Confession time: I have always associated the remote, uber-luxurious resorts, and dreamy waters of the Maldives with romantic couple getaways. It has been on my “wanderlist” to visit this island paradise with my husband, but it has never ever occurred to me to take my young kids there.
After having the chance to visit recently, I now stand corrected. You should absolutely take your kids to the Maldives – specifically to Club Med Kani, and I’ll tell you why.
Reason #1: A Short Flight (And Boat-Ride) Away
Lengthy travels do not always bode well with younger kids – or their parents’ mental health. And I was pleasantly surprised that this seemingly secluded paradise is only 4 hours away from Kuala Lumpur by flight.
Furthermore, Club Med Kani is situated on Kani Island, which is one of the closest islands to Maldives’ Velana International Airport near Malé, Maldives’ capital city. From the airport, you’re a direct 25-minute boat ride away (operated by the resort). This makes a big difference, considering that the Maldives comprises 1192 coral islands, with about 164 of those islands developed as tourist resorts. Some resorts may even require you to take a seaplane, based on its distance to the airport.
While all of Club Med Kani’s employees are trained in first aid, and there is a doctor and nurse available around the clock at the resort, the resort’s close proximity to Malé offers families additional peace of mind when it comes to any medical emergency concerns.
“The beauty of this island is that we are very close to Malé, which has a hospital with a paediatric section. And we always have a boat on standby. We also have relationships and partnerships with the medical teams in Malé, so we’re confident that we have appropriate medical options available.”
Rachael Harding, CEO of East, South Asia and Pacific at Club Med
Reason #2: The Warmest Welcome “Home”
The experience of arriving at the airport is not unlike being picked up by a family member. From escorting you to the dock and managing your luggage, to offering you water and a cool face towel to refresh yourself on the boat ride to the resort – the Club Med Gentle Organisers (G.O.s) made me feel instantaneously at ease!
As our boat approached the resort’s jetty, we were enthusiastically welcomed by more smiling G.O.s who swiftly sorted our rooms at reception, while we sipped on our welcome drinks. Each person was also provided with a hassle-free electronic bracelet that served as a room key and a payment aid (which you could opt to link your credit card to for additional services and purchases, though I didn’t find this necessary with Club Med’s all-inclusive concept).
Left to right: On the boat ride to the resort, a welcome by the G.O.s, and the Club Med electronic bracelet, which you can take home as a souvenir!
Club Med Kani’s standout team really felt like an extended family during my 4-day stay there. You’ll be met with the chirpiest “hello!” everywhere you go, and most will remember you from previous activities and encounters, which I felt was a real treat.
Reason #3: Luxury in Divine Nature
Between the 2-kilometer stretch of private beach, unbeatable views of the sea and marine life, and the spacious rooms that open up straight to them – your family will be spoilt.
My Deluxe Beachfront Terrace, accented with calming shades of turquoise and coral, came complete with both indoor and outdoor showers, and all the basic amenities, including a sizable TV that I didn’t notice was there until my third day – which is a testament to how much fun I was having!
On one side of the island is Club Med Kani’s Exclusive Collection, an even more private and luxurious space with stunning overwater villas that offer a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean, quieter beaches, and an exclusive overwater lounge just for the Exclusive Collection guests.
If you’re looking for an extra-lavish stay for a romantic getaway, check out Club Med Finolhu Villas, just a 5-minute speedboat ride away. Here, you will find secluded beach villas surrounded by lush tropical vegetation or overwater villas with their own seaview private pools, where you can indulge in daily in-villa breakfasts, afternoon tea, or even a romantic floating breakfast in your own private pool. Not only that, you’ll be able to hop on a boat and enjoy all that Club Med Kani has to offer.
At both resorts, you’ll also be able to carve some time for relaxation and rejuvenation at their own luxe spas, for an additional fee.
Reason #4: The True Luxuries for a Family
I’m that worrywart mum on holiday. I try my best to make sure everyone is having a good time, from packing snacks (because hangry kids = meltdowns), to finding something for everyone to do – so much so, that I often forget to do the same for myself.
Thus, as a mama, nothing beats the real luxury of Club Med Kani being an all-inclusive resort, with an abundance of offerings that help families truly revel in their holiday, and balance precious alone time with family bonding experiences.
Oh, baby!
In 2024, Club Med Kani expanded its offerings to welcome families with babies as young as 6 months. If you’re coming with a teeny in tow, you can enjoy a Baby Welcome Kit that includes a bathtub, bottle warmer, changing table, baby bed and baby stroller, a curated Baby Food Corner at the main restaurant, as well as a dedicated toddler playroom at the Kids Club (a guardian will need to be there at all times).
“I’m bored…”
With over 30 complimentary activities available for children 8 years old and above, your kids won’t have time for boredom… or to ask for their devices. Here are just some of the included activities for your family to experience together:
For safety purposes, each person is required to pass a simple open-water swimming test to participate in the water-based activities like snorkelling. You'll have to swim 25m back and forth non-stop.
And when you’re in need of some parents-only time, you’d be happy know that Club Med Kani doesn’t just offer one generic Kids Club, but multiple supervised programmes for children of different ages. There’s Mini Club Med+ for 4 to 10-year-olds, Teens Club Med for 11 to 13-year-olds, and Club Med Chill Pass for the those between 14 to 17 years old. I love this concept, because we know what excites a younger child won’t live up to the fancies of a more adventurous tween or teen.
Rachael Harding, CEO of East, South Asia and Pacific at Club Med, shares that she, as a mum herself, has experienced her fair share of hotels with kids’ playrooms and finds that this division, through meaningful programmes, benefits families more. “My son, who’s 9, would not want to be in the same space as a 2-year-old,” she adds. “On top of that, parents want their kids to do more than just play games. Asian parents, especially, would love for their children to learn, grow and meet people from all over the world while having fun.”
After a day of all that fun in the sun, families can end the night with performances by the multitalented G.O.s themselves. From fun musicals to impressive acrobatic acts, the after-dinner entertainment options will keep your little ones at the edge of their seats every single night!
“I’m hungry!”
Forget about anyone getting ‘hangry’ on holiday. Not only is breakfast, lunch and dinner provided – snacks and drinks (even alcoholic varieties) are also available between meals.
The resort’s main restaurant right by the beach, The Velhi, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets with a wide range of international and Maldivian fares to suit every palate – even the finicky eaters! There are live rotating stations, where chefs will plate your order on the spot. My personal favourites included the Indian tandoor station, the sweet and sour Chinese-style crabs, vegetable tempura, and spinach lasagna. While their dessert offerings are substantial, I urge you not to miss the homemade gelato section – I still dream of the pistachio gelato until this very day!
Apart from the vast buffet spread at The Velhi, you can also opt for late breakfast or late lunch at the gorgeous overwater restaurant, The Kandu. While the options are not as extensive, they offer a delicious à la carte menu for a more leisurely meal, so there’s no reason to feel like you’re pressed for time on the island. The Kandu is particularly beautiful at night under the fairy lights and dinner is also available here – just be sure to book this ahead of time.
Find yourself peckish in between meals? Head to the Kani Kravings snack station and ice cream cart by the beach for some hot and cold finger foods and yummy homemade popsicles. There are also 2 bars (The Sunset Bar and The Iru Bar), where you can order unlimited drinks throughout the day.
While the resort’s F&B options include alcohol and pork, Muslim families will still be able to enjoy other offerings, including meats like lamb and chicken, with the Maldives being a predominantly Muslim country.
Tips for Vacationing in the Maldives
- Foreigners travelling to the Maldives as tourists do not require pre-approval for the tourist visa. However, you must fill up and submit a Traveller Declaration within 96 hours of the flight time electronically via IMUGA.
- You won’t really need cash in the Maldives (cards are widely accepted), unless you intend to explore the Malé island and shop at small local stalls. Even then, the preferred currency in the Maldives is US dollars, so it is better to bring those instead of the Maldivian Rufiyaa.
- While it isn’t always a guarantee, it is easier to spot the majestic manta rays between the months of May to October.
- Both the airport and Club Med Kani (and even their boat transfers) offer free Wi-Fi, so there’s no actual need to purchase a roaming package or a local SIM.
- Upon booking your stay, download the My Club Med App to look up activities scheduled for the whole family. There are also fun Themed Nights (all-white, tropical etc), so check the dress codes if you’d like your little unit to dress the part!
The Maldives is One for the Core Memory
Not only was this my first time in Maldives, it was also my maiden Club Med experience. I had lofty expectations, which were clearly blown out of the water. Club Med’s family-focused brand values truly address a family’s wants and needs (and beyond) on holiday; whether you have a fussing bubba, a hard-to-impress teen, or their grandparents in the mix.
Between the crystal clear waters, unlimited homemade gelato, the device-free family time, and Insta-worthy opportunities everywhere you turn – I can’t recommend the Club Med Kani experience enough for families out there.
By Nora Ismail
makchic’s stay was sponsored by Club Med Kani. The writer’s opinions, however, are solely her own.
For more information, please visit the resort’s website or check out their Instagram or Facebook page.
