Soneva Fushi: Five Fantastic Features for Families

With power-soft sand, understated luxury and an eco-friendly ethos that has drawn discerning travellers to this isolated paradise for over 20 years, it's unsurprising Soneva Fushi is still one of the Maldives' best family resorts.

Hidden in the unspoilt beauty of a UNESCO-protected Biosphere Reserve, this small island packs a huge punch when it comes to creating your perfect family holiday. Whether you're travelling with tots or teenagers, the facilities, activities and intuitive team of staff ensure a stress-free stay with memories you'll never forget. Discover just some of Soneva Fushi's family-friendly features below, before planning your luxury holiday to this exotic Indian Ocean escape.

What: The Private Reserve

Where: Hidden up a winding sandy trail, concealed amongst emerald green shrubbery

Why: Styled around the owner's vision of a desert island mansion, the Private Reserve incorporates nine spacious bedrooms, making it the perfect abode for multigenerational families or smaller groups seeking extra space. Amongst the palm-embellished roofs, woven ropes and tree branch banisters, the 5,500m² residence also has a playful childrens' room and a nanny's room, making it easier to enjoy adults-only time when it's most needed. You'll also unearth an open-plan living and dining area, outdoor bathrooms, a private gym, spa suite and a huge overwater hammock for those long days lazing by your private, lagoon-like swimming pool, before you go racing down the waterslide of course!

What: The Den

Where: Nestled amongst the island's greenery close to Dolphin Beach

Why: This dedicated kids' zone is one of the Maldives' best. Along with specially designed rooms for music, dressing up, cooking, Lego and more, in addition to two kids' swimming pools and a pirate-themed playground, there's an action-packed calendar of exciting events and activities to keep little ones busy! While tree-planting, island treasure hunts, smoothie-making and pool parties keep imaginations running wild throughout the day, sunset brings even more fun at The Den with organised activities including pyjama night, campfire-inspired parties and sports night, which promises to spark competitive spirits with football matches, bucket relays and a super-fun waterbomb challenge!

What: Snorkelling and Diving

Where: In the beautiful turquoise waters of the Baa Atoll

Why: Soneva Fushi's prime position in the Baa Atoll means there's a wonderous choice of dive sites within a 30-minute boat ride from the island. Whether your family are regular divers, complete beginners or occasionally delve beneath the water's surface, the professional Soleni Dive Center at Soneva Fushi provide courses, lessons and guided tours for every age and ability. When you aren't busy spotting magical marine creatures including turtles and stingrays, along with abundant schools of tropical fish, stop to relish a family lunch on an uninhabited island, before taking a leisurely swim in a crystal-clear lagoon.

What: So Cool

Where: In centrally located, climate-controlled rooms for the ultimate indulgent experience

Why: Soneva's chocolate and ice-cream room is a firm family favourite with all ages! Open from dawn until dusk, the complimentary parlour serves approximately thirty varieties of ice cream and sorbet - from strawberry and Stracciatella, to green tea and brown bread - while the sweet-smelling chocolate room features at least fifteen artisanal chocolates every day, as well as chocolate-covered strawberries, melt-in-the-mouth chocolate mousse and dreamy chocolate brownies. These culinary concepts have been so successful, there's now even more food-fuelled rooms to tantalise your tastebuds; choose your favourite cheese in So Delicate or pick your own salad ingredients at the first overwater organic greenhouse in the Maldives, So Fresh.

What: Cinema Paradiso

Where: Close to the Out Of The Blue restaurant and Turtle Beach

Why: Catching a cult classic or a family favourite at open-air Cinema Paradiso is an essential experience during your luxury family holiday at Soneva Fushi. Formerly a helipad before seaplanes brought guests to the island, this isolated space is the perfect spot to recline on a plush cushioned lounger together, with the sand between your toes and the Maldivian stars sparkling in the sky. Your dedicated Cinema Host is also on-hand to spoil you with complimentary popcorn and ice cream, while adults can savour a tempting tipple from the menu of craft cocktails, too.

Elegant Traveller

Soneva Fushi: Five Fantastic Features for Families

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