5 Family-Friendly Resorts in the Maldives

Since its first tourist resort opened in 1972, the Maldives has dazzled as a honeymoon hot spot.

More recently, though, the island nation has gained attention as a destination for lavish multigenerational trips — a trend fueled by pent-up demand and postponed celebration travel. Fortunately, finding family-friendly Maldives resorts is child’s play — but matchmaking unique family dynamics with the perfect property takes a bit of work.

Here are five Maldives resorts ready for family travelers.

Soneva Jani: For the Kids’ (and Teens’) Club

This summer, ultraluxe Soneva Jani opened The Den, the largest kids’ club in the Maldives and one of the biggest in all of Asia. This two-story aquatic and educational wonderland offers technology-free entertainment for unaccompanied kids ages 4 and up. The retreat includes a hands-on music room, a dress-up area, a bowling alley, cooking lessons and more. Teens can connect at The Hangout, a rooftop deck with a music room, a game room and a slide to the pool.

Soneva Jani features overwater family villas with two to four bedrooms and private waterslides into pools or the lagoon. The villas are decorated in “castaway chic” style and include everything from spacious living/dining areas to steam rooms and wine vaults. Some have retractable roofs for sleeping or dining under the stars.

Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences: For Accessible Travel

Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences provides a worry-free escape for travelers with disabilities. The resort is set to become accessibility-certified by Inclucare, which calls itself “the world’s first Total Guest Inclusion accreditation for luxury hospitality and leisure industries.” 

In addition to training staff in accessibility, Amilla offers floating wheelchairs, adaptive yoga and more. There are also “calming spaces” for guests living with autism. 

Clients without accessibility requirements will also feel at home on this resort’s white-sand beaches in the Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Children are welcomed with backpacks stuffed with activity lists at Sultan’s Kids’ Club. Teens can opt into various workshops and lessons. The resort also has a Mini Marine Biologists program and diving lessons for kids ages 5 and up.

Amilla’s 67 accommodations are  split between villas and residences. The eight-bedroom Great Beach Residence sleeps 20 guests. While the property has not designated lodging specifically for guests with disabilities, most villas or residences have ground-floor access.

Lux South Ari Atoll: For Active Families 

Lux South Ari Atoll features not one but two age-segmented kids’ clubs — one for kids 3-12, and another for teens that includes watersports, quiz nights and more.

This luxurious resort offers equal parts fun for energetic travelers and relaxation for clients who dream of nothing but soaking up the sunshine. Family-focused amenities include an all-you-can-eat ice cream bar, movie nights on the beach and a spa menu adapted for younger travelers.

The resort also has eight categories of thatched-roof bungalows and villas with light, airy interiors. The two-bedroom family pavilions — with a choice of beach or lagoon views — sleep six.

Bandos Maldives: For Affordable Eco-Luxury

While Amilla strives to make the Maldives accessible for travelers with disabilities, Bandos Maldives makes tropical paradise accessible in terms of price and location. Unlike some properties located in far-flung atolls, Bandos is just a 15-minute boat transfer from the airport.

At Bandos Maldives, kids 12 and under stay free, and all-inclusive packages make it easy for clients to relax and forget everyday stresses. Bandos offers fun movie nights, excursions and daily activities for all ages. With 215 rooms and villas, along with seven dining spots, there is something to suit every family.

Baglioni Resort Maldives: For an Elegant Multi-Gen Escape

Luxurious and refined, Baglioni Resort Maldives is a palm-fringed, award-winning Italian property in the Dhaalu Atoll.

A sample day at the kids’ club (for ages 3-15) includes junior yoga, coconut painting, gardening and time to build sandcastles and play in the great outdoors. Little swimmers can also enjoy the PADI Bubblemaker program, a kid-friendly scuba diving experience in shallow water. At the spa, guests of all ages can try out massages and innovative fruit-and-flower applications for children, while adults can book treatments with the Italian skincare brand Insium.

Baglioni has 10 accommodation types. The two-bedroom family beach villas include a private pool and beach access. They each sleep up to four adults and four children.