MORE TO THE
Maldives
It’s long been known as a honeymoon destination, but more and more families are choosing to holiday in the Maldives. Here’s why.
Opening image: A family relaxing outside their villa at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives
Crystal clear lagoons, white sand cays, inviting overwater bungalows… it’s no wonder the Maldives is considered the ultimate destination for a romantic getaway. If, however, you missed the boat for your honeymoon or chose to go the parenting route alone and now find yourself surrounded by little people, don’t despair! The island nation is increasingly becoming known as a family destination, ideal for those who want to splash about in its calm, shallow waters, snorkel among tropical fish and relax and regroup in luxurious surroundings.
It’s long been known as a honeymoon destination, but more and more families are choosing to holiday in the Maldives. Here’s why.
Opening image: A family relaxing outside their villa at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives
Crystal clear lagoons, white sand cays, inviting overwater bungalows… it’s no wonder the Maldives is considered the ultimate destination for a romantic getaway. If, however, you missed the boat for your honeymoon or chose to go the parenting route alone and now find yourself surrounded by little people, don’t despair! The island nation is increasingly becoming known as a family destination, ideal for those who want to splash about in its calm, shallow waters, snorkel among tropical fish and relax and regroup in luxurious surroundings.
So, where exactly is the Maldives?
The Maldives (pronounced Mol-deeves) is in the Indian Ocean, around 1,000 kilometres south-west of Sri Lanka. There are nearly 1,200 islands in the archipelago grouped into 26 atolls, of which only around 200 are inhabited. The two chains of islands stretch across the equator, leading to its tropical climate. Tourists fly into the capital, Malé, which lies roughly in the middle, before dispersing to one of the 165 resorts dotted throughout the country.
Images: Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives
Where to stay in the Maldives
Located on a private island surrounded by a turquoise lagoon in the South Ari Atoll, in the west of the archipelago, the all-inclusive Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is the consummate resort for families. The five-star Resort has more than 112 large beachfront suites and overwater villas to choose from, with timber walkways linking them to colonial-style buildings and a pool surrounded by palm trees. Kids will love the bunk beds and PlayStation game consoles in The Family Overwater Villa with Kids Bedroom, while the Club Sunset Overwater Pool Villas offer the ultimate in family indulgence. Imagine taking a dip in your own 12-metre infinity-edge pool, lazing on the sundeck, and lying on your bed gazing out at a seemingly endless expanse of blue…
Images: A family arriving at SPA Cenveree, Family fun at The Club, A Club Sunset Overwater Pool Villa, A family in a premium sunset overwater villa, A family returning to their beach villa
Things to do in the Maldives
While the Maldives is unrivalled as a relaxing vacation destination, there are a surprising array of ways to fill your days – if you want to. Children can see a variety of marine life from the comfort of a semi-submarine or hone their snorkelling skills amidst the colourful house reef. There are also opportunities to swim alongside friendly green sea turtles and whale sharks, while scuba divers will delight in exploring a shipwreck just off the island. Expect loads of laughs on an inflatable banana boat ride, or go tubing, knee-boarding, water-skiing, wakeboarding or parasailing. Non-motorised water sports such as kayaks and paddleboats are also available for guests’ use, and you can learn the traditional art of line fishing, or head out on a charter in search of bigger game.
Image: The beach at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives
Camp Safari Kids’ Club & E-Zone
Children of all ages are catered for at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives. The Camp Safari Kids’ Club offers a daily supervised program for young ones, including outdoor games, art and craft and eco-friendly activities. The E-Zone, meanwhile, provides a hub of entertainment and activities for teenagers, with two pool tables, a snooker table, table soccer, air hockey, table tennis and PlayStation games. While the offspring are happily ensconced, you can slip away for a workout at the gym, partake in a barefoot yoga class, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment at the overwater SPA Cenvaree, which also has a hot/cold plunge pool and a steam room.
Images: Camp Safari, The E-Zone
Family-friendly restaurants
Have a fussy eater in your clan? No problem — Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives has a range of restaurants to tempt the tastebuds. Enjoy pasta, pizza and other Italian cuisine overlooking the lagoon at Azzuri Mare, traditional Thai by the lotus pond at Suan Bua, or Maldivian specialties, teppanyaki and other international fare beside the pool at buffet restaurant Reef. You can also enjoy ice-cream and other snacks in between meals at the colourful island-style Coral Bar and Lounge, which has comfortable lounges, pool tables and board games, or sip cocktails as you watch the sun sink over the horizon at the chic Aqua Bar. In-villa dining is also available – or, better still, top off the trip by surprising your family with a private dinner served by the chef! Several meal plan options are available, so you can choose the one that best suits your family. They range from half-board and full-board to Grand All-Inclusive, which includes everything from bubbles with breakfast and dine around options for lunch and dinner to daily laundry service and a free banana boat ride.
Images: Azzuri Mare, A family at The Club, Suan Bua restaurant
Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives
Worried it’s beyond the budget? Centara Hotels & Resorts is also opening a four-star family resort, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, just a short boat ride from Malé in November 2024. It will have 145 villas, including Deluxe Beach Family Villas and Deluxe Family Water Villas with Jacuzzis, as well as seafood, Thai, Mediterranean and international restaurants, an ice-cream parlour, a kids’ club, an outdoor pool with a lazy river, water playground and pool bar, a gym, SPA Cenvaree and free WiFI.
Images: Artist impressions of Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives
