The 10 BEST Family Resorts In The Maldives In 2023
Looking for the best family resorts in the Maldives but having trouble choosing?
Whilst the Maldives was once best known for its luxury resorts that were popular with couples and honeymooners, it is now one of the most popular vacation destinations for families in the world.
There are now so many family resorts in the Maldives and they are every bit as incredible as you would imagine.
But which family resort in the Maldives do you choose?
We have pulled together a list of the best resorts in the Maldives for kids and adults alike. These best kid-friendly hotels in the Maldives have the most amazing kids’ clubs with endless activities. But it doesn’t stop there.
They also have fabulous family accommodation and child-friendly restaurants.
Choosing any one of these luxury family Maldives holidays will give you the most incredible experience and one that the kids are unlikely to ever forget.
Looking for more than just a Maldives family vacation?
We combined a visit to the Maldives with a stop in Sri Lanka. Take a look at the Sri Lanka section on our website.
It is packed full of tips for visiting Sri Lanka with kids as well as the best things to do in Sri Lanka with kids. It is one of the best family vacation destinations we’ve ever visited.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and book or buy something, we may earn a small commission but this is at no extra cost to you.
Tips for choosing the best family resorts in the Maldives
Before you start looking into the best all inclusive family resorts in the Maldives, take a look at our top tips below for choosing the right family resort in the Maldives for you.
- Book an all-inclusive Maldives family resort so that there are no hidden costs. Food and drink in the Maldives are expensive.
- Look for a resort with a 24 hour doctor or one very close by. Last thing you want to do is wait for someone to get to you or have to travel to see someone.
- Check whether the over water villas are safe for children. Some will have secure decks.
- Note the luggage restrictions on sea planes. It is usually 20kg for hold luggage and 5kg for hand luggage. You can read this post if you need tips for packing light. See also our guide to best kids travel backpacks and our thoughts on Level8 luggage.
You can also read our guide to family holidays in the Maldives for more tips.
Who to book the best resorts in the Maldives for families with
These are the best companies to book a family-friendly resort in the Maldives with if you don’t want to book direct with the hotel. They have the best choice and often have great deals.
Start with looking at Luxury Escapes. They sometimes have some fantastic offers.
Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives
We can personally vouch for Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives. We had a fantastic stay here and it came in quite a bit cheaper than all of the other options listed below.
We’re not saying that it is a budget resort for families in the Maldives, but we thought that it was great value for money.
You can read all about our stay in our detailed review of the Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives.
Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives at a glance
Kids’ Club: Camp Safari Kids’ Club offers a fun range of activities for children of all ages. There’s an E-Zone for older kids with table tennis, air hockey and PlayStation games. It’s open from 10 am – 8 pm but is closed during lunch hours (12 – 2). Babysitting is available for an additional charge.
Family accommodation: Family over water villas include a secure sundeck, private jacuzzi and kids’ room with bunk beds and a PlayStation. There are also family beach villas.
Restaurants: 3 main restaurants (one buffet, an Italian and a Thai).
Transfer time: accessible by 30-minute seaplane journey from Velana International Airport.
Resort doctor: Yes.
Spa: Yes.
You can check Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa prices here and compare to TUI here.
Soneva Fushi
Soneva Fushi is just…wow. This is about all we can say about Soneva Fushi.
Located on the private island of Kunfunadhoo in Baa Atoll, They have the most incredible selection of villas, including overwater villas with waterslides into the ocean.
If you manage to tear the kids away from your villa, you probably won’t be able to tear them away from the kids’ club.
The Den is the largest children’s club in the Maldives with various play areas, two family-friendly swimming pools and an enormous pirate ship. I’m not sure anything can top this and would make you want to be a kid again. This truly is one of the best Maldives resorts for kids.
You can read more about what this luxury family resort in the Maldives can offer families here.
Soneva Fushi at a glance
Kids’ club: The Soneva Fushi kids’ club (The Den) has 2 pools with waterslides. It’s for children 4 and over although younger children can go if they’re accompanied by a parent or guardian (or you can hire a babysitter at $25.00 per hour). It’s open from 10 am – 5 pm.
Family accommodation: Family over water villas, beach villas.. every size of villa you could possibly need (up to 9 bedrooms) and some have slides into the water (see below)!
Restaurants: 5 restaurants (not including the Willy Wonky style chocolate stall and ice cream parlor) with the occasional visiting Michelin Star chef.
Transfer time: Accessible by 30-minute seaplane (or a domestic flight and a 12-minute speedboat transfer).
Resort doctor: There is a resort nurse available 24/7 but the nearest doctor is on Eydhafushi which is 10 minutes by speedboat.
Spa: Yes.
You can check Soneva Fushi prices here.
