Regarded as one of the world’s most romantic destinations, the Maldives boasts sugar white beaches, iconic sunsets, unparalleled snorkeling and diving, Michelin-starred restaurants, vistas perched over crystal-clear lagoons, and world-class spas. It is no wonder why couples are drawn to this archipelago in the Indian Ocean. For this reason, there are strictly adult only resorts and other properties that do not allow children in the over-water villas.
Luckily, there are plenty of options for families to unwind, relax and enjoy the tranquil landscape. The following is a list of the seven best kid friendly Maldives resorts for you to plan your next family vacation.
Niyama Private Island Maldives
Situated amongst a picturesque backdrop, the Niyama Private Island Maldives offers two islands: the family-focused Isle of Play and honeymooner’s Isle of Chill. On the family side, the resort boasts one of the best dining scenes in the archipelago, with seven restaurants on the property. The resort has 134 villas, some over the water while others are comfortably positioned on the beach. Each villa possesses a secluded deck with the highest level of privacy.
The property’s Explorers Kids Club caters to kids 12 months to 12 years old with specific activities for different age groups. An outdoor play area entertains the little ones with a playground, trampoline, splash park, Munch little gourmet kitchen, and a stage where the kids become the star of the show. Imaginations are engaged in the cultural and natural beauty of the islands through dolphin watching and Dhivehi lullabies.
Kids club: 12-24 months old charged at USD 20++ per hour. Free for all other ages
Rooms: Beach Villas can accommodate up to 2 adults and 2 children
Transfer: 40 minutes by Seaplane. USD 684 per adult (roundtrip) USD 342 per child
Breakfast: Included
Price: Beach villas start at $800
St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
By hopping on a 40-minute seaplane ride from Male Airport, you will reach the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. Surrounded by serene beaches and a secluded lagoon, you know you have reached paradise. With 77 private villas on the property, boasting modern design queues inspired by nature, you will feel right at home. .
Within the tropical interiors, your kids will enjoy a kid’s club featuring yoga classes, meditation, cooking courses in a children’s kitchen, painting, an outdoor playground and origami-making. Also, this kid friendly Maldives resort has a Socialite Club for teens to partake in various activities like air hockey, video, and board games, tennis and pool
Kids club: 12-24 months old charged at USD 20++ per hour. Free for all other ages
Rooms: One child stays free when using existing bedding
Transfer: 40 minute seaplane transfer. USD 695 per adult (roundtrip) USD 399 per child
Price: Beach villas start at $1500
Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
Featuring 103 villas sitting on remote jungle wilderness within the Baa Atoll, the Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru delivers top-notch service coupled with top-of-the-line facilities and unmatched cuisine. A stay at this location can be combined with its sister site, Kuda Huraa, a world-renowned destination for easy charm and fun surf.
The resorts also provide babysitting services, a kids’ club, water activities and a Marine Discover Center where visitors can learn about local marine life. Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru kids club is open to children from the ages of 4 to 12, who are all supervised by their Kids’ Coordinator. Children aged three or under are welcome when accompanied by a guardian.
Activities vary depending on the child's age and include snorkelling, sailing, tennis lessons and yoga with programs provided daily from 10am to 6pm.
Kids club: 4-12 years old on own, 3 and under accompanied by an adult. Free of charge for guests.
Rooms: Kids stay free when using existing bedding. Rollaway beds and cribs available FOC.
Transfer: 35 minute seaplane transfer. USD 717 per adult (roundtrip) USD 359 per child
Price: Beach bungalows start at $1800
Six Senses Laamu
As the only resort within the Laamu Atoll, Six Senses Laamu requires a flight and short boat ride to access. This luxury resort combines on-land and over-water villas erected using only sustainable materials. The coral reef protecting the island is breathtaking and teaming with life. It is common to view parrotfish, green turtles and Oriental Sweetlips; which is a great experience for the kids.
The resort boasts a kids’ club with a playground and arts and crafts area, an on-site marine biologist for the children to learn about ocean life and even a complimentary ice-cream bar. Baby sitting services are available at USD $15++ per hour.
Kids club: Included free of charge for guests
Rooms: Up to 2 children stay free when using existing bedding. Free cribs available. Breakfast only, half-board and full-board options are available.
Transfer: 35 minute seaplane transfer followed by 20 minute speedboat ride. USD 726.88 per adult (roundtrip) USD 560.56 per child
Price: Lagoon water villas start at $900
Soneva Jani
Derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “wisdom”, Soneva Jani is situated on Medhufaru Island, which is one of five uninhabited islands in the Noonu Atoll. As one of the most luxurious hotels within the archipelago, Soneva Jani is surrounded by pristine beaches, covered in lush greenery and enclosed by a 3.4-mile lagoon of pristine waters boasting 360-degree views. Each villa features a private pool which then opens to an exclusive stretch of lagoon. One of the most interesting benefits of these villas is the retractable roof which opens with one push of a button so you and the family can stargaze.
Soneva Jani really aims to create the ultimate family-friendly Maldivian holiday where kids come first, so it's no surprise that they have lots to offer for the little one. They possess fantastic kids’ activities such as a kid’s club, overwater cinema, treasure, and scavenger hunts and a chocolate and ice cream parlor.
Kids club: Included free of charge for guests
Rooms: 1 Child stays free when using existing bedding
Transfer: By seaplane or speedboat at USD 1100 per adult (roundtrip) USD 550 per child
Price: 1 Bedroom overwater villa with watershed starts at $4,000
Anantara Kihavah Villas
Nestled on one of the most immaculate islands, Anantara Kihavah Villas can be easily reached from Male International Airport via 30-minute seaplane flight. The ultra-luxurious villas are situated along an unspoiled coastline or lay over the water, each with an ocean view. Guests are treated to a variety of dining options which includes an underwater feasting experience. The circular island is surrounded by coral reefs chock-full of colorful sea life.
For the kiddies, the maldives resort boasts a kid’s club, cinema, and an endless number of activities with a child-centric focus.
Soneva Fushi
The original desert island hideaway in the archipelago, the Soneva Fushi can be found in the middle of the incredible Baa Atoll Island Archipelago which is rated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The huge Robinson-Crusoe-style bedroom luxury villas are nestled away in jungle foliage with unmatched views of the turquoise lagoon. Most villas boast their own swimming pools which are perfect for kids and adults alike. The top-notch room service is provided by Mr. or Mrs. Friday butlers who already know what you want before you order it.
The kiddos have the luxury of enjoying the giant children’s club, known as “The Den”, which is an amusement waterpark, theater of dreams and eco-pod, all on one spectacular property.
