Joanna James
The Maldives can be a great family travel destination. However, if travelling with infants, special consideration should be given to your travel plans. Check out the recommendations below.
When travelling with kids and infants, pay attention to the resort you book. If you have travelled over several flights, opt for a speedboat transfer to your resort. Speed boats are not that bumpy and can be a pleasant ride. Request a bigger boat if you have small children. Nevertheless, some remote locations are accessible only via seaplane or a domestic flight only.
The benefits of booking a remote atoll from Malé means you will seldom see oil tankers, speed boats, and local boats. If you have ever dreamed of being on a private island, this would be the most luxurious way to go about it. A long transfer can be tiring at times but the views are one of a kind! Older kids will probably be thrilled!
The accommodation in the Maldives can be overwhelming when you have to pick only one. The range includes beach villas, overwater villas, bungalows etc. Beach villas will be directly facing the beach, while overwater villas will be on the lagoon part of the island. Water villas are great, if your kids can snorkel, as the house reef will be accessible at all times. They also have a personal entrance to the lagoon via a small staircase. This could, however, pose a security risk for younger children like toddlers. The passageways on each side have a wooden walkway that opens up to the lagoon. Thus, toddlers will have to be on your radar at all times! Because of this, some resorts will have a minimum age rule for occupants in water villas. However, the best Maldives resorts are well-equipped with security criteria like fitted railings and security locks over the floors and villas. Some will ask you to sign a disclaimer for the younger members of the family. If you feel uneasy, the safer option will be a beach bungalow or a villa. Always gather the required information directly, the likes of Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives are among the best options available.
Most islands will have activities for kids. Older kids will have more options than toddlers. These include group snorkelling, scavenger hunts, beach Olympics, hermit crab races, sunset activities like bonfires, roasting marshmallows, pyjama parties, and movie nights. If you feel comfortable, it's the best time to get the baby interested in water and swimming. The water in the Maldives is serene and immaculate. It is indeed an ideal location to get the baby floats out!
Unlike other destinations, in Maldives, selecting a meal plan is a good way to go, as the price of meals and beverages on the islands can get incredibly expensive. Meal choices vary from buffets to private dinners by Michelin-star chefs. Smaller islands will have only a few restaurants. So, if you have picky eaters and those who have dietary limitations, research before picking a plan. Always examine the fine print on meal inclusions, as they differ considerably. A full-board plan provides buffet access to all three meals, excluding snacks and room service.
An all-inclusive plan covers all meals plus the mini bar, high tea, beverages, free kids club activities, water sports, kids’ spa therapies etc. These packages have a-la-carté meals at speciality restaurants as well.
Most resorts will have a doctor on site. But if a serious medical emergency arises, you will have to be airlifted to the nearest local hospital in the atoll, Male or a nearby country. Basic medication in the Maldives can become very costly and limited in supplies. So pack a thorough first aid kit and ensure you have good medical insurance.
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.
