Maldives as a family, for honeymoon and on a budget
By Krishna Priya. December 21, 2022
What makes the Maldives so special is that it has just about everything- white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, and beautiful underwater life. And that’s why it’s a perfect vacation destination for all, whether you are there with your family, or for a honeymoon, and can even experience it all on a budget.
The Maldives has a variety of resorts suitable for families. They offer kids clubs and activities for their little guests, as well as endless amenities for their family tourists. The perfectly designed packages for families help you to enjoy everything. There are adventures for both parents and children stored in these resorts
It is also a dream destination for honeymooners. The country has some of the best honeymoon facilities in the world. There are many luxury resorts with private beaches, villas, and restaurants. From Champagne-filled nights to intimate beach dinners, everything there feels like romance. You can make magical memories for a lifetime in this beautiful country.
Apart from beauty, the Maldives has a unique culture, from their food to local traditions, they are blessed with the best. However, it can be quite challenging for tourists to experience the culture while staying in a place at cheaper rates. But worry not, you can stay at some of these handpicked guesthouses and resorts to have it both.
If you are interested in where to stay in the Maldives, you may also be interested in where to stay in Sri Lanka, where to stay in Bali and where to stay in Fiji.
Where to stay in the Maldives as a family
The Maldives offer the best holiday for their family tourists, without any doubt. Apart from being a popular honeymoon destination, this island nation is perfect for a family vacation. Whether you are traveling with toddlers or teenagers, there are plenty of resorts and villas that create the perfect family getaway. You can experience adventure, awe and create a lifetime full of memories with your loved ones.
Best known for its aqua blue water and tropical climate, this tiny island nation has over 132 resorts, all of which cater to every need of visitors who want a relaxing or adventurous vacation with them. However, the Maldives is a popular destination for families, with its natural charm and recreation, they manage to lure many tourists who want to spend some quality time with their loved ones.
There are also many budget-friendly resorts that offer the same luxurious touch and activities, with heaven on earth feelings, you can choose their package tours to get an all-inclusive experience, including children’s club, water sports, and other amenities which helps you to enjoy both its beauty and unique culture. Here are 5 top resorts in the Maldives, where you can enjoy an ideal family vacation.
Soneva Fushi
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“Super recommendable with kids as they have the biggest kids club in the Maldives”
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Soneva Fushi is one of the popular picks for family vacations and there are perfect reasons for that. The island resort is full of lush greenery and surrounded by small islands, but it’s not just the beauty that draws you to Soneva; they offer some of the best facilities for families, all while staying closer to nature. Kids will find everything they need at The Den, a children’s club. From swimming pools to pirate ships, the club has it all. It is also a creative space that is devoid of any technology.
The children can enjoy cooking classes, music rooms, and it also has a learning space with caretakers overseeing their activities. For teenagers, the resort provides weekly activity programs and beach volleyball, or if they are looking for an adventure with the sea, they can restore the coral reefs, go on underwater expeditions all of which give them an extraordinary peek at the island beauty. The resort also organizes island tours that give a closer look at the Maldivian culture and traditions. You will also get to experience the exotic beauty of the uninhabited island when the resort whisks you away for picnics, where you can enjoy the white sandy beaches and snorkeling.
But that’s not all the resorts have prepared for family getaways. You can enjoy fishing with local fishermen, savor overnight sandbank experiences, and non-motorized water sports. Soneva offers a blissful time for your family and exciting amenities and a much-needed local touch in the services.
Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
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“We can recommend it to the most demanding clients, especially families”
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The Four Seasons Resorts is another best pick if you are visiting the sunny side of the world with your family. The island resort is located in the heart of Baa Atoll, enclosed by dense jungle and a glistening ocean. The ambiance of the resort is architected keeping the family in mind. The resort is bustling with family-friendly energy, and its beautiful family beach villa is pleasing to the eyes and the heart. The children’s club is called the “Kuda Velaa” club, which means “small turtles” and offers endless entertainment.
The club offers cultural-craft making that helps the kids to experience authentic Maldivian flavor and a Marine discovery center, where they can learn to snorkel and say hello to their favorite sea creatures. For those interested in island bicycling and the natural wonders of the lush forest, you can spot a few lizards and other animals if you are lucky, or if you like to take a dip and are curious about what lies beneath the surface, you can enjoy the snorkeling program, and in case you are shy around water and are eager to learn some sports, the resort provides instructors to help you with that.
