Joanna James
Many factors make the Maldives an excellent choice for a family vacation, from the powdery-soft sandy beaches and year-round sunshine – which serve as sun loungers and sand pits for both children and parents alike – to the warm, safe, shallow lagoons, which ring almost every island, and are ideal for swimming.
Finding the correct hotel is key to a successful Maldivian family trip. If you have kids, avoid secluded islands. After eight hours on a plane, a short transfer is crucial. Select Maldives villas that are accessible by boat or seaplane, not both. Although both rides are enjoyable, after a long journey all you will want is to settle in quickly.
Leave all the over-water villas to the newlyweds. Choosing a beach home in the Maldives means your kids can run directly into the sand, while you relax on a lounger. Private pools are ideal for cooling down if funds allow. Baby-sitting services, free excursions, and watersports that are non-motorised are included at most resorts like Grand Park Kodhipparu. Everything from ice cream to pizza-making days will be included. Larger families may find more space at multi-roomed villas adjacent to the beaches. If you are on a budget, check for free kid spots.
When planning a family vacation in the Maldives, it is essential to choose a hotel with meals that will appeal to your whole group. Buffet-style major restaurants are the greatest option for grazers, and finicky eaters, since they enable them to sample the rare Maldivian speciality – coconut-infused seafood curries are a particular favourite – alongside well-known mainstays like spaghetti and hamburgers. At lunchtime, poolside restaurants will be a big attraction, allowing youngsters to return back to swimming about while their parents relax with a glass of wine. For those travelling with smaller children, do not forget to visit the room service alternatives for a night in with the kids.
All Maldivian hotels have lovely white sandy beaches and mild, safe waters, but a wonderful kids' club can be very handy. Remember, these clubs are particularly catered to your kids. Before booking, read the small print. Consider the age range – most kids' clubs cater to children aged 4 to 12, with clubs serving younger or older children being difficult to find.
Some of the activities include its own splash park, trampoline, playground, as well as activities like culinary courses and coral adoption. In the hotel's realistic sports simulation rooms, older kids may practice their virtual swing on the resort's PlayStation and Xbox. The Constance Halaveli Youngsters Club keeps kids aged 4 to 11 entertained from 9 am to 9 pm with, arts and crafts, mini-discos, treasure hunts and its own kids' cuisine. Teen clubs are available at some resorts; however, older kids may choose a bigger resort with more activities. Meeru has it all: gaming rooms, watersports, diving centre, Maldivian culture museum, and trips to the capital, Male.
Unlike most other places, the Maldives is a place where it's preferable to overpack rather than under pack, specifically when it comes to essentials like sunscreen and baby requirements like diapers and formula. There are no supermarkets nearby, and hotel stores are expensive and not often well-stocked. Avoid accommodations near pubs and restaurants if your children are light sleepers. If your children like their freedom, request a villa that is close to the main pool or kids' club. The kids can simply run back and forth from the villa.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
