Family Holidays: Maldives family holidays

Take the Family holiday rating 4 stars out of 5

Why

If your idea of a perfect holiday is a pristine white beach, spectacular blue water and crowds of fisherman bringing your lunch in, then the Maldives is for you. The Maldives are made up of 1190 islands spread over atolls, ring-like coral formations that enclose lagoons. It's these formations that makes the Maldives so spectacularly beautiful and also make them a wonderful destination for scuba divers, attracted by the tropical fish that gather around coral. The islands of the Maldives are not a place for budget holidays however, but it is growing more and more popular with families, and is no longer islands full of honeymooners. Many of the resorts are on otherwise uninhabited islands.

Following the Tsunami, from which the Maldives were very badly affected with 19 of 83 resorts forced to close, new hotels are still appearing thick and fast, with a 20% increase of UK holidaymakers in 2007 compared with 2006 figures.

Maldives Fishing boar in gorgeous shallow waters

Maldives Aerial view of one of the islands

Top left: Maldives Relaxing on the beach
Top middle: Maldives Small fishing boat
Top right: Maldives Volleyball at Sunset at Meeru

Bottom left: Maldives Fishing boar in gorgeous shallow waters
Bottom right: Maldives Aerial view of one of the islands

When

The busiest holiday season in the Maldives is between December and April, which coincides with the North East Monsoon, which provides little wind and dry conditions. June is the worst month of the South West Monsoon which brings rain and wind. Temperatures, generallly speaking, vary little, with an annual daily average of 32 °C, and a water temperature of between a delicious 28 and 30 °C, so go on people, dive in!

How

You are likely to have to change flights from the UK, for example, in Dubai or Singapore. British Airways operate flights frequently, as do many other airlines; - many regional airports change in Paris. The only international airport in the Maldives is Malé International Airport, on Huhule Island a few kilometres from the capital. Sea transfers are also available between islands. Find the best flight deals with partners Expedia. Note that the Maldives are GMT+5 hours.

Stay

Whether you are after a beach side bungalow or something a little more grand, such as a Beach Villa at the wonderfully luxurious Hilton Resort and Spa, there is a surprising number of resorts to choose from given that Robinson Crusoe would not look out of place here. More equally luxurious family options include the One and Only Kanuhara Resort, (check out their water villas!), and terrific value at Kurumba Village. Thomson offer great deals in some excellent resorts on 5 of the 1,190 coral islands, as do Virgin holidays where you can save 5% by booking online and even more with Virgin's great Maldives offers.

Do

If your family have ever had any interest in diving or snorkelling then this is the place to do it. The underwater life is, if possible, even more beautiful than on dry land. Spectacular coral reefs, thousands of different tropical fish and often the larger inhabitants of the ocean can be viewed just yards below the surface. The resorts offer every type of dive package.

Mini-submarines can take you out or glass-bottomed boats for families with smaller children (or parents who are slightly more risk-adverse!).

The Maldives are becoming known as a surfing destination, perfect for beginners.

For those who have had enough fun underwater, the resorts are fully equipped to entertain you in many other ways; wonderful dining, shows, gambling, or if you just want to put your feet up, there are a million white beaches on which to do so.

Eat

You will most likely be staying at a resort island and therefore eating resort food. Most resorts boast top international chefs who will serve up wonderful international food, much of it with a strong Indian bias and a very heavy reliance on fabulous fresh seafood.

Cost

Costs range from about £600 off peak to £1300 peak season per person. A good way of reducing the cost of your holiday may be to go in March or April towards the end of the busiest season, but whilst you can still enjoy wonderful weather.