Words by Vishakha Talreja
The azure waters and white sands of the Maldives mesmerize travellers of all age groups. The island resorts are the preferred destination for families as they offer a plethora of activities, dining options, and wellness spas, all while being close to nature.
If you are planning a luxe Maldivian holiday with your children, here are the resorts that go all out to pamper their little guests. Expansive kid clubs, curated itineraries, kids’ menu at speciality restaurants and customised bathrobes – these resorts will stun you with their offerings.
Cheval Blanc Randheli
Located at the picturesque Noonu Atoll, the 46 villas at Cheval Blanc Randheli offer the best of luxury French hospitality. A variety of restaurants, diving, water and sports activities ensure that guests don’t just experience a luxurious holiday, but an engaging one too. The resort houses ‘Le Carousel’ a 500 sq-metre dedicated area designed for little explorers. There are water slides, games and a curated line-up of creative activities. For teenagers, there is Le Paddock – a contemporary lounge with drawing walls, virtual reality helmets and sports activities to choose from.
The little guests are welcomed by the ambassadors of Le Carousel as soon as they alight from the seaplane. Picnic on a secluded sandbank, barbecue under the stars and relax at a dedicated wellness and spa island. These are just some of the reasons that make this resort a perfect haven in the Maldives.
chevalblanc.com/en/maison/randheli/
Joali Maldives
This luxurious art-immersive resort redefines luxury with its attention to detail and sustainable efforts, in a bid to preserve the fragile ecosystem of the islands. The spacious villas are well equipped and thoughtfully offer hair straighteners for women, the comfiest robes you will find in any hotel globally and kid-sized robes and bathroom slippers for young guests.
A 40-minute seaplane ride takes you to Raa Atoll, which is home to this indulgent resort with 73 spacious villas. Each villa has a dedicated butler aptly called ‘Jaadugar’ (means magician). There are a host of options available when it comes to choosing your room category, including beach villa, overwater villa or a plush residence. Large families can opt for two or three-bedroom villas.
Art pieces and sculptures adorn the resort against the breath-taking ocean views and families love Joali for its vibe and hospitality. Little travellers are encouraged to explore positive new experiences in the areas of culture, oceanography, cookery and the creative arts, all activities are complimentary, and the Muramas Kids Club has an outdoor pool area, art room, games and also a Kids Spa where they can learn basic yoga.
For epicureans, Joali Maldives has a variety of dining options, a must try one being their Japanese speciality restaurant, Saoke, designed by world-renowned restaurant architect Noriyoshi Muramatsu. The restaurant is set against the most incredible ocean views.
Niyama Private Islands
With its twin islands Play and Chill, Niyama Private Islands ensures that families have their own island and don’t intrude in honeymooners’ or couples’ space. For the young VIPs there is the expansive Explorers Kids Club that offers activities that allow kids of all ages to soak in the local culture and enjoy nature’s bounty.
The 134-villa resort offers 10 dining destinations, including Sub Six, the underwater restaurant, and the lounge. Speciality restaurants such as Nest, which is set on a tree top, and Tribal, which offers African and South American cuisine, have a separate menu for kids offering specialities from the cuisine. Blu, the family-style restaurant offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a poolside ice cream parlour for families to create memories.
If you are travelling with kids you will be surprised how, from toiletries for kids to bottle sterilizers, the villas have everything you need to take care of little ones on a holiday.
Finolhu Baa Atoll
Located at Baa Atoll, a UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve, Finolhu Maldives offers a lifetime experience of getting close to sea life while enjoying the best of luxury hospitality. Of the 125 villas at the resort, 79 have their own swimming pool and renowned designers from Muza Lab in London have brought the vibrant colours of nature into the villas.
At Finolhu, there are entertainment programmes for all age groups, making it an ideal family resort. For little explorers, days are planned with activities ranging from treasure hunts to mocktail making, kite flying on the beach to swimming with mermaids in the pool. The kids club, Oceaners Club, encourages kids to cook, bake, draw and just enjoy the time in the sun. The special birthday packages offered by the resort ensure that families have a memorable celebration.
For a romantic night away from children, couples can book their beach bubble tent that is located on a secluded sand bank. With a private butler setting up dinner on the beach to sleeping under the stars, the bubble tent experience is what you will cherish for a long time.
Vishakha Talreja is a Delhi-based travel journalist who writes on luxury hotels, family travel, spas and luxury lifestyle. She likes to explore all kinds of stay options- hotels, boutique properties and homestays
