Crystal clear lagoons, white sand cays, inviting overwater bungalows… It’s no wonder more and more families are choosing the Maldives for a kid-friendly resort getaway.
The Maldives (pronounced Mol-deeves) is in the Indian Ocean, around 1,000 kilometres south-west of Sri Lanka. There are nearly 1,200 islands in the archipelago grouped into 26 atolls, of which only around 200 are inhabited. The two chains of islands stretch across the equator, leading to its tropical climate.
Traditionally known as a laid-back, romantic Asian holiday destination for couples, there are a surprising array of ways for families to fill their days, especially as more family-oriented resorts are opening.
If you missed the boat for your honeymoon or chose to go the parenting route alone and now find yourself surrounded by little people, don’t despair! The latest Maldives resorts raise the bar on family holidays, providing stacks of adventure to keep kids engaged from dawn to dusk and giving parents precious time to relax into that ‘tropical island’ vibe.
What makes the perfect Maldives family resort?
The Maldives offers a delightful selection of kid-friendly resorts – whether your family loves to paddle in the ocean, snorkel with tropical fish, or delve into local culture.
Resorts with kid-friendly overwater villas
Imagine taking a dip in your own 12-metre infinity-edge pool, lazing on the sundeck, and lying on your bed gazing out at a seemingly endless expanse of blue… the Maldives bring the dream to life with a selection of swish kid-friendly villas, each with a private deck overlooking the beach, lagoon or sparkling Indian Ocean.
Overwater villas at Centara’s incredible Maldives resorts don’t just ‘allow’ children – they welcome them. Fancy relaxing with your crew in a private spa, open-air bath or beachfront plunge pool? You’ll find all this and more at the resorts below.
Snorkelling, diving and water activities
The warm, tropical Indian Ocean waters are perfect for little ones to take their first snorkelling or diving lessons. Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa offers many ways to get up close and personal with the South Ari Atoll’s plentiful marine life, including the chance to swim with whale sharks and friendly green sea turtles – but if you’d prefer to stay dry, you can still spot them on a wildlife cruise.
Expect loads of laughs on an inflatable banana boat ride, or go tubing, knee-boarding, water-skiing, wakeboarding or parasailing. Non-motorised water sports such as kayaks and paddleboats offer hours of fun and are readily available for resort guests. Curious anglers can learn the traditional art of line fishing or head out on a charter in search of bigger game.
Kids' clubs and game zones for teens
Savvy parents know that a good kids’ club makes all the difference on holiday. Supervised activities take the stress out of keeping kids entertained and give parents and siblings some precious (age-appropriate) time apart, making the moments you spend together even more special.
Centara’s family-friendly resorts feature a daily program of eco-inspired activities, crafts and games at the Camp Safari Kids’ Club and the E-Zone, the secret ingredient for travelling with tweens and teens. A mix of video games and old-school classics (think pool tables, table tennis and air hockey) tick the social and recreational boxes for ‘big kids’.
Spas and wellness retreats for parents
While the offspring are happily ensconced at the kids’ club, you can slip away for a workout at the gym, partake in a barefoot yoga class, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. Centara resorts star the award-winning SPA Cenvaree, offering massages and wellness treatments inspired by the healing traditions of Thai and Ayurvedic wellness. Even little ones can indulge at the Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives’ innovative Candy Spa, a sweet-themed space designed to pamper under-10s.
Great-value family holiday packages
Maldives resorts are full of treasures waiting to be discovered – and you may be surprised just how affordable they can be. Centara Hotels & Resorts offers great Maldives family holiday deals and packages, particularly for travel from mid-April to mid-October.
Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives
Making waves since its November 2024 opening, the four-star Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives proves that families really can have it all on holiday – starting with kid-friendly beach and overwater villas with a private terrace and hammock, jacuzzi or pool.
The resort is packed with all the larger-than-life features kids adore on holidays: a water playground, swimming pool, designated kids’ pool and a meandering lazy river. Bring the family together to splash and play on the private beach, try water sports and head out on a snorkelling excursion. There’s also the free Kids’ Club, a Games Room and the innovative Candy Spa to pamper kids with manicures and pedicures.
