Family
Bucket-list family holidays at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives the pioneer of sustainable, barefoot luxury in the Maldives, has reveald its most family-friendly escapes for those looking to enjoy a bucket-list break with the whole brood this season.
From jungle cinema sessions, sandbank picnics and surf lessons to enjoy en-famille to craft activities, cooking lessons and bike rides that will keep little ones occupied as parents enjoy some down time, Gili Lankanfushi is the ultimate destination within a destination for discerning travellers of all ages. With under 12s staying free on a half board basis with complimentary speedboat transfers, and a 50% discount plus half-board upgrade for teens*, there’s no better time to book a family stay.
Floating Family Paradise
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives offers a range of family-friendly overwater accommodation options, with a choice of two Family Villas – the Family Villa and Family Villa with Pool – perfectly suited for parents and kids. Sleeping four in two en-suite bedrooms, the villas each include a large living space with a glass-bottomed floor area, terrace, sundeck/pool, indoor jacuzzi and a private gym.
For those who prefer a little more privacy, the two-bedroom Residence and Residence with Pool properties are located at the secluded end of jetty one and feature a master bedroom, large living area and private sundeck/pool. Little ones will love the private water garden, where they can spot nemo, dory and friends passing by throughout the day!
As with all villas at Gili Lankanfushi, the family options come complete with a Mr/Ms Friday private butler. Available 24 hours a day, the kind-natured and hands-on team is trained to cater to guests of all ages’ wishes, from setting up a luxurious star bed on the villa’s roof terrace for an atmospheric night spent sleeping beneath the Maldivian stars to arranging private family beach dinners and all children’s activities guests would like to try.
Active Adventures
Little adventurers will be in heaven at Gili Lankanfushi, with endless activities to keep everyone occupied. Those looking to learn a new skill will adore the chance to learn to surf and hang ten like a pro with Gili’s surfing lessons for guests aged six and up. Perched within its own turquoise house lagoon, the resort is a haven for first-timers finding their way around a board, with some of the country’s best surf spots just a short boat ride away for more experienced teens and adults.
Back on shore, a range of sporting activities awaits, from kids’ Zumba and yoga on the beach to bike rides with Mr/Ms Friday and tik-tac-toe or badminton tournaments. Thrill seekers will delight in the opportunity to take part in a beach treasure hunt, buggy driving lessons, and even a sandcastle-building competition.
In the evenings, a bucket-list jungle cinema under the stars provides the perfect post-dinner entertainment for all, with a selection of family movies shown throughout the week, accompanied by popcorn, snacks, and a mocktail or cocktail or two!
Foodie Fun
The whole brood can enjoy the foodie fun that awaits at Gili Lankanfushi. From family picnics on a secluded sandbank, cupcake decoration and chocolate tasting at Kashiveli restaurant to ice cream tasting at Fini Foni, there are endless opportunities to tantalise those tiny tastebuds. Creative kids will adore the chance to whip up their own mocktail or healthy juice at the iconic Overwater Bar or indulge in a spot of Pizza Making at Kashiveli.
Come dinnertime, parents need not worry about restless little ones, with every table at By The Sea restaurant equipped with a miniature zen garden with sand play tools to keep the kids occupied. Meanwhile, extensive kids menus at both Kashiveli and Fini Foni/The Overwater Bar restaurants provide palate-pleasing options for even the fussiest of eaters!
Culture Kids
Those looking to immerse their family in the local culture will be spoilt for choice at Gili Lankanfushi. ‘Local Hour’ takes place daily at the resort and includes a range of educational activities, including ‘Dhivehi Bas’ Maldivian language lessons, ‘Thoshaali’ Maldivian handicrafts and even ‘Bodu Beru’ sessions to learn to play the traditional drums. At ‘Thimaaveshi’ environment hour, aspiring ecologists can learn about the local marine life from the resident Marine Biologist as well as the sustainability measures the resort is taking to protect it, crafting their own ocean life origami as they learn. Older children and parents can even participate in Gili’s famed ‘Coral Lines’ conservation project, where they will learn about coral reef restoration and rehabilitation, visit the nursing coral on ropes and even adopt a coral. The green-fingered can also take part in a gardening session in the resort’s organic garden, where much of the fresh produce served on the island is grown.
Gili Lankanfushi enjoys an unspoilt island location in the Maldives’ North Malé Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé Airport and direct flights from London now available. Perfectly suited for couples, families, solo travellers and groups alike, the resort combines rustic eco-design, unparalleled service and stunning natural scenery with a laid-back-luxury, ‘no news, no shoes’ philosophy.
Nightly rates at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives start from $1,440 based on two adults sharing a Villa Suite with breakfast included. For more information or to book please visit www.gili-lankanfushi.com.
Awards
Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives wins top family hotel honour at Little Steps Family Travel Awards
Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has announced that Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives has been named the ‘Best Family Hotel in the Maldives’ at the Little Steps Family Travel Awards 2025/2026. Opened less than a year ago, the resort has already earned its first accolade under a family-focused category—an achievement that celebrates its dedication to delivering extraordinary experiences for guests of all ages.
An enchanting underwater world-themed family resort, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives brings the wonders of the ocean to life through playful design, imaginative details, and immersive experiences that inspire every generation. The resort’s 145 beachfront and overwater villas are designed with families in mind, many featuring bunk beds for kids, spacious living areas, and thoughtful amenities that inspire togetherness and make stays effortless.
Boundless fun and discovery await at every turn, from splash-worthy swimming pools, exhilarating water slides, and a meandering lazy river to the vibrant Kids’ Club, where imagination comes alive through marine-themed games and ocean conservation activities. Older children and teens can find their own adventures in the Games Room, while parents unwind at SPA Cenvaree as younger guests enjoy playful pampering at the Candy Spa. From ocean excursions that reveal the wonders beneath the waves to diverse dining venues featuring dedicated children’s menus, every detail is designed to spark joy, connection, and shared memories—making Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives the ultimate family destination in the Maldives.
“We are honoured to be recognised as the ‘Best Family Hotel in the Maldives’ by the Little Steps Family Travel Awards,” said Andrew Jansson, Cluster General Manager of Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives and Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives. “Earning this accolade within our first year of operation is a reflection of our team’s passion and dedication to creating meaningful moments for every family member. From thrilling water attractions and thoughtfully designed villas to unforgettable ocean excursions and exceptional culinary offerings, we strive to ensure guests of all ages experience the wonders of the Maldives, embraced by Centara’s signature warm hospitality and Thai family values.”
Family
Kuramathi Maldives brings families together with fortnightly children’s programme
Kuramathi Maldives has introduced the new Bageecha Kids Club fortnightly programme, designed to inspire creativity, nurture curiosity, and create memorable holidays for children. The two-week programme, which began on 25 August, offers a wide range of engaging activities for children of different ages and interests. Bageecha Kids Club aims to create lasting memories, build friendships, and enhance family holidays. With this initiative, Kuramathi Maldives continues its commitment to delivering enriching experiences for guests of all ages.
The pirate-themed club is specially designed for children aged 3 to 12 years and operates daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Families travelling with children under the age of three may request babysitting services at an additional charge, ensuring that younger guests are also well cared for during their stay at Kuramathi.
Week 1:
- Monday – Art & Nature Day: Activities include a scavenger hunt, nature crafts, and fitness games. Children can build sandcastles on the beach, take part in pool activities, enjoy splash pad games, and explore watercolour painting.
- Tuesday – Ocean Adventures: Young participants can enjoy reef crafts, pool activities, and an underwater wildlife masterclass, concluding with fish tattoos and aquatic-themed fun.
- Wednesday – Sports Day: The day features mini-Olympics, children’s yoga, and beach volleyball, followed by pool time and a BBQ lunch.
- Thursday – Pirate & Mermaid Day: Children create treasure maps, embark on a treasure hunt, and learn to make pirate hats and mermaid crowns. The day concludes with splash games and a film.
- Friday – Superhero Adventure: Children design their own costumes, take part in beach games, and enjoy kite flying, before ending the day with a superhero disco.
- Saturday – Tropical Explorers: The programme includes animal crafts, jungle walks, coconut bowling, and pool activities, followed by a cinema session with popcorn.
- Sunday – Maldivian Culture & Heritage: Children are invited to learn Dhivehi phrases, craft miniature Dhonis, and practise traditional drumming. Palm leaf weaving and poolside activities round off the day.
Week 2:
- Monday – Eco & Green Day: Children make bookmarks and recycled art, alongside beach games, pool activities, and a nature walk.
- Tuesday – Underwater Wonders: Activities include underwater crafts, painting seascapes, a reef quiz, and laboratory time at the Eco Centre.
- Wednesday – Beach Olympics: The day features yoga, beach activities, pool time, a BBQ lunch, dance and movement sessions, hydroponic gardening, and a mini triathlon.
- Thursday – Creative Mind: Budding artists work on a group mural and nature journals, alongside pool adventures, water games, and a dance party.
- Friday – Animal Kingdom: The schedule includes animal-themed crafts, a relay race, pool activities, board games, and a paper plane contest.
- Saturday – Pirate Adventure: Children take part in crafts, pool games, and a treasure hunt, designing their own ship as part of the day’s activities.
- Sunday – Adventure & Fun: The final day brings a dance competition, superhero quiz, memory games, an obstacle course, and relay races.
The Bageecha Kids Club fortnightly programme provides children with the opportunity to experience creativity, fun, and cultural discovery, ensuring a memorable holiday for families at Kuramathi Maldives
Family
The Nautilus Maldives launches children’s sustainability workshops in partnership with ecoBirdy
On 29 October 2025, as the world celebrates conscious living, The Nautilus Maldives, an ultra-luxury bohemian private island hideaway, invites families to embark on a journey of transformation, creativity, and renewal. Debuting on World Sustainability Day, The Nautilus introduces a new series of monthly sustainability workshops for families, developed by ecoBirdy, a like-minded innovator in circular design.

