Welcome to the Maldives, family style! With easy flights to Male, family-friendly resorts, and activities galore, what are you waiting for? Go on, pack up your babies, toddlers, kids, and teens, and jet off to one of these pristine resorts! Dive, surf, and snorkel in crystal clear water swing in a hammock on white sandy beaches, and bask in the warm golden sunshine.
Many families steer clear of traveling to the islands with kids in tow due to the traditional honeymoon and romantic holiday stereotype, but things are changing!
This round-up includes a variety of options for all budgets (affordable, mid-range, luxury, and more), includes easy-to-access options (some resorts are further than others), and highlights key perks including kids clubs, toddler activities, and things to do in the Maldives with kids, babies, toddlers too.
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Just 25 minutes by speedboat from Male Airport, Club Med Kani delivers an all-inclusive island getaway bursting with adventure and relaxation. Kids dive into supervised activities at the kids' clubs, while adults enjoy spa treatments (for an additional fee), yoga, kayaking, snorkeling, or trapeze. Families bond over cooking classes, arts and crafts, and friendly competitions. The Club Med team ensures easy transfers, making your tropical escape effortless and unforgettable.
Club Med Kani Maldives, +852 3856 0468, www.clubmed.com.hk/r/kani/y?locale=en-HK
Lily Beach Resort & Spa is one of the leading resorts in the Maldives and is famous for its Platinum All-Inclusive meal plan, pristine beaches, and world-renowned diving and snorkeling. This family-friendly resort offers a kid's buffet in the restaurant, a swimming pool, and a game club. They also have the Turtles Kids' Club for ages 4 - 12. Their Indoor and Outdoor play areas offer controlled activity and sports space with a variety of kids club programs to make their vacation memorable and exciting. They also organize fun activities like hunting hermit crabs, bicycle rides, movie nights with snacks, snorkeling and crafts, and more. Kiddos also have their own spacious pool in shallow water near the main family pool behind Vibes.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa, Huvahendhoo, Maldives, South Ari Atoll, +960 668 00 13, reservations@lilybeachmaldives.com, https://www.lilybeachmaldives.com/
Having kids is a reason to travel, not a reason to stop. At Vakkaru, they have everything to ensure the whole family has an adventure of a lifetime. For the kids they have The Parrotfish club for kids ages 3-12 with both indoor and outdoor play areas which feature a children's pool. Children's dining options and cookery classes are also available!
Vakkaru Maldives, Vakkaru Island, Baa Atoll, Republic of Maldives, +96 (0) 660 7000, info@vakkarumaldives.com, https://www.vakkarumaldives.com/
OBLU Select Sangeli is a 4-star all-inclusive hotel that provides a great selection of modern individual beach and water villas and suites, some with private pools. They have 137 villas to choose from in 6 categories with modern amenities, a selection of fantastic restaurants and unique experiences. For the kids, they offer a colorful and welcoming space that includes a children’s pool, a playground with a trampoline, and various indoor games. And the children will surely love the massive beach slide situated next to The Sangs Pool and Bar.
OBLU Select Sangeli, Sangeli Island, North Male' Atoll, The Maldives, +960 400 4500, sales.sangeli@coloursofoblu.com, https://www.coloursofoblu.com/oblu-select-sangeli
A secret for many families visiting The Maldives, this resort offers it all, including a variety of accommodations (on-water villas to family-focused beach houses). The entire resort caters to families with loads of activities, including scuba and snorkeling, dolphin spotting, surfing (some of the best waves for kids to learn on!), night fishing, and so much more. Their Kandoo Kids Club is a 500 sqm two-story children's entertainment zone and is one of the biggest and most modern kids' facilities in the Maldives. This is an affordable Maldives option that is strongly focused on family.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, Kandooma Fushi, South Male' Atoll, Republic of Maldives, +960 664 0511, reservations.hikandooma@ihg.com, www.maldives.holidayinnresorts.com.
Want more? "Kids Stay & Eat Free" program offers loads of perks for eating and sleeping with kids in tow.
For a chic and luxurious getaway located 1.5 hours by boat or 25-minutes by seaplane, this resort offers a variety of accommodation options including the popular family beach houses. Mom and dad can book up an organic spa treatment while the kids head to the Constance Halaveli Kids Club (kids club + playground) open daily. Older kids can enjoy learning to scuba dive while young ones (as young as 5) can try a taste of diving with their certified options. There is also jet-ski, water-skiing, monoskiing, wakeboarding, knee-boarding, fun tubes, and fun beds.
