The Maldives is thought of as the ultimate honeymoon destination! So that being said it’s not the first place you think Of as a family friendly let alone baby friendly destination. But yet we decided as it’s only a four hour flight away from Doha that it would be a perfect short getaway so here are our top tips and recommendations for doing the Maldives with a baby!
Traveling to the Maldives with a baby
Everyone traveling to the Maldives with a baby will arrive at Male International Airport! As tourism is the main industry of the Maldives the airport, despite being small is quite well organized. Before customs there is a mothers room forfeiting and changing! Though once you are through there are less amenities.
Everyone will need to transfer to their resort either via boat or seaplane.
For those traveling via boat, the jetty is a short walk away! The boat transfers tend to be for resorts closer to the mainland. This is good for those who don’t want long transfers and want to be closer to the capital but does mean the water around your resort is likely to have more traffic!
For those traveling via seaplane, you will need to check in at the main airport and then take a ten minute transfer to the local airport! This is very efficient! Your resort or agent will organize your transfers!
If you decide to go via seaplane please be aware that the noise from the plane is quite loud and pack some ear protectors for your little one for the transfer!
Maldives with a babyFinding a baby friendly resort Maldives
I think this is fair to say for any holiday as accommodation is key but this is amplified on a small island. Finding a baby friendly resort in the Maldives is key! When assessing whether its a baby friendly resort in the Maldives consider things like if there is a kids club – even if like us you have no intention in using it. Presence of a kids club is a good indictator that children are welcomed! Other considerations you may want to take into account when traveling to the Maldives with a baby include:
Is there onsite medical cover?
No one wants to have plan for illness on a holiday but it happens especially with kids. Consider how far away medical facilities are? Are they on your island? We stayed on an island with a medical centre so if we had needed it we would not have had to transfer back to Male to get assistance?
Do I need All inclusive in the Maldives ?
Everybody knows that The Maldives can be expensive so consider going all inclusive. It means little ones will have plenty of water to drink and you won’t be worried about costs when we got there. We definitely think you need all inclusive in the Maldives.
Should I book an overwater bungalow with a baby?
Though an overwater villa sounds idyllic when you have little ones running around may not be the most practical – consider what types of rooms are available for instance beach view to make for a more relaxed trip for parents! If your baby won’t be walking, however, this might be the perfect opportunity to get an overwater villa!
Where should I stay in the Maldives with a baby?
We stayed at Bandos Maldives when we went. A mid-range (for the Maldives) resort! It has a kids club, medical centre and a boat transfer.
You can check availability and book online here!
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Another family friendly but higher end luxury resort is Soneva Fushi
You can check availability and book online here
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And our final pick is the beautiful and family friendly resort Constance Haleveli
You can check availability and book online here
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What to Pack for the Maldives with a baby
Here is the run down that everything we used and found useful during our Maldives with a baby stay:
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- Usual diaper changing kit plus swim nappies!
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- Swimfloat
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- Plenty of Factor 50 sunscreen
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- Hats (Multiples for when they inevitably get wet).
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- Light weight cotton clothing!
Should I take a stroller to the Maldives?
Small Island resorts might sound like the place to leave your stroller at home for but we took ours and we were so glad we did! We would use it in the evenings to walk to the restaurant and would use it for naps! I am so glad that we brought it with us!
How to keep your baby safe in the sun in the Maldives
- As the temperatures can get very hot in the Maldives try to plan your main outdoor actives first thing in the morning and last thing in the afternoon. We also took our Koodi to make sure she always had shade on the beach!
- Be sure they and you (If you are breastfeeding) stay hydrated
- Be sure to have plenty of sunscreen with you
- Have UV suits for the sun and plenty of hats
Overall Opinion of the Maldives with a baby!
Overall we thought that the Maldives with a baby is a brilliant vacation idea. And I know lots of other families agree. We are so glad that we didn’t think it was off limits for anyone but honeymooners and couples.
Have you been to the Maldives with a baby? What are your top tips?
