Make Waves of Memories: Top Family-Friendly Resorts in the Maldives
Make Waves of Memories: Top Family-Friendly Resorts in the Maldives - Splash Into Adventure at One&Only Reethi Rah
Make waves of memories with your family at One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives. This exclusive resort, located on one of the largest islands in North Malé Atoll, is a paradise for water lovers of all ages.
Kids will have a blast at the resort's dedicated KidsOnly clubhouse. This spacious facility has supervised activities like baking cupcakes, learning circus skills, and making DIY bath bombs. Outside, there's a splash park, junior tennis courts, mini football pitch, and indoor cinema. Parents can enjoy time alone knowing their children are in good hands.
For some family bonding time, take to the warm, crystal clear waters together. Use the resort's snorkeling equipment to explore the house reef, which has abundant marine life like clownfish, rays, and small reef sharks. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are also fun activities for older kids. Parents can relax on loungers at the edge of the water while watching over the little ones.
If you have kids under 4 years old, book the resort's private 'Kuda Koli' kids pool villa. This beachfront villa has its own shallow kids pool plus a separate lounging deck. The master suite is on the opposite side for parental privacy. A personal chef can prepare healthy meals for the whole family in your villa.
Teens will love socializing at Vidhun Spa's Teen Spa menu. It has mother-daughter or father-son experiences like pedicures, facials and hair treatments. There's also the chance for an outdoor cinema night at the resort's tennis court with popcorn and snacks.
Finish off fun family days with dinners at the overwater Fresh in the Garden restaurant. Kids can play on the sandy beach while parents enjoy contemporary Mediterranean dishes. Top it off with homemade ice cream and a good night's sleep, ready for another day of memories.
What else is in this post?
- Make Waves of Memories: Top Family-Friendly Resorts in the Maldives - Splash Into Adventure at One&Only Reethi Rah
- Make Waves of Memories: Top Family-Friendly Resorts in the Maldives - Make a Splash at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort
- Make Waves of Memories: Top Family-Friendly Resorts in the Maldives - Spot Sea Turtles at Constance Moofushi
- Make Waves of Memories: Top Family-Friendly Resorts in the Maldives - Snorkel with the Kids at Kurumba Maldives
- Make Waves of Memories: Top Family-Friendly Resorts in the Maldives - Relax in Style at JA Manafaru
- Make Waves of Memories: Top Family-Friendly Resorts in the Maldives - Swim With Sharks at Kudadoo Maldives Private Island
- Make Waves of Memories: Top Family-Friendly Resorts in the Maldives - Dive With Manta Rays at Six Senses Laamu
Make Waves of Memories: Top Family-Friendly Resorts in the Maldives - Make a Splash at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort
If you’re looking for a Maldives resort with plenty of options to get wet and wild, Anantara Dhigu is a top choice. This island paradise has something for every water baby.
Kids can spend hours splashing in the massive main pool. There’s a shallow children’s section, plus a deeper area for games like volleyball. On hot afternoons, swim up to the pool bar for a refreshing fruit smoothie. Younger children will have a blast at Anantara Dhigu’s kids club. Situated by the beach, experienced staff supervise activities like painting, treasure hunts and sandcastle building.
When you’re ready to explore, take a short boat ride to Anantara Dhigu’s sister resort Naladhu for more aquatic adventures. Here, you’ll find Maldives’ only House Reef Snorkeling Adventure – a guided tour to discover the area’s vibrant marine life. Float above coral gardens and spot tropical fish, turtles and reef sharks. No prior snorkeling experience? No worries. Their marine biologist ensures newbies are comfortable.
If you prefer to stay dry, book a ride in Naladhu’s glass-bottom boat. Peer through the clear floor, spotting coral and fish without getting wet. A must-do for younger kids or nervous swimmers.
Back at Anantara Dhigu, older kids will love the water sports center. Here, enthusiastic staff provide lessons in windsurfing, wakeboarding and sailing catamarans. While kids perfect their skills, parents can relax with a good book on the beach.
When you’ve had your fill of activities, retire to your overwater villa. These iconic thatched-roof bungalows sit atop turquoise waters – perfect for idyllic days gazing at the sea. For a special family celebration, book the two-bedroom Sunrise Overwater Pool Villa. Kids will be thrilled with their own downstairs bedroom and lavish bathroom. Out on the deck, take a dip in the private infinity pool before toasting the sunset with tropical cocktails.
As the day winds down, get ready for an ocean feast at SEA. Under the night sky, delight in a seafood barbecue with fresh tuna, lobster and tiger prawns. Try sushi rolls with Maldivian spicy tuna while little ones tuck into fish and chips or pasta. The restaurant’s relaxed, toes-in-the-sand setting is perfect for families.
Make Waves of Memories: Top Family-Friendly Resorts in the Maldives - Spot Sea Turtles at Constance Moofushi
If you're seeking a memorable Maldivian family getaway, look no further than Constance Moofushi. This all-inclusive gem in the South Ari Atoll is a haven for sea turtle lovers of all ages. Kids and adults alike will be thrilled to swim alongside these gentle giants in the turquoise lagoon.
