Any mention of the Maldives evokes thoughts of honeymoons, holidays for couples, or for a small group of friends. However, it is also an attractive destination for a family holiday, even with very young children. In fact, this idyllic spot is well worth sharing. Children need to be shown such extraordinarily beautiful places, where peacefulness and breathtaking scenery can become part and parcel of their experience of happiness. In addition, there are lots of activities to thrill even the youngest members of the family.
Having said that, it does make sense to take certain precautions when travelling with children to a destination as special and exotic as the Maldives. You need to be aware that lots of hotels do not allow children (or only accept children within certain age limits) so that other guests are not disturbed by unwelcome noise or shouting. And most of the hotels do not offer activities for very young children, so parents need to take charge of organising their children’s leisure time. But there’s no need to worry, as there are lots of options available for enjoying free time with children.
A selection of options suitable for children
The Moroccan explorer Ibn Batuta said that, “the Maldives are, without doubt, one of the great wonders of the Earth”. And indeed they are; they are also welcoming towards everyone, adults and children alike. Below, we list a selection of possibilities that children will love:
Enjoy a visit to a desert island
In the Maldives going on excursions by “dhoni” to an uninhabited island is very popular. Just like Robinson Crusoe, young adventurers can have the opportunity to explore a mysterious island, swim from beaches with turquoise waters, soak up the sun and enjoy a delicious meal.
Snorkelling
The Maldives is a destination where you will be entranced by life on the sea bed. You only need to equip yourself with goggles and a tube, and venture a few metres into the water to find reefs with colourful fish, turtles, manta rays… and even whale sharks.
Travel in a seaplane
In the Maldives, the seaplane is a common form of transport that fascinates children. In a country with few roads, these light aircraft that can take off from the water are used as taxis. It is a thrilling experience, as from the air you can also see the coral reefs, lagoons, and small, uninhabited islands.
Visit Malé, the capital
Malé, the metropolis of the Maldives, is somewhere you definitely won’t want to miss, as it’s the perfect place to get an insight into local customs. The colourful houses and crowded markets allow you to get a close look at the daily lives of the locals. It is worth visiting the Friday Mosque with its carved coral tombstones, as well as the National Museum.
Attend a “bodu beru”.
This dance show with drums is one of the most traditional spectacles in the culture of the Maldives. It is a ceremony in which only men participate, where the sound of the drumming reaches an intense crescendo with some of the dancers entering a trance.
Tips and recommendations
When planning a family trip to the Maldives, it’s a good idea to bear certain things in mind, as it’s very different depending on whether you are taking babies or very young children or teenagers. It is also very important to take into account the size of the family, particularly when selecting a hotel that can meet everyone’s needs.
You need to remember that many hotels in the Maldives either do not accept children, or they stipulate a minimum age. It is also important to choose accommodation with enough space, so that everyone can be comfortable. Very few hotels in the Maldives accept families with children, or have a Kids’ Club with activities designed for the various age ranges.
It is also useful to know what type of restaurants the hotel has, and what kind of food is on offer, as well as whether a medical service is offered. Lastly, it is important to ask what transport is available to the nearest medical centre.
Where to stay in the Maldives
The Maldives are also an exotic paradise in terms of tourist accommodation. There are many options designed for all sorts of travellers. We would like to recommend one of the most tempting establishments that will make your experience on the archipelago unforgettable, but which will also make you feel quite at home. And as if that wasn’t enough, it offers excellent value for money too.
This is the Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives, located on the private island of Bodufinolhu, in one of the Maldives’ largest atolls (Ari Atoll) in the west of the archipelago. This establishment offers 100 villas, each with an outside terrace, on an all-inclusive basis. Guests can access a wide range of water sports (including spotting whale sharks and manta rays), while enjoying the comfort of the villas (63 beach villas, 30 water villas and 7 beach suites).
The resort offers three restaurants, a snack bar and three bars, bringing you exceptional gastronomic experiences. There are also two generous, brimming swimming pools, one of which offers panoramic views of the Ari Atoll. Guests can enjoy activities such as yoga and pilates at dawn, and for those keen to take good care of themselves, the Mandara spa offers a wide range of personal treatments as well as a comprehensive fitness facility. In addition, the hotel is just a stone’s throw away from the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), an emblematic spot thanks to its thriving population of whale sharks.
This is a five-star option for those looking to enjoy unique experiences on the holiday of their dreams.
