Top 10 Family-Friendly Resorts in Maldives

The Maldives is a renowned destination for couples, but it also has all the hallmarks of a great family holiday. From scenic seaplane journeys to dreamy villas to entertainment for all ages, the whole family can enjoy a guilt-free vacation in the Maldives.

We bring you a roundup of some of the best Maldives resorts for families.

Kandima Maldives

Kandima in Dhaalu Atoll is a playful haven for families- featuring stylish accommodation options, a wide range of dining choices and activities, and one of the biggest kids’ club in the destination.  The resort’s Family Sky Suites consist two rooms interconnected by a lounge area, with one room specially adapted for children featuring a playful decor and child beds. Both feature stunning views of the Indian Ocean, a veranda, complimentary Wi-Fi, an in-room entertainment system with 40-inch LED TV, and a sofa bed that can be transformed into an extra queen size bed. There are a total of ten unique restaurants and bars offering mouth-watering flavours from all over the world, from Asian cuisines at The Sea Dragon to specialty coffee at the aesthetic Aroma Cafe’.  While the adults engage in some ‘kool and awesome stuff’, the kids will be having the time of their life at the Kandiland –  run by a dedicated, multilingual team of fully certified child carers, and offers a daily programme jam-packed with fun and informative activities. After their bed time, parents can head to the Forbidden Bar where live DJs play into the night and the barmen make mouth-watering cocktails.

The Nautilus Maldives

This luxurious bohemian island in Baa Atoll offers a myriad of experiences for the entire family. The Nautilus Maldives takes pride in offering bespoke experiences that are holistic in nature yet rich in educational intention. Every room comes with its own separate living room, dedicated butler service and private pool – infusing the comforts of home with a bohemian whimsy. Its signature three-bedroom Nautilus Mansion is located on the beach, with custom-made furnishings created with hand-selected materials. It also features a flat-screen satellite TV in each room with on-demand movies, temperature controlled private infinity pool, full-sized designer bathroom products and more. While the adults indulge in an intimate private dining journey of gastronomic wonder, the little ones can learn and grow with the Young Wanderers programme. Family time is better when you’re playing together at The Nautilus private beach, discovering on a dolphin adventure, or relaxing at the overwater Solasta Spa. Teen activities include The PADI Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) course, mermaid swimming with photography, SUP Lagoon Race and a lot more.

Soneva Fushi

Amid the beautiful Baa Atoll, Soneva Fushi is a place for the whole family, where kids are welcomed to the island with open arms. Bigger groups will love the Crusoe villa with two bedrooms, a private pool, upstairs terrace, outdoor bathroom and steam room. For even more space, opt for a three-bedroom beach retreat with two pools, one for the adults and a smaller one for the kids. Furthermore, Soneva Fushi’s children’s club The Den is packed with exciting, one-of-a-kind activities and experiences for children aged four and above, with parents able to accompany under fours. Kids can also undertake magical underwater adventures with a marine biologist, scour the clear night skies with a resident astronomer at the observatory, or delve into the wonders of the natural world and explore the tropical biodiversity via the Soneva Academy programme. Enjoy a classic family film at Cinema Paradiso as you munch on unlimited popcorn. Eyes will widen in amazement at the limitless assortment of treats of chocolate at So Guilty as well as unlimited ice cream at So Cool. Additionally, the Soneva Stars programme sees visiting sports personalities, chefs and experts who can inspire young minds. This truly is an island made for children and their families.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

Kids For All Seasons program ensures the littlest islanders are regaled throughout their stay at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, in Baa Atoll, with exciting games, cultural craft-making, educational activities and beach entertainment. This lavish resort features an array of family beach villas with cots, extra beds and a babysitting service. Spanning 164 square metres, it has a double room with a sofa bed for the kids. There’s also a desk, shared bathroom, seating area, dining area, television with with kids’ programmes, child safety socket covers, indoor entertainment, baby safety gates, and a terrace containing an outdoor dining area with access to the beach.  In the main part of the resort is a kids’ pool with toys and entertainment all day. Strollers are available to take the littlest members of the family for a spin around the resort. There’s also outdoor play equipment for the older kids as well as an indoor play area. When parents want some alone time, their offspring can attend the Kuda Velaa Kids Club with a shallow pool, pirate ship and heaps of educational toys. Restaurants have highchairs and healthy children’s menus. After dinner, teenagers hang out at the Majaa Maizan young adults club.

Kurumba Maldives

The original Maldivian resort, close to Velana International Airport (VIA), has plenty to offer for mum, dad and the kids. Everyone will feel at home in the two-bedroom Kurumba Residence with a central dining room and lounge. The expansive veranda flows onto the beach and is perfect for in-villa dining, alfresco style. Choose different flavours every night at one of eight spectacular restaurants, from Teppanyaki to Middle Eastern specialities. Kids can flit between the pool and Cafe refuelling with pizza, scrumptious sandwiches, hamburgers and comfort foods all day long. Every day is different at Majaa kids club, where youngsters aged four to 13 years old can relax in a spacious recreation centre. Little ones can play beachfront games, build sandcastles or go snorkelling. Indoors they can immerse themselves in arts and crafts, painting or colouring. Meanwhile, teens can hang out in the games area complete with PlayStation pods.

Kuramathi Island Resort

Kurumathi is another pioneer in Maldivian hospitality, in Alif Alif Atoll. Here, relatives can stay in a two-bedroom beach house featuring separate living spaces and spacious bedrooms with king-sized beds, day loungers and a wooden sundeck, or balcony. Spacious and airy bathrooms are complete with bath, shower, vanity and outdoor rainfall shower. These duplex villas are located at the top end of the island facing either the lagoon or reef, each accommodating six adults or four adults and two children. Kurumathi has an excellent kids club called Bageecha catering for three- to 12-year-olds. There are babysitting services for babies and toddlers offering a wide range of outdoor and indoor activities including nature walks, treasure hunts, beach activities, as well as marine life education in conjunction with the resort’s Eco Centre. Skilled multi-lingual staff will lead in storytelling, night walk, karaoke, a visit to the Eco Centre, pool time and crafting. Lunch and dinner are complimentary for the children and after they let off steam in an outdoor playground, they can also enjoy a delicious barbeque.