Raising the bar for family travel, there’s no compromise for parents here; the resort’s elegant contemporary design, lush gardens and SPA Cenvaree create the ultimate tropical island retreat. From the handy concierge service to a diverse selection of world-class eateries, Centara’s signature Thai-inspired hospitality makes this Maldives resort exceptional.
All ‘Mirage’ room types have bunk beds to sleep two adults and two kids, while large families can enjoy guaranteed connecting rooms or opt for a Four Bedroom Beach House that sleeps up to ten guests. The resort is located on North Malé Atoll, just a short boat ride from Malé’s international airport.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives
Newly opened Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is the second jewel in the crown of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a multi-island haven where guests enjoy access to the amenities at the Centara Mirage Lagoon and Centara Grand Lagoon.
Decorated in elegant earth tones, the resort’s premium villas and residences create a tranquil oasis in harmony with its natural surroundings. Enjoy your own private beach and pool with a stay in a Grand Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villa or enjoy a breezy 260-sqm of living space with a Three-Bedroom Sunset Beach Pool Residence, including a kitchenette, separate living and dining, private outdoor deck, pool and direct beach access.
Parents will love the sophisticated vibe at SPA Cenvaree Retreat, blending Thai and Ayurvedic wellness traditions with locally harvested herbs and oils for the ultimate rejuvenating spa day. Enjoy exquisite cuisine and ocean views across the resort’s diverse restaurants, from flame tandoors and teppan grills at The Gallery to a Mediterranean seafood feast at Bluefin. There’s also a swim-up bar and overwater lounge serving refined Maldivian cuisine and cocktails.
Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection
Located on a private island in the South Ari Atoll, in the west of the archipelago, the all-inclusive Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives is a delightful blend of authentic Maldivian-Thai holiday bliss.
Families can hone their snorkelling skills amidst the colourful house reef, swim with whale sharks and turtles, or see a variety of marine life from the comfort of a semi-submarine. Scuba divers will delight in exploring a shipwreck just off the island. There’s the E-Zone for big kids and supervised Camp Safari Kids’ Club for littlies, leaving parents free to enjoy a massage at SPA Cenavaree or sip a sunset cocktail at the Aqua Bar.
Junior guests will love the bunk beds, PlayStation consoles and separate bathroom in the Family Overwater Villa, which also features a secure child-friendly sundeck. Indulge in your own 12-sqm infinity pool with a Club Sunset Overwater Pool Villa or a plunge pool steps from the sand with a Club Two Bedroom Beach Villa.
Tempt your tastebuds daily with Italian cuisine overlooking the lagoon, traditional Thai by the lotus pond or teppanyaki beside the pool – the choice is yours! Meal plan options range from half-board and full-board to Grand All-Inclusive, including bubbles with breakfast, daily laundry service and a free banana boat ride.
As the day draws to a close, wind down with a sunset boat cruise or settle in for an evening’s dining and entertainment. In-villa dining is also available – or, better still, top off the trip by surprising your family with a private dinner served by the chef!
Plan your Maldives family holiday
Getting to the Maldives
Tourists fly into the capital, Malé, which lies roughly in the middle of the islands — then disperse to one of the 168 resorts dotted throughout the country.
There are no direct flights from Australia to Malé International Airport (also known as Velana International Airport), so carrier options include:
Getting to your resort
Boat or plane transfers from Malé International Airport can be arranged through your resort. It’s a 25-minute seaplane transfer from Malé to Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, or a quick speedboat ride to Centara Mirage Lagoon and Grand Lagoon at The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts.
Best time to visit
The Maldives has a warm and humid climate with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C throughout the year. The southwest monsoon (wet season) is from mid-May to November, while the northeast monsoon (dry season) is from January to March.
Cultural experiences
Cultural excursions are highly recommended on any Maldives family trip. Kids will get a fascinating glimpse into the Maldivian way of life as they meet the warm-hearted locals, learn about the island traditions, and pick up handcrafted souvenirs to treasure.
In partnership with Centara Hotels & Resorts
Opening image: Kids playing in the private pool of their Mirage Overwater Sunset Pool Villa at Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives
