Known for its tranquil white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, the Maldives is upping its game for families with fun-filled adventures to be found across the many islands and atolls. From a summer space camp led by a real-life astronaut to crafting souvenirs out of ocean-salvaged plastic, we’ve rounded up the best experiences for families across the islands this year.
Embark on a summer space mission at COMO Maalifushi
This summer, travellers aged eight to 16 are invited to explore the universe and embark on an out of this world space mission at COMO Maalifushi, the only resort in the Maldives’ Thaa Atoll. Surrounded by unspoilt coral reefs and a dark night sky filled with stars, the resort is an ideal setting for a summer of adventure and education, with a fun-filled itinerary including stargazing, postcard-writing to astronauts in space and space-training snorkel safaris on the resort’s astounding wrap-around coral reef.
Led by American astronaut Nicole Stott, the immersive activities are designed to offer a real taste of life in space for budding mini astronauts.
COMO Maalifushi’s Summer Space Camp runs from the 12-20 August and is complimentary for guests aged 8-16. Rooms start from £475 per night. comohotels.com/maalifushi
Turn plastic waste into precious mementos at Fairmont Maldives
Fun-filled and educational, the newly launched Sustainability Lab at Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi allows guests to turn ocean salvaged waste into bespoke souvenirs. The first of its kind in the archipelago, the lab’s state-of-the-art machinery allows families to create special keepsakes, from cute turtle keychains to functional stationery ready for back-to-school, all while learning about the importance of sustainability, recycling and ocean conservation.
The lab is one of many innovative programmes at the resort, which include the fun-filled Turtle Ranger programme, in which young guests can join the resident marine biologist to monitor critically endangered hawksbill turtles, release hatchlings into the ocean and plant new coral.
Family Villas start from £1,030 per night. fairmont.com/maldives
Dive into the Maldives’ most extensive water park at Velaa Private Island
Nestled within the Noonu Atoll, Velaa Private Island is home to the archipelago’s most extensive water park for kids, packed full of slides, splash pools and sprinklers. Forming part of the resort’s Lha Velaa Kids Club, the area is almost entirely covered, perfect for young guests aged four to 12 to escape the heat and make a splash.
For active kids, the island offers tennis and padel courts, a climbing wall and an array of water sports, from flyboarding and hoverboarding to electric foil surfing and drifting across the ocean on inflatable towables. For a slower pace, guests can enjoy the unspoilt surroundings from pedal boats, glass-bottom kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
Rooms start from £2,179 per night (two adults and one child sharing). velaaprivateisland.com
Enjoy two islands in one at The Residence Maldives
Set in the scenic south of the archipelago, The Residence Maldives Dhigurah is located on the Gaafu Alifu Atoll. Framed by 2,500 swaying palms and cocooned by turquoise lagoons, the resort is connected to its sister property, The Residence Falhumaafishi, by a 1km bridge allowing families to linger for longer in paradise. With a plethora of offerings from the two islands to keep travellers both big and small entertained, from snorkelling safaris through colourful coral reefs to rejuvenating treatments at The Spa by Clarins, there’s truly something for everyone.
Those looking to treasure travel together again can book the Forever Yours package, which includes a 35 per cent discount on bed and breakfast rates, 20 per cent off spa treatments, and exclusive access to a castaway private island.
Rooms start from £392 per night. cenizaro.com/theresidence/maldives-dg