There are also babysitting facilities for children arranged for kids under the age of two, though it needs prior booking. Four seasons is known for its grand resorts and hotels all around the world, and this resort nestled in the Maldives is serene and vibrant, which makes it perfect for your next family getaway.
Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences
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“We recommend this resort to families of all ages because you and your kids will never get bored!”
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Renowned for its celebrity guests like Leonardo Di Caprio and Kate Winslet, Amilla Fushi can be called Heaven on Earth, but it’s not just home to celebrities. The 23.5 hectares cradle unparalleled populations of manta rays and whale sharks, so the resort draws you right in for a break. A wide variety of activities awaits you as well. One of the finest experiences you can enjoy at Amilla is during the Manta season.
They allow you to sail along with mantas and whale sharks with their water-sports team, Mantas usually appear around May and November, so if you’d like to cruise alongside these magnificent creatures, we recommend a trip during this season. There are various residential housings available for your family, from four-bedroom to eight-bedroom residential homes are perfect for your dream vacation with your family With a bbq terrace and swimming pool, it’s easy to enjoy your vacation in your villa.
You can trust your kids with The Sultan’s Village kids club, where curiosity meets creativity and each day awaits different surprises for the children. There are beach walks, pirate craft, and coconut hunts to keep the little ones busy throughout the day. Kids will also be provided with “Safety turtles” a device for their protection, which will alert them if they get into the pool or the ocean. To bask in the beauty of the sandy beach and the sparkling Indian Ocean, go along with your family for a picnic, and enjoy the sunset in the company of your loved ones.
Reethi Faru Resort
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“We have chosen Reethi Faru due to their bio concept and best quality/price ratio”
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Just like its name “Reethi”, this resort located in the Raa Atoll for the lack of a better word is “pretty”. If you are traveling with a family of two on a budget, this one is perfect for you. Surrounded by coral sandy beaches and swaying forests, the island is a synonym for exotic beauty. The resort offers outstanding amenities including a wide range of excursions, as well as an array of other activities.
If you wish to see the Maldives without any filter you can choose to tour the native islands to get to know the Maldivian culture deeply and can do some local shopping to take some souvenirs for remembrance, the local people are warm and welcoming just as the Maldivian sea, It is a golden ticket to discover and taste this vibrant culture. There are several accommodation options for you to pick from, Garden villas, Beach suites, and Water villas have the best view of everything, You can enjoy an intimate vacation with your dear ones, basking in this tropical beauty, and experience world-class services.
Reethi resort also offers action on the sea, including ever-exciting Jetskiing, Dolphin Safari, windsurfing, and almost everything on their watersports menu. So if you are traveling with teens, this can be a fun adventure for them to remember for life. They also offer package offers, including sunset picnics, local island tours, and family photoshoots, so you can get the best deal out of this summer holiday.
Heritance Aarah
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“If you are looking for vacation gateway with your family, this is the perfect place”
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Heritance is another paradise on earth, located just 40 minutes away from the capital Male encircled by a white sandy beach. It highlights the best features of the Maldives like its water, and the greenery and has all the aesthetics you ever imagined. The family-friendly resort offers some of the best amenities to their family guests including a kids club for the children, where you can find all kinds of different activities to keep them engaged for each day of the week, while the parents can enjoy the Medispa that provides wellness activities, programs, and salon services to get you into vacation mode.
There are family pool beach villas, family beach villas with a beachfront view, and a sun deck, that can accommodate over 9 people. When you want to dive deep into the blue water, you can pick a watersport from their diverse options, including catamaran sailing and kite surfing among many others that give you a bird’s eye view of the Maldivian ocean. Heritage also has six children-friendly restaurants. They offer buffets and all kinds of cuisine from east to west and you can enjoy dining with your family viewing the Indian Ocean.
They are also budget-friendly and you can get into the luxurious holiday mood with their all-inclusive packages, which include free food and beverages as well as non-motorized activities combined with free wi-fi, the packages start from $855 and frequently arrange special offers with great discounts and these are an excellent choice for a relaxing family holiday.
