Maldives Family holidays

The lowdown: See your littles ones’ eyes light up, as they paddle in shimmering shallow lagoons surrounded by colourful fish. From the bean bag hangouts on the sugar sand beaches, to the several tantalising restaurants and bars, this resort will drop everyone’s jaw. There is the PLAY kids club for youngsters ages 3 – 12, where they can play high-energy sports, explore nature, search for gold on a treasure hunt and play outdoors. The Studio 17 teens club (for ages 12 – 17) offers adventurous trips about the island, local language and dance classes, as well as a variety of beach sport activities.

Let off steam: Spend time together and skim across the ocean on kayaks and pedal boats. If you fancy lounging about on the beach, watch the kids whizz around on rubber rings and banana boat rides – they’ll be grinning all day.

Restore energy levels: Head to the open kitchen restaurant Allegria for a taste of Italian. Choose from delicious pasta or gnocchi dishes, freshly-caught seafood and a wow-worthy à la carte menu that will leave your taste buds tingling. Kids can order tasty pizzas if they aren’t in the mood for trying something new.

Book a stay at the Lux* South Ari Atoll

The lowdown: Make your family holiday to the Maldives even easier, with an All Inclusive booking. Savour a blend of frolicking family time and chill out ‘you’ time in a utopian destination. The Kuredu kids club is for ages 3 – 12, where youngsters can take part in arts, crafts and creative sparks indoors, then sport about the outdoor playground before a scrumptious picnic. Whilst your little treasures enjoy fun-filled days, bask on the sun-kissed beach, take a dip in the shimmering infinity pool and grab a bite at the Veg Beach Shack. Head to the spa sanctuary for a well-deserved pampering before a wine cellar tour.

Let off steam: There is a top-notch range of recreational activities for you and children over 12. Take part in volleyball, badminton, football and table tennis; and hit the waters with wakeboarding, canoeing or kite surfing. To soak up the views, opt for a parasailing experience.

Restore energy levels: Start your family day with a late leisurely breakfast at Franco’s, indulging in a mix and match of healthy fruit bowls and plates of flaky pastries. Pick up ice-creams for the entire family at Island Ice, an alfresco ice-cream bar with plenty of flavours and toppings to tickle your taste buds. Remember to check out the buffet options for dinner.

Book a stay at the Kuredu Island Resort

The lowdown: Where better to take the children, than a stylish island hot spot with a gigantic outdoor pool. Your inflatable unicorn won’t look out of place at this playful resort. Unwind on circular sofas, surrounded by the pool, and hang out in basket swings on the powder-soft beach. For kids, it’s as good as it sounds – Kandiland is a utopia of fun for the little ones. With an outdoor pirate ship playground, in-the-ground trampoline, water action zone, table tennis, climbing domes, sand pit and an indoor play area. Adults can spend days in the Aroma Art Studio learning coffee art or at the on-site diving school. For something different, attend a cocktail-making class or salsa lessons, go paddle-boarding or try aerial yoga.

Let off steam: Head to the beautiful beach with the kids in the morning and catch a surreal sunrise. Set yourselves up for hours of water sport fun: kite surfing, water-skiing, snorkelling, double kayaks and paddle-boarding – then, when everyone is weary, flop on a sun-lounger and relax.

Restore energy levels: When you’re peckish, make tracks to Flavour and Zest, for breakfast, lunch and dinner to savour a choice of fresh flavours from around the world. There’ll be something for everyone here; check out the ever-changing dishes of the day.

Book a stay at Kandima

The lowdown: Take a break at an All Inclusive beachside haven. Savour a stay where the whole crew comes together for quality time at this family-friendly resort. Make a splash in the family pool, team up and play tennis, then head to the Sun Aqua Spa, where you can all unwind with family and kids’ spa treatments available for the ultimate pampering session. Ready for more? Explore the island on a beach walk together, go on a cultural excursion to local fishing villages and glide across the Indian Ocean by traditional Dhoni boat. The kids club here has a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for when you need a break and the children have energy to burn.

Let off steam: Slather yourselves with sun-cream and head out for a few games of beach volleyball. Feeling the heat? Take a dip in the crystal-clear sea before exploring the sapphire lagoon by canoe with the children. Come dusk, make memories beneath a blushing sunset, then watch a film under the stars on the beach and let the kids fall asleep in your arms.

Restore energy levels: Refuel at The Aqua (the main buffet restaurant) for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Relish the mesmerising views from your table, as you tuck into a selection of lavish meals and savour a fusion of western and oriental cuisine. Be sure to visit for the weekly Maldivian cuisine nights on Friday.

Book a stay at the Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

The lowdown: Be spoilt for choice in tropical paradise. Soak up every element of luxury at the Four Seasons, with world-class facilities and an array of experiences to choose from. The children will go wild for the variety on offer at the kids’ clubs. The Kuda Velaa Club for ages 4 – 12 caters a whopping activities programme – from yoga, tennis lessons, beach thrills and sand-castle building to sailing, swimming, and palm-tree picnics. For ages 13 – 18, the Majaa Maizan provides diving lessons, day and night snorkelling excursions, wind surfing, volleyball, frisbee, personal fitness programmes and even private beach-side dinners for the kids and their friends.

Let off steam: Schedule quality family time with a Maldives Crusoe expedition. Take turns to sunbathe on the roof whilst the kids lookout for dolphins as you sail through a UNSECO Reserve. Or, better yet, make a positive environmental impact as you help to build a coral reef.

Restore energy levels: Put on your foodie face when you visit Blu, where you can tuck into breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. Kids can scoop into bowls of homemade gelato throughout the day, and pick favourites from the children’s menu, whilst you savour lobster night Tuesdays – yum.

Book a stay at the Four Seasons Resort at Landaa Giraavaru

The lowdown: Getting out of bed won’t be hard for even your sleepiest family members when paradise is on your doorstep. Wake up, get up and feel the sand between your toes in a resort of barefoot elegance. For kids, there is the Dhoni Club for children aged of 3 – 12, where they can enjoy both indoor and outdoor pursuits. With a climbing wall, tree house, pirate adventures, young chef sessions, scavenger hunts and Maldivian dancing – there is plenty to keep the kids entertained. Meanwhile, you can choose to unwind in the Anantara Spa or ride the waves with the Tropicsurf School. Why not try a cooking or meditation class? The choice is yours.

Let off steam: Spend time together and enjoy the array of things to do. Play beach games, hop on the complimentary bikes or find your favourite water sports at the Aquafanatics Watersports Centre. Alternatively, choose an island-hopping excursion, sunset cruise or a dolphin spotting quest.

Restore energy levels: Crack on with a gourmet breakfast at Fushi Café, with a lavish buffet of international dishes at live cooking stations. Be sure to tuck into tantalising seafood and grills at Sea Fire Salt in the evening with breath-taking views out to the horizon. Good to know – all the restaurants at this resort offer a children’s menu.

Book a stay at the Anantara Dhigu Resort and Spa