Family
Family-friendly haven at Olhuveli and Vilu Reef
Maldives Promotion House – Plunge into paradise with the kids this May half-term and take advantage of family time in the peaceful surroundings of the Maldives. Traditionally popular among honeymooners, this destination is appealing more and more to family holidaymakers. And who’s to blame them when the white beaches and turquoise lagoons of Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort and Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort provide children with the ultimate giant sand pit to play in surrounded by a fascinating underwater world waiting to be explored?
The perfect blend of relaxation and fun, holidays to these four-star resorts will leave the whole family feeling revitalised and full of happy memories in the Maldivian sun. With a separate kiddie pool, play area and an activity programme, there will never be a dull moment for kids staying at Olhuveli. A team of dedicated child minders are on hand throughout the day to entertain with craft making, storytelling and sandcastle building and experienced babysitters are available for when a romantic dinner is calling. There’s plenty on offer for young children too including the recently launched PADI Skin Diver course, available to those as young as eight. While snorkelling is limited to peering down from the surface, this short course enables avid water babies to venture deeper, making frequent surface dives to interact up close and personal with aquatic life.
For parents of babies and toddlers in need of a break from the daily routine back home, Olhuveli is an ideal island destination. This resort has taken care of everything to ensure mums and dads have enjoyable times with the children along with precious time alone if required, with peace of mind knowing that their little ones are being well cared for. The Sun Spa is a welcome retreat with a wide range of refreshing and rejuvenating treatments to choose from and for something fun, Watersports World at Olhuveli offers jet-ski hire and speedboat charter for a little break away at sea.
Parents in need of inspiration for holidays with teens should look no further than Olhuveli’s sister resort Vilu Reef, which is sprawled across the entire expanse of Meedhuffushi Island in the South Nilandhe Atoll. There’s endless entertainment to enjoy from banana riding through the crystal clear waters, diving lessons and windsurfing to a family canoe trip around the island spotting colourful sea life and a morning out on a dolphin cruise where they’ll come face-to-face with these playful creatures.
What’s more, this family-friendly resort also works with charity organisation Pack For A Purpose (www.packforapurpose.org) alongside a local school, encouraging guests to pack a few supplies such as stationery, books or CDs to donate to the kids. The resort can arrange for families to meet the school children and teachers and deliver their donated items in person on a local island tour. Exploring fishing villages, a mosque and the school and offering a flavour of Maldivian life outside the resort, this community project provides a great family day out.
Family
Touch of artistry: LUX* South Ari Atoll teams up with The Clay Studio Maldives
The Lux Collective’s award-winning resort, LUX* South Ari Atoll, has announced a partnership with The Clay Studio Maldives to introduce a pottery pop-up at its Junk Art Studio, starting on 20 December 2024. This collaboration adds a creative and interactive activity to the resort’s vibrant programming, offering guests of all ages the opportunity to explore their artistic talents while supporting a local Maldivian business.
The pottery experience features a variety of workshops, including wheel-throwing, hand-building, and the popular ‘Paint a Pot’ sessions. Options tailored for children and private sessions for couples and families are also available. Each class is conducted by skilled artisans and aims to inspire creativity while providing an enjoyable experience for participants.
John Rogers, General Manager of LUX* South Ari Atoll, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting the partnership as a unique opportunity for families to create lasting memories while supporting local craftsmanship.
The launch aligns with the resort’s festive celebrations, which include an array of traditions, dining experiences, and activities designed to deliver an unforgettable holiday experience. This announcement follows the resort’s recent recognition as “Best for Families” at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards For Excellence 2025, reinforcing its status as a premier family-friendly destination.
Family
Journey of renewal, family bonding: Celebrate Easter 2025 at The Nautilus Maldives
Easter at The Nautilus Maldives is a heartfelt celebration of family, sustainability, and the wonders of nature. From 15th to 22nd April 2025, this award-winning ultra-luxury private island invites guests to create cherished moments through meaningful, eco-conscious experiences. Highlights include coral planting workshops, tree-planting ceremonies, eco-snorkelling safaris, and guided nature walks, each designed to immerse guests in the vibrant marine life and the delicate ecosystem of the Maldives. These thoughtfully curated activities go beyond recreation, offering moments to reflect, reconnect, and honour the spirit of renewal that Easter embodies.
Sustainability Workshops with ecoBirdy
This Easter, The Nautilus invites families to join an inspiring creative journey with ecoBirdy at Young Wonderers. Founded in Belgium, ecoBirdy is renowned for transforming discarded plastic into sustainable, ergonomic designs, blending functionality with artistic innovation—a philosophy that beautifully aligns with The Nautilus’ vision of renewal.
Under the theme “Journey to a New Life”, these workshops guide kids through a hands-on exploration of recycling, from collecting plastic treasures to crafting bespoke creations like The Nautilus Pendant. Through these immersive activities, guests of all ages will discover the transformative power of upcycling, turning waste into meaningful, beautiful keepsakes.
