Child’s play: Why the Maldives is a paradise for families

Captivating experiences

My first encounter with the Soneva team comes at Malé airport, where, in the brand’s private seaplane lounge, my three-year-old son is treated to an impromptu child’s massage and multiple bowls of ice cream – all while staff fawn over him as he plays in the dedicated kids’ space. I know instantly that we are in for a treat. Towards the end of our 40-minute seaplane journey to Jani’s arrival jetty on the fringes of the Noonu Atoll, I let out a little shriek of excitement as the sprawling property unfurls before us as we come in to land. Soneva Jani is like JM Barrie’s Neverland – a place where your imagination is encouraged to run free, and you leave your cares and shoes behind.

This fun, whimsical hotel is spread across a wavy boardwalk, home to 51 out-of-this-world overwater villas and stretching out almost four miles in length across two jetties. Varying in size from one to four bedrooms, all villas have private decks and pools and some – including mine – come with a private waterslide into the lagoon. Within five minutes of being in our suite, and as I unpack, I hear screeches of laughter as my husband and son whizz down the twirling slide (although clients should be aware that use is determined by water depth during their stay). The supersized, stilted villas feature chic whitewashed wooden decor, with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a high-end Maldivian hotel, plus a few unexpected gems, such as glass-bottomed flooring that lets you spy on the underwater world from your dining table – and even your toilet. A bedside button activates a retractable roof, allowing you to stargaze whenever you wish.

The perfect pairing

At Soneva Fushi – an hour’s speedboat journey away – the majority of the accommodation is on land. The property has 72 villas (with one more being built) and only eight are on stilts. The largest villa – number 11 – has nine bedrooms and is often booked for wedding parties or family gatherings. Fushi feels more rustic than Jani, with more sandy, dusty pathways than pristine wooden boardwalks. Despite a different vibe, both offer exemplary service, outstanding culinary venues, world-class kids’ clubs and impressive wellness options and sustainability credentials. Barefoot Guardians (the brand’s term for butlers) are on hand to whizz us around each island’s epic eateries by buggy, but we also make use of our bikes.

At Soneva Jani’s Crab Shack we feast on the largest crustaceans I have ever seen, all while our legs motion back and forth on the swing chairs that hang from the ceiling. At Director’s Cut, a restaurant with an outdoor cinema, we enjoy what almost feels like a couple’s dinner as our son sits quietly and enjoys a screening of Frozen. There’s an assortment of dining options to be enjoyed, but a highlight at Jani is the weekly food market-style dinner experience on the beach. In total, Jani has 10 dining options and Fushi has 11.The food at Fushi feels a little more refined; our favourites include southeast Asian venue Out of the Blue and treetop restaurant Fresh in the Garden, where guests dine high above verdant foliage. Lunch at Out of the Sea is a must, but it’s also the springboard for water-based adventures, including snorkelling with shoals of fish. From here, we board the hotel’s yacht for a sunset dolphin cruise and watch these spirited creatures play in the calm waters as the sun dips on the horizon, leaving pink and orange hues in its wake.

Fun for all

While we’re sure it can’t get better than The Den (the kids’ club) at Soneva Jani, the offering at Fushi is equally as good. At both properties, staff are akin to that of a Montessori school and help foster creativity and curiosity among the children who visit. And trust me, when little ones see The Den, they don’t want to leave. With arts and crafts, a playground, shallow pools with slides, a pirate ship, library, cinema and musical space, the opportunity for fun is endless. Throw in a dressing-up room and ice cream-making and you can see why families love Soneva. My son became attached to staff members who made him feel special, took time to understand his likes and dislikes and helped his imagination run wild.

There’s also a bucketload of adult activities. From ziplining through the canopies at Fushi to the Soneva Soul spa experience at both resorts, adrenaline and relaxation are on offer in abundance. The spa provides a sanctuary of pure bliss and has the most extensive menu of medical treatments I have ever seen. Spanning stem cell therapy (from $16,500), vitamin therapies and biophotonic blood therapy, the options are limitless. Fushi also boasts cryotherapy chambers. Of course, more conventional treatments are available at both properties, and I enjoy two much-needed pregnancy massages. Soneva Jani and Soneva Fushi are places of dreams for families. The relaxed ethos and expansive offering ensure every member of the clan leaves happy, revitalised and desperate to return. I count my lucky stars that we got to call both resorts home for a few days.

Travel tips

Epic shallows to splash around in, impressive kids’ clubs and exceptional service mean the Maldives is a wonderfully family-friendly destination. But when travelling with children in tow, there are several things your clients should consider.

1. Recommend clients start their trip with a property that is close to Malé and accessible by speedboat. International flight arrivals rarely match up with seaplane timings, and clients can spend hours in a hotel lounge awaiting their next departure. While the lounges are exceptional, I know my son was restless, bored and agitated by the three-and-a-half-hour wait for a seaplane to our first property.
2. We enjoyed island-hopping because it meant more varied activities and there was no chance of boredom setting in. This will entirely depend on the family you’re booking for, but scope out whether a simplified Maldivian multi-centre might work.
3. Ensure you pick the right properties. I couldn’t think of anything worse than rocking up at a honeymooners’ retreat or wellness hotel with my youngster in tow. Guide your clients to the properties that pitch themselves as dreamy options for families: the kids’ clubs at Soneva’s resorts are outstanding; Cheval Blanc Randheli is home to an epic, elaborate children’s space; Six Senses Laamu has marine-themed activities; The Ritz-Carlton Maldives offers an impressive kids’ club; and Amilla Maldives has great accessibility credentials.

Book it: Nightly bed-and-breakfast rates start from £2,500 at Soneva Jani and £1,500 at Soneva Fushi.
soneva.com