The Maldives tends to conjure images of romantic couples strolling along footprint-free sands on secluded private islands and is seen as a romantic, couples-only destination, best for honeymoons, anniversaries, or once-in-a-lifetime milestone trips. However, the archipelago has plenty of family-friendly resorts where children are welcomed. From relaxing on the beach and exploring the colorful underwater world of the reefs to learning how to cook traditional Maldivian food, enjoying painting classes, or discovering how to sail, there is something for everyone in the family in these incredible islands.
Arguably, one of the world’s most beautiful destinations, the Maldives are, for many, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Home to more than 1,200 tropical islands with white sandy beaches and swaying coconut palms, as well as warm, crystal-clear waters that teem with fish and other marine life, the Maldives are a fantastic vacation destination for families, offering an unrivaled and unforgettable experience. If you’ve never considered the Maldives for your next family trip, here are a few reasons why you should!
GETTING THERE IS HALF THE ADVENTURE…
Wherever in the world, you are touching down from, this chain of islands is remote and getting there is part of the fun! Kids and adults alike will love the beautiful journey, either by boat or seaplane. Some of the resorts are so close that many of them can be reached within an hour of touching down in Malé. If you know that your family might not be comfortable traveling in a small aircraft, there are plenty of options that are reachable by boat.
For resorts that are a little bit more remote and further away from the main island, the famous Maldivian seaplane transfer piloted by a barefoot crew is a fun option. With more than 200 islands dotting this part of the Indian Ocean, the view from above is not only spectacular; it’s also a brilliant way to arrive.
YEAR-ROUND DESTINATION
The Maldives is hot and sunny all year, with average temperatures of between 23ºC / 74ºF and 31ºC / 88 ºF, making it an ideal year-round destination for some fun in the sun. There are, however, better times of the year to travel to the Maldives, as some months see higher rainfall and winds than others. The island nation enjoys the best weather between November and April with full days of sunshine, warm air and sea temperatures, and very little rainfall. The monsoon season runs between May and October, peaking around June, with the northern atolls seeing the highest rainfall between May and November, and the southern atolls between November and March.
GET BACK TO MOTHER NATURE
The Maldives are renowned for having calm, gin-clear waters with outstanding visibility and pleasantly warm temperatures, making them one of the best places in the world for snorkeling and scuba diving. With 26 geographical atolls and more than 1,200 islands, many of which are surrounded by reefs that teem with brightly colored fish, and other marine life, the Maldives doesn’t disappoint when it comes to finding a fantastic spot to jump into the water with a mask and snorkel and explore the awe-inspiring world beneath the ocean’s surface.
There is an amazing diversity of marine and sea life in the Maldives archipelago with pristine reefs filled with exotically colored corals, and over 2,000 species of fish, ranging from vivid little reef fish that dart in and out of the corals to black-tipped reef sharks that cruise languidly along the reef drop-off. Other sea creatures that call the Maldives home are dolphins, manta rays, moray eels, eagle rays, stingrays, turtles, and the magnificent whale shark, the largest fish in the ocean.
The Maldives is home to a myriad of luxury resorts and deluxe seaside hotels that offer a wealth of amenities and activities, with snorkeling and scuba-diving being at the top of the list. Most of the resorts are situated on islands that are surrounded or within very close proximity to one or more reefs, which can easily be explored at leisure. With so many incredible places to choose from in these beautiful islands, here are a few of the top resorts and hotels that offer exceptional snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities that are a cut above the rest.
CROWD-FREE
Part of what makes the Maldives so wonderful is the lack of crowds. It’s a luxury to be able to enjoy the beautiful resorts and not worry about bumping into others when relaxing here. Many resorts have a no-shoe, no-news policy which helps you feel grounded in nature and disconnect from real life. Walks on the beach, finding a quiet spot to enjoy the sunset and having the freedom to cycle to breakfast (or even better, take your little boat!) instill a feeling of tranquillity that’s hard to beat. With no cars on the island, the pace feels slow and safe.
The beach villas give you your very own private beach, your little sanctuary. Whereas overwater bungalows provide a different experience; older kids will love jumping off the deck straight into the ocean! No matter what type of vibe you’re after, your travel consultant can help match you to the right fit.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES
Some resorts are ideal for families with children as they provide a wealth of entertainment for both younger visitors and teens. Exclusive Kid’s Clubs for children aged four to 11 years present plenty of activities and entertainment, from a sizeable sand-filled playground and shallow swimming pool to cooking and painting classes, reading time, water-sports, and pirate games.
Teen’s Clubs are available for young adults between the ages of 12 and 17 and offer a variety of age-appropriate sport and recreational activities, such as snorkeling, sailing, and kayaking, as well as excursions. Some resorts have onsite marine biologists that present different educational activities for every day of the week for kids of all ages.
Article Source: http://smartflyer.com