Where to Stay in the Maldives for a Honeymoon
Maldives is known for its sunny beaches and luxurious resorts. The country is known for its beautiful lagoons, aqua blue beaches, and extensive greenery. A destination blessed by nature has no shortage of beautiful villas, hotels, and resorts. From underwater restaurants to treetop pool villas, it gives you the best holiday experience you wish to have. So, it’s really no wonder that couples prefer this destination for their honeymoon, with its serene beauty, picture-perfect backdrop, and unparalleled experiences the destination serves the best of best for their couples.
There are plenty of resorts that offer honeymoon packages that tick off every box, you can enjoy every bit of privacy as each resort is located on different private islands. High-end resorts provide exceptional amenities including Chamangane, private dinners inclusive of other facilities. To experience a more intimate experience, there are plenty of private resorts that redefine utopia, with underwater bungalows and private pools which build up the romantic ambiance. There are water-focused and land-focused activities to give the stay a more adventurous touch to keep you in high energy, snorkeling to catch up with some sharks, and sailboat rides. So, here are five honeymoon resorts you could consider for your honeymoon.
Anantara kihavah
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“I choose this place for my honeymoon and all I could say is that it’s like a dream”
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Anantara is an astonishing private resort located in the Baa Atoll. As one of the leading honeymoon resorts in the country, it offers some of the best facilities for its couples. One of the key features is the resort’s architecture and the landscape itself. Surrounded by a blue lagoon and a magnificent coral reef, the island is truly a vision. The swaying palm trees of this tropical beauty set the mood for a romantic voyage.
Anantara has many romantic holiday packages that offer, including champagne, a bath with roses and candles, and other exclusive services for a couple who travels to the resort within 12 months of marriage. Couples can also enjoy a luxurious spa experience including soaking in essential oils before they retire to bed. There is also an ayurvedic treatment, and Cocoon medical spa, providing a relaxing environment. If movie nights are your thing, you will enjoy watching the cinema under the night sky surrounded by the trees in the company of some champagne and popcorns and lounge in.
There are special private dining experiences that are crafted for couples, where you can pick your own menu and relax on the sandbank. There is your own private chef, butler, and wine expert who will help you to create the desired experience and uninterrupted romantic escapade. At Anantara, couples can enjoy their own romantic oasis.
Gili Lankanfushi
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“Sadly, honeymoons end and so we had to leave”
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Lankanfushi is located in a North Male Atoll. If you are looking for a serene and quiet time, Gilli is the perfect choice for you. The rustic villas are enclosed by the typical Maldivian water and lush vegetation gives your honeymoon a homespun theme. If you and your spouse champion sustainability as much as Gilli does with its strict eco-friendly policies and “No news no shoes” motto, your honeymoon with them will be fit for your ethos.
Lankanfuchi’s main appealing aspect is its villas, perched on top of the sparkling aqua water accompanied by the beaming sun, the rustic water villas will have you staying inside all the time, Each villa is chic and spacious and gives couples loads of privacy.
The wooden finishing in the villas adds to the romantic feeling that they give off. There is also a roof terrace for you to lay under the stars with the sounds of gentle waves lapping against the shore, You can also dine on the terrace which would be set up by Mr. Friday, your personal assistance. Gilli allows you to create a customized romantic experience by letting you pick all the activities you want to do in advance to make your magical moments more special, you can include any watersports or couple spa, you can make your wish list come true.
Royal Island Resort
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“We spent our honeymoon in Royal Island and I can say we shall be back again”
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Royal is another gem located in the Baa Atoll, it is a beautiful island resort that has no shortage of dense forest or willowy sand beaches. Royal offers exclusive private villas that open up just to your own individual beach that gives you full privacy, you may also choose their presidential suite to enjoy Jacuzzi and private butler services, having your own villa adjacent to a beach helps you to enjoy an intimate experience with your partner.
Additionally, there is a private dining experience where you may bask in the sunset with some Maldivian cuisine, and there is also the option to enjoy a candlelight dinner with champagne while lounging beside the sandbank. In addition to this, it offers honeymooners a romantic dinner at the beach, a discount on spa treatments, and many other advantages. You can also receive offers and have an enjoyable honeymoon on a budget. If you and your partner are adventurous, you can indulge in the water sports offered by the resort, they have a collection of sports including stand-up paddling, some canoeing.
You can also explore the Maldivian waters and their sea creatures by taking some fishing trips. You can catch tunas, sailfish and not just that, you can get a peek at local islands. Royal offers its honeymooners plenty of privacy and adventures, allowing them to create beautiful memories for a lifetime.
