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A luxury family getaway

by Belinda Breeze

Known for its pristine white beaches and glittering emerald waters, the island nation of the Maldives has traditionally catered for honeymooners and couples seeking to take a break from city life. However, with more and more child friendly options popping up, the Maldives is reinventing itself as the perfect getaway for the whole family. From exploring the reefs with a snorkel, to discovering the wonders of home-grown food and creating your own pizza, the Maldives offers an abundance of adventure and discovery for kids of all ages.

FAMiLY by JW Little Griffins Kids Club

At JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa there are a range of sustainability-focused activities that are sure to ignite the curiosity of the youngest guests. The new FAMiLY by JW Little Griffins Kids Club program features engaging activities that incorporate produce from the vibrant JW Garden. Embark on an insightful JW Garden Exploration journey, discovering the names, tastes and aromas of different seasonal herbs, fruits and vegetables, before using the freshly picked ingredients to create your own pizzas or smoothies. Kids can take part in the Little Griffins National Geographic activity to learn about the island’s flora and fauna, as well as the marine life in the surrounding waters of the spectacular Shaviyani Atoll.

Each day promises a new adventure at the Little Griffins Kids Club, with daily sessions themed around Under the Sea, Jungle Island, Fairytales, Pirates, Superheroes, and the all-new Rainbow and Sports Day themes. Kids will relish the chance to participate in a range of new activities such as Mission Impossible & Flinch, Kids Versus Associates, Mini Disco, and Silent Speed Ball.  

Explore the underwater world at Anantara Kihavah’s house reef

After two years of extensive research and studies, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is launching the ‘Wonders of Kihavah,’ – a ground-breaking research-based publication unveiling the breath-taking beauty and rich biodiversity of the island’s renowned house reef.

Grab a snorkel and head to Anantara Kihavah’s house reef, where you’re in with the chance of seeing an astounding 300 fish species. Or, you can use the study’s comprehensive fish index to find areas around the island where different species can be found.

As many of 160 of these captivating fish species can also be seen from the resort’s SEA Underwater Restaurant, offering a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the mesmerising fish and coral sights while enjoying a delicious meal from the restaurant’s exceptional menu.

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Explorers Kids Club for the Little Ones at Niyama Private Islands Maldives

At Niyama Private Islands Maldives, kids can immerse themselves in the eye-opening nature and cultural beauty of the islands. In this one-of-a-kind family holiday experience, the outside world slips away as you follow the winding curves of a sandy train into island forest. Set in the heart of the Isle of Play, Explorers Kids Club caters for the imaginations of all ages.

From enchanting Dhivehi lullabies, to thrilling marine bio adventures, little ones are taken on dolphin cruises, where they can have endless fun while learning about these beautiful creatures and other wonders of the deep. They can also get up close and personal with life under the water and take part in guided snorkelling expeditions, or help our Marine Biologist plant healthy coral fragments in the lagoon nursery and return next year to see them in bloom!

Seal of approval for kids at JA Manafaru Maldives

JA Manafaru Maldives has been awarded the distinguished independent seal of excellence for safe and professional childcare by Worldwide Kids (WK). The accreditation is only awarded to luxury resorts that meet international childcare training and health and safety standards while consistently demonstrating their commitment to enhancing the experience of families and their young guests.

The kids facilities at this stunning resort include the CoolZone play space with a separate family pool, the Recreation Pavilion and the ChillZone indoor games room. The top training of the dedicated childcare team, means that parents can be certain their little ones are receiving the very best care while enjoying some time alone in the spa and restaurants.

Be one of the first to experience SO/ Maldives

SO/ Maldives, just 15 minutes from Malé by speedboat, is one of the most anticipated new openings, set to welcome guests to the picturesque Emboodhoo Lagoon from November 2023. With stunning villas situated on their own stretch of white sand beach, or perched on stilts over the glittering lagoon, the resort is designed to maximise your privacy and peace.

There are three innovative restaurant and bar concepts to choose from, as well as a Wellness Camp, full fitted gym and watersports centre on the beach, so whether you want to relax and indulge or get your adrenaline flowing, all of your whims are catered for.

The Nest kids club is brimming with options to keep the younger holiday goers entertained. With toys, games and activities for the little ones and a dedicated space for teens, there are plenty of options to suit all imaginations. The Zone is complete with a games room and outdoor deck, so your children have the option to enjoy nature or take a break from the heat inside.

To check out opening deals, and for more information and reservations, contact the Reservations Team via [email protected]