If you are looking for an island escape for you and your family, I strongly recommend The Maldives. The Maldives are as close to island perfection as it is possible to get. I don’t want to sound clichéd, but it's hard not to rave about the perfect white sandy beaches, year-round climate (temperatures average 30 degrees celsius year round), turquoise blue waters bursting with marine life, and levels of luxury offered by many resorts.
With nearly 100 islands, deciding exactly where to holiday in the Maldives can be tricky. But that's where we come in. We know these resorts well, and to help you begin, I have listed our favourite family-friendly resorts below. Please also feel free to call us on +44 1993 899 430.
This resort really makes the most of its location, with an endless list of activities on land (or rather sand) and water. Family beach suites are complete with private pools, giving you space to spread out and make yourselves at home. I would advise parents to go for a treatment session at the Niyama Spa, which offers tailored spa experiences. Children have the opportunity to make friends and enjoy creative activities at the Explorers Kids Club, which has four ‘tribes’ segmented by age. Activities range from playing in the resort's own playground and splashpark through to Master Chef classes and scouting for Dolphins... but the list goes on.
Even the journey to Anantara Kihavah is fun. Arriving by seaplane, the 35 minute flight from Malé airport is a fantastic opportunity to see the colourful coral reefs from the air. Luxury villas, all with their own pool, sundeck and optional multi-room accommodation, provide you and your family with a spacious home. There are a host of activities for both adults and children, as well as a 'Maldives Family Adventure package'; which includes a family BBQ at your villa, a cruise to search for sea turtles, a family lunch at the underwater SEA restaurant and, importantly, daily ice cream for the children!
One & Only Reethi Rah, Maldives
Described as a vibrant island playground, One & Only Reethi Rah is a famous destination for family holidays. Take advantage of their dedicated kids clubs, climbing walls, snorkelling/diving excursions, swimming pools, tennis courts and much more (think yacht charters and swimming with whale sharks). Not only that, but there are six excellent restaurants to try. The majority of villas are set in tropical surroundings and have access to a private beach. Or you can opt for a water villa set out over the sea. Parents should visit the One & Only ESPA Spa - ranked top 20 'World's Best Spas' by Conde Nast Traveller Reader's Spa Awards. Children can join the KidsOnly club where they will be carefully supervised by qualified staff.
Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, Maldives
Upon arrival at Male International Airport, your journey continues to the resort with a 25-minute speedboat transfer – a great way to build excitement for your island holiday. The accommodation is first class with a range of villas to suite your family’s individual requirements. The resort recognises that travelling with children isn’t the lightest way to get around and will furnish your room with complimentary essentials, such as baby monitors and strollers. Four Seasons Kuda Huraa boasts huge family appeal with a range of activities for families to enjoy together, including diving courses, surf lessons and catamaran sailing to name but a few. And if you’d like a little down time to yourself then the children can join the Kuda Mas Club, which has a creative programme featuring cooking classes, mini-spa days, and yoga discovery classes.
Shangri-La, Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives
Set on the island of Villingili, this resort is characterised by the lush green setting and spacious layout (with even room for a nine hole golf course). Attention to detail is such that the clocks on the island have been moved forward by an hour, allowing you more daylight extending into the evenings. Stay in a family friendly villa, many of which feature their own sundeck and infinity pool, allowing you to all relax in privacy. The CHI spa is located in its own spa village which has treatment villas with private gardens and steam rooms – winner of Condé Nast Johansens Spa Award for "Best for Service" you can be confident that you will be in good hands. Children can head to the Cool Zone - the place to find toys, educational activities and a wide array of fun, land and beach-based activities.
For more information on any of these resorts and for help planning your family holiday in the Maldives please call us on +44 1993 899 430 or click here to enquire online.