These Maldives hotels are perfect for family holidays
Thanks to its gently shelving beaches and coral reefs teeming with turtles, the Maldives is often branded a honeymooners’ getaway. But it’s a paradise for families, too, with abundant activities, crowd-pleasing eats and spacious villas. Whether you’re here with tots or teens, there’s a resort to suit. Alicia Miller rounds up three winners
01/01/2022Updated 05/04/2023
Sunset water villa with pool at Landaa Giraavaru
The glamorous one
One of the Maldives’s largest resort isles, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru has plenty of space for little ones to roam. Hop on free bikes and explore the greenery-lined sand paths linking multiple beaches, pools and restaurants. For parents, the alfresco AyurMa spa in the island’s heart is one of the Indian Ocean’s finest.
DON’T MISS
Snorkelling above dancing manta rays in the surrounding Baa Atoll – from June to November the gentle giants flock in their hundreds to feast on zooplankton. The Four Seasons team will ring you on a dedicated ‘manta phone’ as soon as there’s a sighting to make sure you don’t miss the moment.
STAY
Vast, super-private villas – choose from beach or overwater – don’t come cheap, but they sleep four. Travelling with a big, multi-generational brood? The largest pads accommodate nine.
A cooking class at Soneva Fushi. Opening image: over-water villas at Soneva Fushi
The outdoorsy one
Soneva Fushi’s Water Retreats are the ultimate childhood fantasy – each one is furnished with a private water slide, depositing thrill-seeking kids (and adults) right into the shimmering shallows. There’s plenty else to entice on this activity-packed island, from free treats in a dedicated chocolate parlour to beachside film screenings and night paddleboarding. The largest kids’ club in the Maldives, The Den, has multiple pools, an 8m-tall pirate ship, music room and cookery classes. Meanwhile, teens get a cool lounge and mind-expanding adventures to neighbouring islands.
DON’T MISS
Learning to fish sustainably with Maldivian fisherman Rocket, who has been supplying Soneva Fushi for more than 20 years. Afterwards, feast on your catch prepared to Rocket’s wife’s recipe.
STAY
If you don’t fancy the slide, other Soneva Fushi suites – all large, all castaway-chic – come with private pools and hammocks. The Private Reserve, with its own spa and gym, has nine bedrooms.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli water villa with pool
The affordable one
The Maldives can be spenny, but an all-inclusive resort helps keep the bank balance in check. And Sun Siyam Olhuveli Beach Resort & Spa is one of the best for families. An easy 45-minute speedboat ride from Malé – no need to wrangle with seaplanes – it spans three islands, two of which are geared up for all-ages fun, with a beachside pizzeria, dedicated children’s pool and volleyball court. As well as bottomless drinks and food, your stay comes with a free snorkel safari, a windsurfing lesson and non-motorised watersports.
DON’T MISS
Toasting with virgin piña coladas at the Sunrise Bar, set by a buzzy pool flanked with white sand. It’s open 10am until midnight, making it a prime spot for family meet-ups in between activities.
STAY
Framed by palms, the comfy deluxe rooms are especially great value – and steps from the beach. Or upgrade to a two-bedroom suite with private plunge pool.
