Holidays in the Maldives with children: flights, choice of hotel and entertainment

Is it worth planning a family vacation on the paradise islands? And what can parents encounter in the Maldives? What services and facilities for vacations with children do resorts offer? There are stereotypes that the Maldives are only a “paradise for lovers”. But parents can rest easy, as vacations with children will be comfortable, fun, and fulfilling.

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Flight to Maldives

Maldives are located in the Indian Ocean and are quite far from the European and American continents. At the same time, not all countries offer direct flights to the Maldives. Most often, you will have to transfer at a hub airport.

• Plan your flight so that it is easy for your children to handle;
• Check for direct flights or convenient transfers: fewer transfers means less stress for you and your children;
• Find out what specific services the airline offers (children's meals, in-flight entertainment, priority boarding, etc.);
• Compare prices from different airlines, taking into account all fees and additional services.

Many companies that fly to the Maldives provide services for passengers with children.

• Etihad Airways offers a "Flying Nanny" service on long-haul flights. Trained staff assist parents with childcare and entertain them during the flight;
• Emirates is one of the most family-friendly airlines, offering special travel kits and toys for children. There is a children's menu on board, and families with children have priority boarding;
• Qatar Airways: offers entertainment for children and priority boarding. There are separate areas, separated by partitions, that can accommodate up to four people;
• Lufthansa: toys and special children's menus are available on board, and Lufthansa has a family check-in area at German airports;
• British Airways: children receive SkyFlyer entertainment packs.

Asad Photo Maldives

What you need to know before you fly

Children under 2 years old: it is not necessary to book a separate seat for babies. You can pay for Infant fare, and the child will sit in your arms. The airline will provide a special mount (cradle) for the baby. The rules for carrying baggage and strollers may differ between airlines—check when booking.

Children over 2 years old: a separate seat must be reserved. Choose seats close together for the whole family so that children are comfortable.

• Bring your child's favorite toys and books to keep them occupied during the flight;
• Prepare food and drinks: even if there is a children's menu on board, it is worth having snacks with you that your child will definitely enjoy;
• Dress your child in comfortable clothes that are appropriate for the temperature on board—the flight is long;
• Don't forget about the first aid kit: take with you the necessary medications and personal care products;
• Download movies, cartoons, and games to your tablet—they will make your flight go faster.

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Arrival at Male Airport

Upon arrival in the Maldives, you can use the mother and child room. It is located immediately at the entrance to the airport, before the border control area. Here you can calmly feed and change your child.

There are shops at the airport that sell toys, books, and other goods for children, in case you forgot something. Also at Male airport, there are several cafes and restaurants where you can find food for children.

It is worth considering that in comparison with large international airports, the choice of entertainment for children in Male is quite modest. Do not expect playgrounds or special zones.

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Choose hotels near Male

Many hotels in the Maldives organize transfers for their clients by speedboats or seaplanes. Since the Maldives is an island state, the resorts can only be reached by air (seaplane, domestic flights) or by boat. Remote resorts can be reached in a couple of hours with transfers. Therefore, if you are traveling with children, it is better to opt for a short trip.

The best option for families with children is the resorts of North Male. You can get there in 15-20 minutes by boat. Another convenience is that you can have as much luggage as you want, and with small children, there is always a lot of stuff. You can plan a short flight by seaplane: the child will be delighted. But you are allowed to take a limited number of things with you. If you choose to fly by seaplane, make sure that the child uses the toilet before boarding. There are no toilets on seaplanes. Do not let children drink a lot before the flight.

Coco Bodu Hithi Resort

Choosing a hotel for a holiday with a child in the Maldives

Maldives are not just for romance. You will be surprised how many family hotels there are, which offer a huge range of services for children. Resort hotels offer a huge range of leisure options for children and teenagers:

• Kids Club: Many hotels hire a team of professionals to keep children busy. Parents can leave their child in the care of the club's animators while they sip cocktails under a palm tree. Many kids clubs only accept children from a certain age, most often from 4 years old. Younger children may need to be accompanied by an adult or a babysitter (for an additional fee). Some clubs also have an upper age limit, such as 12 years old, but there may be exceptions;
• Nanny services: Clubs usually do not accept children under 4 years of age without a parent, with a very small child additional services may be needed. Resort hotels, as a rule, provide professional nanny services for a fee. It is not cheap, but it will give you the opportunity to relax;
• Children's pool or water park: Clubs usually have a pool with a safe depth and water slides—a great place for children of any age to have fun;
• Children's menu: Special delicacies for the little ones are usually easy to find in all family resorts. In addition, children are tempted at resorts with various treats—unusual ice creams, chocolate stations, and all kinds of cakes. Not all hotel restaurants may have a children's menu. If your child has special dietary needs or allergies, it is best to contact the hotel in advance and find out if they prepare meals to order.

JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa

Accommodation with children in the Maldives

Many hotels offer rooms and villas where even a large family can comfortably stay. Family villas often have separate bedrooms for children and parents, as well as a private terrace or pool. Please note that not all rooms and villas can accommodate an extra bed, so be sure to discuss this when booking.

Overwater Bungalows: Overwater rooms are not always available for booking if you are traveling with little ones. Due to safety concerns, many hotels do not allow children under 12 to stay in water villas. Many of these rooms do not have railings on the terraces, which increases the risk of falling.

Beach: It is important that the child can safely swim in the sea. Choose a hotel with a gentle slope into the water, protected from the waves.

All-inclusive hotels: Perhaps the best option is to stay in an all-inclusive hotel, where you don't have to worry about extra expenses if the kid wants "that beautiful ice cream".

