Maldives 11.09.2020 Jess Millett
The Maldives is a beautiful playground for every age group and with dozens of five star, luxury resorts to choose from, some are better for families than others. Here we list our favourite villas to stay at in the Maldives for families, another part of our series on the Maldives which includes where is best to stay for a social distancing holiday and what unique experiences there are on offer throughout the atolls.
Soneva Jani: Three Bedroom Water Reserve with Slide
Arguably the best family villa in the Maldives, Soneva Jani’s three bedroom over-water villa is best for a once in a lifetime luxury holiday for the whole family. Its two sunken seating areas are the perfect spot for sinking in with a good book whilst the infinity pool provides endless fun for the kids. In the evening, a retractable roof over the master bedroom provides views of the stars and there is a dine-in option and personal butler service meaning you won’t ever have to leave the villa. Its unique feature though, is the slide that catapults you straight into the cool sea from the top of a spiral staircase.
Should you wish to venture outside, complimentary bicycles or tricycles are available for the whole family and you can explore every corner of the island, stopping off to sample home-made and delicious delicacies in the chocolate and ice cream parlours. For those who prefer a cheese plate for dessert, there is also complimentary access to some of the finest cheeses and cold cuts.
The younger members of the family can access the Children’s Den and summer camp whilst for those who want to explore the underwater world, there is complimentary access to non-motorised water sports like paddle-boarding, windsurfing, canoeing and snorkelling.
Anantara Kihavah: Three Bedroom Beach Pool Residence
The Anantara’s bigger villas are called Residences with each having multiple bedrooms and ample space for the whole family. Surrounded by jungle but close enough to the ocean to hear the gentle lapping of the waves on the sand, you will be spoilt for choice on where to spend your day. Deck chairs are spread out on the beach and by the infinity pool while day beds are perfect for lounging with a cool glass of rose taken from the villa's own wine fridge. A private pantry and 24 hour host ensures that should you decide not to leave your refuge, you will never go hungry whilst a dedicated treatment room will leave you feeling fully pampered by experts without you having to set foot outside the villa’s boundaries.
The rest of the island is packed with fun for every age group from the trampoline park at the kids club to the Maldivian cookery course led by the resort’s chefs. You can go out on a luxury dhoni to catch your dinner or wake up before sunrise to join a yoga session on the beach.
Ayada: Sunset Ocean Family Suite
One of the few family villas in our round up that sits on the water, this two-bed, two-bath overwater bungalow offers ample space for a family of up to six. Spacious overwater hammocks span the length of the villa, enough of them that you won't have to fight over, and you can take a dip in the small infinity pool, enjoying the sunset over the water.
Venturing outside of the confines of your overwater villa, Ayada boasts seven restaurants and bars including a wine and cheese island – perfect for adults and lovers of the finer things in life. The island is also a great location for learning to surf with many breaks just a short boat ride away from the hotel.
One & Only Reethi Rah: Two-Villa Residence with Pool
A fantastic option if you want to holiday with the family but want a little bit of distance at times, the One & Only, Reethi Rah, offers two interconnected villas, connected by a private beach. Hammocks swing between palm trees and the ocean can be spotted from the king-sized bed in the master room. A 23 metre private swimming pool partitions the two villas but provides endless fun, especially as the sun goes down over the ocean.
Away from the villa, the kids club has its very own private beach where camp counsellors put on competitions, and they can explore the underwater world by snorkelling with manta rays or learn to make sushi. For the grown ups and those looking for a little romance, your personal butler can pack a gourmet picnic for you to enjoy on a remote corner of the island, accessible only by bicycle or foot.
Four Seasons: Two Bedroom Oceanfront Bungalow with Pool
Walking into your beachfront bungalow, you know immediately that you are staying at a Four Seasons hotel. Here, two bungalows are connected by a short corridor and sweeping private pool with day beds and sun loungers on either side. A thatched roof, open- air bale provides some much needed shade over a day bed and seating area where the daily complimentary supply of fresh fruit can be enjoyed alongside room service.
The Four Seasons is nestled in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve making the snorkelling and diving here some of the best in the Maldives. Non-motorised water sports is complimentary here alongside a 45 minute orientation dive and an educational and interactive visit to the Marine Discovery Centre and Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.
Away from the water, the Four Season’s Spa and Ayurvedic Retreat is world-leading, recently named the “Most Meaningful Experience” in the Conde Nast Traveller Spa Awards 2020.
Six Senses Laamu: Two Bedroom Ocean Beach Villa with Pool
The largest of the Six Senses Laamu’s villas, this hideaway is nestled amongst tropical palm trees and exotic vegetation, a stone throw from the beach. Meals can be enjoyed on the rooftop dining area with views of a spectacular sunset whilst two outdoor bathrooms with showers along a sweeping walkway will wash off the sand and salt from a long day.
For kids, the Maldives is an underwater playground and Six Senses offers a Finding Nemo Snorkelling Trip where children are encouraged to count the different species of fish that they can spot. Elsewhere, you can also enjoy a Back of House Tour to learn about the work that the hotel is doing to put the earth first.
Niyama Private Island: Family Beach Pool Villa
Perfect for those with young families, the spacious lounge of this stunning beach-side villa converts into a second bedroom, comfortably sleeping up to five people. A dhoni swing, day bed and sun loungers offer private places to relax and listen to the sounds of the sea nearby while the private plunge pool is ‘family sized’ - big enough for a game of water volleyball. An outdoor dining area is the perfect spot to make the most of the cupboard in the lounge, stuffed with board and card games.
The special feature of this villa though is its hidden outdoor shower which is reached by walking along a long walkway with water and lush greenery on either side.
Should you wish to holiday with the extended family, you can book The Crescent on Niyama Private Island. Five over-water villas sleeping up to 22 people are huddled together on its own corner of the island, one two bedroom ocean pool pavilion is at the heart of the crescent brings the family together whilst a private chef, butlers and a housekeeper attend to your every need.