The team at Constance Moofushi's dive and water sports center are passionate about marine conservation. They've created an environment where turtles thrive in the house reef and lagoon. Guides educate guests about respecting these beautiful creatures. Thanks to their efforts, you're almost guaranteed a magical in-water turtle encounter here.
Join one of the daily snorkeling tours led by the center's expert guides. They'll bring you to all the turtle hotspots, like the deep channel where turtles nap under coral heads. Don't try to chase or touch them - just float gently and observe. Watching their graceful movements underwater is an experience you'll never forget.
For a real thrill, book the resort's turtle snorkeling trip aboard Glass Bottomed Boat Lady Constance. Their marine biologist captain has an eagle eye for spotting turtles and will get you in the water for some unforgettable encounters. Float eye-to-eye with these gentle giants as they lazily flap their flippers and come up for air. An on-board underwater camera lets you capture and share the memories.
Back on dry land, kids will love learning about turtle conservation efforts in the Maldives. Join one of Constance Moofushi's marine biology classes in the kids' club. Using games and activities, they'll teach kids how to be turtle-friendly tourists. And when it's time to relax, little ones will adore the outdoor playground and pool just for kids.
With 24-hour dining, you can fuel up on delicious buffet spreads before and after your snorkeling adventures. Enjoy breakfast pancakes by the beach, then a candle-lit dinner of grilled lobster as the sun sets. The resort's flexible dining options make mealtimes effortless for families.
Make Waves of Memories: Top Family-Friendly Resorts in the Maldives - Snorkel with the Kids at Kurumba Maldives
Discover an underwater wonderland with the kids at Kurumba Maldives. This iconic resort's calm, protected house reef makes it one of the best in the Maldives for introductory snorkeling. Even non-swimmers and toddlers can get in on the fun in complete safety.
Kurumba offers complimentary snorkeling equipment for all guests, with special gear for little ones. Pop into their on-site dive center to pick up short fins, masks, and brightly-colored tubes just for kids. Their patient, experienced staff will get your children properly fitted and give beginners a quick swimming and breathing lesson before their first snorkel. No prior experience? No worries. Many first-timers take to it like pros under their guidance.
With equipment sorted, take a short stroll from your beachfront villa to the jetty. Gurantors (house reef guides) lead small groups of guests on a snorkeling tour of Kurumba's shallow protected house reef. Toddlers can paddle alongside in their tubes for a fish-eye view of the coral. Older kids will delight at darting after schools of electric-blue fusiliers and upside-down bannerfish. Keep an eye out for blue-spotted stingrays camouflaged on the sandy bottom.
After working up an appetite, refuel with a beachside lunch at Kandu Grill. This family restaurant has an all-day menu of wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and ice cream sundaes. Parents can sip tropical cocktails beneath the shady palms while kids splash in the beachfront infinity pool just steps away.
In the afternoon, check out the resort's recreation activities for kids aged 4-12. The young 'uns can get creative making handmade batik fabrics or DIY shell necklaces. Sports-loving kids will enjoy tennis lessons on their two floodlit courts. And aspiring marine biologists can observe the reef's sea creatures up close in the complimentary daily fish feeding session.
Kurumba makes meals hassle-free for families with 24-hour dining at their numerous restaurants. Hamakaze serves gourmet Japanese cuisine with private tatami rooms where kids can play nearby. For Italian flavors, al fresco Vihamana has wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas. And Thila takes you on a culinary tour of Asia, with sushi, noodles, and tandoori favorites. With so many options, even the fussiest young eaters will be satisfied.
Make Waves of Memories: Top Family-Friendly Resorts in the Maldives - Relax in Style at JA Manafaru
Nestled in the remote Haa Alif Atoll, JA Manafaru is an uber-luxe hideaway for families seeking privacy and relaxation in chic beachfront villas. With an idyllic setting far from other resorts, you can spend days immersed in island tranquility. No crowded beaches or noisy pool areas here - just pristine shores and intimate spaces.
Choose from spacious beachfront or overwater villas, each with its own infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean. Hardwood floors, indoor and outdoor rain showers, and sumptuous furnishings give the accommodations a delightfully modern beach house vibe. For families, the two-bedroom beach villas are ideal, with separate bedroom wings and living spaces. A personal butler attends to your every need, from unpacking your luggage to serving meals in your villa. Ah, the bliss of poolside dinners under the stars, without having to lift a finger.
While mum and dad enjoy some R&R, kids will embrace the freedom of the resort’s wide open spaces. Junior guests love cycling along the island’s paved pathways on complimentary bikes, stopping to splash at the beach along the way. Or borrow a stand-up paddleboard for an ocean adventure - the shallow house reef is perfect for beginners. At the J-Spa, pint-sized patrons can get their first pedicure at the mini mani-pedi bar.
After working up an appetite, feast on garden-fresh flavors at White Orchid, JA Manafaru’s all-day restaurant. Kids will devour the wood-fired pizzas, while parents savor Thai curries, fresh seafood and Mediterranean mezze. Don’t miss the divine breakfast spread, with smoothie and açai bowls, Asian noodles and Instagram-worthy pancake stacks. With 24-hour in-villa dining, late-night munchies or early morning hunger pangs are easily solved.
