Family Friendly Resorts in the Maldives

The Maldives is known as a top honeymoon destination for its white sand beaches, luxury resorts, and breathtaking landscapes. But the Maldives is also well-equipped for exciting family trips, too. Looking to explore these beautiful islands with the kids in tow? These are the best family-friendly resorts in the Maldives.

Read the C&TH Responsible Tourism Guide

Family Friendly Resorts in the Maldives

• COMO Maalifushi
• Soneva Jani
• Fairmont Maldives
• Velaa Private Island
• The Residence Maldives

Play by COMO Space – COMO Maalifushi

Young travellers at COMO Maalifushi – the only hotel in the Maldives’ Thaa Atoll – are invited to explore a plethora of exciting games. Surrounded by unspoilt coral reefs and a dark night sky filled with stars, the resort is an ideal setting for adventure and education, with a jam-packed schedule incorporating the likes of Children’s Yoga to playing traditional Maldivian games.

BOOK: Rooms from £475 per night. comohotels.com

The Den at Soneva Jani

A 1,500 square kilometre, two story playground structure will keep little ones occupied at Soneva Jani in the Maldives’ Noonu Atoll. Taking two years to complete, the playground has been specially designed with childhood wonder in mind, with dedicated toddler and teenage zones, two waterfalls, a 155 square kilometre swimming pool, 32 metre zipline, waterslide, pirate ship, skateboard ramp, and grotto that transforms into an evening ‘bar’ complete with DJ booth, dancefloor and mocktails. 

Inside, there’s also a bowling alley, Lego and craft area, dressing-up room, library and cinema, and a kitchen area which hosts cooking lessons and Soneva’s regular Junior MasterChef competition. Completely tech-free, Soneva introduces young guests to their ‘slow life’ philosophy with a ‘no news, no shoes’ ethos in The Den, allowing guests to learn, play, discover nature and get creative, free from distractions. 

BOOK: With Soneva Jani’s Ultimate Family Offer, children up to 15 years old receive complimentary full board dining when sharing with two adults. A child-friendly resort, baby accessories, highchairs, prams, playpens, monitors, bottle warmers, bathmats and other supplies are all available. soneva.com

Turn Plastic Waste into Precious Mementos at Fairmont Maldives

Fun-filled and educational, the newly launched Sustainability Lab at Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi allows families to create special keepsakes – from cute turtle keychains to functional stationery ready for back-to-school – from ocean salvaged waste. For budding animal lovers, there’s also the Turtle Ranger programme, in which young guests join the resident Marine Biologist to monitor critically endangered Hawksbill Turtles, release hatchlings into the ocean, and plant new coral.

BOOK: Family villas from £1,030 per night. fairmont.com

Water Park Fun For Active Families at Velaa Private Island

Nestled within the Noonu Atoll, Velaa Private Island is home to the archipelago’s most extensive water park for kids, packed with slides, splash pools and sprinklers. Forming part of the resort’s Lha Velaa Kids Club, the area is almost entirely covered, perfect for young guests aged 4 to twelve to escape the heat and make a splash. For active kids, the island offers tennis and Padel courts, a climbing wall and an array of watersports, from flyboarding and hoverboarding to electric foil surfing and drifting across the ocean on inflatable towables. For a slower pace, guests can enjoy the unspoilt surroundings from pedal boats, glass-bottom kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.

BOOK: Rooms from £2,179 per night (based on two adults and one child sharing). velaaprivateisland.com

Something for Everyone at The Residence Maldives

Set in the scenic south of the archipelago, The Residence Maldives Dhigurah is located on the Gaafu Alifu Atoll. Framed by 2,500 swaying palms and cocooned by turquoise lagoons, the resort is connected to its sister property, The Residence Falhumaafishi, by a 1km bridge – together, there is a plethora of offerings to keep travellers big and small entertained. From snorkelling safaris through colourful coral reefs to rejuvenating treatments at The Spa by Clarins, there’s truly something for everyone.

BOOK: Rooms from £392 per night. cenizaro.com

Featured image courtesy of Fairmont Maldives.