Best Kid-Friendly Maldives Resorts

Why people come here

Vakkaru Maldives is a gem in the Baa Atoll, offering a perfect blend of luxury and family-friendly amenities. The resort is designed to inspire connection, with villas that encourage guests to connect with each other and the environment. The Parrotfish Club is popular with younger kids, offering tailored itineraries and activities that mimic the resort experience for adults. Meanwhile, the Coconut Club provides a sanctuary for teens, complete with gaming consoles, a library, and a quiet reading area. The resort's thoughtful design ensures that parents can relax knowing their children are safe and entertained.

Villas that inspire connection

The child-friendly and chic resort is home to 113 villas and suites inspired by the rich traditions of the destination. Families can choose to be surrounded by lush coconut palms on the sandy shores of the island or suspended over the dazzling lagoon. The villas are thoughtfully planned to prevent accidents, ensuring a safe environment for small children. With spacious decks and lavish private pools, the rooms at Vakkaru promise families exclusivity, comfort, and luxury.

A kids club that defies expectations

The Parrotfish Club at Vakkaru Maldives provides extensive kids' club facilities, including tailored itineraries and certified team members to look after and entertain children aged between three and 12 years. The concept here is to create a miniature replication of the resort experience for youngsters. Children's dining options and cooking classes are just some of the activities available. The outdoor exploration space features a kid's pool surrounded by tiny sun loungers, just like those adults can be seen reclining on by the main pool.

A haven for teens

Where Vakkaru really shines is in its focus on the teenage family market. The Coconut Club is an expansive space in the middle of the island that's open 24/7. It's thoughtfully equipped with everything older kids could possibly want to ward off boredom, including pool, table tennis, and foosball tables; board games; gaming consoles; a library and quiet reading area; and tea-and-coffee-making facilities. The Coconut Club also offers a roster of scheduled activities for social teens, including table tennis tournaments, pool competitions, and games of beach volleyball.

Splash: Water sports and activities

The resort's onsite water sports and activities center, Splash, boasts a comprehensive program for marine lovers. Every kind of aqua escapade imaginable, from thrilling jet ski tours to kite surfing lessons, is available for intrepid guests. Home to a PADI-accredited scuba diving school, Splash famously offers a young diver's introductory program for children as young as eight. There's also the option to learn more about the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve's underwater wonderland on a snorkeling tour, manta trip, or guided house reef snorkel to the unique 'blue hole' within Vakkaru's lagoon.

What I'd actually book

For families looking for the top-tier in luxury and convenience, Fede recommends the Beach Pool Residences. These residences offer spacious living areas, outdoor garden showers, and sliding glass doors next to the beachfront pool, crafted in tropical settings for intimacy and seclusion. The two-bedroom Beach Pool Residence is particularly well-suited to families with small children and teenagers, offering ample space and privacy.

The honest bit

While Vakkaru Maldives is a fantastic option for families, it's important to note that the resort's focus on luxury and exclusivity comes with a higher price tag. Additionally, the resort's remote location in the Baa Atoll means that it's a 30-minute seaplane flight from Male International Airport, which can be an exciting adventure for some but may not be well-suited to those prone to motion sickness. However, the seclusion and natural beauty of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve make the journey well worth it for those seeking a truly design-led family vacation.