Top tips and recommendations for going to the Maldives with a baby
I wouldn’t have thought to go there with a baby, but these are great tips! Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks – stayed tuned this week for more
Maldives tips for families
This looks so idyllic. I would like to visit with my toddler, but it is so hard to know where to pick – even if limiting choice to islands accessible by boat. #familytraveltips
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Then you might want to pop back later this week for the review of the island we stayed on and its suitability for families
We’ve missed the baby years now but looking back, that would actually have been so perfect for a family holiday – beach, sun, pools, family-friendly vibe (if you choose your resort carefully, as you say!). Even though my daughter is four, it’s still very very tempting… Perhaps I should wait until she can swim and then get one of the overwater villas? Hmmm *plot* #familytraveltips
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It was a perfect holiday with bambino but we were traveling with five other kids who it was equally good for! I’ll be reviewing our island for family friendliness later this week so check back then 😃
What a fantastic, relaxing place to take a baby. I have only been (albeit briefly) for work but would love to return with two tots. The food, the beaches…Many resorts are very much the honeymoon type so yes, I agree a bit of research is needed first #familytraveltips
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With a bit of research I think it’s a great choice for families
This looks absolutely beautiful and I would consider taking my three in a heartbeat. I have never looked into what facilities the accom/hotels have for little ones. looks wonderful though x #Familytraveltips
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Yes I had never really thought about family friendly options until re entry
I love the idea of looking into kids clubs as in indication of kid-friendliness of a resort! #familytraveltips
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Thank you – it probably works better in some areas than others but it was the only think we could think of in the Maldives that would be a good indicator
I wouldn’t have considered going to the Maldives with my boys, but interesting to know that they can be kid friendly too. Great tips! 🙂 x
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Yes we wouldn’t have thought of it except for it being really close to qatar so started looking into more
These are great tips, what a beautiful destination – definitely not somewhere I would have thought of going with kids. It’s a good idea to look at whether they have a kids club on resorts as you don’t want to end up being the only people with kids there! #FamilyFun
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Yes that was one of my fears being surrounded by honeymooners
Wow, I have always thought of the Maldives as a place for just me Hubby to go one day (kid free)… now you have got me thinking about taking the kids and bumping it up the bucket list! #familytraveltips
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They would be different experiences so why not (besides the cost) do both 😉
Great tips…we arent ones for beach and sun holidays but it does look nice! #familytraveltips
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We aren’t usually but thought why not since we are so close – really glad we did.
Oo interesting, I wouldn’t have thought to go here on a holiday. I quite fancy a beach and sun right now. I’ll have to have good dreams tonight!! Lol Thank you for linking up to the #familyfunlinky
Ah we went on our honeymoon! And I sooooo want to go back but my husband won’t agree so I will show him this! I would always go for a kid friendly one. It’s just the flight from the UK I’d worry about! #FamilyFun
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I think flights are always the main concern! Qatar is much closer than the Uk! We have done several long hauls with our little one and think overnight is by far the easiest option! Hope you get your husband to agree 😃
Brilliant tips, especially about going all inclusive so there is always water on hand, that’s something to consider for any destination. I’d certainly consider the Maldives with my girls having read this. Thanks so much for joining in with #FamilyTravelTips
Nat.x
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Thanks yes gone are the days when I thought about all inclusive for the alcohol lol
Great tips! Good point about the kids club and definitely go all inclusive in the Maldives! We loved the kuramathi, which we went to with our daughter when she was 3. Looks like the island you stayed on was beautiful too #familytraveltips
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I’ll have to check out that resort- we would love to return
Wow what an amazing holidays and some fab tips here too , thank you for sharing #marvmondays
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Thank you 😃
I loved the Maldives and would give anything to go back! Good to see it is possible with a little one in tow xx #marvmondays
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I’d love to go back to 😃
Great tips as always and it looks incredible. Thanks for joining us for #marvmondays x
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Aww thank you 😊
Love the Maldives and it makes so much sense for you to visit as you’re so close. We went as a couple and I agree water villa is definitely not child-friendly! We’re looking forward to going back in a few years when the children are a bit older and can enjoy more of the snorkelling and marine life…although your post has given me food for thought. #mondayescapes
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Thank you – we’d never been before. Will def go back when E is older so there is less tag team snorkelling. One day I would also like to try a water villa
The water villa really is idyllic! Agree with going to one of the closer islands too by boat to save on hassle. They are all so beautiful you are spoilt for choice.
#fearlessfamtrav
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So true
Oh, that sky, that water! I’m longing desperately for some sunshine on my poor pasty skin!
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Haha – you’d get plenty in the Maldives
We have our first family holiday booked for September. We’re not going anyway as exotic as the Maldives but I can’t wait to get away. Looks like you had a fantastic time and the sea looks amazing! #MarvMondays
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The Maldives is much closer from qatar but i don’t think it matters where you go the important thing is to spend time as a family! Hope to read about your September holiday in due course
Oh this brings back so many memories…but of just us on honeymoon. I’d love to go back with our boys and your tips are all spot on. We’ve used our medical insurance a couple of time now for our kids and it’s the best thing ever!
Looks beautiful. Never ever thought about visiting there to be honest. My partner and I really want to take the kids on holiday and all inclusive too. #MarvMondays
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It was certainly very beautiful
I so want to go to the Maldives! Look at that sea! #mondayescapes
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I’ve never seen sea like it
Oh wow it looks os incredible i would love to visit the Maldives, just look at that sea wow x
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The sea was amazing – never seen one like it
It looks absolutely wonderful I would love to go there with my kids and watch them swimming in the sea and finding fish! Thanks for linking up to #MondayEscapes.
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I would love to take the baby back when she is a bit older so she can appreciate the marine life more
I really really want to go to the Maldives! One day…..
great to know you found it baby-friendly!
#mondayescapes
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Hope you get there 😃
#marvmondays I have been but pre little dude and we are thinking of returning now he is 4yrs because – its same, spacious and there isn’t much to do and everything is in walking distance. I agree, a fab break for little ones.
