Your Maldives escape with family memories

The Maldives offers a truly unique escape, with thousands of islands providing pristine beaches, ideal weather, and welcoming service. This destination is perfect for creating lasting memories.

Island Selection

With so many islands to choose from, the focus here is on a few standout resorts that cater to diverse interests, from active holidays to pure relaxation.

Kandima Maldives

Kandima Maldives, located in Dhaalu Atoll, is a long island that offers a wide range of activities for the entire family. It features a variety of studios and villas, including overwater and beach options, suitable for different needs. The island is surrounded by beautiful beaches and has two large pools with a swim-up bar.

For children, Kandiland Kids Club provides a dedicated space with toys, a ball pit, arts and crafts, and a splash park. Older children and teens can enjoy Playspace, which includes a bowling alley, karaoke room, escape room, arcade games, and more. For the adventurous, there’s a go-kart track, the first of its kind in the Maldives.

Relaxation is also a priority at the esKape spa, with treatments offered in overwater huts. The resort boasts ten restaurants, emphasizing sustainability and fresh, local produce. I found that enjoying a simple curry at one of the buffet restaurants, Zest or Flavour, felt just as satisfying as trying the more elaborate Asian cuisine at The Sea Dragon. Their Massaman Neua Curry is a must-try.

Experiences here are plentiful. Snorkeling on the Turtle Quest, creating art at the Kula Art Studio using local methods, or the Castaway Experience to a remote sandbank offer memorable adventures. I especially enjoyed the chance to try a clay sculpture session at the art studio, a different kind of souvenir to bring home.

The cost for a 7-night stay on an all-inclusive basis in mid-September for two adults and two children, flying from London Heathrow and staying in a Sky Studio Double Room, is approximately £1,682 per person, bookable through First Choice.

JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort

The JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, a recent addition, is situated in Kaafu Atoll and is a short 15-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport. The resort’s design blends traditional Maldivian elements with a modern aesthetic, featuring chic private pool villas with direct beach access. Each villa includes spacious bathrooms with both indoor and outdoor showers, which I found encouraged more frequent use.

Personal butlers, known as ‘Safrees’, are available on WhatsApp for various requests, from buggy rides to booking meals and spa treatments. The Family by JW kids club offers a stylish play space with a treehouse, splash park, and creative activities, including a quiet room for naps.

Experiences range from snorkeling with nurse sharks and stingrays, guided by instructors like Nic, to sunset dolphin cruises complete with Prosecco (and non-alcoholic options for younger guests). The Spa by JW offers various treatments in overwater rooms, scented with jasmine. I highly recommend the Stress Relief massage for post-flight recovery.

Dining options are exceptional, with seven restaurants focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The Chef’s Table experience at Pure, where a private chef teaches local dish preparation, was a highlight. Even casual dining at Athiri, a grill house, offered memorable dishes like semolina bread with banana butter. A floating breakfast, designed for two, offered generous portions that could easily feed a family of four.

For those seeking quiet luxury, this resort excels. The premium experiences are truly unforgettable, offering a welcoming and memorable atmosphere from arrival to departure.

SO/ Maldives

SO/ Maldives is a luxury resort on a private island that blends fashion and art. It’s a 15-minute speedboat ride from Malé airport and offers direct access to Emboodhoo Lagoon. Activities include swimming with turtles, yoga, live DJ sets, coral reef expeditions, and pottery classes. The resort also allows visits to Crossroads and Malé city for a broader Maldivian experience.

Upon arrival, guests are treated with exceptional service, including luggage handling and on-demand golf cart transport. A dedicated GEM (helper) attends to every need. The resort has three distinct dining options: Citronelle Club for family-style Asian dishes, Hadaba for Arabian cuisine, and Lazuli, a beach bar with a DJ for poolside relaxation.

Villages at SO/ Maldives include over-water and beachfront options, each with a private pool, open-plan living space, and ocean views. In-villa dining is an option, including floating breakfasts. Renting a villa bike is a great way to explore the island and visit the spa for a massage, or simply relax in the hammock and watch for stingrays.

This resort is well-suited for families, couples, and friends, offering a new level of enjoyment. A 5-night stay on a half-board basis in mid-November for four adults in two Ocean Water Pool Villas, flying from London Heathrow, starts from £4,000 per person.

Ananea Madivaru Maldives

Ananea Madivaru Maldives presents a vision of picturesque beaches and clear blue waters. This newly opened five-star resort is located across two private islands in the North Ari Atoll, offering a sense of both expanse and intimacy. The welcoming staff embrace an ‘island time’ philosophy, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere.

The resort offers extensive dining options, with no restaurant feeling like filler. The Gallery offers international cuisine, while Asian Food Street combines Maldivian, Thai, Korean, and Indian flavors. Flame specializes in grilled seafood, and Luna provides Mediterranean dishes. Flores offers a Nikkei-inspired menu, and Ikigai features a teppanyaki experience. Sting Bar is ideal for pizzas and cocktails, and Paradise Beach Club has Mexican-inspired snacks at sunset.

All villas come with a private pool and contemporary interiors, offering privacy whether you choose a beach or overwater villa. The range of villa sizes accommodates couples, families, and groups. Activities include snorkeling, diving, boat trips, and sunset cruises. The overwater spa is a tranquil escape.

Families are well catered for with a thoughtfully designed kids’ club offering cooking classes, storytelling, and various play areas. Evenings are atmospheric with live music, providing a perfect way to unwind.

A 7-night stay in a Deluxe Water Pool Villa on a Half Board Plus basis starts from £4,249 per person, including flights from London Heathrow and a meal upgrade. A Dine Around All Inclusive option is available from £4,699 per person.

