Where is that actually?
The Maldives, an enchanting archipelago in the Indian Ocean, are
Known for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and luxurious resorts, this beautiful destination lies southwest of Sri Lanka and India and consists of approximately 1,200 coral islands, grouped into 26 atolls. With a population of approximately 540,000, the Maldives offers a unique culture and economy that relies heavily on tourism and fishing. For families looking for a special holiday destination, the Maldives offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Affordable travel with children
Many people think that the Maldives are only for the rich, but a holiday to this tropical paradise doesn’t have to be unaffordable, even with kids. With a little planning and smart choices, you can make your dream trip a reality without breaking the bank. One of the most important tips is to be creative with your bookings and take advantage of special offers and clever hacks to save money.
Our travel experience
We flew from Colombo with Etihad Airways and chose the Sun Siyam Olhuveli resort, a luxury resort located in the South Male Atoll. We split our booking into two parts: the first night on a bed and breakfast basis and the remaining two nights on a half board basis. This turned out to be a clever hack to save money. In total, we paid €1200 for three nights for our family of four. This approach helped us save a lot on costs without sacrificing comfort and experience.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli Resort
Sun Siyam Olhuveli is a five star resort
that offers everything for an unforgettable
family vacation. The resort is located an hour away from the airport and is reached by luxury speedboat. The fare costs $250 per person, but children travel free. This made the trip to the resort not only comfortable but also affordable for our family.
The resort has beautiful beaches, multiple swimming pools and various dining options, and offers plenty of entertainment for both children and adults. There are children's clubs and activities especially for the younger guests, so that they will not be bored for a moment. We stayed in a beautiful water villa with a private pool, an experience we did not want to miss. The villa offered us not only comfort and luxury, but also the opportunity to explore the colorful underwater world directly from our accommodation. Turtles and sharks literally swam under our villa, which made for unforgettable moments for us and our children.
Activities and prices
Although the Maldives are known for their high prices, especially in the resorts,
you can still enjoy everything with some planning. Be prepared for some expensive surprises. For example, a diving mask that would cost only €10 at a store like Kruidvat, cost $156 here. Activities like snorkeling and diving are also expensive, but offer unique experiences that you can't find anywhere else. For families, it's wise to budget in advance and choose activities that are really worth it.
Tip: snorkeling for free?
If you take your time, the turtles, fish and sharks will come by themselves. You don't have to pay $420,- per person for that. There are no guarantees, but you don't have them with such an expensive excursion either. Just watch the video below!
How many days in Maldives?
We stayed three days in the Maldives, and in our opinion that was more than enough. Although the islands are breathtakingly beautiful, they are often small, so you can quickly see and do everything. The temperatures are high and the sun can burn quite a bit, especially when there is no wind. In addition, it is important to take the weather into account. During our summer holiday, the rainy season can throw a spanner in the works, with a chance of less nice weather. Three days gave us enough time to enjoy ourselves without getting bored, and we could fully relax and experience the beauty of the islands.
Maldives vs. Sri Lanka's remote beaches
During our trip, we were wondering what was better: the Maldives or the secluded beaches of Sri Lanka. Both destinations offer spectacular scenery and beautiful beaches, but there are distinct differences. The Maldives is undoubtedly a paradise, with pristine beaches and luxurious accommodation. However, for a fraction of the price, you can stay in Dickwella, Sri Lanka, and enjoy equally beautiful beaches with much more freedom to do things. Sri Lanka offers a richer culture, more diverse landscapes and activities suitable for families, making it a great choice for those who want more than just sun and sea.
Why Sun Siyam Olhuveli?
We chose Sun Siyam Olhuveli because we didn’t want to limit our Maldives experience to a simple apartment. This resort offered us the luxury and comfort we were looking for, along with the unique experience of a water villa. It gave our family the opportunity to truly enjoy the beautiful surroundings and all that the Maldives has to offer. The combination of luxurious accommodation, child-friendly facilities and the natural beauty of the surroundings made it the perfect choice for our family.
Tips for a successful trip with children to the Maldives
1. Flight times : Choose flights so that you have the most optimal time in the Maldives
2. Accommodation : Consider a mix of bed and breakfast to save costs.
3. Activities : Plan some affordable or free activities, such as beach games and snorkeling, to keep costs down.
4. Food and Drink : Consider limiting yourself to breakfast and dinner. Saves a lot of money!
5. Preparation : Make sure you buy all necessary equipment, such as goggles and sunscreen, in advance to avoid high resort prices.
Conclusion
A holiday to the Maldives with kids can be affordable and unforgettable. By making smart choices, like splitting bookings and choosing an all-inclusive resort, you can enjoy this beautiful destination without breaking the bank. Sun Siyam Olhuveli offered our family the perfect mix of luxury, adventure and relaxation. So, if you have the chance to visit these paradise islands, grab it with both hands and create unforgettable memories with your family. With the right planning and a little creativity, you can turn your dream holiday into a reality, even with kids in the paradise of the Maldives.
However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider Sri Lanka’s secluded beaches like Dickwella. For a fraction of the price, you can enjoy beautiful beaches, a rich culture, and a range of activities suitable for the whole family. While the Maldives offer a unique experience, Sri Lanka can offer you the same natural beauty and much more freedom to explore and enjoy your holiday.
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