Not just a dream destination for couples, honeymoons and romance, the Maldives offers magical family holidays and unforgettable memories.

Child-friendly resorts can be found across the entire archipelago with staff dedicated to providing fun-packed activities, including water sports, boat trips, nature walks and beach days. Pristine shores make for the perfect backdrop to an unforgettable Maldives family holiday, while the dazzling Indian Ocean is a safe sanctuary to dive beneath the waves in search of marine life and hidden treasures. You’ll enjoy excursions to neighbouring islands to explore natural wonders and dine in luxury with kid-friendly options across the buffet and a la carte restaurants in your resort. Choosing an all-inclusive family holiday in the Maldives will mean you can fully immerse yourself into spending time with your children in a spectacular location without worrying about your wallet. Here are even more reasons why the Maldives truly is an exceptional family holiday destination.

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Natural Wonders

The myriad of natural wonders that await in the Maldives will delight you and your family. This idyllic tropical paradise provides an enchanting playground that will enrich and inspire all ages with its jaw-dropping beauty and incredible wildlife. Younger children will have hours of pure bliss playing in the powdery soft sands or splashing around in the crystal-clear waters. If you’re lucky, you might see turtles and manta rays swimming in the shallow lagoon surrounding your island haven. Take a glass-bottom boat ride to discover some of the colourful marine creatures that inhabit the nearby coral gardens, or set sail on a cruise to spot dolphins, whales and whale sharks. Exotic beauty can also be found on land, with luxury holiday resorts surrounded by gently swaying palms and lush tropical gardens inhabited by geckos, lizards, birds and fruit bats amongst other creatures waiting to be discovered.

Family Activities

If the tranquillity of the Maldives makes you think there isn’t anything fun for children to do, worry not! Water sports of all kinds are on offer on every resort island. Race across the aquamarine water on a jet ski, paddle-board or kayak. Scuba diving is also an exhilarating activity older kids can try. Those as young as 10 can receive their divers certificate and take the plunge in open water to explore the house reefs. It’s worth checking with the resort diving schools, however, as age restrictions and how deep they are allowed to dive varies. Families with younger children can snorkel closer to shore, swimming amidst schools of fish and colourful coral. Other options for aquatic activities include dolphin-watching or fishing trips, while back on dry land, you’ll find bike rides, sports, cooking classes and arts and crafts among the family-friendly leisure pursuits available.

Child-Friendly Resorts

Book your family holiday to the Maldives today, knowing you can find a plethora of child-friendly sanctuaries dedicated to guaranteeing that everyone experiences their dream getaway. Sports, on land and in water, are on offer daily, as well as access to multiple swimming pools and specialised kids’ clubs where young guests can chill out while parents do their own thing. There are plenty of activities to also enjoy together, like watching a film in the outdoor cinema and a number of age-appropriate excursions to investigate other islands. There are even floating water parks at some of the resorts, such as Siyam World. A variety of food choices in the restaurants means all members of the family can find something they like. Fancy a night to yourself? Babysitting services ensure your little ones are looked after.

Family Dining

With a choice of board options, you’ll be able to pick what’s best for your family. Enjoy stress-free dining when you go all-inclusive, with food and drinks taken care of and treats like ice cream and milkshakes for children often part of the concept. You’ll find plenty of choice, with buffet dining destinations featuring dishes from near and far, allowing the whole family to choose what and how much to eat. Alternatively, a la carte restaurants offer kids’ menus catering for little bellies and featuring an assortment of tasty favourites in smaller portions. Parents can sip on delicious cocktails while the children follow their lead with their own mocktails, making their time away feel just as special as it does for you. If you’re looking for a romantic adults-only night, you can dine in child-free restaurants with the assurance that your children are safe with the babysitting service and in-villa dining.

Water Villa or Beach Villa?

The Maldives is famous for its overwater and beach villas. Both have state of the art facilities and stunning views, but which is the best for your family holiday? A water villa gives you direct access to the ocean or lagoon you are overlooking, as well as often having a private pool. Many resorts restrict young children from staying above water. Some have a policy of allowing those aged over five to stay in the accommodation type, but you will have to sign a waiver for under 12s, taking sole responsibility for their welfare. In a beach villa, you can relax a little more. Children have direct access to the sand, but will not need to be monitored as closely, meaning you can sit back in the evening with a drink. Beach villas are also closer to the resort’s amenities as water villas are more spread out over the island’s coastline.

