With endless opportunity for adventure and escape both above and below the sea, the Maldives offers an unrivalled luxury destination for all ages. Discover all you need to know in our insider’s guide to a family escape in the Maldives.
Perfectly positioned along the equator line in the Arabian Sea, the Maldives has earned a notable reputation as one of the most romantic destinations in the world. But this enchanting archipelago, where barefoot luxury meets world-class service, is more than just an exotic lovers’ escape. Comprised of approximately 1,200 islands and over 130 resorts, there’s an unforgettable experience waiting for the whole family in this island nation.
Both a tropical paradise and a natural playground, the Maldives gives parents an opportunity to indulge in their surroundings while kids and teens safely enjoy a variety of resort-led activities, catered to their age range. When it’s time for the whole family to come together, there is no shortage of all-ages adventure to be had on both land and sea — from vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life to white-sand beaches waiting to be explored.
Whether families seek age-appropriate activities or a novel experience to share together, the Maldives offers boundless options and an unparalleled setting in which to form remarkable memories. Explore our insider’s guide below to find out everything you need to know about family-friendly travel in the Maldives.
When to Travel
The Maldives’ famous slogan, “The Sunny Side of Life”, is indeed an accurate depiction of what travellers will find most of the year. Characterised by warm, summerly weather, year-round temperatures generally average between 23°C and 31°C. However, it’s important to note that this region does experience a brief monsoon season between the months of May and October. For families seeking sun-soaked days and breezy barefoot evenings, the ideal window for travel is a 7 to 9-night stay between November and April. While those hoping for additional seclusion may consider a shoulder month in lieu of the nation’s high season, December through March.
Getting There
Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé, the Maldives’ capital city, serves as the main arrival gateway for international travellers, offering flights to and from most major airports around the world. Upon arrival, a resort representative will help ensure an effortless and stress-free connection, escorting you to your final island destination via speedboat or seaplane, depending on the distance.
Where to Stay
Set on the private island of Lankanfushi in the North Malé Atoll and located a mere 20-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport at Malé, Gili Lankanfushi is an intimate coral island in a sparkling lagoon, with jetties threading across the water out to spacious villa accommodations. Spend some family time at the eco-treasure resort of Maldives, where you will find educational experiences for young explorers. From a healthy cooking lesson with the chef to an underwater discovery with the marine biologists all curated to keep the young minds entertained while the adults wander off to enjoy their own special private moments. A unique way for families to bond filled with magical moments, create a memorable Gili Story and rediscover the Maldives through their eyes.
Transfer: Speedboat | House Reef: No
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is nestled between a lush jungle and sparkling lagoon in the Dhaalu Atoll, the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli resort offers families the chance to experience both tranquillity and adventure under one roof. Parents can retreat to a private island picnic or spend a social hour sipping spirits and savouring local seafood at the iconic Whale Bar. Meanwhile, the St. Regis Family Traditions program offers a variety of entertainment for kids and teens, including yoga and meditation, cooking courses, origami and painting classes, air hockey, pool tables, and more. Thoughtful details throughout the postcard-perfect resort, such as kid-sized robes and slippers, ensure you’ll never be disappointed by St. Regis’ service and splendour.
Transfer: 45 minutes via seaplane or 5 hours via private yacht | House Reef: Yes
Constance Moofushi offers the perfect balance between luxury and simplicity, Constance Moofushi knows how to make an exquisite experience feel effortless. Situated along a marine migration route in the South Ari Atoll and one of the best dive sites in the world, this resort is known for its prime snorkelling and diving, giving travellers the chance to experience wildlife like dolphins, sea eagles, mantas, and more. Home to the Blue Tribe dive centre, Constance Moofushi specialises in making this underwater world accessible to all ages, providing dive courses for both kids and adults. Family-friendly above the surface as well, the resort offers an extensive game area to keep kids of all ages entertained, as well as the Constance Kids Club for ages 4-11. Parents with hungry teens will especially appreciate Constance Moofushi’s all-inclusive family packages, allowing hungry kids to eat endlessly — an amenity that very few resorts in the Maldives offer.
Transfer: 25 minutes via seaplane | House Reef: Yes
Soneva Fushi is known as “the original desert island hideaway,” there’s no question that Soneva Fushi understands and caters to every family’s deepest desires. For sea lovers and snorkelers, spacious villas on the sunset side of the island offer easy access to reefs and are perfectly poised for dolphin spotting. Alternatively, the sunrise side of the island features expansive views of an endless horizon and remote reserves for extra privacy. Impressive resort amenities, including a movie cinema and sky observatory, appeal to all ages, while The Den (the Maldives’ largest children’s club) boasts tree houses, rope bridges, pirate ships, water slides, and an unparalleled balance of adventure and eco-education.
Transfer: 30 minutes via seaplane | House Reef: Yes
One&Only Reethi Rah is a favourite amongst VIPs and celebrities, One&Only Reethi Rah is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone who wants to be whisked away into a world where love and luxury rule all. Spread over 6 kilometres of coastline, each expansive villa sits discretely on its own stretch of shoreline or hovering above the azure Indian Ocean, offering families the perfect, private space to share quality time together. When parents are ready for their own carefree retreat, on-call babysitters give adults the chance to learn why One&Only is so highly commended for its ability to curate experiences, from moonlit picnics with seven-course menus to tailored treehouse dinners amidst a twinkling forest canopy. But the experiences don’t stop there — One&Only upholds its reputation in the Kids Only zone as well, where ages 4-11 can go on treasure hunts, learn how to make sushi, and snorkel with manta rays.
Transfer: 15-20 minutes via seaplane; 45-50 minutes via private yacht | House Reef: Yes
Need to Know: House Reefs vs. Diving – Home to an astonishing 2,500 coral reefs, the Maldives is famous for its vibrant ecosystems beneath the surface, alive with abundant exotic marine life, including spotted eagle rays, sea turtles, lion fish, and more. When selecting a resort for your family holiday, underwater aficionados will want to keep in mind the difference in accessibility between house reefs and dive sites. While almost every luxury resort includes PADI-certified instructors and world-class diving organised by boat, house reefs bring you even closer to the action, as they are easily accessible for snorkelers from the resort shoreline (or in some cases, your front doorstep!).
Book Your Own Family Escape
Offering families a variety of experiences alongside a level of service unmatched anywhere else in the world, the Maldives represents the pinnacle for “all-ages luxury travel”. Plan your own Maldives escape. With over 25 years of experience in luxury travel, we offer our clients insights and personally curated itineraries that take the stress out of travel, allowing more time to decompress and discover and explore your chosen destination while you’re on the road.
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