Pratima Rana
September 15, 2025
The Maldives might be synonymous with honeymooners and overwater villas, but it’s just as rewarding for families—especially those seeking a gentler pace of adventure, soft sand, and marine magic. A growing number of island stays are now welcoming families with a more thoughtful approach: combining sustainable design with space to roam, and settings that invite shared moments rather than manufactured entertainment.
Below, we’ve curated a list of family-friendly stays across the Maldives that offer more than kids’ clubs and buffet breakfasts. These are places with a sense of place—where children can snorkel with reef fish, paddle into turquoise shallows, and fall asleep to the hush of the ocean.
Set in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi is about as close to castaway luxury as you can get—while still welcoming children with open arms. Oversized thatched villas come with private pools and direct beach access, giving families ample space to spread out. The island’s outdoor Cinema Paradiso, stargazing observatory, and chocolate and ice cream rooms are just a few of the imaginative additions that turn an ordinary beach holiday into something unforgettable.
Sustainability is more than a gesture here: most of the resort is powered by solar energy, there’s an on-site glass recycling studio, and much of the produce comes from organic island gardens. The result? A resort where barefoot freedom and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
Though the Six Senses name might hint at a larger operation, this off-grid escape is distinct from conventional chains in both ethos and feel. Laamu offers a relaxed, unpolished edge compared to many polished Maldivian resorts. Wooden jetties link overwater villas to lush jungle paths and soft sand beaches, and families can choose between stilted bungalows or beachfront bungalows with safe access for little feet.
The on-site marine biology team runs regular snorkelling tours with reef education built in, and the resort’s commitment to sustainability includes zero-waste policies and a plastic-free supply chain. For parents, there’s an Ayurvedic spa and surf breaks nearby; for kids, there’s just enough organised fun without ever feeling like a theme park.
This adults-and-families-only island is for those willing to splurge on privacy and elevated service. With only 15 overwater residences, Kudadoo balances exclusivity with environmental awareness. Each villa includes a private infinity pool and unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean, while personal butlers tailor daily experiences—whether it’s a dolphin cruise at sunset or a sandbank picnic.
Though not traditionally designed for children, the bespoke approach allows families to shape their own experience, making it ideal for intergenerational travel or milestone holidays. The resort is 100% solar powered, and the architecture is crafted from sustainably sourced timber with a minimal footprint on the surrounding ecosystem.
With its Robinson Crusoe–inspired design and commitment to barefoot luxury, Gili Lankanfushi strikes a rare balance between style and substance. Overwater villas are set far apart for privacy and come with spacious decks, netted hammocks, and direct lagoon access—ideal for supervised snorkelling sessions right off your villa.
Families are warmly welcomed here, and though there’s no formal kids’ club, the staff are attentive and flexible. Activities lean into nature: guided snorkels, chocolate-making sessions with the pastry chef, or sailing trips aboard a traditional dhoni. Sustainability is woven through the entire guest experience, from coral restoration programs to the island’s eco-centre and composting systems.
Reethi Faru manages to stay under the radar while offering a more accessible price point for families who still want an island escape with values. The resort is independently operated and focused on ecological sensitivity: solar power supplements energy needs, a desalination plant manages fresh water, and coral gardening initiatives are ongoing.
There’s a range of accommodation options, including family villas set just back from the beach. Watersports are a major draw here, and older kids will love kayaking, paddleboarding or snorkelling over house reefs teeming with marine life. It's a relaxed, sincere setting that feels personal rather than polished.
The Maldives doesn’t need to be a once-in-a-lifetime escape saved for romantic anniversaries. With a little planning, it can become a playground for ocean-curious children, a setting for slow-paced family bonding, and a rare opportunity to combine luxury with learning. These resorts show that you don’t have to compromise comfort or ethics to travel well with kids—especially if you choose places that value sustainability and individuality over sameness and scale.