As the day winds down, gather as a family for Maldivian fun at the resort’s weekly Boduberu night. This celebrates traditional song and dance from the islands. Kids can try their hand at Boduberu drumming during the interactive performance. After the show, tuck into local bites like mas huni (shredded coconut with chili) and enjoy the party vibe.
When you’re ready for some dedicated family time, book a private sandbank picnic. A personal chef will ferry you to a secluded slice of sugar-soft sand for a gourmet feast, just for your crew. As the waves lap at your toes, dine like castaways on fresh lobster, barbecued prawns and tropical fruit. Later, stargaze on sun loungers as the kids hunt for shooting stars. Magical Maldivian memories are made of this.
Make Waves of Memories: Top Family-Friendly Resorts in the Maldives - Swim With Sharks at Kudadoo Maldives Private Island
For thrill-seeking families, a visit to Kudadoo Maldives Private Island might just provide the most heart-thumping holiday ever. This exclusive retreat, accessible only by seaplane, offers intrepid guests a rare chance to get up close with majestic sharks and rays. Guided by expert biologists, their dive and snorkel encounters bring you face-to-face with these incredible ocean giants in the most responsible, sustainable way.
Slip on a wetsuit, strap on your gear, and take the plunge into Kudadoo’s house reef, where reef sharks, white tips, and nurse sharks swim in the blue depths. Listen attentively as your marine guide briefs you on shark conservation and strictly no-touching policies before you enter the water. Once submerged in another world, watch in awe as five-foot reef sharks with telltale black-tipped fins glide silently by. Float entranced as they spiral up from the reef, then disappear back into the blue. Though heart-pounding at first, you’ll be amazed by their grace and fluidity.
If sharks aren’t your thing, get eye-to-eye with giant manta rays. These harmless plankton feeders perform a stunning underwater ballet - somersaulting and flapping their mighty wings as they glide past. Catch your breath as three-meter-wide giants swoop just feet from your masked face. An experience that’s truly mesmerizing, yet perfectly safe for older kids and novice divers.
After your adrenaline-pumping reef encounters, unwind with some family downtime in your sleek overwater villa. With a private infinity pool, round-the-clock butler service and floor-to-ceiling ocean views, it’s luxury living at its finest. Later, gather at the table for freshly-caught seafood prepared by your personal chef. From grilled lobster to Maldivian tuna curry, dining is an experience to savor.
While the grown-ups indulge at the resort’s champagne bar or hydrotherapy spa, kids can kayak, snorkel and bike across the island’s sandy paths. Expert child minders at Planet Trekkers kids’ club oversee activities like swimming, treasure hunts and movie nights under the stars. With every detail designed for carefree family fun, Kudadoo makes quality time together effortless.
Those seeking the ultimate aquatic thrill can also explore beyond the reef aboard Kudadoo Explorer. Their luxury liveaboard yacht takes guests to premier dive sites across the Maldives archipelago. Imagine drifting along a deep channel where dozens of Eagle rays glide beneath you, or hovering above a WWII shipwreck carpeted in coral. A multiday marine safari suitable for ages 12 and up, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for water lovers.
Make Waves of Memories: Top Family-Friendly Resorts in the Maldives - Dive With Manta Rays at Six Senses Laamu
The moment you roll off the dive boat and into the sea at Six Senses Laamu, you enter a world that defies imagination. Below the surface, graceful giants with wingspans over 5 meters glide through shafts of sunlight - their gaping mouths filtering plankton in a hypnotic dance. You're diving with manta rays, one of the ocean's most awe-inspiring creatures. And Six Senses Laamu provides access to some of the best manta sites in the Maldives, making it a diver's paradise.
Diving with these behemoths is an experience like no other.Peter, a repeat guest at Six Senses Laamu, describes his first manta dive: "As I sank below the surface, my heart was pounding. Our guide motioned into the blue, and suddenly they appeared - three giant mantas, swooping and somersaulting around us. I was awestruck by their fluid, alien movements. As the largest glided right over my head, blocking the sun, I felt like I was in the presence of royalty."
The resort's experienced dive team knows all the best manta 'cleaning stations' - areas where mantas visit coral to be groomed by small fish. Sites like Kuda Giri are frequented by dozens of mantas daily, making sightings nearly guaranteed. And with advanced notice, the team can organize a night dive to witness the eerie spectacle of mantas feeding after dark.
Laamu's dive guides are passionate about marine conservation. They remind divers of strict no-touch policies and brief them on threats like warming oceans and plastic pollution. Thanks to Six Senses' sustainable tourism model, the reefs here remain pristine, creating an optimal environment for manta families to thrive.
Amy, who visited Laamu with her teenage daughter, remarked: "The dive guides showed such care and respect for the mantas. Their conservation message really resonated with my daughter - she's now eager to protect these magnificent creatures."
Back on dry land, families can continue learning with Six Senses' manta biologist, who gives educational talks on their habits and habitats. Kids can get creative making manta ray art in the Alchemy of Six Senses program. And photos captured by the dive team's underwater camera are displayed in the resort's Manta Trust exhibit.