Earlier this year, The Nautilus introduced its sustainability partnership with ecoBirdy—an award-winning, family-run design brand renowned for its imaginative approach to socially and environmentally responsible design. Curated for Young Wonderers, this collaboration now deepens with immersive, hands-on workshops designed to blend creativity, learning, and environmental awareness.

Each workshop invites children and their families to discover the hidden potential in plastic waste. Through the guided storytelling of ecoBirdy’s “Journey to a New Life” based on real-world research, young minds trace the path of discarded toys—where they drift, how they degrade, and how they can be reimagined through the art of upcycling.

The storytelling soon turns into meaningful action. Children take part in a gentle beach clean-up, gathering plastic fragments from the island’s shores. Back at Young Wonderers, they sort, shred, and reshape reclaimed materials using the first recycling injection machine of its kind in the Maldives to craft a nautilus shell with a colourful swirl effect—created by ecoBirdy exclusively for The Nautilus. The final creation is The Nautilus Pendant, finished with locally-sourced Banyan Tree rope—a quiet, elegant symbol of transformation and mindful intent.

More than a creative activity, this experience is an invitation to rethink value, explore circularity, and return home with a keepsake that embodies care, consciousness, and creativity. Through this ongoing partnership with ecoBirdy, The Nautilus reaffirms its commitment to a more sustainable future and conscious living—where even the smallest hands and gestures can leave a meaningful mark.
To book, contact The Nautilus at hello@thenautilusmaldives.com or visit the resort’s website here.
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