5 family friendly resorts in the Maldives you need to know about

The Maldives have long been deemed an adults-only destination, mainly attracting honeymooners and couples who aren’t shy to spend a pretty dime to have a luxury holiday. However, times have changed and nowadays the Maldives are really the perfect all-round destination including families. And rightfully so! Great weather, stunning resorts, endless amounts of tropical beaches and warm waters all around which are abundant of marine wildlife. While there are countless resorts suitable for the whole family, there are a few that really stand out and I’ll highlight 5 resorts which will stretch from entry-level properties all the way to the over-the-top resorts where nothing is impossible. Let’s dive (pun intended) into it!

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa

Don’t be fooled by the name and the brand. Yes, it’s a Sheraton, but it is totally different to the ones you know at the airports or in the cities. It’s located just 15 minutes by speedboat from Male meaning you can jump into the pool or crystal clear water merely an hour after touching down in the Maldives. This on its own is already a big plus cause who wants to waste time on long transfers? It’s all due to the fact that the hotel was one of the first when the Maldives opened up for tourism about 5 decades ago, and after its 2019 renovation the hotel is certainly not planning to give up on the spot it earned over the years. Rightfully so cause there’s a lot to love, firstly starting with the rooms. There’s several types as one can expect, from overwater to beach villas, but all of them have ample space to comfortably accommodate a family. Another great highlight is the quality of the food which sometimes isn’t the greatest (to put it politely) at mid-range properties. Not over here, on the contrary. With several different food outlets there’s always a place where you’ll find your preferred plate for the day.

But what really stands out at the Sheraton Maldives is the amount of space you have and the endless array of activities you can enjoy as a family. Be it lounging at the beach bar where the kids play in the sand and the parents just hang around on one of the swings while taking in the gorgeous views, or playing soccer on the massive field against the staff who are of course happy to play a match after hours, not to mention the kids club where the youngsters can live their best life while the adults enjoy some well deserved time at the stunning spa,….

One & Only Reethi Rah

This legendary brand arrived in the Maldives almost 20 years ago and found itself one of the most naturally beautiful and expansive islands in the north Malé Atoll, meaning it only takes a short speed boat ride to arrive in paradise. First thing you’ll notice when walking into the reception area and afterwards your villa is the unique architecture by the hand of the master, Jean Michel Gathy himself. He’s among the best in the business (he’s done multiple amazing projects like Cheval Blanc Maldives, Aman Venice,….) and pays off for the guests cause all the villa feel light, airy and functional. There’s certainly no lack of space both inside-and out, and that’s exactly what you look for when travelling as a family. The resort has equally some of the best and most spacious multi-bedroom villas, some of which have their own private beach with outdoor cinema and so on, truly mind-blowing. And because it has such a large island which it can use as a giant playground, you can still find large tropical beaches where you literally are the only soul enjoying it, a luxury that is becoming increasingly difficult to find in the Maldives.

Kids will instantly be spoiled by the staff upon arrival and as a logical result adults are spoiled too, cause they’ll quickly understand that this is a place where they can also relax while knowing the little ones are well taken care off. The kids club is, as you would expect, the epicentre of the activities for the youngsters, however they do have plenty of other activities all around the island. The mandatory treasure hunt over here is of course off the charts with such a wonderful island to search for that elusive chest!

Seaside Finolhu Maldives

Situated in the Baa atoll, this property has arguable one of the best locations in the Maldives for those who like abundant marine wildlife. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great all around, but Baa atoll is so special that it’s one of only 3 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in the Maldives since 2011. Another notable thing is the fact that it’s one of the best places in the Indian Ocean to see the whale shark and the manta rays. Finolhu is equally gifted with a very long stretch of beach which serves a multitude of purposes. from the perfect running track to a location for stunning photoshoots and all the way at the end you’ll find the iconic beach bubble tent which you can book as an extra experience for a night. Truly magical being able to see all the stars at night straight from your bed and then hop into the outdoor bathtub in the morning to start your day in the best possible way. Food-wise you won’t be disappointed either with some amazing restaurant options. Our favourites are the Japanese restaurant in the evening and the amazing crab shack for late lunches.