Kandima Maldives
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“Markedly different to the classic honeymooner resorts”
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Kandima is located in the Dhaalu Atoll, its architecture and ambiance have a groovy and young vibe to them. The resort, like many others, is full of vegetation and is enclosed by aqua green water, the natural lagoon in the island resort gives this resort the typical Maldivian look. Their honeymoon aqua pool villa gives you the best sunset view.
The infinity pool is one of the top features of this villa, blending into the ocean as if it were just a part of it, where you can enjoy a cool swim in the afternoon sun. The villas are designed to be chic and as they describe it, “cool”, it’s spacious and gives the couple enough privacy. Kandima also offers many honeymoon discounts, so be sure to take advantage of it to enjoy a sweet deal. Looking forward to a getaway with your partner? You can choose Kandima’s private dinner on a deserted island to enjoy a quiet escapade.
A private chef will also be assigned to you to make the experience more magical. Kandima does not lack in watersports activities, the couples can select from parasailing to boat trips and enjoy the Indian ocean intimately. There is also a 24/7 spa available and you can experience various kinds of treatments to ensure a relaxing honeymoon. Kandima makes the perfect paradise for a honeymooning couple.
Milaidhoo Island
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“I stayed for my Honeymoon and they made it an experience to remember”
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Milaidhoo Island Resort is another private sanctuary nestled in the Baa Atoll. It is surrounded by a magnificent lagoon and the classic aqua blue water that glitters in the sun. The swaying coconut trees and the light sea breeze make the resort more appealing to couples that are looking forward to spending some quality time together
One of the main attractions is their honeymoon package, which includes naming one of the constellation’s stars after you. The star will be copyrighted and you can choose which constellation you want to name. Additionally, you can enjoy a 60-minute couple’s spa experience and set the mood for a relaxing and romantic journey, as well as an intimate beachside dinner just for you and your significant other. There are water villas, Beach Villas, Beach residences with private pools, and Ocean residences with private pools for a blissful stay, and the Villas here offer instagrammable views of the sea and sandy beaches
There are various water-based activities that the couple can participate in to make their honeymoon more exciting. Whether you are kayaking or paddling, you will be able to experience the joy of adventure in the Indian Ocean with your partner. Milaidhoo will provide the perfect experience for a couple seeking a peaceful yet beautiful getaway.
Where to stay in the Maldives on a budget
Renowned for its pale blue water and tropical beauty, the Maldives is everyone’s wanderlust. Its luxurious island resorts are popular for their aesthetics and the utmost privacy they provide, and these have tourists all over the world visiting this paradise. Budget travelers also love to visit this destination for many reasons, one of which is the unique culture of this tiny island nation.
The Maldives has a very distinct culture, food, music, and traditions that keep the country alive and fascinate everyone. In order to experience this culture closely, tourists definitely need to walk amongst the local islands, which gives you a raw look at Maldivian beauty. Some of the private resorts only have limited stopovers on the local islands, which limits you from fully enjoying the culture, as well as being very expensive for all the quality and complimentary services they provide.
Enjoy adventures, local culture, and an intimate getaway in the following guesthouses and resorts. Here are 5 excellent guesthouses and resorts that are totally within your budget, yet still allow you to immerse yourself to the fullest in Maldivian culture and beauty.
Nala Island Village
“The place is worth it if you’re on a budget trip”
Staying in the Maldives on a budget and enjoying picturesque moments is possible. And Nala Island Village is a perfect choice if you want to enjoy both. Located on Maafushi which is one of the popular islands for budget travelers. Whether you are traveling with a family, spouse, or on your own, you will enjoy a relaxing stay here. There are 4 kinds of rooms that are all under $200, as the guesthouse is near the beach, you can get to the beach for a swim very quickly.
There is free breakfast included when you stay in the guesthouse, but if you want to taste some local food, there are many restaurants around the guesthouse that offer various continental foods and you can also try some delicious Maldivian food at your convenience. Maafushi has some great beaches as well as reefs, you can enjoy recreational activities such as snorkeling, parasailing, waterboarding and waterskiing, and many more, the bikini beach and other stunning beaches are just 3 minutes away from Nala. The guesthouse is also family-friendly with free childcare and playground facilities.
Nala is the best choice for anyone who wants to enjoy the Maldivian sunsets within their budget.