Niyama Private Islands Maldives
Niyama Private Islands Maldives is part of the Anantara chain of hotels located in the Dhaalu Atoll and is one of the furthest family-friendly resorts in the Maldives from Malé.
Two islands make up Niyama Private Islands – Chill and Play. As you might imagine – Chill is more for the adults and Play is more for the kids.
Play Island is more family-friendly but only has beach villas. This is also where the kids’ club is located as well as the treetop restaurant.
If that isn’t enough to sway you, then you might like to know it has been voted #4 best resorts in the world in the Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards. It comfortably fits in the best luxury family hotels in Maldives category.
Niyama Private Islands Maldives at a glance
Kids’ club: The Explorers Kids’ Club is managed by Scott Dunn who has over 20 years experience in running kids clubs.
It’s open from 9 am – 6 pm for children aged 3 – 12 years. Children aged between 12 – 36 months can attend, but there is a charge of $20 per hour (up to a max of $100 per day). It’s the only kids’ club in the Maldives to cater for kids under 3.
Family accommodation: There are 1,2 and 3 bedroom villas (over water or on the beach).
Restaurants: 10 separate dining experiences including an incredible underwater restaurant and a treetop restaurant.
Transfer time: 40 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport (or a 30-minute domestic flight and a 10-minute speedboat transfer).
Resort doctor: Yes – 24 hours.
Spa: Yes.
You can check Niyama Private Islands Maldives prices here.
Six Senses Laamu
Six Senses Laamu is another eco friendly resort in the Maldives with an award-winning marine conservation initiative. They have also banned single use plastics and filter their own water.
We love that they are part of the IHG Rewards program which means if you are a member and collect points, you can redeem points for free nights, reducing the cost of your Maldives family package.
There are so many activities to keep the whole family entertained here like watching movies in the jungle cinema while eating treats from the ice cream and chocolate studio.
This is one of the best luxury family resorts in the Maldives for kids who are passionate about the ocean. Children aged 6 to 16 are invited to join the Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI) team for their Junior Marine Biology program.
Six Senses Laamu at a glance
Kids’ Club: The Den (Six Senses Laamu kids’ club) is for children between 4 and 12 years old and is open from 10 am – 5 pm.
Family accommodation: The beach front family villas come with a private pool and a cool roof top deck among the trees.
Restaurants: Three main restaurants and a pool snack bar.
Transfer time: 35-minute seaplane transfer followed by a 20-minute speedboat ride.
Resort doctor: Yes.
Spa: Yes.
You can check Six Senses Laamu prices here.
Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort
Anantara Luxury Resorts & Spa (Anantara Dhigu) is located in South Malé Atoll and is a great choice for surfers of all levels with their Surf School by TropicSurf accommodating all ability levels. It is one of the best family resorts in the Maldives for surfing.
As well as fabulous diving and snorkeling opportunities, they have a glass bottomed boat which means that the kids won’t miss out on the underwater adventures.
If wine is your thing, you’ll be pleased to know they won an award of excellence in 2021 from Wine Spectator for their range of wines.
Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort at a glance
Kids’ Club: The Dhoni Kids’ Club is available for children from 3 – 12 years old and is open from 9 am – 6 pm.
Family accommodation: They offer fabulous 2 bedroom villas for families as well as smaller beach and over-water villas that can accommodate families of four.
Restaurants: There is a choice of seven restaurants.
Transfer time: 30-minute speedboat ride from Malé airport.
Resort doctor: The resort doctor and nurse are on call 24 hours a day.
Spa: Yes.
You can check Anantara Luxury Resorts & Spa prices here.
One & Only Reethi Rah
One & Only Reethi Rah is located in the North Malé Atoll and is one of the largest islands in this atoll.
If you are into diving (and if you’re not, the Maldives is the place to learn!) – One & only Reethi Rah has the Maldives’ only PADI National Geographic dive centre making it one of the best family resorts in the Maldives for diving.
If you feel the need to get your hair done, they have the only branch of the uber trendy Taylor Taylor hair salon outside of London.
Being one of the largest islands in the North Malé Atoll, there is a fleet of golf buggies on hand to help you get around.
One & Only Reethi Rah at a glance
Kids’ Club: Reethi Rah Kids Only Kids’ Club is available for kids from 4 to 12 years old. Kids from 2 – 4 are welcome with a parent or guardian or a babysitter can be hired. The Kids’ Club has its own pool with mini sun loungers, a splash zone and a fabulous itinerary for keeping the kids entertained.
There is also a separate chill out space for teens aged 13 to 17.
It’s open from 10 am – 12.30, 2.30 – 5 pm and 6 pm to 10 pm. With the late opening, you can take advantage of quiet dinner for two.