Jumeirah Maldives, Olhahali Island

Jumeirah Maldives, Olhahali Island, epitomizes luxurious accommodation with its overwater villas built atop coral reefs, allowing for easy snorkeling. Some ‘water residences’ offer spacious living areas, king-size beds, and large bathrooms with rain showers. Outdoor spaces often include private infinity pools and rooftop terraces with ocean views. I recall the breathtaking sight of the sunset from a rooftop terrace, a truly unforgettable moment.

Larger groups can opt for ‘water residences’ designed for up to five adults, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, extended rooftop terraces, and outdoor lounge areas. Beach villas and larger beach-based residences with similar amenities are also available, guaranteeing a luxurious experience.

Dining options include Shimmers beach club for Greek and Mediterranean dishes, Glow for all-day dining, and the Café Lounge for coffee and cake. There’s also a Gelataria. Kayto offers a Peruvian Nikkei and Japanese blend, and private dining experiences on the pier, including floating breakfasts, are available for romantic occasions.

Snorkeling in the North Lagoon is a must. The staff provided excellent support and guidance, making the experience enjoyable even for beginners. I felt very comfortable exploring the coral reef. The Talise Spa provides overwater relaxation, while the gym is available for those who prefer to stay active. The island also offers water sports like flyboarding and parasailing, a semi-submarine ride, beach tennis, and private yacht experiences. For families, there’s a kids club and babysitting services, along with activities like volleyball, an on-sand cinema, and a beach boutique.

The variety of activities ensures there is always something to do, making it hard to leave. The sheer beauty and sense of freedom experienced here are unparalleled.

VARU by Atmosphere

VARU by Atmosphere is located on a secluded stretch of white sand in the North Malé Atoll, a 40-minute speedboat ride from Malé. The arrival experience includes friendly welcomes and traditional Boduberu drumming. The resort offers 108 villas, including over-water and beach villas. I recommend beach villas for families with young children due to their safety and ease of access.

The villas feature minimalistic interiors crafted from natural materials and local artwork, with private courtyard pools. Direct access to a private beach offers unparalleled ocean views. Watersports are a major focus, with snorkeling expeditions and rentals of sea bobs, flyboards, and glass-bottom kayaks. The sunset fishing excursion is a fun, traditional activity for all ages.

For ‘me time’, the On The Move kids club offers a daily schedule of activities, including outdoor play structures and indoor creative spaces. The Elena Spa offers couple’s massages, a perfect way to relax. I found the Lobi Dhooni couple’s massage particularly rejuvenating.

VARU by Atmosphere has four restaurants and two bars. Lime & Chilli offers a buffet with international and local dishes, including fresh seafood and homemade blueberry ice cream. The Kaage restaurant provides a unique Maldivian dining experience, including wearing a Maldivian sarong, watching a documentary on the Maldives, and enjoying traditional dishes like Kan’dukukulhu and Pirini for dessert. I was particularly impressed by the Kattala Baipen Soup.

At Nü, the Mediterranean seafood restaurant, guests can enjoy dishes like octopus and sea bass. A memorable experience involved the restaurant staff showing children how to attract nurse sharks by throwing ice into the sea.

Club Med Finolhu Villas

Club Med’s Finolhu Villas is a couples-only resort on the small island of Gasfinolhu, a 30-minute boat ride from Malé. With only 52 villas, it’s possible to have a very private experience. The eco-friendly villas include sunrise, sunset, and water villas; the sunset villas offer a private beach and plunge pool. For more activity, Club Med’s Kani resort is a short boat ride away, offering additional restaurants and entertainment.

The resort’s focus is on relaxation and detachment from daily life. Private butlers are available to assist with every need, from meal orders to spa treatments. Spa treatments can be enjoyed in-villa or at the on-site spa, which features treatment rooms with glass floors to observe marine life. Yoga classes are offered twice daily on the beach.

Each villa has a plunge pool, outdoor and indoor bathrooms, and a king-size bed. An infinity pool is also available on the island, with complimentary drinks and afternoon tea served daily. As a Club Med resort, it is all-inclusive. The poolside bar offers complimentary drinks, including champagne in the evenings.

The island’s restaurant, Motu, is set on stilts over the water and offers four stations for lunch: sushi, fish, meat, and pasta. In the evening, it serves a four-course a la carte menu that changes daily. Guests can also visit Kani for its buffet and a la carte dining options.

A seven-night stay in a one-bedroom villa for two adults costs from £3,362 in July, including international flights from London and transfers. Transfers to and from Malé airport are included in package bookings.

Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa

Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa is located on Amingiri Island in the North Malé Atoll, a 20-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport. The resort features 109 spacious beach and overwater villas, each with a private pool and lagoon views. Villas include floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize the natural surroundings, and overwater villas have direct lagoon access. Bathrooms are generously proportioned with ocean-facing bathtubs and indoor/outdoor rain showers.

The resort offers six distinct dining concepts. Origin focuses on sustainable seafood and food-upcycling. Habitat is an all-day dining restaurant, and Beach Shack provides a rustic, feet-in-the-sand dining experience. The culinary offerings are designed to cater to all tastes.

Experiences cater to both adults and children. Krakengiri Kids’ Club features an outdoor play pool and mini splash park. The rooftop bar, Re: Fuel, is a tranquil retreat for teenagers, with a hidden entrance. Amingiri Spa is a sanctuary offering rejuvenating treatments and hammam rituals.

For larger groups, the six-bedroom Amingiri Residence offers secluded privacy on a landscaped cove, featuring its own arrival pier and a sundeck with panoramic ocean views. This residence will debut in November 2022.

Resort reservations can be made via the Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa website or by phone.

Planning a trip to the Maldives offers endless possibilities for relaxation and adventure. Consider what type of experience you are looking for to find the perfect island getaway.