Constance Halaveli, Maldives, +960 666 7000, www.constancehotels.com/en/hotels-resorts/maldives/halaveli/
Al-fresco bathing, fresh popcorn on the beach, an amazing kids club, and loads of beach play await at this family-friendly hotel in the Maldives. For traveling families looking for a perfect combo of a luxurious stay and plenty of activities for the kids, Niyama is worth a trip! Choose from their gorgeous family-sized villas, including many with their own private pools. Kids will go bananas for the Explorers Kids Club, where imagination reigns and encounters with the surreal await at every corner. Favorite activities include surfing, Dhivehi lullabies, snorkeling, and dolphin scouting. The club offers a playground, trampoline, splash park, Munch little gourmet kitchen, and a stage where young ones become the star of the show.
Niyama, reservations@niyama.com, www.niyama.com/en
The exciting family-friendly hotel, Kandima rocks with its cool modern vibe, relaxed ethos, and huge playground and splash area for kids. They are all about their little VIPs and have a dedicated Kandiland, Kandima Kids Club run by a multilingual team of fully certified child carers, and offers activities plus an adventure splash playground, trampoline, climbing wall, table tennis, and indoor play areas. The island offers over three kilometers of beach and two pools including a 100-meter pool – the largest in the Maldives. Wow!
Kandima Maldives, mykindofplace@kandima.com, kandima.com
Barefoot luxury in castaway surroundings...live like Robinson Crusoe at Soneva Fushi! Apart from the beautiful beach, the island is also rich with lush green vegetation, giving a stunning backdrop to the luxurious villas. Guests can feast on organic veggies and herbs from the resort’s gardens. And best of all, there are plenty of watersports and activities for grownups and kids. Kids will love the children's club, The Den. This dedicated playground is the largest in South Asia (the size of six tennis courts!). Your children have the free run of two pools, a water slide, rooms for dressing up, Lego, music and more. Everything is overseen by qualified childminders, while older children and teens also have access to Soneva Academy. They also have a resident Marina Biologist, a dedicated ice cream parlor, a Chocolate Room, an outdoor movie theatre, and so much more.
Soneva Fushi, reservations@soneva.com, www.soneva.com/soneva-fushi/family/
With a marine-style designed property has one major perk that sets it apart from other properties - it is located in Baa Atoll, which is the only UNESCO biosphere reserve in the Maldives. To get here, you need to take a 30-minute seaplane ride from Male. Once you arrive, you can relax in one of 41 on-island and 29 over-sea villa options (including villas with up to 3-rooms and kitchenettes - ideal for traveling to The Maldives with babies). Kids (ages 4-12) will love the complimentary kids club.
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, Miriandhoo Island, Baa Atoll, Maldives, 00 960 660 4444, www.marriott.com
Nestled in the Noonu Atoll, award-winning Velaa Private Island is all about families! Home to one of the largest kids clubs in the Maldives, they also are focused on food with feasts of grilled lobster and reef fish, Maldivian curries, fresh salads, and home-baked pizza. Velaa Kids Club offers a wide selection of fun-filled educational activities for 4 to 12-year-olds, and the facilities include an indoor play area, nursery, outdoor swimming pool, waterpark, and pirate ship amusement ride. Individual daily programs can be designed, and other options include exploration trails and nature walks across the island as well as classes on sea turtles, coral painting, and lessons in the local Dhivehi language. Babysitting for 2 and 3-year-olds is also available.
Velaa Private Island, Maldives, www.velaaprivateisland.com
One of the most exciting family-oriented hotels in the Maldives, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is located only 15-minutes away from Male (a huge perk for families). This property has integrated a variety of accommodation options, signature experiences, and loads of family extras. Hard Rock’s Roxity Kids’ Club® and Teen Spirit® offer indoor and outdoor venues, grassy and sandy areas to explore, music classes (including DJ courses), water activities, and more. Extra perks for families include - Junior Rock Stars 17 years old and under stay for free using the existing bed or baby cot and enjoy complimentary meals same as the accompanying parents from the kid's menu available at all restaurants and receive a 50% discount on the regular menu prices. There are also Sittertrain-certified babysitters available.
