The Maldives… where reality is much better than photos or postcards… (ok, but this photo of mine is not bad at all)! And visiting the Maldives with children is really fantastic
I strongly believe that you need to visit the Maldives at least once in your life, even if you are not sea lovers if it is too hot if you are afraid of getting bored if spending a week on the same island seems too long…
The Maldives is the perfect destination to relax, to enjoy the sea, see fish, take a break from life, they are heaven on Earth – for you as well as for your children. You just need to choose the right island…
There are 1200 islands in the Indian Ocean, and for our week in the Maldives with children, we chose one with the coral reef all around, which we reached thanks to a short flight from the capital Malé. It has an all-inclusive Italian restaurant, a few Maldivian-style bungalows, very little entertainment and, above all, a doctor on call 24/7. “you never know”, we thought…
Getting to Athuruga
Our choice fell on Athuruga, a tiny island 210 metres long and 150 metres wide, about 20 minutes by seaplane from Malé, in the Ari atoll. There are only 47 beach bungalows on the island, as well as 21 water villas (no children under 12 are allowed to stay).
We landed in Malé in February, after having visited Sri Lanka (which I will write about in another article) and my twins were almost 4 years old. We boarded the seaplane in Male, were surprised to see pilots fly barefoot, and soon after take-off, we landed near a platform in the water, in the open sea.
After getting off the plane with our bags and setting foot on the platform in the middle of the ocean, we asked ourselves: “What now? “Fortunately, in the distance, we caught a glimpse of a Dhoni (the traditional Maldivian pirogue) coming to pick us up.
The island of Athuruga
Once we reached the island of Athuruga, the first thing we did was to take off our shoes (we put them back on only a week later). After that, we were taken to our room. We asked for nr. 1 or 2 as they are slightly larger and are located on the most beautiful part of the island. Then we headed straight to the water, and only came out of it when it was time to eat.
The sea in the Maldives is exactly as you imagine it, with fine white sand. You can lie down comfortably and read, while the children have fun and do not seem to need you. The water is shallow for a long stretch, so there are no dangers.
Each bungalow on the island has a private veranda, a Maldivian-style bathroom (which means it has a beautiful outdoor shower) and all the amenities you need. At the same time, they lack unnecessary luxuries (which you do not need in the Maldives).
The restaurant offers Italian cuisine in a buffet style but the quality is very high (fresh fish every day), some Maldivian specialties, all sorts of pizzas and pasta.
Desserts are also excellent. In the evening there is little entertainment, such as music, outdoor movies or a small disco. Minimally invasive, and pleasant.
8 ways to keep your children entertained in the Maldives
Here’s how we spent our (very short) week:
1. Hermit crab race
Each of us went looking for a hermit crab. We found exactly 4, of different shapes. We built a circular track in the sand, placed the crabs on the starting line and let them race. Each of us cheered on his or her hermit crab to finish first.
2. Fishing
We went fishing at sunset, on a Dhoni, and the Maldivian guys taught us the basics of handline fishing … we did not catch any fish, but we had fun nevertheless. Oh, and the sunset in the open sea was spectacular.
3. Catamaran rides
We booked a catamaran excursion with an instructor, who took us around the entire coral reef.
4. Snorkeling
Lots of snorkeling. Every day (twice a day) an instructor would take a group of people on a snorkeling tour, swimming off from the beach to the coral reef. Anyone can join in; it gives you extra security and you learn a lot about the inhabitants of the sea. The kids went snorkeling, too – so remember to bring their snorkeling mask from home. We saw moray eels, sharks, turtles, manta rays and colorful fish.
5. Football game
After lunch to burn off some calories.
6. Random beach games
With sand, bucket and spade, water, pebbles, shells, etc.
7. Sharks and stingrays hunt
They come close to the shore and children tried to hunt them down. They are harmless and shy, in fact, they run away immediately if you approach them – but the kids like the idea of capturing one of them.
8. Race around
See which couple (a child and an adult) can run all around the island faster than the other…
As said, the week really went by quickly (too quickly), but the memory of this holiday will stay with us forever…
Have a nice trip!
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.