Young Wonderers offers more than workshops, with whimsical island adventures designed to spark imagination. Children can craft coconut bags, engage in playful “Saving the Planet” competitions, or sculpt magical sand souvenirs—each activity connecting them to the natural beauty of the Maldives.
Celebrating Easter Through Art and Cuisine
Easter dining at The Nautilus takes on an artistic flair this Easter with exquisite culinary experiences. On Good Friday, guests can enjoy a Sunset Beach Pop-Up featuring “The Art of Bohemia,” a beachside gallery of Maldivian artworks accompanied by live music. Holy Saturday will delight families with a memorable beachside Easter dinner at Thyme Beach, and Easter Sunday culminates in a lavish family brunch serenaded by the soothing melodies of a local handpan musician. Each dining experience seamlessly blends artistry, flavour, and unforgettable moments.
Family Adventures on the Reef and Beyond
For marine enthusiasts, Aquanautica offers an array of immersive experiences designed to inspire and educate. Guests can participate in coral planting sessions led by the resident marine biologist, snorkel along the vibrant house reef with expert guidance, or attend engaging coral talks. Families can join “Hello Turtle” excursions to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat or set sail on enchanting dolphin cruises. Each adventure deepens guests’ understanding of the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, while fostering a profound connection to the delicate marine ecosystem.
Spa Indulgence for All Ages
Solasta Spa invites guests to embrace the spirit of renewal with Easter-inspired therapies. Choose from treatments like the Spring Rebalance Therapy or the Spring Blossom Body Scrub, each designed to revitalise and rejuvenate. Families can enjoy bespoke pampering sessions, pairing massages and facials for parents paired with mini massages for children. These moments of relaxation culminate in a luxurious aromatic bath, creating cherished memories of tranquillity and togetherness.
To plan your Easter journey to a world of your own making, visit The Nautilus Maldives’ website here, email hello@thenautilusmaldives.com or talk to the resort team at +960 7309818.
Family
JA Manafaru secures Worldwide Kids Accreditation for second year
JA Manafaru has announced its receipt of the respected Worldwide Kids (WK) Accreditation for the second consecutive year, reaffirming its dedication to providing a family-friendly experience. This independent recognition honours resorts that maintain the highest international standards in childcare training, health and safety, and continuously enhance the experience for families and young guests.
Situated in an idyllic all-natural island paradise, JA Manafaru features a wide array of family-focused facilities. The resort’s CoolZone play area, complete with a separate family pool, Recreation Pavilion, and the ChillZone indoor games room, provides young guests with ample opportunities to play and explore while their parents enjoy relaxation. This carefully curated offering ensures that both families and couples experience the perfect balance of a serene escape and a safe, engaging environment for children.
The resort’s childcare facilities have successfully met the rigorous standards of the WK audit, further demonstrating its commitment to creating a secure and nurturing space for younger guests. The dedicated childcare team at JA Manafaru has completed extensive training accredited by Worldwide Kids, equipping them with specialised knowledge and skills to deliver exceptional care. Parents can rest assured knowing their children are well looked after while they enjoy the resort’s spa and dining options.
Rita Gupta, Director of Spa & Recreation, expressed pride in the team’s achievement, stating that receiving the recognition for two consecutive years underscores the resort’s commitment to guest safety, particularly for young visitors. Gupta emphasised that the health and safety audits, combined with comprehensive training, ensure adherence to the highest international standards. She noted that the accreditation reflects the resort’s dedication to creating memorable family experiences.
Jason Kruse, General Manager of JA Manafaru Maldives, shared his enthusiasm, highlighting that the Worldwide Kids accreditation reflects the resort’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional experiences for its youngest guests. Kruse added that the diverse activities available allow families to appreciate the beauty of the Maldives together while parents can relax, confident in the care provided to their children.
The Worldwide Kids Accreditation reinforces JA Manafaru’s focus on delivering not just a luxurious retreat for families but also a resort that prioritises the well-being and enjoyment of young guests. This esteemed recognition underscores the resort’s commitment to maintaining exemplary standards of childcare, ensuring that all visitors – both young and old – enjoy a memorable and worry-free stay.
With this accolade, JA Manafaru continues to distinguish itself as one of the Maldives’ premier resorts, offering families and holidaymakers outstanding service and unforgettable experiences.
-
Featured1 week ago
SAii Lagoon Maldives achieves Gold certification for sustainability excellence
-
Featured1 week ago
JW Marriott Maldives unveils luxury wellness escape
-
Featured7 days ago
ELE|NA champions mindfulness on World Digital Detox Day
-
Awards1 week ago
Forbes Travel Guide ranks Maldives among top destinations for 2025
-
Celebration1 week ago
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives welcomes Santa on scooters for festive island Christmas
-
Fashion7 days ago
Aquazzura collaborates with JOALI Maldives to launch Maldives’ first-ever limited-edition capsule collection
-
Family1 week ago
Journey of renewal, family bonding: Celebrate Easter 2025 at The Nautilus Maldives
-
Action6 days ago
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives presents Active Escapes 2025