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One would imagine that with the Maldives being an island getaway and a favorite with honeymooners, there’s not much to do here for children. Surprisingly, when its finally time to select a place to stay in the Maldives, you’ll find that most accommodations cater to the entire family. Even on resorts, far away from the inhabited islands, there’s plenty to learn and experience for all ages.
Now, before you book your family holiday in the Maldives, it’s recommended that you check with the resort about their child policies. Some islands don’t allow children below the ages of 5, while others might limit kids below 12 to beach villas instead of water bungalows.
If, however, you are a couple looking for some peace and intimacy, do not worry. Family-oriented retreats welcoming honeymooners usually have separate areas, including private beaches and swimming pools, designated as adults-only.
Family walking on a bridge towards to water bungalows in a Maldivian resort
What are family resorts?
Retreats labeled as family-resorts are typically ideal for small groups and families traveling with children of various age groups.
To make the vacation a special event for everyone, resorts offer several additional facilities to keep the tiny tots occupied with educational activities and fun events. They typically have a diverse set of playing options for both younger children and teenagers.
Family-friendly resorts in the Maldives also feature additional services in the rooms such as cots, babysitting, books, dedicated TV channels for children, and DVDs. However, retreats do not always offer all the facilities, and it is a good idea to confirm their availability before making a booking.
What to expect at a family resort?
Kid’s clubs are becoming a norm at resorts, thus changing the perception that the Maldives is only a couple’s destination into the fact that it is an island paradise for the whole family.
Giving parents a chance to leave their children under professional supervision, these clubs have indoor games, play areas, and plunge pools. Moreover, there are engaging educational talks that help kids learn more about the local culture and marine life.
The excitement continues outside the play areas as resorts arrange for movie nights, yummy all-day snacks, spa treatments, exciting treasure hunts, yoga, snorkeling sessions, and dance evenings to keep the young ones active and happy from morning till night.
Characteristically, family retreats are full board (all three main meals included), taking away any worry of feeding the kids. However, knowing how fussy children can be when it comes to eating, you’ll find additional special kid’s menus with comfort foods like pizzas, burgers, popcorn, and ice-cream at these family-friendly escapes.
Happy family snorkeling underwater with tropical fishes at coral reef in the Maldives
Best family resorts in the Maldives
Some of the most famous places to stay in the Maldives are resorts where families can enjoy, play, and relax together while having a gala time admiring the stunning splendors of the island nation.
Here is a list of some of the best family resorts:
Soneva Fushi – Having an impressive kid’s club, The Den, makes Soneva Fushi an excellent choice for a family holiday. Visiting children have two swimming pools, one with a slide, a LEGO room, a pirate ship to explore, a library, a dress-up space, and a music room, to mention a few of the available pursuits. Add to that a complimentary ice-cream and chocolate station, open-air cinema, family picnics, and you’ll realize there aren’t enough hours in the day to experience everything on offer. Soneva Fushi also has infant menus, interconnected and family rooms, some of which have baby pools. The Den is a trademark of the Soneva group, and you can find it on the Soneva Jani resort as well.
Jumeirah Vittaveli – As a resort only 30 minutes by speedboat from Malé, Jumeirah Vittaveli is perfect for families. They have exclusive family packages that include a beach barbeque, cooking class, complimentary babysitting, non-motorized watersports, and ice-skating, a first in the Maldives. Their in-house Kuda Koli kid’s club has a multi-lingual staff, hosts arts and crafts sessions, and comes with a large pool, board games, and engaging distractions like water balloon piñatas.
Little boys drinking coconut cocktail in a Maldivian resort
Kandima – From the longest pool in the Maldives to the largest beach club, Kandima has it all. Situated in Dhaalu Atoll, it is a massive property with 266 rooms and villas, 10 restaurants, and open spaces all-around for children to run and explore. Kandiland, their children’s club, has a jungle gym, lessons by a resident marine biologist, and art classes at regular intervals throughout the day.
Niyama Private Islands – The twin-island resort provides its guests with the possibility to chill or play in a tropical wonderland. Rooms here range from spacious family beach villas to water bungalows with private butlers and swimming pools. Children can spend their day on the beach or play around at Explorers, which organizes events for different age groups starting from kids aged 1 up to 12.
Constance Halaveli Maldives – This 86-villa resort is in the North Ari Atoll is already popular with families. Besides watersports, a children’s program, and babysitting, their two-bedroom family villas are a big draw. While teenagers enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, paddle-boarding, smaller children at Constance can participate in treasure hunts, cooking classes, face painting, and other such entertaining happenings.
Maldivian hospitality is world-renowned, and the best place to see it in action is at a family resort. It is here that you’ll find the staff often go out of their way to take care of their young guests, fulfilling every little wish or want.
Eventually, a holiday in the Maldives is a relaxing break and a chance to spend quality time with your family no matter where you go. A stay at a family-resort, however, can make it all the more special.