I love the idea of an overwater villa but yes, I can see it might not be the best idea with little people 😊 #MondayEscapes
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Exactly 😃
Thank you for sharing your tips with us on visiting the Maldives with a baby. I can see some could equally apply to other destinations. #MondayEscapes
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I think very relevant to other resort vacations
Would love to visit the Maldives one day, look how stunning that sea looks. Even though I am way past the baby stage with my kids, great advice. Having used medical insurance twice in the USA, would never travel without it #MyFamilyAdventures x
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Travel insurance is so important. We had to cancel a trip before Christmas because of illness
You’re right I would never presume it be a place for families, so many of my friends have honeymooned there. Great to have you join in with #MyFamilyAdventures – I’d be grateful if you could add my badge so people know where you are linking up to. Thanks so much
Never been to Maldives, but it looks lovely! #fearlessfamtrav
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It is truly stunning
Seems like you had a wonderful time and the photos are wonderful! Thanks for sharing. #fearlessfamtrav
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Aww thank you
It looks beautiful! Somewhere in my bucket list! #fearlessfamtrav
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It is definitely worthy of bucket lists! 😃
That water looks heavenly!
#fearless-famtrav
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It really way
The Maldives are a bit far from the U.S. for a beach getaway but they always look amazing and very relaxing with kids of any age.
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They are the go to place for British honeymooners! Guess you have the Caribbean
I’d still take the over-water bungalow 😉 #fearlessfamtrav
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Hehe
This looks brilliant! And great tips. I think these apply to all foreign destinations, although traveling with a baby that doesn’t crawl yet makes finding an apartment or hotel easier 🙂 #fearlessfamtrav
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Yes, our walking baby is certainly harder to handle
Like others who have commented, I wouldn’t have considered this as a baby destination, but i makes sense! I am looking forward to your recommendations for families, especially activities that are not resort based. #fearlessfamtrav
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Thanks Ariana, we hadn’t considered it until we realised how close it was to Doha! I’m afraid that this was mainly a resort based holiday for us as we only had four nights. We however did enjoy going fishing and snorkelling
awesome tips! Only four hours away, go for it! I personally think anywhere can be family friendly if you do your HW and know what the expectations are. I guess although maybe not a legit ADULTS ONLY resort. found you through the link up
#fearlessfamtrav
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I couldn’t agree with you more. 😃
Would love to visit the Maldives, but since Mrs Daisy the bus won’t get on a plane, the chances are pretty slim 🙁 Great tips. Thanks for the #FearlessFamTravel link-up
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You travel well considering no planes. It would be a slow boat to the Maldives
Clear seas, sandy beaches, a wonderful hotel and no crowds. Perfect holiday with a baby! I’d love to visit the Maldives as I really love snorkelling – you’ve got the right idea doing it whilst baby is young enough not to cost you a fortune! #Fearlessfamtrav
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The Maldives is very expensive! It is perfect for Baby though and as you say cheaper now than when she’s older
If the Maldives were only 4 hours from me I’d be there all the time!! Lucky you. Very good tips for taking kids too, and a good point that if it has a kids club it’s obviously used to having kids, I’d not looked at it from that point of view before. #fearlessfamtrav
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We are very lucky that many places are now on our doorstep
It’s so beautiful, would love to take the kids. I have to admit I hadn’t really considered it for a family holiday but it sounds perfect! #fearlessfamtrav
That’s amazing the Maldives are so close to you! We actually had a conversation recently about going there one day as they sound so lovely and so thanks for some great tips – I’d never given much thought to Kid’s Clubs as I’m not sure we would use them much but actually you’re right it shows a place is super kid friendly & has a plentiful supply of food and drink 🙂 #fearlessfamtrav
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You would absolutely love the Maldives! I personally haven’t used kids clubs but their presence is reassuring
We love visiting islands with our little boy and Maldives are definitely on our bucket list! Your pictures make me want to go tomorrow 😉 What an amazing place to spend some quality family time. #fearlessfamtrav
The Maldives is a great destination to visit with a baby: I’d definitely appreciate the pampering and great food more post-kids! You’re right though, some resorts would defo not be ideal with a baby in tow!
Yes! I’ve not been to the Maldives before, but Bora Bora in Tahiti is marketed as a similar location, and I would SO go back there with the family. Good on you for taking your baby to the Maldives. Life doesn’t stop when you have children, and taking a baby along would just make the experience more memorable. What a perfect place to relax and have some quality time together.
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I completely agree! We are going to bora so glad you have good memories
Oh would love to visit the Maldives – my partner has been but I’ve not – YET! These are some fantastic tips especially about considering the medical facilities – wouldn’t of thought of that
#fearlessfamtrav
Laura x
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Ibl
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I love the YET
Beautiful photos, fabulous weather and blue seas. No wonder baby is happy! Thanks for hosting #Fearlessfamtrav
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Thank you! Baby was very happy
These are great tips! Now that my girls are older I think an over the sea villa is fine but totally understand why you chose to stay where you did. On.My.List!! (ps – I missed the linky..will try to do next month..I’m not always good at remembering the monthlies).
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It’s a reason for us to Go back!
We went to the Maldives well before having kids and loved it! It’s fantastic that you were able to take advantage of being close and that you found it to be baby-friendly! #fearlessfamtrav
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Super baby friendly
I’ve never considered it to be honest. It looks beautiful #MyFamilyAdventures
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It’s fabulous with a family