Families over here are really spoiled due to the space that is available, but equally by the activities for everyone. The Oceaneers Club is the safe haven for the kids daily programs that make sure the little ones are entertained throughout the day. Meanwhile the adults can enjoy all the rest of the facilities and just have some proper quality time among themselves. No worries, the property equally makes sure that families have the best time together too. The white party near the crab shack during sunset is without a doubt the perfect example. Great beats produced by a DJ that is standing in an open VW bus on an idyllic tropical beach is all you need to dance and drink the night away! Cause there ain’t no party like a sunset beach party…right?!

Gili Lankanfushi

A firm favourite among many and rightfully so. Together with the Sheraton Maldives, it was one of the first properties in the area and thus did it secure one of the most stunning natural islands (these days many islands are reclaimed which means they don’t have the lush vegetation that you’ll find on the natural ones). Gili Lankanfushi makes you feel like you’re in a Robinson Crusoe movie, and to be honest it’s certainly one where you hope there’s a sequel cause this resort feels like you’re wrapped in the softest blanket imaginable of which you never want to escape. From all the resorts mentioned here, Gili has the least rooms, only 45 to be precise. And all of them are overwater, so if that makes you feel a bit iffy then I wouldn’t suggest staying here. However, I stayed here twice with my kids from the age of 2 and upwards and never did I feel uncomfortable with it. What’s really nice about this place is that it never gets crowded, even at breakfast where most people gather to be seated underneath the palhtrees on the beach while being served some of the best food found in the archipelago. The low amount of rooms really helps on all levels cause the staff will know your preferences in a heartbeat and there’s a sense of calmness among the guests that is hard to describe but nonetheless a joy to witness.

There’s no kids club on the island and that might come as a shock for many but Gili Lankanfushi wouldn’t be Gili Lankanfushi if they didn’t have a trick or two up their sleeve. Your butler, or aptly named Mr. or Mrs. Friday (yes, here comes Robinson Crusoe again) will make sure the youngsters have the time of their lives while the adults relax at the spa, or have fun snorkelling, … How? Well, the in-house tailor makes the kids a custom made uniform in which they can join other staff on the island, be it attending the morning meeting, setting the tables, helping the cook finding fresh produce in the vegetable garden and so on. Or how about building a massive sand castle on the beach? My favourite is giving them driving lessons for the golf buggy after which their drivers licence will await them in the room. No worries, it’s only valid on the island, but trust me, the kids will never want to go to a kids club again!

Intercontinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

After a scenic flight on a sea plane from Male you’ll arrive at this wonderful resort in the Raa Atoll. Yes, it’s an Intercontinental which is a brand mainly known worldwide for business travel but this property is everything but! From the moment you set foot on the island you instantly understand this place is made for relaxation and having fun. I mean, which other Intercontinental lobby has swings hanging from the ceiling while overlooking the blue waters surrounding the area? Not to mention the lighthouse at the end of the island which you might already have spotted during your landing in front of the resort. This property has all types of accommodation but the one that is really unique is the lagoon pool villa as it sits on the edge between the ocean and the lagoon, allowing you to have your coffee on your front terrace overlooking the lagoon and having a dip in the pool (or a second coffee on the back terrace) while looking out over the ocean that is literally teaming with wildlife. Not going to lie, I’ve done many resorts but this place was among the best in terms of seeing all types of fish from the island or even your villa.

While the kids club on the island has a lot to offer, what really stands out for me is that they also created a club for the adults, where children aren’t allowed. Hallelujah! More resorts should look into this! It’s called the retreat and here you’ll have a stunning pool to relax, a bar that shakes up any cocktail you desire, and finger food that is available all day long. What more do parents want? Maybe cool activities for their teenagers in order to get them away from their scenes which are almost glued to their hands. Even that is provided at the Intercontinental Maldives with cool master classes where they learn how to make the best mocktail, or cooking lessons where they learn the basics to everything that could be served in a Michelin star restaurant. There’s literally a great time be had for everyone in the family.

Kristof Eyckmans

Kristof Eyckmans is a travel writer from Antwerp, Belgium. He’s been living all across the globe and while he loves wildlife and nature, he can still enjoy a good urban jungle.