A guide to family-friendly resorts in the Maldives
The Maldives has long been a firm honeymoon favourite, with idyllic views and private villas being the epitome of romance. But the country’s clear blue waters, varied wildlife and stunning sunshine also make it an ideal place for kids and teens to explore. With a growing number of child-friendly properties across the archipelago, the Maldives is bursting with potential for a great family getaway.
Gili Lankanfushi
Best for: Easy access
Situated only seven miles from Malé’s Velana International Airport, Gili Lankanfushi can be reached by speedboat in just 20 to 30 minutes – opportune for those seeking a straightforward route to paradise. When guests arrive on the island, they are met with a range of overwater villas boasting private pools, deck areas, gyms, steam rooms and rooftop Jacuzzis. Children will relish the huge range of water activities on offer – even getting the chance to breathe underwater for the first time with the Padi Bubble Maker course. Snorkelling trips to see turtles and reef sharks, sailing excursions, waterskiing, wakeboarding and three-day kids’ surfing programmes will ensure they are kept entertained.
Six Senses Laamu
Best for: Budding conservationists
Six Senses Laamu in the Laamu Atoll is surrounded by six separate marine conservation areas, making it a great location to get little ones engaged with the wonders of the wild. The resort’s Sea Hub of Environmental Learning in Laamu provides conservation experiences for all ages, including immersive sessions and presentations. The Junior Marine Biology programmes help educate the next generation of ocean protectors, with snorkelling trips, science experiments and classroom sessions. The opportunity to witness turtles hatching on the resort’s white-sand beaches in May and August makes Six Senses Laamu a haven for the marine biologists of tomorrow.
One&Only Reethi Rah
Best for: Family bonding
This Maldives favourite truly puts family first, with a tailored four-day itinerary designed to create memories that last a lifetime.
The first day offers time to explore the resort’s beaches before enjoying overwater French, Asian or Italian cuisine. Day two is all about watersports, with paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, diving and jetski rides on offer.
Island exploration is the name of the game on day three, with trips to neighbouring isles via seaplane, private dining in the Botanica pergola and beachfront movies by moonlight. A world of possibility awaits on the final day: guests can either relax by the pool or beach, or try tennis, football, beach volleyball, badminton, pétanque or climbing.
Velaa Private Island
Best for: Water babies
Velaa Private Island is home to the most extensive kids’ water park in the Maldives – a dream for youngsters who love to play mermaids and sea monsters.
Beyond this, the Junior Open Water Diver course is an exciting opportunity for guests aged 10 and above to explore the deep and go home with a Padi scuba diving certification, while those aged eight to 10 can try diving in the shallow waters around the resort. The ocean exploration doesn’t end there, with snorkelling excursions for teens 15 and over, and pirate ship adventures offering little ones a thrilling chance to sail the seven seas.
Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
Best for: Animal lovers
Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is a go-to for youngsters who hold wildlife close to their hearts, as 13 to 18-year-old guests can get stuck into the brand’s Trainee Marine Biologist programme.
Teens can enjoy up to six one-on-one sessions with experts to learn more about dolphins, turtles, manta rays, reef fish, plankton and coral, igniting a passion for protecting the inhabitants of the sea.
Kids can get hands-on with coral-reef building and observe turtle monitoring at the Four Seasons Turtle Rehabilitation Programme, and the whole family can get even closer to the region’s awe-inspiring ecosystem with meet the dolphin cruises and private turtle trips.
Soneva Jani
Best for: Family villas
Sometimes, the best holidays are those where the whole family can come together and enjoy quality time in their own private space. The villa residences on this north Maldivian island range in size from three to five bedrooms, and are set either in the trees along the beachfront or perched above the crystal-clear sea. Each villa has a private pool and waterslide, as well as a gym, sauna and wine cellar.
Myriad activities are on offer across the resort, including outdoor cinema screenings, stargazing at the observatory and waterfall ziplining.
The Noonu Atoll Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Centre is a great place for families to visit the island’s resident sea turtles, while the Soneva Academy allows kids aged 12 and over to learn about marine life and plastic pollution.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
Best for: Adventurous toddlers
Taking tiny tots to far-flung island resorts can be a challenge, but The Ritz-Carlton Maldives has considered guests of all ages. The Ritz Kids Club is available for those aged from four to 12, with younger kids able to enjoy the facilities if supervised (the club has its own shallow pool and splash pad, which are perfect for toddlers). Little guests will be kept entertained by endless toys, beach games and art supplies, and those aged three and above can even try out racket sport classes. Complimentary ice cream at The Creamery is sure to keep permanent smiles on little ones’ faces.
The St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
Best for: Curious teens
New for 2025 at The St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is The Vommuli Society – a club and set of experiences designed to fend off teenage boredom. The Teen Social Lounge is the perfect place to unwind with games and music, but the packed schedule is hard to resist. Teens can get active with group Hiit classes, dance cardio sessions, anti-gravity yoga and boxing lessons, then hit the water for paddleboarding, jetskiing, glass-bottom kayaking, parasailing and windsurfing – all led by experienced instructors. The Island Capture Sessions offer a chance to get photography and editing tips at the resort’s most scenic spots.
Marine conservation experiences are also available, along with crafting sessions at the Maldivian Culture Lab. Even better, teens can round off their day with a sunset mocktail at the overwater bar.
Joali Maldives
Best for: Active families
Sun-dappled lagoons and swaying palms set the stage for Joali, home to a packed activity offering for all ages. Families can set off on treasure hunts to explore the island, before working up a sweat on the football pitch, tennis and padel courts, during yoga sessions or at high-energy Muay Thai classes. Cooking lessons are on offer to dive into Maldivian cuisine, with whole-family sessions available alongside classes for six to 16-year-olds.
Alternatively, youngsters can get creative with crafting tutorials, pottery workshops and art trails around the resort. Children might even return home with a new skill, thanks to the Fitness Academy for those aged six to 12; the Aquaventure programme, for five to 12-year olds who are learning how to swim; and the Ocean Odyssey Mission, where seven to 14-year-olds can discover nearby reefs and marine life.
Best of rest
At Finolhu, youngsters become Oceaneers as soon as they set foot in the resort, throwing themselves into swimming lessons, pirate cruises, snorkelling, turtle adventures, sunset fishing and pool parties.
Kids are transformed into Young Wonderers at The Nautilus Maldives, where they’ll find opportunities to learn about Maldivian culture and the Dhivehi language, try boduberu drumming and origami, and make
jewellery with local masters.
Lux South Ari Atoll is a great spot for family bonding, with mother-daughter and father-son spa packages, outdoor film screenings of family favourites and private dinners on offer.
Relaxation and connection with nature is a priority for all guests at Como Maalifushi, home to kids’ massages, family yoga lessons and mindfulness sessions, alongside fort building, crab racing and dolphin cruises.
Teens aren’t forgotten at InterContinental Maldives MaamunagauResort, with a programme including cooking and mocktail-making classes, Grill & Chill barbecues, catamaran captain lessons, diving certifications, youth spa sessions and TikTok dance-inspired Zumba.
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