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Services for children at resorts

• Baby cots and high chairs: usually available upon request free of charge;
• Baby strollers: not always, but sometimes available on site;
• Bathing accessories: children's towels, robes, and slippers are available in the rooms;
• Children's spa: luxury hotels offer care for the youngest guests: procedures, haircuts, manicures, cosmetic accessories, and other amenities for a luxurious holiday;
• Concierge services: hotels offer the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in your vacation by using the help of a personal assistant. He will provide assistance in organizing excursions and entertainment, book a table in a restaurant, and organize children's leisure.

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Where to stay with a child in the Maldives

If you are planning a family trip with a small child, the conclusion is obvious—you need a resort island. The thing is that the local islands do not have the usual variety of food, the choice in supermarkets is quite limited. Food in cafes is more traditional Maldivian cuisine with spices. On islands such as Male or Maafushi, you can find cuisine close to European, but not everywhere. Resort restaurants offer a wide selection of dishes of the most diverse cuisine, a children's menu, and all sorts of delicacies.

Soneva Fushi

Maldives Hotels for Holidays with Children

Soneva Fushi is a real paradise for children! The hotel offers a unique "Den"—a special children's area with two swimming pools, one of which is made in the shape of a bright clown fish. Entertainment for different age groups, both in the club and outside it. For example, walks with a marine biologist. The main thing is that in the hotel, you can slide down a fun slide into the sea right from your bedroom! The hotel offers a wide range of family villas, including private residences with several bedrooms. Babysitting services are available for the little ones.

Kuramathi Maldives: a 4-star hotel that is ideal for a family holiday. The kids' club is open from morning until evening. Young guests are offered a varied entertainment program and even sleeping rooms with TV and DVD. Children's menus are available both in the main restaurant and in the kids' club. Cooking master classes, pirate games, and hikes with young naturalists await the little guests. A marine biologist will introduce you to the diversity of the underwater life of the Maldives. Babysitting services are available for an additional fee, for children under 4 years old.

Bandos Maldives: one of the most popular hotels for holidays with children in the Maldives, where all guests up to 12 years old rest for free. There is a children's club with an outdoor pool, and the restaurants offer a children's menu and provide high chairs upon request. The main pool is divided into an adult and children's area, so that adults can supervise their little ones. Convenient location near Male airport makes this hotel especially attractive for families with children.

Kurumba Maldives: the first resort to open in the Maldives. It is family-oriented. There are two shallow pools, a playground, and a mini club for children aged 4 to 13, where fun activities are held. The restaurant has a children's menu and high chairs. Children under 2 years old are provided with special free meals and accommodation. The beach with a gentle slope and a good house reef is ideal for a holiday with children.

Four Seasons Kuda Huraa: this luxury hotel offers high-class service and is perfect for a family holiday. There is a play club for children, a children's menu, and a varied program. There is a surfing school for children from 6 years old, as well as a tennis club, a yoga club, and a marine biologist. Young guests are provided with robes, cradles, bottle warmers, and children's cosmetics. There is a children's spa and grandiose programs for children.

Niyama Private Islands Maldives: a luxurious resort spread over two islands. Play Island features the Explorer Kids Club with an outdoor playground, trampoline, and children's park. Children can try their hand at cooking in the kids' kitchen or feel like a star on stage. The club offers a variety of activities, including exciting safaris, wildlife exploration, cooking classes, and dolphin watching.

Meeru Island Resort: one of the largest 4-star all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives. The island is divided into two parts, one of which is dedicated to families, with a separate pool and restaurants. There is all the necessary infrastructure for children, including The Komas kids club with a pool and many options for active recreation.

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives: the main offer of this hotel is that children under 12 years old rest absolutely free. The Kandoo Kids Club accepts children aged 4 years and older. Here, little guests can enjoy a variety of games, a library, a children's pool with water slides, creative activities, and mini-snorkeling.

Kuramathi Maldives

Entertainment for children at Maldives resorts

• Entertainment programs: children's discos, shows, competitions, master classes, bike rides. For example, children learn to cook Maldivian cuisine or go on an exciting hike around a tropical island;
• Game rooms: each resort offers rooms with board games, video games, and other entertainment for children to enjoy;
• Water sports for children: snorkeling, boating, kayaking, and other entertainment under the supervision of instructors. Some hotels offer excursions with a marine biologist who introduces the amazing underwater world of the Maldives;
• Children's library: many hotels boast their own library, where children can usefully spend their time. There you can also find children's magazines in different languages;
• Open-air cinemas: these are family movie screenings with a view of the endless ocean falling asleep under the sunset sky.

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Medicine for children in the Maldives

Almost every resort in the Maldives offers the services of a doctor. They will be able to assess the child's condition, provide first aid, and give recommendations. But if the child's condition is serious, medical evacuation may be required. There are only two full-fledged hospitals in Male. If more serious treatment is required, the child will most likely be sent there. Some islands may not have emergency care facilities: be especially careful when choosing an island for a holiday with children.

Tip: Children often have digestive problems due to acclimatization. Be prepared for this and stock up on appropriate medications.

Be sure to get travel insurance that covers international travel along the way, not just the Maldives. Make sure it covers medical expenses, hospitalization, and medical evacuation.

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Traveling to the Maldives with Children: What to Consider in Advance

• When planning a holiday with children in the Maldives, choose hotels that offer special services and entertainment for children;
• Be sure to bring sunscreen, hats, and long sleeves to protect children from the sun;
• Please bring a snorkel mask with you, as your child may not be comfortable wearing the adult snorkel masks available for rent at the resort;
• Bring your children's favorite toys and books to keep them busy during the flight and at the hotel.

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