Maldives

Has Intercontinental created the Maldives’ most family-friendly luxury holidays?

Last updated 6th March 2023

Maldives holidays at Intercontinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort are everything you ever dreamed they would be. The clear Indian Ocean and white sand beaches you expect. But a setting next to the UNESCO biosphere reserve may come as more of a surprise. In fact the waters around Raa Atoll where the resort is set, are so pristine that there’s actually a manta ray sanctuary in the lagoon. And one glimpse of the incredible variety of marine life here and it’s suddenly very easy to understand why guests are provided with snorkelling equipment in all villas and residences.

Maamunagau Resort is the first, and only, All-Club InterContinental® a concept which is all about making Maldives holidays even more exceptional. Hospitality is an artform here and the resort team are masters of that art. Of course, outstanding service isn’t unusual on family holidays in the Maldives. However, here the level of care is so refined that staff are known as Island Curators and dedicated to curating a wonderful personal experience for every single guest, even the very youngest.

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Children’s pool and outdoor play area at Planet Trekkers

Maldives holidays at Maamunagau Resort are endless playtime for kids

A kids’ club in the Indian Ocean was always going to be out of the ordinary. But even without that natural advantage, Planet Trekkers would be extraordinary. Imagination is the main driver here and since a child’s imagination is limitless, there’s no end of fun to be had. Everything from learning about the unique marine life of the Maldives on mini-expeditions to exploring the island is woven into activity programmes.

There’s plenty of quiet space where younger kids can take five and older ones can read from the library or get creative with arts and crafts. Of course, not everything is organised so free spirits are welcome to play in the wonderful outdoor space, splash around in the club pool, clamber about on the pirate ship climbing frame or ramble through the large garden.

If all that sounds like a little too much freedom, don’t worry. The childcare team is highly trained and all children are fully supervised at all times. So there’s plenty of cocooning, gentle care for little ones, activities carefully aligned to different age groups and masses of inspired, adventurous play for everyone.

Even when your kids aren’t playing and learning at Planet Trekkers, Maamunagau is paying attention to them. You’ll find beach essentials for under 12s in all villas and residences as well as lifejackets and snorkelling equipment. Bikes for the whole family are provided upon arrival, so you can explore the island together. And each of the resort restaurants features carefully created children’s menus designed to tempt the pickiest of little eaters.

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Royal Beachfront Residence, Maamunagau Resort, Maldives

Discover some of the Maldives’ most original family villas and residences

Maamunagau Resort has created a spellbinding mix of barefoot luxury and refined  interior design in all their amazingly original Residences and Villas. Specially commissioned artworks add even more individuality to these beautiful homes, and naturally, they’re set in the island’s loveliest locations.

Family Beach Pool Villas: close to Planet Trekkers and the beach

Perfectly placed just minutes from Planet Trekkers and the beach, these stunning family villas mix connectivity with sheer escapism.

  • One bedroom, two bathrooms and outdoor shower.
  • Private plunge-pool.
  • Large garden area for complete privacy.
  • Beach towels, life vests and snorkelling equipment.
  • Children’s beach essentials for under 12s.
  • Close to kids’ club and a few steps from the beach.
  • Designed for up to four guests.
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Innovative Lagoon Villas, Intercontinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

Two Bedroom Family Lagoon Pool Villas: the first of their kind in the Maldives

The first of their kind in the Maldives, these elegant two-storey Family Lagoon Villas are perfect for families with older children or teens.

  • Two bedrooms, two bathrooms and outdoor shower.
  • Spacious living area.
  • Overwater infinity plunge pool, sun deck and terrace.
  • Stunning balcony overlooking the lagoon.
  • Sleeps up to four guests.
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Two bedroom Family Beach Pool Villa living room

Two Bedroom Beach Pool Residence: add a private infinity pool to your Maldives holiday

Another gorgeous villa that’s made for families with kids of all ages, this one features a spacious living area with pantry as well as two sundecks and a private infinity pool overlooking the beach.

  • West facing villas overlooking the beach.
  • Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, outdoor shower.
  • Large living area with pantry.
  • Two sundecks and private infinity pool.
  • Sleeps up to four guests.
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Sunset views from family overwater villa, Maamunagau Resort, Maldives

Three Bedroom Overwater Residence: a magnificent interpretation of a Maldives icon

Almost nothing says ‘Maldives’ more clearly than iconic overwater villas. This magnificent family residence not only sits perched over the Indian Ocean, it offers both sunrise and sunset views.

