Winner:JOINT GOLD Best Family Resort (International)
Who:Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort - Baa Atoll, Maldives
What:Baa Atoll, MA private island resort in the UNESCO-designated Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve
Why:
On a lush Maldivian island framed by soft white sands and turquoise lagoons, Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort is everything you want from a tropical luxury holiday and more. The resort’s 176 pavilions, beach and overwater villas, and multi-bedroom residences offer stunning rooms, privacy, and flexibility for couples, families, and multigenerational groups.
The AvaniKids kids club provides lots of activities for little ones and older children, while parents can get on with relaxing and the JTA panel was particularly impressed with the Teens only Club, which provides the perfect hangout spot with board games, gaming stations and movies. Â There is also a splash park, zipline and an Avani pirate ship – be sure to check that out on their TikTok!
Families glide from villa to lagoon with ease, snorkelling along vibrant reefs, diving, or sampling water sports curated for all ages. Mealtimes are effortless and joyful, with multiple restaurants and bars—including a kids-only bistro with cooking classes that our judges loved.
Avani+ Fares balances adventure with relaxation, offering a versatile space where every generation can connect, play, and celebrate together. Here, families don’t just visit—they create lasting memories in a contemporary paradise designed for comfort, togetherness, and effortless island living.
"Avani+ Fares captures the essence of Maldivian luxury without ever feeling unapproachable. The design is modern and elegant, the surroundings utterly breathtaking, and every detail—from family-friendly villas to curated activities—feels thoughtfully crafted so every generation can relax, explore, and make lasting memories."
"This former coconut plantation island is stunning and I love the way it doesn't feel overdeveloped. The decor feels fresh and modern and there are lots of lovely touches to help families feel welcome. I particularly love the cool teen hang out area and the kids only bistro with cookery classes!"
"A truly special resort where families can connect, have fun and relax. Love the fact that they have a dedicated teen hangout as I feel sometimes teens are forgotten. They might be too old for kids club but they can still enjoy a space dedicated to them."
What Makes it Special...
Once a coconut plantation, Avani+ Fares stands as one of the Maldives’ most untouched private islands, its ecosystem preserved for centuries. Families step from powder-white sands into a house reef alive with vibrant marine life, while a short boat ride brings them to Hanifaru Bay, home to the world’s largest seasonal gathering of manta rays- a truly unforgettable experience for all ages.
AvaniKids and the 24/7 Teens Club ensure every generation is engaged. Children enjoy splash parks, ziplines, pirate ships, creative workshops, and a signature kids-only restaurant, while teens dive into gaming, sports, and island adventures. Parents can unwind with two hours of daily complimentary babysitting or savor one-of-a-kind experiences: the Maldives’ first overwater cocktail delivery to villa decks, or KOBA, a travelling beachcraft bar that brings drinks to the sand and around the island.
Complimentary island activations—from Michael Owen’s Football Camp to PADI Aware Week with freediving record-holder Hanli Prinsloo—add enrichment, while the resort’s natural charm has even drawn television crews, including Made in Chelsea. Avani+ Fares blends heritage, tropical luxury, and effortless fun, creating unforgettable moments for families of every age.
Ideal for...
Once a coconut plantation, the island’s well preserved ecosystem is home to a house reef teeming with marine life, while a short boat ride takes guests to Hanifaru Bay to witness the seasonal gathering of manta rays—an experience for all ages.
Accommodations and amenities cater to every generation. Young children explore AvaniKids’ splash parks, pirate ships, ziplines, and a kids-only restaurant, while teens enjoy gaming, creative workshops, and island adventures. Parents can unwind with daily complimentary babysitting or indulge in unique experiences like overwater cocktail delivery to villa decks or KOBA, a travelling beachcraft bar.
Whether young families, multigenerational groups, or friends travelling together, Avani+ Fares delivers comfort, adventure, and unforgettable family moments in a naturally stunning, safe, and welcoming environment.
Junior Fact File
Priced from USD 500–900 / GBP 375–675 per night. Avani + fares is 35 minutes by seaplane from the main international airport.
