Maldives Family Holidays

Even though the Maldives is a bucket-list destination for couples and honeymooners, it's a fantastic place for families, too. The family-friendly resorts in the Maldives have thought of everything to make sure your holiday goes as smoothly as possible. Need a baby seat on your bike as you pedal around the island? They'll have that. Plastic plates and cutlery for dinnertime? You're sorted. Family friendly resorts are also great at providing children with lots of meal options as well. We'd advise packing a long-sleeve rash vest to accompany your child's swimming costume, as it helps to further protect them from the sun and it avoids you constantly reapplying sun cream.

We know the Maldives is a long-haul destination (packing snacks for the plane is also recommended!) but it's well worth the journey for a memorable getaway. The resorts are designed to take the traditional stresses and worries of a family holiday away for a relaxed escape for everyone, which is how the Maldives should be enjoyed.

If you think the Maldives is only a destination for couples and honeymooners, then you'd be wrong! It's also a great place for a family holiday. Of course, the fine beaches lend themselves to plenty of family fun but there's more to a family holiday in the Maldives than that. A lot of hotels now have excellent kids' clubs, with a plethora of activities for youngsters from 0-18 to enjoy. There's everything a child's imagination can dream of, including extensive soft play areas, island-wide treasure hunts, cooking classes and even helping on-site marine biologists. A lot of resorts offer an impressive range of non-motorised water sports, too, from stand-up paddleboarding to kayaking and snorkelling, which kids of all ages will love.

We know that overwater villas are the dream stay for a lot of people. But are they right for your family? They certainly can be. Resorts like Kanuhura have overwater Retreats big enough for families and have everything you need, from private plunge pools to giant flat-screen TVs. Others look to add to the playful side of a holiday, like Soneva Jani, whose overwater bungalows have the option of a slide straight in the lagoon. Admit it, even you parents love the idea of this!

Don't rule out the prospect of a beachfront bungalow. They're more affordable and often more suitable for families, especially those with really young ones. The lure of having direct access to the beach is irresistible for most kids, too!

Despite their remoteness, resorts in the Maldives have plenty of choice when it comes to food and drink, both for adults and youngsters. You don't need to worry about what to eat in the Maldives! Family-friendly resorts have crafted well-thought-out and extensive children's menus, so there is sure to be something they will like! Resorts like The Nautilus rip up the rulebook completely, ditching scripted menus and allowing both you and your children to choose whatever they fancy.

There's more family-friendly resorts in the Maldives than you think. We could have listed lots which would have been ideal for your holiday, but here's a small selection of the best hotels in the Maldives for families. We love the Family Beach Bungalows at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, which are plenty big enough for families, but the adjoining study means parents can keep particularly young ones close by, too. Niyama Private Islands is one of the few resorts in the Maldives which has a kids' club catering for youngsters under three years old, while Kanuhura is an adventure playground that is like a child's imagination realised. For something a little different, Joali Maldives even has its own dedicated kids' spa!

The Maldives is a chain of around 1,200 small islands in the Indian Ocean, located south-west of Sri Lanka and India.

The direct flight time from London to Malé in the Maldives is 10 and a half hours.

British passport holders need a visa to visit the Maldives and this is issued free of charge upon arrival. You also need six months validity on your passport from your departure date.

The currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa, although US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted.

The Maldives is an incredibly safe place. It may not spring to mind as being next on your list for a family holiday, but these days some islands are totally aimed at families. From kids' clubs to menus specifically tailored for children, you name it and resorts in the Maldives will likely have it! Your little ones will be more entertained than ever. You can sit back, relax and even enjoy a date night again! Family-friendly islands have staff which have been trained and are qualified in first aid, to further put your mind at ease.

There are some islands which really stand out as being the best family-friendly resorts. A few include Six Senses Laamu, NIYAMA Private Islands and LUX* South Ari Atoll.

You may think you are limited on what you can do on an island, however the staff and resorts are bursting with fun ideas! With kids' clubs home to soft play areas, island-wide treasure hunts and cooking classes, the days fly by here and, most of all, your little ones are entertained. If you want to have fun as family, why not try out water sports such as kayaking or snorkelling!