Our experts have been out exploring the Maldives, island by island, villa by villa, in search of the best barefoot hideouts where kids can go full castaway. Here’s where they’d recommend for your next family check-in.
Ananea Madivaru Maldives
Recommended by Nathaniel Short, Kuoni Meadowhall
“Brand new to Kuoni in 2025, Ananea Madivaru is as modern and stylish as it is welcoming. For kids, there’s everything from glass-bottom boat trips to coconut foraging missions, where they’ll meet the island’s tree climbers in action. Throw in treasure hunts, tug-of-war and beach BBQs and you’ve got the ultimate tropical holiday ticked off at top level.”
The villa to bag: Two-bedroom beach pool villa – loads of space, two floors and the best ocean views from upstairs.
Kuramathi Maldives
Recommended by Melissa Fritchley, Kuoni Cheltenham
“There’s a reason Kuramathi is one of our top sellers – guests love it, and so do we. It’s one of the bigger islands with loads to explore and great for all ages. The kids’ club is easily the most impressive I’ve seen in the Maldives. They run brilliant activities like kite flying on the sandbank and boduberu drumming classes. At the end of your stay, you’ll get a memory stick with photos of your child’s time at the club, which is a lovely touch.”
The villa to bag: Set near the sandbank with access to both the lagoon and reef, the two-bedroom beach house has one room upstairs, one down, and a private hallway connecting the two.
Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort
Recommended by Jack Lewis, Kuoni at John Lewis Cribbs Causeway
“If you’re after an island with a more grown-up feel, this is it. Best for families with tweens and teens or little ones who don’t need the whole kids’ club setup (there isn’t one). Staff are on it and will know your children’s names by day two. Expect relaxed family time, knockout food, pool tables and snorkelling in what feels like your own backyard aquarium. Don’t miss the whale shark safari.”
The villa to bag: The two-bedroom beach villa has a private pool and plenty of wow factor – guaranteed to impress the teens.
Emerald Maldives
Recommended by Savannah Keegan, Kuoni Trafford Centre
“Emerald Maldives has one of the most generous all-inclusive plans in the Maldives. Everything’s covered, so you can relax from the off. There’s a huge outdoor kids’ area with a splash zone, plus activities like memory book making and sushi classes. Bikes are parked right outside your villa for easy island adventures. And for a slower pace? Treat the kids to a spa day: strawberry oil massages and chocolate wraps at the ready.”
The villa to bag: Private pool, twin kids’ room and space for grown-ups to stay up late – the family beach villa gets a big yes from us.
Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives
Recommended by Chynna Buffenbarger, Indian Ocean Expert
“I was lucky enough to visit Finolhu this year. The island’s pristine, full of personality and pulls out all the stops for families. Kids are known as ‘Oceaneers’, with creative activities like mocktail making and mandala art, plus there’s a brand-new hangout for teens. In the water, there’s everything from mermaid dives and X-Jet Blades to turtle safaris and snorkelling with a marine biologist. Evenings bring fire shows, dancing and standout dining – the white party is tremendous fun!”
The villa to bag: Two-bedroom interconnecting beach villas, tucked in tropical greenery, or go all out in the Rockstar ocean villa. The name says it all.
Reethi Faru
Recommended by Jim Robertson, Indian Ocean Product Manager
“Reethi Faru is the Maldives in its natural state: green, wild and refreshingly low-key. Kids will love the barefoot freedom here, with jungle paths to explore, chickens wandering around and flying foxes overhead. Days are all about the reef, the water sports centre (one of the best around) and simple island pleasures like outdoor showers and dolphin-spotting cruises. Food-wise, it’s all covered, from vegan plates to wood-fired pizzas and kids’ menus with burgers that get rave reviews”.
The villa to bag: The two-bedroom beach suites are front-row to the lagoon, with room to spread out and loungers waiting on the deck.
Inspired?
Our experts have hopped between islands, snorkelled the standout reefs and sized up the kids’ clubs, so we only recommend the best for your family. These are just a few of our favourite stays. For more ideas, room picks or planning tips, download our Indian Ocean brochure or chat with our team of experts.
This feature was created on 10th July 2025. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.
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