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, rsvn@hrhmaldives.com, www.hardrockhotels.com/maldives
This island is perfect for families looking for a real private getaway to feel complete with the extra kid perks. Family activities include Cinema Under the Stars, team and table games, treasure hunts, cycling, and non-motorized water activities. Take a dolphin cruise, island hop with a picnic, and do morning yoga or a dance class. They also have a kids' club, The Den. A professionally-managed complimentary club for younger guests from 3 - 12 years with indoor and outdoor games, movies, junior baking, plus arts and crafts. Another perk is that kids under 5 eat free when ordering from the children’s menu and kids aged 6 - 11 eat at full price from the children's menu and with a 50% discount when ordering from the regular menu (half portions). There are also babysitting services available at an additional cost.
Six Senses Laamu, Olhuveli Island, Laamu Atoll, Maldives, +960 680 0800 reservations-laamu@sixsenses.com, https://www.sixsenses.com/en/resorts/laamu
LUX* South Ari Atoll boasts a 4-km powder white sand beach, with beach villas perfect for families. At LUX* South Ari Atoll, you will ride your bicycle along the jetty, swim alongside whale sharks, hang out in your bungalow on stilts, dine at any of the 8 restaurants, dance the night away, and partake in marine conservation. For the kiddos, they have designed a program where they can live out their Crusoe fantasy! They will be welcomed with a scoop of ice cream and a treasure hunt booklet! The tiny adventurers will set out to look for various ‘checkpoints’ where they will receive a stamp. Once all 8 stamps have been collected, there’s a little surprise. When they aren’t busy having a great time in the sun, they can hang out at the kids club, PLAY where more fun awaits.
LUX* South Ari Atoll, +960 668 0901, reservation@luxislandresorts.com, www.luxresorts.com.
While this resort is 55-minutes by seaplane, it is family-focused and will be well worth the trip! They will have a dedicated Kid’s Club, a play garden, a dedicated Art Studio, and Cooking Classes for the kids to be creative. You will find water and beach villas and their unique 5 Tented Jungle Villas. Connected to the hotel property is a nine-kilometer-long reef which is perfect for diving and snorkeling - score!
Fairmont Maldives, www.fairmont.com/maldives
The 73-villa resort with an impressive art collection and contemporary design is a great family-friendly option for travelers to the Indian Ocean’s tropical islands. The various activities on offer for kids include treasure hunts, native storytelling days where local storytellers interactively share their tales, and junior chef workshops where young cooks learn to create art in kid-friendly kitchens. There’s also a children's spa featuring natural masks, hand and foot care, and costumes. Joali is accessed via a 45-minute seaplane to the island, by transfer from Male to Ifuru Airport by a 45-minute domestic flight with a 25-minute speedboat ride, or by transfer from Male to Dhravandhoo Airport with a 35-minute flight followed by a one-hour speedboat ride.
Joali Maldives, +960 738 7731, info@joali.com, www.joali.com
Play by COMO focuses on young jet setters! Their dedicated program offers incredible wellness menus (for kids!) and loads of unique family activities such as snorkeling with a Marine Biologist, splash net dolphin cruises, and surfing. Their dedicated Play by COMO Space is designed to inspire purposeful and creative child-directed play for children aged 4 - 12, with carefully-selected toys, books, games, and art materials. It is open daily from 9am-6pm, and toddlers under 4 need to be accompanied by a babysitter or parent at all times.
COMO Maalifushi, maalifushi@comohotels.com, www.comohotels.com/en/maalifushi
This pristine oasis is a kid's paradise and a blessing for stressed-out parents. The KidsOnly club is a supervised, miniature world complete with a kids pool and pint-sized sun loungers. KidsOnly is open for children aged from 4 - 12 years of age; teens ages 13 - 17 are invited to One Tribe, where they will enjoy dedicated activities. Note, kids under 4 should be accompanied by an adult. They also have a huge outdoor climbing wall. And new mommas can pack light, too – the resort has everything from diapers to strollers for your villa! Complimentary cots are available on request, and babysitters can be booked 24-hours in advance.
One & Only Reethi Rah, North Male Atoll, Republic of Maldives, +960 664 8800, reethirah.oneandonlyresorts.com
Only 35-minutes by speedboat from Male airport, Anantara Dhigu offers stunning villas and tailored programs to suit your child's individual interests. Dhoni Kids Club is open daily from 9.30am - 5.30pm for kids ages 3-12 years old. Kids under 3 can enjoy themselves with one of the staff's babysitters or an adult present. The club offers thrilling indoor and outdoor play spaces that include a climbing wall, a treehouse, and 2 dhoni boats with a tonne of daily fun activities. Families can also enjoy waterskiing, jet-skiing to private islands, jetpacking, sunset cruises, sailing, surfing (April-October), paddleboarding, and so much more. There are even plenty of educational activities that teach them about the surrounding coral reef or set out on an exciting dolphin tour!
Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa, Dhigu Island, Republic of Maldives, +960 664 4100, https://www.anantara.com/en/dhigu-maldives
This international luxury brand has not one but two resorts + 1 private island in the Maldives, and even a liveaboard yacht to boot. The kid-friendly Kuda Huraa (25-minute speedboat from Male) welcomes little ones with a welcome treat, child-sized bathrobes, and toiletries. The kids' club Kuda Mas ("small fish") Club is designed to keep the youngest guests entertained (4 - 12) with an action-packed program featuring a variety of beach and outdoor activities, creative crafts, and games that are fun, educational, and culturally enriching. Did we mention there are four restaurants, a world-class spa, and a sunset lounge bar, too? Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa charges no additional fee for children under 12 years of age occupying the same guest room as their parents or guardians (space permitting).
Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, North Male Atoll, +960 66 00 888, www.fourseasons.com/maldiveskh/
Are you looking for a gorgeous resort packed with creature comforts for adults and plenty of action for the kids? The Shangri-La offers a fun-filled vacation for the young ones where they can discover the island’s nature and biodiversity with the Island Safari Handbook. They also organize jungle treks, underwater adventures, crab hunting, pirate treasure hunts and so much more. Providing your munchkins with memorable adventures. Their kids' club welcomes younger guests aged between 4 - 12 years old from 10am - 7pm, for plenty of fun and games.
Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa, Villingili Island, Maldives, +960 689 7888, www.shangri-la.com
The pirate-themed Bageecha kids’ club at Kuramathi has daily activities for your bubs aged 3-12. Open from 8:30am - 7:30pm (open to midnight at an extra charge), kiddos will be entertained with guided snorkeling, nature walks, treasure hunts, beach activities, and marine life education in conjunction with the resort’s Eco Centre. There are different themes for every day of the week. There are also babysitting services, so you can simply lounge on the white sand beach and take a break from it all.
Kuramathi Island Resort, Rasdhoo Atoll, Republic of Maldives, +960 666 0527, www.kuramathi.com
If your family’s idea of fun is a trip to the aquarium, then you’ll all be amazed by Conrad's all-glass undersea restaurant, where there’s a children’s menu, too. The impressive marine-themed restaurant is just one among the whopping 11 places to eat at the hotel, which also has two spas and is surrounded by a postcard-perfect coral reef. There’s also a kids’ club open daily.
Conrad Maldives, Rangali Island, South Ari Atoll, Republic of Maldives, +960 668 0629, conradhotels3.hilton.com/en/hotels/maldives/conrad-maldives-rangali-island
While this new resort requires more of a journey (a 55-minute flight from Male International Airport followed by a 15-minute speed boat ride from Kaadedhdhoo Domestic Airport), it is certainly worth a visit and offers world-class diving across its 2 islands. Unique to this resort is their Marine Butler, who can steer you in the right direction in understanding the best snorkeling and dive locations and teach you and the kids all about the fish around the island. Families can book up their multi-bedroom villas and be sure to watch this space for the opening of their three-bedroom hideaway, complete with a retractable roof to watch the stars at night. Mom and dad, be sure to try the Maldives Sling at the bar - classic!
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort, +9606828800, https://www.raffles.com/maldives/
Family-Friendly And Kid-Friendly Hotels And Resorts In The Maldives
More Family-Friendly Hotels In Maldives - Luxury
Taj Exotica - Easy To Access!
VARU By Atmosphere - New + Kids Club
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi - New + Splurge!
Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa
Fushifaru - Good For Infants and Toddlers
Capella Resort - Opening in 2021!
Mid-Range And Affordable Resorts In Maldives:
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort
Meeru Island * Kids Club
Kihaa Maldives *Excellent Marine Life
Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives *Kids Club
Hotel Riu Palace Maldives - New! + Kids Club
Saii Resort (Curio Collection By Hilton - New + Easy To Access
Cheap And Budget Family-Friendly Places To Stay In Maldives:
AirBNB Maldives - Rent Guest Houses
Top Activities In the Maldives With Kids
www.littlestepsasia.com/all-cities/articles/play/kid-friendly-maldives
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