Summary
FAMILY HOLIDAY IN THE MALDIVES
Travelling with children can often result in the need for an additional holiday to recuperate. While we cherish our children, a family holiday can be quite demanding. The selection of cafes prioritizes facilities that can provide entertainment for the kids over merely the quality of coffee.
Our family has traveled extensively across Asia with children aged 6 and 3 years. Although many trips have yielded wonderful memories, they have not always been accommodating for relaxation. Fortunately, we have discovered an enchanting destination that facilitates an enjoyable holiday for young children, while allowing parents to unwind—the Maldives!
Should you share my concerns regarding travel with young ones, look no further; the Maldives offers an ideal solution. Centrally located, it provides easy access via major hubs such as Singapore and Dubai. Upon arrival, many resorts are conveniently situated just a short boat ride away from the airport, with the ferry terminal a mere 100 meters from the arrival hall. This proximity is advantageous, particularly for families dealing with children prone to car sickness, as they often revel in boat rides, especially when en route to an idyllic getaway.
CLUB MED KANI – FAMILY HOLIDAY IN THE MALDIVES
Our family enjoys traveling not just for leisure. Thus, during our 10-day holiday in the Maldives, we explored two unique islands. Our initial resort was the esteemed Club Med Kani, known for catering to a diverse clientele, with a specialization in family vacations. The Club Med experience offers consistent luxury across locations, from Japan to Bali and Europe, which is evident at Club Med Kani in the Maldives. The resort features a remarkable variety of accommodations, including jungle bungalows and over-water villas (though note that children under 8 years cannot stay in the latter for safety reasons).
We opted for two adjoining rooms to keep a watchful eye on our children while enjoying our own space during their sleep. Having beach-facing rooms allowed us to welcome the sunrise and unwind during the sunset. The esteemed locations of many Club Med resorts enhance their appeal, and Club Med Kani is fabulously positioned amidst world-class surf breaks, boasting its own surfing spot known as Ninjas Surf Break.
As an avid surfer, I particularly appreciated the easy access to surf spots without feeling guilty about leaving my family bored during my sessions. There was an abundance of activities available for my partner and children while I enjoyed the surf, including trapeze lessons, sailing, surfing lessons, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, fishing excursions, massages, and the option to enroll children in the Happy Children’s Corner. Here, little ones can forge friendships while engaging in sandcastle-building, cooking lessons, face painting, and stage performances, all under the attentive care of the friendly G.O.s. This arrangement afforded the adults a guilt-free opportunity to indulge in the wellness center for a relaxing massage or lounge by the pool with cocktails. My daughter had such a delightful time in the Happy Children’s Corner that she was reluctant to leave for family lunch.
Our days were successfully spent relaxing and enjoying the pristine waters and sandy beaches, while being assured that our children were happily engaged. Club Med Kani promotes individual leisure but also prioritizes family time by closing the kids’ club during mealtime, ensuring that families can bond over meals. Unique to the Club Med experience is the G.O.s’ exceptional service—always available to assist with a genuine smile and often joining guests at mealtimes for engaging conversations and insights into life as a Club Med staff member.
The adults can choose their own pace during starry nights, whether they prefer a calming atmosphere or more vibrant family activities. Children are often seen performing theatrical presentations they have rehearsed throughout the day, while adults might enjoy one of the resort’s numerous bars for an evening refreshment after a fulfilling day spent by the pool. The Club Med G.O.s mingle and contribute to the lively atmosphere, ensuring a lively and enjoyable evening.
As our enchanting journey at Club Med Kani Maldives drew to a close, we departed the pier, waving farewell to our newfound friends as we boarded a boat back to the main ferry terminal, preparing for the next destination in our Maldivian adventure.
HOLIDAY IN KANDOOMA – FAMILY HOLIDAY IN THE MALDIVES
Our journey commenced with a scenic boat ride, providing a leisurely transition between resorts while observing the picturesque Maldivian island chain. The Holiday Inn Kandooma is located south of Male, allowing us the opportunity to explore different islands and landmarks as we traveled southward.
Amidst the idyllic scenery, we ventured from one stunning island to another until we slowed our pace upon reaching our final destination—the Holiday Inn Kandooma. This luxurious Maldivian island offers pristine white sand beaches and azure waters. To our surprise, we encountered friends we had met at Club Med already enjoying their stay, resulting in a wonderful reunion over lunch to discuss the myriad of activities available to us during our time at Holiday Inn Kandooma. The resort offers all anticipated Maldivian activities ranging from snorkeling and island-hopping to unique experiences like flyboarding, where you can live out your childhood fantasies of flying, and sunset cruises that allow you to dangle from boom nets on either side of the boat—thrilling fun for the entire family.
Upon checking into our Holiday Inn Kandooma beachside family villa, which provided ample space for relaxation while ensuring the safety of our kids under the same roof, we quickly ventured to the beach. I inquired about surfing opportunities while our children were excited to explore the Kandoo Kids Club, and my wife booked a massage. Our family’s varied interests were thus satisfied, making this a remarkable family holiday in the Maldives.
Among the special highlights of our experience—activities that may not be apparent for families—were fishing trips where our 6 and 4-year-olds caught their first fish, and dolphin watching at sunset, where we were treated to scenes of dolphins frolicking against the shimmering ocean backdrop. Additionally, the unique and safe sandbar located a short paddle from the resort proved to be an excellent area for children and novice surfers to practice their balance.
Holiday Inn Kandooma boasts a skilled surf team ready to guide guests to neighboring breaks suited for intermediate to advanced surfers. However, with the children, I found immense enjoyment at the sandbank, which served as a perfect learning site as the soft sand cushioned falls for beginners learning to ride the waves. It was the epitome of organic fun, relishing in pristine surroundings while sharing the healthy sport of surfing as a family.
After action-packed days, we basked in the evenings with buffet-style meals at the main restaurant, the Kandooma Café. The island’s diverse dining options—from fresh seafood and Asian cuisine at the upscale The Kitchen overlooking the sea, to casual dining at the Bokkurraa Coffee Club—offer ample choice. A highlight includes enjoying sunset beverages at The Sunset Deck, which provides nearly 360-degree views of the island, enhancing appreciation for its remarkable natural beauty. Pro tip: On Wednesdays at sunset, they conduct shark feeding near the Sunset Deck.
The resort accommodations are exquisite, offering various options, while the main pool and restaurant area invites parents to relax in loungers overlooking the horizon while children engage in numerous entertaining activities, including the Kandoo Kids Club. The staff is exceedingly welcoming, and we had no hesitation leaving our children there while my wife and I surfed together. The environment proved to be both enjoyable and secure for our little ones. There’s also a babysitting service available for kids under four years old. We found Holiday Inn Kandooma to be particularly attentive to the needs of younger children, making it an ideal destination for a family holiday in the Maldives. The ‘kids eat free’ initiative is particularly advantageous, allowing children to sample a variety of flavors without imposing significant financial strain on parents.
Comparing our experiences at both resorts confirmed our appreciation for the Maldives, and we strongly advise taking the opportunity to explore various islands. While both resorts are exceptional, we found Holiday Inn Kandooma particularly well-equipped for younger children, whereas Club Med Kani better accommodates older kids. Together, these resorts complement each other, creating a well-rounded family holiday in the Maldives.
This family holiday in the Maldives review was written and photographed by James and @kelly_beckwith of GoTravelDaily.
