The 1,190 coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean southwest of Sri Lanka that make up The Maldives are a hotbed of seriously luxurious family-friendly hotels and some very rare underwater beauty. And, maybe surprisingly, they are not exclusively for honeymooners. In fact, they are one of the world’s best destinations for a family holiday. Warm shallow waters, gleaming white sandy beaches, year-round sunshine and a safe environment have made it increasingly popular with families, too. (Just don’t go in June as I did – it poured with rain every second I was there as it was, unbeknownst to me at the time, the rainy season. Not making THAT mistake again!)
And, with so many islands to choose from there are, inevitably, some amazing properties. One can get spoilt for choice (a high end problem, I know) but, aside from the wonderful Maldivian properties we recommend at Kodomo here, we also highly recommend The Residence Maldives, now more than ever.
THE RESIDENCE MALDIVES
Located on the unspoilt southern island of Falhumaafushi in the Gaafu Alifu atoll, part of one of the largest and deepest atolls in The Maldives – Huvadhoo – this exclusive resort’s 94 beach-front and over-water villas have been designed to complement the surroundings. As such, they offer a wonderful sense of place, using natural materials and local artefacts while, of course, maintaining a very high standard of luxury. The Spa by Clarins is the first of its kind in The Maldives and, of course, diving is a huge attraction for guests at The Residence. With a large number of exceptional dive sites within a short distance, as well as the PADI 5* Dive Centre on site, you’ll have a wide range of un-spoilt coral reefs and rich marine life to explore.
MINI MARINE BIOLOGIST PROGRAMME
If you’ve a true water baby on your hands and want to introduce little ones to the wonderment of the sea, the new Mini Marine Biologist Programme recently launched at The Residence Maldives is ideal. Under the beady eye of expert, highly-qualified guides, children will learn to use a mask and snorkel in the shallows, spotting plenty of sea life right beneath their feet or, for the more confident swimmers, head out on an excursion to view the atoll’s vibrant tropical fish, reef formations and other marine life. Aside from the practical lesson, the biologist programme is educational too; after viewing the coral first-hand, children will be taught more about the fragility of this environment. And should they want more, you can all enjoy a dolphin cruise to see the large pods of dolphins just a short ride from the shores of The Residence Maldives. It is open to children aged 3 and up and offers what is, surely, a truly memorable vacation experience.
