lingual certified caretakers who make sure your children stay happy during their time in the club. To do this, they plan an abundance of activities every day, from crab hunting and beach games to Zumba, language and cooking classes, art attack, and kite making. Moreover, they organize talks with the resident marine biologist and cultural events to teach children the traditional Maldivian dance Bodu Beru.
LUX* South Ari Atoll
If traveling with a family that includes children of varying ages, a stay at LUX* South Ari Atoll is enjoyable and relaxing, especially for the adults. The main reason for this being the retreat’s two separate kids’ clubs that keep children from 3 to 17 years old occupied with an array of happenings.
The trained supervisors of Play take care of kids aged 3 to 12, planning a mix of cultural, educational, and fun exercises. Guests can expect treasure hunts, tennis lessons, storytelling, beach yoga, talent shows, and delicious fun at the ice cream lab. The main club building comprises indoor and outdoor spaces, including a small pirate ship, kitchen, library, and a playground.
Studio 17 is mainly for teens. As part of the club, children learn local Maldivian dance, take language lessons, indulge in competitive beach games, and enjoy a refreshing time in the pool. Moreover, meals and snacks are available for children at both clubs throughout the day.
Vakkaru Maldives
Parrotfish at Vakkaru is one of the more intimate kids’ clubs in the Maldives. The building has a free-flowing structure where children can easily move between outdoor and indoor spaces. Furthermore, the club uses natural elements as part of its construction and décor, bringing nature inside sustainably.
Vakkaru Maldives’ children’s center welcomes juniors from ages 3 to 12. Its enthusiastic team is ever-present, looking after the youngsters and taking care of their needs. Children can lounge on comfortable sofas, learn pizza making, enjoy the pool, watch TV, play video games, and make art and craft.
However, if you wish you enjoy time as a family while staying at Vakkaru Maldives, the 24-hour open Coconut Club is the place to be. This play area has pool tables, foosball, board games, table tennis, a reading area, and refreshments such as tea and coffee.
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi knows how to make each and every guest of their feel special. For example, Sun Siyam’s kids’ club team is personally present at arrival to welcome its little guests. Giving children all the attention they so rightfully deserve helps make their vacation unique from the very start.
Open for minors 4 to 12 years old; the club has a small pool, a spa for the little ones, padded floors, and a place to nap. The building itself is among the smaller kids’ clubs in the Maldives. But that does not take away from the trained staffs’ passion for taking care of visiting kids.
When spending time in the vibrant and colorful rooms, children can also put on henna, enjoy crafts, watch movies, read books, and play indoor or outdoor games.
Soneva Jani
Among the most famous resorts globally, both Soneva Jani and Soneva Fushi love to welcome youngsters. Moreover, a stay at any Soneva property guarantees a luxurious experience par excellence. At the same time, Soneva is also miles ahead of its competition when it comes to promoting sustainable and healthy living.
Keeping in tune with their philosophy, The Den at Soneva Jani is a warm and small kids’ club that is also a tech-free zone. The retreat encourages children to enjoy hands-on activities, be creative, and learn new things at the club.
Therefore, children at Soneva Jani play beach games, go on treasure hunts, learn how to make bubbles, and enjoy bike rides and movie screenings. The resort also has chocolate and ice cream rooms, a hit with children and adults alike.
Soneva Fushi
In contrast, The Den at Soneva Fushi is a wonderful creation and one of the best kids’ clubs in the Maldives. As a matter of fact, The Den is also the “largest children’s zone in the Maldives and South Asia.”
Covering an area of 14,693 sq feet, The Den at Soneva Fushi offers an endless list of activities and facilities. Some worth mentioning are the two shallow pools, piano keys on the floor, an 8meter tall pirate ship, a library, a music room, a Lego room, and a cinema.
As for adventures and learning, children at Soneva Fushi can sail to a sandbank, take cooking classes, and learn about the benefits of meditation. There’s also stargazing and talks on marine life. Slightly older kids can go to an on-site disco, partake in Junior masterchef, play beach volleyball, and learn how to restore corals and protect the environment.
N.B.: All the information in the article is correct as of the date of publication. The prices mentioned, if any, are subject to change.
