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Treat the Kids with the Best Family Resorts in the Maldives
Written by Luxury Escapes
Postcard scenery, clear blue waters and pristine white sands – the Maldives have long been known as the perfect honeymoon islands. But why should adults have all the fun?
With a plethora of exciting water-based activities, kids’ clubs and an abundance of sea life and wildlife, the Maldives offers the ideal holiday destination to teach your children how important conservation is – and have a great time doing it. Many luxe properties now have offerings for kids that rival the pampering provided for adults – your only challenge is deciding which of our best family resorts in the Maldives to choose.
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa
Winner of ’Leading Honeymoon Resort (Maldives)’ by World Travel Awards 2024, this luxurious Dhonakulhi Island resort consistently offers outstanding service to its guests. You’ll have every desire attended to – a boon when travelling with kids. This five-star resort is famed for its very private and well-appointed beachside or overwater villas, many of which feature a private swimming pool or beachfront area.
Beyond the stunning villas, there are plenty of outdoor activities to be enjoyed by young and old. Have a game of tennis on the resort’s courts, go for a nature walk, enjoy some scuba diving or snorkelling or try your luck at fishing. Jump on a jet ski or take a boat ride to spot some dolphins or turtles.
If the adults need a break from their offspring, the resort has the solution: the excellent Tender Hearts Kids’ Club. Let your little ones loose in the 50sqm kids club and watch them participate in the curated activities guaranteed to impress. These include sandcastle making, fishing lessons, treasure hunts, painting, drawing, cooking classes, cycling, hide-and-seek, educational tours and more.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa
This flourishing Huvahendhoo Island resort is a five-star offering, awarded ‘Best All-Inclusive Resort in the Maldives 2023’ by Forbes. The Family Beach Villas are beautifully appointed and only a short stroll to the island’s picturesque lagoon. If you choose a villa without a private pool, there’s a kids’ pool at the resort’s Vibe Bar.
The island has thriving flora and fauna and is famed for its stunning sea life; water activities like snorkelling and semi-submersible boat tours are always a hit with visiting families. Other family activities include beach games, water sports, island excursions and fishing. The Turtle Kids’ Club is where the real fun is. Little ones will love the many age-appropriate activities, such as crab racing, crafts, treasure hunts and playground fun. After a long, adventurous day at the kids’ club, they’ll feel super special dining in the fantastically fun Lily Maa kids’ section.
One&Only Reethi Rah
This stunning resort on Reethi Rah Island is geared towards providing families with a fun cultural experience in a luxurious setting. Family-sized villas have been decorated with skill and incorporate modern and traditional elements, while open-plan spaces give your kids plenty of room to play.
The resort has many family-focused activities designed to give your children some supervised independence while you relax. Educational whale shark and dolphin cruises, snorkelling, water and beach sports and painting classes can be enjoyed by all.
The KidsOnly Club offers fun adventures such as cooking classes, pirate treasure hunts, dress-ups, snorkelling lessons, arts and crafts and so much more. Kid-friendly dining options abound, but the favourite has to be the sublime ice cream at Club One’s Sweet Paradise.
Soneva Fushi
Kunfunadhoo Island is home to the stunning Soneva Fushi luxury resort, perfect for a family holiday. Lush jungle is bordered by silky sand, lapped by clear, azure seas. Family-friendly villas are gorgeously styled with ‘luxe Robinson Crusoe’ accents, and are a lot of fun for make-believe play. Some suites even feature a swimming pool or ocean water slides!
The highlight is The Den, the largest and most exciting kid’s zone in South Asia. With an area larger than six tennis courts and a huge range of fun and educational activities, The Den is guaranteed to impress kids of all ages. Featuring a giant pirate ship, two kid pools, a water slide, a giant floor piano, sparkling star ceilings and endless play equipment, you might be tempted to spend a day here yourself. The little ones can enjoy activities like musical instruments, cinema nights, cooking lessons, animal experiences and dress-ups, while older kids and teenagers (12+) can attend the unique Soneva Academy, offering nature-based educational experiences from navigation to astronomy.
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort
Discover island paradise at this five-star resort on the edge of Baa Atoll, the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Avani + Fares Maldives Resort provides adventurous older teenagers with easy access to 14 unique dive sites, a Teen’s Club complete with game stations and a billiards table, and a variety of thrilling excursions.
Meanwhile, children aged four to eleven can enjoy Avani Kids, a dedicated space with a quiet room for reading and napping, and a kids-only restaurant, Petit Bistro. The resort also features full-sized tennis and badminton courts for family matches, as well as DJs, traditional drumming and fire shows for unforgettable entertainment.
Accommodation options include the Four Bedroom Beach Pavilion – with room for eight adults and four children – the Two Bedroom Beach Pool Villa and the Two Bedroom Ocean View Pavilion, meaning there’s lots of space for everyone to stretch out.
JA Manafaru
Immerse yourself in ultimate luxury at this Maldives resort, where overwater villas, five-star amenities and exceptional service come together to create a beachfront paradise. Savour gourmet experiences in the Maldives’ first and deepest subterranean wine cave, boasting over 8,000 bottles and offering exquisite tastings.
Whether you’re snorkelling, swimming or relaxing on pristine white sands, this resort has it all. Keeping children entertained is a breeze at the CoolZone kids’ club, which features a range of fun and educational activities such as coconut painting, palm weaving, disco nights, boat racing, talent shows, bracelet making and microgreen planting.
A range of exciting activities awaits those of all ages, including a movie room, Seatopia – where guests can discover the marine life of the archipelago – and the ChillZone, an indoor games room. Little ones should be on the lookout for bottles hidden across the island – there are twelve to find at any time, each containing mini prizes specially designed for children.
Amilla Maldives
This secluded sanctuary, encircled by white-sand beaches and lush greenery, offers a warm and relaxing atmosphere. While adults indulge in fine dining and wine, children can have a fantastic time at the well-equipped Kids’ Club, overseen by professional caretakers. The Kids’ Club features a splash area and sun canopy and offers a fun-filled daily program of activities, including access to kids’ bicycles, snorkelling equipment, selected water sports, ping pong, badminton and more.
Families can enjoy daily yoga classes, use all non-motorised sports equipment, learn to make kombucha and challenge each other in badminton, tennis, table tennis, pickleball, giant chess or bocce ball. With a large football pitch and two floodlit tennis courts, there’s something for everyone. The Two Bedroom Beach Pool Villas and Lagoon Pool Villas are perfect for families with young children, while the Two Bedroom Treetop Villas, complete with bunk beds, are ideal for older kids. For larger families, the spacious residences provide ample room and comfort.
After more inspiration? Check out 8 Unique Experiences in the Maldives