Niyama Private Islands Maldives

Niyama Private Islands Maldives, in the Dhaalu Atoll, goes beyond conventional concepts of lavish accommodation, sumptuous cuisines, and first-class services across twin islands Play and Chill. True to its name, Chill is a place where mums can relax at The Drift Spa or the whole family can take in a movie under the stars at the outdoor cinema. Play provides delightful diversions for those looking for more active pursuits, so is ideal for families with children. On the water, you can kayak or jetski around the islands or discover why Niyama is among the hottest surfing destinations. Parents and kids can explore the island by bicycle at their own pace, lured by the aromas of coffees at “The Deli.” Privacy is paramount, with all accommodations providing a secluded retreat, either on the beach or overwater, each brimming with modern amenities, delicious treats filling the fridge and a Thakuru service. Island activities are aimed at one year to 12 years old. More than just a playground with board games and DVD’s, Explorers Kids Club, which is also run by Scott Dunn schedules diverse age-appropriate activities; baby yoga, snorkelling safaris with a marine biologist, pizza and mocktails making and islands treasure hunts.

One&Only Reethi Rah

Found in the North Male’ atoll, One&Only Reethi Rah is perfect for every member of the family when it comes to a vacation. Sizable two-bedroom beach villa properties sleep up to six making it an ideal bolt hole for you and your tribe. At KidsOnly, your children will have the time of their lives with a range of hands-on and outdoor activities. Children from four to twelve can snorkel with sea turtles, learn to make pasta, create with arts and crafts, and play dress-up. Activities include thrilling pirate cruises, junior master chef classes to cooking Italian food, mini-spa sessions, performing in a talent show, and enjoy water sports. There are also six world-class restaurants for families to dine at. Babysitters are available 24 hours a day for mums and dads who want a special date night. Trained staff can take care of babies and toddlers while parents indulge in couple’s time. Furthermore, parents can pack light since bottle warmers, sterilisers and baby monitors are all available, with cots provided for children under three years old.

Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives

Finolhu, in Baa Atoll, features 125 family-friendly villas catering for all needs, some with a private pool. Little ones aged four to 12 are welcomed with open arms to Oceaneers Kids Club where a world of art lessons, pizza-making sessions, pirate cruises, island tours await. At the Oceaneers Club well-trained staff are available for teenagers and toddlers from morning till night. For kid’s parties, Captain Fin and the mermaid Lhu Lhu can take youngsters into a world full of adventure. The family that plays together, stays together, so Finolhu offers snorkelling, scuba diving, big game fishing, dolphin cruise or a penguin semi-sub excursion. When it comes to family dining, they can choose from six amazing venues. And for those times when parents crave a break, babysitting services are available on request.

JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa

You and your relatives will adore the duplex beach villas or ocean villas of this wonderful resort in the Shaviyani Atoll. Enjoy quality family time in spacious surrounds with separate lounges, bedrooms and bathrooms to comfortably accommodate larger groups. While parents head to the spa, they can leave their offspring at the Little Griffins Kids Club where they can let their imaginations run riot with themes of Under the Sea, Fairytales, Superheroes, and Outer Space. Children under 12 eat for free across the resort’s five restaurants – be that Fiamma, the poolside Italian restaurant, while the kids enjoy the splash zone in full view of their parents before the meal arrives or watching the kids’ faces light up in excitement as chefs perform at the live cooking stations of AAILAA. You can also enjoy a family-friendly evening with popcorn and hot chocolate aboard the 43-foot-long pirate ship.

Club Med Kani

Club Med Kani, in North Male’ Atoll, is an all-inclusive place for the whole family welcoming children aged two and above. Stay in a beautiful beach bungalow with plenty of space for everyone or interconnecting superior rooms suitable for big families and groups with outdoor seating. If you are feeling flush, there’s a 5-Trident overwater suite in a luxurious Exclusive Collection area, where champagne flows each day from 6pm, perfect to unwind once the kids are tucked up in bed. Under fours stay and dine for free at the resort and can be cared for by Baby Club Med. Meanwhile, the Happy Children’s Corner entertains young explorers from four to 10 years old with painting, cooking lessons, flying trapeze and catamaran sailing. There is also a teen area for 11 to 17-year-olds. There are heaps of family activities to choose from; lively pool parties, water sports, you can guarantee you won’t be bored. Club Med Kani has three different restaurants offering buffet breakfasts and plenty of choice for fussy eaters. This includes dinners by the beach at sunset and more.

OBLU SELECT Sangeli

OBLU Select Sangeli, in North Male’ Atoll, is ideal for families, with 137 villas brimming with modern amenities in six categories on land and sea. Choose a deluxe beach villa with a pool at 101 square metres, which has plenty of room for a small family, with the child able to sleep on a sofa bed. With access to an assortment of restaurants and bars and activities and on the cusp of the best diving and snorkelling spots in the North Male Atoll, there’s plenty to see and do. Sangeli island Kids’ Club has a children’s pool, a playground with a trampoline, and plenty of indoor games. Four-year-olds and above can access lots of exciting activities and older kids will love the ginormous beach slide at The Sangs Pool. The whole family will enjoy movie nights and live music entertainment, but if mum and dad want a night alone, there’s a babysitter on demand.

Featured Image: Soneva Fushi