The Maldives, with its picture perfect islands, turquoise lagoons and white sand beaches, has always been know as the ultimate destination for the perfect romantic getaway.  However over the past two decades, it has quickly become one of the world’s favourite luxury family holiday destinations.

My first trip to the Maldives was in 2002, when my first of four children was only a baby.  At this time, there were only six Maldives luxury resorts but even then, I could see the incredible potential for this destination. I had discovered somewhere that was more stunning in reality than in photos, where the Maldivians are so warm and welcoming and where every resort is on its own private island. From a parent’s perspective this is the recipe for a dream family holiday.

From the moment you arrive at your resort, the Maldivians make you feel completely relaxed in their presence.  Their beautiful sense of family is engrained in their culture and they all love children.  At dinner, if one of my babies was to fuss in their highchair, before I could even get up, someone would whisk them away for a walk to chat to friends, see the kitchen, look for crabs.

As the kids got older, with every resort being on its own private island, you have no concerns at all letting them ride to the Kids Club or ride to breakfast ahead of you. It is the epitome of complete mental relaxation as a parent.  The Kids Clubs at these Maldives luxury resorts set a new level for Kids Clubs worldwide.  Some of them are so amazing that as a parent, I want to spend time there.

It has been 22 years since my first trip to the Maldives and I have taken my kids every year since 2003, averaging a total of 44 weeks in the Maldives experiencing family resorts. We have tried many resorts that are amazing family resorts and we have also been to many that we have given the thumbs down for families.  Some are great when the children are younger and some work better for teenagers.  It is this 22 years of experience that sets us apart from other companies.

Extraordinary Escapes has listed the following resorts as the Top 6 Maldives Family Resorts for 2024.

Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru

Located in the incredible Baa Atoll, this picture-perfect island with its first-class location is heaven on earth. With a luxurious Maldivian Island theme, the villas are the perfect fusion of modern luxury and traditional Maldivian design. Bicycles are offered to ride around the island, and as there are only guests and staff on the island, children are free to ride and explore. With its natural island beauty, coupled with the Four Seasons' world-renowned style and service, you’ll never want to leave.

The island has four amazing pools, and for families, there’s so much to do. The Kids Club - Kuda Velaa (“little turtle”) is for children aged four to 12 years, and for those a little older, there’s the Young Adults Centre “Majaa Maizan” (ages 13 – 18). The beach and water sports activities here are endless, or why not opt to just hang out and enjoy all the activities on offer. Certainly one of our favourite luxury Maldives family resorts, the Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru will offer you an experience to remember.

Soneva Fushi

Soneva Fushi is the ultimate island hideaway. Located in the stunning Baa Atoll, the Maldives' only UNESCO World Biosphere reserve, Soneva Fushi offers an amazing abundance of marine life. This resort has a natural deserted island theme, with lush vegetation and a jungle-like feel. Soneva Fushi is full of fun activities and entertainment. Even riding your bike to breakfast is an adventure!

Soneva Fushi has a fantastic house reef for snorkelling, an outdoor cinema, and the Maldives' only Observatory to gaze at planets and stars. The Den is an amazing children’s club and is, in our opinion, one of the best in the Maldives. A multi-level maize of adventure, the Den has everything it needs to keep the kids entertained.

Patina

Patina Maldives is the perfect location for an amazing Maldives family holiday, located a 45 minute speed boat transfer from Male International Airport. With a beautiful house reef just meters from the beach, marine life at Patina is abundant. Patina is home to the Fari Beach Club, a hub of activity from food trucks, restaurants, retail shopping and art experiences. If activity is on your Maldives holiday itinerary, with all the latest water sports available, including surfing and sailing, Patina will certainly deliver.

Patina Maldives’ Kids Club, Footprints, follows in the theme of the resort, exploring nature, cultivating creativity and experiencing art. Complete with their own 3D modelling printer, young guests can design, assemble and race their own F1 models! With intriguing indoor and outdoor areas, karaoke and dance rooms, sailing and football camps, kids of all ages are going to love Footprints. We guarantee it! 

Six Senses Laamu

Six Senses is the only resort in the Laamu Atoll, making this Atoll its exclusive playground. Whatever you do and wherever you go, as a guest of Six Senses Laamu, you’re guaranteed to be the only visitor there. Whether it’s snorkelling on a nearby reef, surfing a world-class break or visiting the local island, this paradise in the Indian Ocean is yours to explore privately. Families love the island's kids club, and there are plenty of activities to keep kids super busy.

The service here is exceptional, with every guest allocated a Guest Experience Manager 'GEM' to look after your every need. If you're after a truly exclusive and private Maldives family resort, Six Sense is the place to be.

Soneva Jani

Soneva Jani is a stunning Maldives luxury resort. With only 51 Overwater Villas and seven Island Villas, Soneva Jani’s Villas are exotic homes away from home. Located in the beautiful Noonu Atoll, the island has perfect beaches and its deserted island theme invites you to explore. At Soneva Jani, even riding your bike to breakfast is an adventure.

Soneva Jani is the ultimate Maldives Family Resort with their Kids Club, the Den, being the largest Kids Zone in the Maldives.  This multi-storey technology-free, family-friendly zone has dedicated kids and teens areas, its own zipline, waterslide, pools, the Cave Bar with music and mocktails, we didn’t want to leave! When every Villa has its own private waterslide and you can dine at a worldclass Japanese Restaurant with an outdoor movie experience, Soneva Jani sets a new standard for luxury Maldives family resorts.

 Waldorf Astoria

The Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is an exclusive Maldives luxury resort providing all Guest transfers via catered Luxury Yacht. This stunning island paradise, with perfect white sand beaches and an iridescent turquoise lagoon, is surrounded by its beautiful house reef abundant in marine life. Your Waldorf Astoria Villa Host and all the Resort Staff are dedicated to making your Maldives holiday a series of unforgettable moments.

The Waldorf Astoria is an adventure playground and a perfect Maldives family resort.  For the Waldorf’s younger guests, the Stars Club has an amazing Water Park the kids will just love.  The Nava Beach Club, the heart of this luxury Maldives resort, is perfect for tweens and teens to spend time with the family.  With cabanas surrounding a stunning turquoise lagoon, the Nava Beach Club has the Water Sports Centre, pool tables and other games located right there.  Play some tennis with the Waldorf Tennis Pro or relax at the largest hydrotherapy in the Maldives.  The Waldorf has something for every member of the family.