Madi Finolhu Guest House
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“Nothing else you need for holiday on a local island”
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Madi Finolhu Guesthouse is located on Maalhos Island, just in the heart of Baa Atoll. Blessed with fine sandy beaches and beautiful reefs, the landscapes in Maalhos are stunning, just as the rest of the Maldives. The guesthouse offers various amenities to ensure you have a pleasant stay, such as free walking tours to let you explore the beauty of this island, also tours and classes about local culture, so you can experience it first hand yourself.
You can choose from four different rooms that offer ocean or garden views, with the highest rate starting from $159 in the off-season, and there are several discounts and packages offered as well. Amongst the main reasons you’ll want to visit Madi Finolhu in Maalhos is that it’s close to Hanifaru Bay, which is a popular spot to see Manta Rays and whale sharks, allowing you to see them up close and dive alongside.
You get to really bask in this unique south Asian culture, and the amazing food from the local restaurants to taste the real flavors of the Maldives. Madi guesthouse allows its visitors to experience almost everything at a reasonable price, regardless of whether you are traveling alone or with your families.
Nihaali Maldives
“Perfect place for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday on a budget”
To experience the Maldivian culture closely as well as enjoy the beauty of it, instead of spending your time away in private resorts, you need to stay on the local islands that embody the culture. Nihaali is a guesthouse located on the Kudarikilu island of Baa Atoll.
Kudarikilu is known for its beautiful beaches, sandbanks, and its vegetation. This island has attracted travelers from private resorts due to its scenic beauty. Nihaali is just a few minutes’ walks from the sandy beach of the island and is surrounded by swaying palm trees. You can snorkel in the blue water or go fishing with the local fisherman and enjoy delicious barbecues. If you want to go around some local islands, they arrange a trip as well. You can also attend local festivals while you’re there, and since this is the Baa Atoll, you may dive with manta rays and whale sharks during certain seasons.
Rates for the guesthouse start at $80 per night for the double deluxe room, and you get a courtyard view from the guesthouse itself. If it is the beauty of the Maldives that is drawing you in, then Nihaali in Kudariliku is the one for you.
Medhufushi Island Resort
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“Great place for 4 day relaxed vacation”
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Medhufushi is an Island resort situated in the Muli of Meemu Atoll, this island resort is slightly more expensive than the previous guesthouse, however, you can enjoy low prices based on the choice of your villas and amenities in the resort, for the basic option with breakfast included the price is starting from around $300.
There are various cuisines like Italian, Irish, and Asian offered in the resort, as well as a wonderful poolside buffet. If you are looking for a private getaway with your special someone, Medhufushi is perfect for you, ideal for two people, the resort gives an amazing view of the Maldivian ocean and lots of privacy. They also offer various recreational activities like diving, snorkeling, canoeing, although they charge additional for them. You can enjoy outdoor dining, BBQ, and other modern amenities that make your vacation comfortable. There are also wellness services such as beauty facilities, couple massages, fitness facilities, you can also find spa packages and other services at the resort.
Medhufushi has the typical Maldivian resort ambiance, however, much cheaper than the luxurious private resorts. Medhufushi provides the privacy as well as the beauty of the Maldivian reefs and water.
Explore Island Inn
Lhaviyani Atoll is a Northern Maldivian atoll, just 41 km away from the Dharavandhoo airport. The Explore Island Inn is on Kurendhoo Island of Lhaviyani atoll, the Inn accommodates families and couples and has private parking facilities and its terrace boasts a stunning view of the Indian Ocean surrounded by palm trees.
Just like the classic Maldivian guesthouses, Explore island also provides barbeques on the beach and outdoor dining facilities. You can also find peace and adventure on the Kurendhoo beach, you can take a dip in the evening water or have an afternoon picnic with your loved ones. If you want to enjoy some watersports the Inn also provides surfing, water-skiing, or you can go on a short cruise organized by the Inn, to bask in the beauty of the sea.
You can also take this experience to the next level by having underwater dining, the restaurant is just 25 minutes away from Kurendhoo island. Enjoy lunch or breakfast under the Indian Ocean in the company of dolphins and your very own Nemo. Explore Island Inn is the perfect combination of local beauty and excellent amenities, and you can enjoy some quality time within your price range.
Our recommended hotels in The Maldives
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in The MaldivesNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
