The Maldives is an amazingly family-friendly destination. Even the most exclusive resort islands feature kids’ clubs, diving lessons for children and child-friendly educational experiences. For best weather, choose the southern atolls from June to November and the more northerly atolls between December and May.
For years, the Maldives has carried a very specific image: honeymooners drifting across impossibly blue lagoons, champagne on deck, overwater villas made for two. It’s beautiful, yes. But toddler-friendly? Grandparent-proof? Practical for three generations travelling together? Not exactly the first […]
stephaniezhengIsland escapes don’t come more blissful than the five-star luxury resort of OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru. It’s a tropical dreamland where shoes are optional, and kids stay and eat for free. Barefoot luxury at OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Imagine stepping onto a […]
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lisamcgarryMaldives family holidays are all about fun in the sun and being spoiled rotten. But now more than ever, it’s also vital to protect the biodiversity of this stunning archipelago. So luxury Indian Ocean resort, Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives, has […]
seonaidmcgillWhen it comes to scuba diving lessons, Asia is a haven for marine life, bursting with vibrant coral reefs and packed with fascinating sites. Thanks to warm waters and great PADI schools, it’s also perfect for kids to learn the […]
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seonaidmcgillThere are now over 160 Maldives resorts, spread across the legendary Indian Ocean archipelago. How do you choose? Send a family travel expert on a fact finding mission of course. Just back from testing two fabulous Atmosphere resorts in the […]
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seonaidmcgillThe Maldives sits in the Indian Ocean off the south coast of India, and has a tropical climate with temperatures between 28°C and 32°C year-round.
Over 1,000 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls make up the archipelago. Only 200 islands are inhabited, and 80 of these are island-resorts.
There are direct flights from London Heathrow and Gatwick to Malé International Airport throughout the year.
Each of the Maldives resorts is an exclusive hotel on its own island. The islands vary in size but, without exception, they’re surrounded by flawless beaches and have their own ‘house reef’ for diving, snorkelling and sheltered swimming. The only locals living on the island-resorts are employees, and everything from restaurants and activities to transport and accommodation is designed to create a perfect holiday.
Sailing trips to the capital, Malé, or to other islands are easy to arrange at resorts, but most visitors find everything they could ever want on their island of choice.
More than 2,000 species of fish swim around the Maldives, and not only is it one of the world’s top diving destinations, most resorts have their own dive schools for beginners and beyond.
Sea temperatures range from 22°C to 28°C year-round.
The resorts invariably feature lush, tropical vegetation and forests of palm trees. Beaches are always pure white sand, and the waters around the Maldives are some of the clearest on earth, thanks to the country’s unique geography.
With over 80 island-resorts to choose from, there are wildly different price ranges and experiences across the Maldives. But if you’re travelling with kids, it’s wise to keep travel and transfer time to a minimum, so choosing a resort quite close to Malé and the airport can be a good idea. Here are three to give you a hint of the astonishing atoll experience.
The island of Kuda Huraa is 12 acres of Four Seasons exclusivity, with a strong family focus, right down to baby-proofing your suite if you so desire. And it’s just 25 minutes from Malé by boat, so won’t tax travel-weary kids more than necessary.
It may be only 40 minutes by seaplane from Malé, but the 14-acre Angsana Velavaru feels like another world entirely. Surrounded by some of the Maldives’ best dive sites, kids can plant coral gardens and voyage out on mini-underwater-safaris. There are Hawksbill and Green Sea Turtle nesting sites nearby, and exciting conservation projects for budding marine biologists are part of a long list of unique experiences.
The twin-island resort of Anantara Dhigu specialises in outdoor, underwater and overwater adventure of all sorts for kids. From beachcombing and fishing to diving, snorkelling, surfing and sailing, the aim here is to educate with fun, and it’s beautifully managed.
Conservation, marine life and the unique environment of the Maldives are just a few of the things kids learn about
naturally just by playing and exploring on any one of the island-resorts. But there are plenty of other fun lessons, too:
Maldivian resorts are measured in acres not kilometres, so travelling is never an issue. Bare feet are the only mode of transport on most islands and boats do the rest for longer journeys. Connections from Malé are usually by seaplane or speedboat, depending on distance. Spending a day out in the capital? Almost everyone opts to get around by cheap and plentiful city taxis.
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