Best Time To Visit

The Maldives is a year-round sun trap, with good weather and warm temperatures never dropping below 23℃ and peaking at around 31℃. This is perfect for outdoor activities that the whole family can get involved in. Having a tropical monsoon climate, the Maldives experiences two main seasons - the wet season, between May and November, and the dry season, between December and April. September experiences the most rainfall as this is at the height of the monsoons and is known to have downpours that can last all day. The warmest and driest time of year is January to April, which is perfect for your family holiday as you won’t have to worry about travelling in the summer holidays when resorts are more expensive.

“The Maldives is the sunshine destination perfect for family holidays. Not just offering romantic honeymoons, children will be amazed at the beauty and wonder of the islands while also having access to an abundance of fun-filled activities.

“With a selection of family-friendly resorts to choose from, you can enjoy the unforgettable experience of staying on an enchanting paradise island.

“Spend heartwarming afternoons together, taking part in watersports and playing on the beach, before having a family dinner together in the child-friendly restaurants. Pick from the delicious a la carte menu or the specialised buffets for mouthwatering meals every night.

“Warm weather all year round ensures happy memories for you and your children. Feel at ease in the sun knowing the dedicated resort staff are working hard to make this the best holiday for every member of the family.”

Sun Siyam Olhuveli

The postcard-esque Sun Siyam Olhuveli resort is situated on the soft white sands of Olhuveli island. Perfect for family and romantic getaways, you’ll find a plethora of entertainment on offer here. Unrivalled sunsets light up the island with gorgeous amber hues. Take it in while you relax in your own secluded villa with a tasty cocktail. Jump into the glittering Indian Ocean for some water sports fun or lounge in one of the infinity-edged swimming pools.

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Sun Siyam Iru Fushi

Set amidst lush palm trees is the 5-star Sun Siyam Iru Fushi. The perfect destination for family fun, dream weddings or heavenly honeymoons, this magical paradise provides bliss and serenity in bundles. Melt away in the Jacuzzi bath in each villa or feel revived in the Spa by Thalgo with one of their rejuvenating treatments. Overwater accommodation allows easy access to the scintillating Indian Ocean where you’ll find conditions great for snorkelling and scuba diving. Other features include swimming pools, tennis courts, a fitness centre, water sports, a kids’ club and a fantastic choice of 15 bars and restaurants.

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One&Only Reethi Rah

Heaven on earth is found in the One&Only Reethi Rah. This 5-star resort sits atop of sensational cyan waters and white sand, and offers a slice of laid-back tropical island life that will be remembered forever. Numerous international restaurants will leave you more than satisfied with their exceptional cuisine. Dip into the pool or enjoy a game of tennis while children make new friends and have hours of fun in their own kids’ club.

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Cocoon Maldives

Located on Ookolhufinolhu Island, the divine Cocoon Maldives resort is a haven of tropical wonder that blends the best of Italian design with stunning exotic beauty, set amidst azure Indian Ocean waters. Perfect for families, you can spend hours getting involved in all the activities across the island. Couples will also find bliss here, with the option of in-villa dining allowing you to stay tucked up in your cosy suite for as long as you want. Dolphin-watching cruises provide a fun afternoon on the Indian Ocean, where you can also snorkel. Book all-inclusive to receive the best food and drinks.

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Dusit Thani Maldives

Discover a tropical haven of relaxation and bliss surrounded by soft white sands and inviting Indian Ocean waters. Amidst this idyllic 5-star sanctuary you’ll find sumptuous accommodation furnished to perfection with stylish Thai influences and enticing culinary destinations to suit all occasions and cravings. Exhilarating activities and indulgent leisure facilities add to the appeal, allowing for magic holiday experiences that will be remembered for eternity.

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Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa

Escape to the Maldives for a picture-perfect holiday at the 5-star Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. Offering incredible wellness facilities, melt away during one of their relaxing therapies. The modern fitness centre is a great place to keep your mind and body active, while you can refuel with irresistible buffet treats or delectable a la carte options. If you fancy a change of scenery, a myriad of unforgettable activities await out on the Indian Ocean, including a choice of fabulous water sports.

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