Family Friendly Maldives Holidays

The ideal destination to create the fondest of life-long memories.

Traditionally the destination of choice for honeymooners and couples seeking an island paradise, the Maldives are more and more becoming a firm favourite with families as well. Here are 5 reasons why the Maldives may well be the dream family holiday destination.

1) Family activities and experiences

2) Family rooms and villas

Most island resorts offer a range of beach and overwater villas that are roomy enough to accommodatea family of four or more. For families with toddlers and younger children beachfront villas with direct access to the powder-soft sands are ideal, whilst those with older children, might prefer staying in an overwater villa. Many overwater villas have a minimum age criterion for children, generally between eight and twelve years. For younger children a signed waiver may be accepted.

At Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort two bedroom family villas have direct beach access and children can enjoy extra touches such as child-sized bathrobes, children’s bath amenities, flip flops and slippers. Family beach villas at Constance Halaveli Maldives offer an impressive amount of space and their own gated gardens complete with a sun terrace and plunge pool. Two-level family villas at Kurumba Maldives boast a private pool, and deluxe beachfront view rooms at Bandos Maldives are ideal for a family of four with a spacious bedroom and living area and the possibility of interconnecting rooms.

3) Children’s clubs and babysitting

Many family friendly resorts offer complimentary children’s clubs for those over three or four. Younger guests are usually welcome under parental supervision. Babysitting tends to carry an additional charge. Innovative programmes include arts and crafts, coral nursery visits with a marine biologist, stargazing with an astronomer, alfresco film screenings, and surf and scuba diving schools for juniors.

Island resorts offering children’s clubs include Niyama Private Islands Maldives boasting one of the best children’s clubs in the Maldives, complimentary for three to twelve year olds. At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi children under fifteen stay and eat free of charge when sharing with two adults. Its well-run Koamas club offers exciting activities and a range of experiences for three to twelve year olds. Soneva Fushi’s complimentary The Den club is for those over four and there’s also a teen lounge. Kuredu Island Resort & Spa features one of the largest clubs and welcomes three to twelve year olds free of charge.

4) Family dining

Most restaurants at Niyama Private Islands Maldives offer children’s special menus including at the fine dining restaurant Edge, reached by speedboat, and Nest set in a treehouse serving Asian delicacies. Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has a selection of eleven restaurants, from global cuisines and themed dinners to weekly barbecues on the beach, Italian favourites and Middle Eastern specialities perfect for sharing. In-villa dining is possible at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort and Kuredu Island Resort & Spa tempts with sumptuous buffets, healthy dishes at the Beach Shack and Italian favourites at Franco’s; sure to be a popular choice with children.

5) Short transfers

Families with younger children might prefer resorts close to Malé airport to reduce transfer times; Bandos Maldives is 20 minutes by speedboat, Kurumba Maldives, 10 minutes by speedboat, and Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort is reached by a 30 minute speedboat journey.

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