Famed for its crystalline waters and soft sandy shores, the Maldives is widely regarded as one of the top romantic destinations in the world. However, in recent years, this tropical nation has reinvented itself as quite the family destination. Offering sociable activities, all-inclusive packages and an abundance of sea life in a pristine and safe location, this once-in-a-lifetime island environment offers a space for children to be free and immerse themselves in the inspiring programmes and outdoor activities available.
For a stunning location and an unforgettable family travel experience, we’ve reviewed some fantastic family resorts and hotels in the Maldives.
Robinson Club Noonu, Noonu Atoll
Offering an all-inclusive package with three restaurants and two bars, Robinson Club Noonu boasts a free kids club and playground, as well as availability for supervised childcare at the Roby Club. For slightly older children, there are plenty of excursions to keep them occupied; try snorkelling, lagoon kayaking, dolphin hunting or boat tours, or how about a plethora of social games at the bar to wind down in the evenings.
- Family room: a sea view villa with plunge pool, two terraces, 24-hour room service, air-conditioning and WiFi
- Underwater experiences
- Free pack for infants and all-day childcare for 3-12 year olds
- 20 minutes from Malé Airport
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Emboodhu Finolhu
With 64 beautiful ocean-view villas and suites to choose from, this luxury resort is certainly lavish, located in one of the largest coral-rich lagoons in the Maldives. The service here is impeccable, with child-friendly staff catering to every unique need and desire for you and your children during your stay. If you want some time for your own adventures, child-minding services are readily available. Offering a kids club and various water sports, Taj Exotica is probably one of the most convenient resorts to access, with transfer available from
Malé Airport via private ferry, but it certainly comes with a hefty price tag.
- Offers ‘Taj Kids’, a fun learning program based on adventure and discovery
- Close to public beach
- On-site activities include windsurfing, canoeing and volleyball
- Cribs and babysitting available
- 40 minutes from Malé Airport
Cocoon Maldives, Ookolhufinolhu, Lhaviyani Atoll
Often recalled as one of the best family resorts and the first design hotel in the Maldives, Cocoon Maldives offers child-friendly accommodation without compromising on the luxury factor. Allow your children to spend their days building sandcastles and enjoying the beauty of the beach with direct access from the 100-square-metre Family Beach Villa. Staff are attentive to your needs with a 24/7 service ensuring a memorable trip for the whole family. The resort’s Cultural Club makes it easy for both you and your children to make the most out of the wide array of activities available; from dolphin cruises and island tours to daily entertainment in the form of a live band, disco and Maldivian cultural show. This is affordable luxury at its best in the Maldives.
- Dedicated kids club
- Safe location with no other resorts nearby
- Children’s pool
- 30 minute seaplane ride from Malé Airport
Sun Island Resort & Spa, South Ari Atoll
Formed of 462 stylishly furnished rooms, the Sun Island Resort & Spa is the largest resort in the Maldives. Extremely good value, there are an assortment of facilities to meet every possible desire and nine dining options to satisfy even the fussiest of eaters. Enjoy daily excursions, from whale-shark watching to diving trips to following the mesmerising dolphins on their travels.
Accomodation-wise, the Sun Villas are perfect for small families, with 28-square-metres of space, with a large garden area and sun beds. Hidden in the dense foliage of the resort, it’s great for those seeking privacy and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Children’s playground
- Babysitting/child services
- Nature-friendly initiatives for the whole family get involved in
- 17 minute seaplane ride from Malé Airport
Reethi Faru Resort, Filaidhoo Raa Atoll
Offering a more secluded option in the Maldives, but still exceedingly spacious, Reethi Faru Resort is both a romantic spot and a family friendly stay. Whilst younger children are wholly welcome, children over twelve-years-old will surely create unforgettable memories and have the trip of a lifetime here, owing to the variety of designated kids activities; paddle-boarding, sunset dolphin trips, private snorkelling trips and a whole host of other excursions to direct their energy towards. With two family-oriented villas on offer, ranging from 126 to 147-square-metres, each is meticulously designed to cater for the needs of both adults and children.
- Family-friendly accommodation
- Babysitting and equipment available
- Children’s menus in restaurants
- 45 minute seaplane or 20 minute domestic flight
Niyama Private Islands Maldives, Dhaalu Atoll
Grow accustomed to the daily flow of dolphins swimming by and gloriously vibrant sunsets here at Niyama. The island offers the kind of calm and wellbeing you should feel when spending time with your family, so guests can enjoy relaxation and a wide selection of activities. Split into two adjoining islands; Chill Island and Play Island, the first focuses more on solitude and the second on a wonderful dedication to the enjoyment of spending time together. The Family Beach Pool Villa provides an oasis that leads onto a charming soft-sand beach where your children can while the day away rollicking in the sun, as well as enjoy a private family-sized plunge pool.
- Unique kids club timetable for each age group
- Surf lessons for children 8+
- The ability to switch between Chill and Play islands
- 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé Airport
Hideway Beach Resort & SPA, Dhonakulhi, Haa Alifu Atoll
A playground for children and adults alike, Hideaway offers the best of both worlds with a wide range of excursions and activities available. True to its name, this is about as remote as the Maldives resorts get. At this resort you’ll be able to open your child’s eyes to the wonders of the Maldives; go dolphin spotting, snorkelling with turtles or take a trip in the penguin semi-submarine. With a watersports centre and a kids club, Hideaway seems to be one of the best resorts in the Maldives, ensuring your children are having the holiday of a lifetime. The two-bedroom family villa with pool offers an abundance of space and privacy – 575-square-metres to be exact, with an infinity pool and amazingly close proximity to the white sandy beach.
- Children’s splash pool
- Water sports centre and park
- Spacious villas
- 50 minutes by seaplane from Malé Airport
For 7 nights for a family of 4: £2355
Bandos Maldives, Banos Island
Earning a reputation as the island of hospitality, you’ll certainly feel wholly catered for at Bandos. Every experience and excursion that is put together for guests all seek to allow you to live the Maldivian lifestyle to the fullest and discover the true magic of the Maldives. From island hopping, sunset dolphin cruises and water sports for parents to a kids club that offers arts and crafts, cooking lessons and treasure hunting for the children, Bandos makes your holiday as carefree and memorable as possible.
- Free stay for 2 kids
- Kids club
- Dive centre
- Babysitting services
- 20 minute speed boat transfer from Malé Airport
Who knew the Maldives were so family-friendly? Gone are the days when the atolls were regarded solely as a couples destination; we’ve found that the Maldives is a place that offers endless opportunities for exploring, learning and having fun, all in a safe and mesmerisingly beautiful location. Whilst some are more affordable than others, all of them allow you to experience the surreal nature of the Maldives, and create memories you’ll look back on for years to come.
