{"id":6413,"date":"2019-09-12T14:45:42","date_gmt":"2019-09-12T12:45:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/travel\/?p=6413"},"modified":"2019-09-12T14:45:42","modified_gmt":"2019-09-12T12:45:42","slug":"the-maldives-perfect-for-the-whole-family","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/travel\/destinations\/the-maldives-perfect-for-the-whole-family\/","title":{"rendered":"The Maldives \u2013 perfect for the whole family"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Maldives is largely regarded as a honeymooners paradise. And while that is still most certainly true, the destination is starting to become an ideal holiday destination for families. With the likes of your Club Med, leaders in All-Inclusive holidays, offering kids\u2019 clubs, more families are escaping to this sun-kissed destination than ever before.<\/em><\/p>\n

Perhaps best known for its idyllic white beaches and crystal clear turquoise sea, The Republic of the Maldives is situated in the Indian Ocean. This tropical nation is composed of 26 ring-shaped atolls, which are made up of more than 1 000 coral islands \u2013 many still uninhabited.<\/p>\n

Having contributed the word \u201catoll\u201d to the English language, this holiday destination, long-thought of as the preserve of honeymooners or rich couples, is actively wooing families with young children and contributing\u00a0to the burgeoning\u00a0kids-focused travel industry.<\/p>\n

Over 99% of the Maldives is sea, home to one of the most diverse marine treasures of the world. Surrounded by a reef structure, the Maldives houses one of the most exclusive\u00a0and spectacular underwater life ecosystems. The 1% land is a masterpiece in natural landscaping, divine white beaches and gorgeous villas sitting amidst island flora.<\/p>\n

Though the Maldives\u2019 history is shrouded in mystery, it is believed that the island nation was inhabited more than 2 500 years ago by natives of the South Asian subcontinent. For medieval seafarers the Maldives was a station to resupply their vessels with water, wood, coir and dried tuna. Nowadays the luxury resorts ensure that families are well stocked up with delicacies!<\/p>\n

Despite being a small nation, the Maldivians love and value their freedom. Having been occupied by the Portuguese, Dutch and British the Maldives is today a proud member of the United Nations, leading the way for the protection not only of all small nations, but also of our treasured water ecosystems. With global warming having a significant\u00a0impact on the low-lying islands, the Maldives constantly lobbies for responsible environmental\u00a0policies.<\/p>\n

Logistically speaking<\/strong><\/p>\n

Most families fly into the capital Mal\u00e9 and then catch resort transport \u2013 either a boat or sea-plane. Depending on which airline you choose to fly, a flight from South Africa to Mal\u00e9, on average, will be 15-hours (including\u00a0one stop over along the way where kids and parents can stretch\u00a0their legs).<\/p>\n

The tropical climate means year-round warm temperatures.\u00a0 Summer coincides with the start of the low or wet season (the South-West Monsoon typically occurs from May – September), which can mean cloudier skies, more wind and the chance of rain. This is, however, a blessing as the temperatures are more moderate at 28-30\u00b0 during the day. Combined with a breeze, this makes for a much less stifling environment for the mini traveller.<\/p>\n

The Maldives for families<\/strong><\/p>\n

Until about 10 years ago, few resorts catered for kids (in providing babysitting facilities and child-dedicated activities), but these days, things have changed. From 2016, visitors to Club Med Kani<\/a> have enjoyed activities designed\u00a0especially for kids aged 4-10 years and 11-17 years. At Club Med\u2019s Finolhu resort, kids from 12 years old are welcome and can enjoy the kids\u2019 facilities at their Kani resort (five minutes from Finolhu.) Like all Club Med resorts, apart from the All-Inclusive offering which aids hugely in pre-planning your holiday budget, the resorts also employ phenomenal G.Os (Gentil Organisateur) which is unique to Club Med. The G.O is the\u00a0ambassador of the Club Med spirit\u00a0at all resorts, and ensure that guests at the resorts have the best time of their lives (and that all of their holiday needs and requests are met.) These highly skilled G.Os are who will be looking after your little ones in the various kids clubs.<\/p>\n

With your little treasures in good hands, you\u2019ll be able to enjoy various activities ranging from kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkelling\u00a0to sailing and more that Club Med and the Maldives has to offer.<\/p>\n

Top tips \u2013 snorkeling in the Maldives with the kids<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since snorkelling plays a big part of a Maldives holiday, a few tips before leaving home may be useful.<\/p>\n