Family accommodation: Beach villas are suitable for families with very young children as cots can be provided for free but larger families will need to go for one of the larger suites.
Restaurants: Eight world class restaurants.
Transfer time: Sea or air transfers available. For the ultimate in luxury, how about a transfer by a luxury yacht that takes 50 minutes from Malé?
Resort doctor: Yes.
Spa: Yes.
You can check One & Only reethi Rah prices here.
Constance Halaveli
Constance Halaveli, located in the Alifu Alifu Atoll just west of Malé, classes itself as an eco-luxury resort and have implemented many sustainable practices. If you are keen on being a more eco friendly traveler, this could be the Maldives family resort for you.
It is part of the Leading Hotels of the World Group so you know you will be looked after.
Their kids’ club has so many fantastic activities on offer from cooking classes to treasure hunts and, arts and crafts to aqua fun.
Constance Halaveli at a glance
Kids’ Club: The Constance Kids’ Club is available for kids aged 4 – 11 and is open from 9 am to 9 pm. This is open longer than most of the kids’ clubs so you could use it if you want to have a romantic candlelit dinner. Babysitting is available at $20 per hour.
Family accommodation: Family beach villas and family over water villas sleeping up to 4 or a Presidential Villa sleeping up to 9.
Restaurants: Three restaurants, each of which has a children’s menu.
Transfer time: Accessible by 25-minute seaplane transfer.
Resort doctor: Yes (and a pharmacy).
Spa: Yes.
You can check Constance Halaveli prices here.
Oblu Select Sangeli
Oblu Select Sangeli is located in the North Atoll, only a 50 minute speedboat transfer from Velana International airport.
Most of the facilities are on the main island but there is also a small, adult only island where you can escape to when the kids are in kids’ club (if you really need some peace and quiet).
Oblu Select Sangeli at a glance
Kids’ Club: The kids’ club is available for children aged 4 and above with their own playground and pool. It is open from 9am to 6pm.
Family accommodation: Largest entry level family accommodation in Maldives. Mix of beach and over water villas including a 2 bedroom beach pool villa sleeping up to 6.
Restaurants: two main restaurants and two fine dining restaurants.
Transfer time: 50 minutes by speedboat from Malé airport.
Resort doctor: Yes.
Spa: Yes.
You can check Oblu Select Sangeli prices here.
Club Med Kani
Club Med Kani is located in North Malé Atoll. If you are familiar with Club Med properties, you will know that they know how to cater for kids and Club Med Kani is no exception.
There’s loads going on for kids, including indoor and outdoor activities.
By the way – if you are visiting the Maldives on a budget, but want to check out one of these luxury family resorts in the Maldives, Club Med Kani offers day passes.
This would mean that you need to be staying in Malé or fairly close by to make the most of your pass (check their pick up locations for the included speed boat transfer), but it is a way to experience one of the 5 star family-friendly Maldives resorts without paying to stay.
Kids’ Club: Happy Children’s Corner 4-10 and 11 – 17 years old. Opens from 8.45 am to 5pm and 7.15pm to 9pm. Childcare for babies and children up to 4 years old is available but is an additional cost (outside of your all-inclusive package).
Family accommodation: All of their accommodation options sleep 4+.
Restaurants: there are three main restaurants and a couple of beach bar type places serving snacks.
Transfer time: 35 minute seaplane from Malé.
Resort doctor: No.
Spa: Yes.
You can check Club Med Kani prices here.
Kurumba
Kurumba is just a very short boat transfer from Male. You can actually see Malé from Kurumba island. We’ve put this in here because it’s the closest resort to Malé and it’s a large resort so it has a lot to offer.
The positives to being so close to Malé are:
- you are only a short ride away from the airport so you will be in the resort, kicking off your shoes quicker than anyone else.
- you are close to the hospital in case of an emergency.
- it is a cheap transfer to the island if you are booking transfers separately.
- you don’t have to worry about sea sickness or air sickness that kids may suffer from on longer transfers.
The negatives to being so close to Malé are:
- you can see the lights of Malé which takes away the desert island feel you may be looking for.
Kurumba at a glance
Kids’ Club: The Majaa kids’ club is open from 9 am to 6 pm and is for children aged 4 to 13 years. Younger children can attend with a parent or guardian.
For teens, there is a separate games area with PlayStation pods, air hockey, pool table and more.
Family accommodation: All of their accommodation options (except for the Standard Room) can accommodate up to 4 and some up to 8 people. Their dedicated Family Villas are 2 -level pool villas sleeping up to 5.
Restaurants: There are eight restaurants to choose from.
Transfer time: 10 minutes by speedboat from Malé.
Resort doctor: Yes (and the hospital on Malé is only a 10 minute speedboat away if that is important to you).
Spa: Yes.
You can check Kurumba prices here.