  • Three bedrooms and three en-suite bathrooms.
  • Curved infinity pool.
  • Large outdoor terrace with overwater hammock and ocean access.
  • Indoor and outdoor dining pavilion.
  • Fully equipped kitchen.
  • Dedicated Island Curator services.
  • Sleeps up six guests.
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Overwater villas, Intercontinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

Three Bedroom Lagoon Residence: perfect for a Maldives holiday with extended family

A spectacular villa for larger families or multi-generational family holidays, the residence is immensely private and enjoys fabulous sunset views.

  • Master bedroom in private ‘oasis’ setting, en-suite bathroom with oversize bath and outdoor rain shower.
  • Two first floor bedrooms, both en-suites.
  • Large infinity pool, private terrace with lagoon access.
  • Indoor and outdoor dining terrace.
  • Fully equipped kitchen.
  • Dedicated Island Curator services.
  • Sleeps up to nine guests.

Explore all family villas and residences at Maamunagau Resort

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All non-motorised water sports are complimentary at Maamunagau Resort

Play in the Indian Ocean and explore underwater

A Maldives holiday brings you to one of the world’s best diving destinations. Although, you don’t need to dive to experience the wonders of the Indian Ocean at Maamunagau. Instead you can parasail or jet ski, wakeboard, water ski, X Jet Blade or gently kayak.

The lagoon around the resort is a flawless habitat for incredible marine life, so of course snorkelling is as natural as breathing on a Maldives holiday.

All non-motorised water sports are complimentary and, as we mentioned before, every guest is supplied with snorkelling equipment in their villa or residence.

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Swim with Manta Rays in the Maamunagau Lagoon

Meet the Manta Ray on Maldives holidays at Maamunagau

Since 2019 Maamunagau Resort has been working in collaboration with the Manta Trust. This world leading manta ray research organisation focuses on the protection, conservation and regeneration of global manta ray populations.

Currently manta rays are vulnerable and endangered species. However, the waters around Maamunagau contain a large and healthy population of these gentle creatures. That not only makes this prime research territory for the Manta Trust, it provides families with a unique opportunity to learn about and interact with manta rays.

Kids can become mini-manta-biologists on weekly sessions designed to educate through play and fun. Future generations are vital to the survival of all marine life, and becoming aware of that at an early age is invaluable.

If you want to get up close to these captivating ocean giants, swimming with manta is another amazing adventure. The Manta Rays in the Maamunagau lagoon can usually be seen from December to April. During the rest of the year, they’re found around the Atoll and in Hanifaru Bay: the world famous Manta Ray feeding station in Baa Atoll, around 35 min by boat from the resort. 

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Freedom to do what you want at Maamunagau Resort

Do as much (or as little) as you want on a Maldives holiday at Maamunagau

There’s a full recreation schedule for every single day at Maamunagau Resort. So for those days when you want to do more than enjoy the beach, sun and Indian Ocean, families can take their pick of up to 11 different activities daily. You might want to try Power Yoga in the morning or catch a dolphin cruise, it’s up to you. There are sandbank excursions and yacht cruises too. And if you’re around at the right time of year, you and your kids may even be able to witness turtles hatching on the shores of Raa Atoll.

Parents in need of a little ‘me time’, should consider indulging in the resort’s award winning AVI Spa. Set overwater and exuding natural tranquillity, the spa offers both therapeutic and beauty treatments, all at the hands of highly skilled practitioners. A wonderful way to spend a few hours while your kids are having fun at Planet Trekkers.

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The Lighthouse restaurant, Maamunagau Resort, Maldives

Even mealtimes are memorable ‘only at Maamunagau’ experiences for families.

Climb to the top of The Lighthouse and enjoy a 360° view of the island and Raa Atoll, before heading to dine on delectable Mediterranean cuisine in The Lighthouse Restaurant. Like all restaurants on Maamunagau island, The Lighthouse has a special menu for children.

The Fish Market may keep your feet firmly on the ground, but it’s still very exciting. As the name suggests, fish and seafood are the mainstay of the menu here. However, at this extraordinary fish restaurant, diners select their own catch of the day.

Beachfront Café Umi is the place to start the day with breakfast, but it’s also perfect for light lunches. The flamboyant – and tremendously skilled – teppanyaki chefs delight in entertaining kids while cooking up a storm. And the extensive evening menu makes the café a great spot for laid back family dinners.

For something even more barefoot and beachy, head to The Collective and try healthy wraps, fresh juices and made to order pizza fresh from the wood fired oven.

Altogether Maamunagau has six restaurants and bars, including adults-only The Retreat: a good excuse to occasionally take advantage of the resort’s excellent babysitting services.

Ready to explore more? Visit Intercontinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort and discover one of a kind Maldives holidays made for families.