Family-Friendly Budget Hotels

The pristine waters and thriving marine life of the Maldives have made it a favourite destination for luxury honeymoons, but there is more to this archipelagic country than rosé-fuelled sunset suppers. Family-friendly hotels abound here, and while the best Maldives resorts for kids aren’t cheap (think Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates and Lionel Messi) they can be found for little more than you might spend in the Caribbean or Southeast Asia.

Many of the best hotels in the Maldives are on private islands that have been designed to make the most of their natural beauty, and the beachside villas with their tropical gardens and calm lagoon water are a great base for family holidays. Kids will enjoy beach scavenger hunts, coconut painting and kid’s yoga classes while teens can take part in mind-expanding adventures to neighbouring islands, including dolphin-spotting trips and snorkelling in crystal-clear blue lagoons. Transport around these hotels is also easy, with zippy golf cart rides, kid’s bikes or short strolls shaded by palm trees.

One of the best cheap hotels in maldives for families is Kanuhura on the Lhaviyani Atoll, where the island is large enough to give each family member their own slice of paradise. Here, the reef is a marine-lover’s dream, with whale sharks, puffer fish and four-metre wide manta rays often spotted by swimmers. On the resort, scuba diving lessons are offered for all ages, and at the spa there is a menu of treatments ranging from crystal massages to traditional Theyo Dhemun oil treatment. Accommodation is available in a choice of beach or overwater villas, all with barefoot luxury.

Family-Friendly Budget Hotels in the Maldives

A day trip from Male to the tiny private island of Niyama, which is home to twin resorts Play and Chill, is a great way to experience the best of the Maldives on a budget. Beach and water villas are dotted amongst swaying coconut palms at the Play resort, while those looking for something a bit more luxe can book into the Chill side of the island, where there is a spa and the Subsix underwater restaurant.

Of course, the best way to experience the best of the Maldives is on a family cruise that combines a cruise and a stay at a hotel. These cruises are a popular option for families because they allow them to explore the top attractions of the Maldives while enjoying the comfort and security of a hotel on board.

They are usually operated by local companies that have a lot of experience in catering to families, and you can find cruises to the Maldives from a variety of different countries. You can also choose to go during the low season when prices are cheaper. A good place to start your search is the website of Cruises Maldives. They offer a range of cruises, from short day trips to week-long cruises that combine both land and sea time in the Maldives. Their fleet includes cruises that visit the capital city of Male, as well as other islands.