Long Haul / Travel / 24 February 2026

A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

Think you can't do the Maldives with kids? Think again! Juniors' Editor did, when she stepped onto this stunning Maldivian resort and found a place that not only caters for children, but truly welcomes them too.

By Bonita Turner

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

South Malé Atoll Maadhoo Island, Maldives

Booking a luxury all-inclusive holiday to the Maldives for all the family takes some careful planning – and a little insider knowledge. Junior visited OZEN LIFE MAADHOO on Maadhoo Island to give you the lowdown on why this resort should go to the top of your checklist for a relaxed family holiday.

After a very comfortable 45 minute speedboat transfer from the main airport (Velana International), we arrived at the jetty – and in true ‘White Lotus’ style –  disembarked to a blowing conch shell greeting, rhythmic Bodu-Beru drumming and Sangu whistling. We were handed a palm leaf necklace and a Kurumba (fresh coconut) welcome drink and were guided (or was it glided?) to the open reception area. Here all our cares literally drifted away as we enjoyed a cool compress and a soothing foot cleanse and massage as we were seamlessly checked in.

If this sounds like a place that’s dedicated to adults, read on and we will explain why so many guests (us included) praise the resort for its family-focused atmosphere – and truly welcoming approach to their mini visitors. 

GOOD TO KNOW: Children under 12 often stay for free (check website for offers)

The Best Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives
A carefree getaway for all ages

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

Accommodation that fits all the Family
there is a wide selection of villas suitable for all group sizes

Earth Villas – These idyllic beachfront villas are homely, spacious and come with generous sized beds, bathtubs and monsoon showers. The outside deck leads to your own patch of sand – with beanbags and loungers. Villas are available with or without a private pool. Ideal for: Small families and parties of 3

Earth Pool Pavilion – Perfect for larger families with a master bedroom and separate twin room. A private pool and beachfront access makes this your own private hideaway. Ideal for: 4 adults & 2 children or 3 adults & 3 children

Wind Villas – The villa you think of when you picture the Maldives in your mind. Suspended on stilts and curving above the Indian Ocean, these  dreamy spaces are the ultimate in luxury. Villas come with overwater hammocks, with/without pools, and since late-2025 there are newly added slides and jacuzzis in several villas. Younger guests will love the small glass floor in the lounge area, which offers a glimpse of the aquatic life below. Ideal for: Small families and parties of 3

THE OZEN RESIDENCE – The most luxe of all the accommodation and suitable for large families or groups, this regal villa has three bedrooms, a private pool, gym and outdoor dining pavilion. Ideal for: 4 adults & 4 children or 6 adults & 2 children

All villas include:

  • Hiyani (butler) service
  • Wi-Fi and TV
  • Outdoor deck
  • ‘Maxi bar’ – replenished daily
  • Tea/coffee making facilities
  • Ausprey bathroom amenities
  • Sun loungers
  • Complimentary bicycle
Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

A warm welcome awaits all the family at Maadhoo…

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

Earth Villas lead straight onto the beach

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

Earth Villas come with or without a private pool

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

Earth Villas have spacious rooms that allow for three guests

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

Earth Villas bathrooms are huge!

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

The Earth Pool Pavilion villa offer more space for bigger families

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

Twin room ideal for children in the Earth Pool Pavilion 

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

Wind Villas offer the classic Maldivian slits over water sleeping

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

Beautiful and cosy rooms – children will love the floor view!

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

Regal living at THE OZEN RESIDENCE 

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

Private dining Pavilion at THE OZEN RESIDENCE is ideal for family celebrations

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

THE OZEN RESIDENCE offer three bedroom for large families or groups

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

Private pool, hammock, loungers and beanbags as standard.

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

The Palms offer all day dining options that happily cater for children – whatever their tastes.

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

Tradition Indoceylon, which offers outstanding Indian & Sri Lankan dishes

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

Dining that all the Family will Enjoy
including relaxed buffets and fine dining for every taste

The INDULGENCE™ plan at Maadhoo, for want of a better word, is indulgent! This includes all meals at The Palms,  an all-day dining restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. This is the place for breakfast, brunch and lunch (think pasta, burgers, meats and veggies) Meals are cooked to order and there is also a self-service option, which is vast including salads, sushi, meats, soups, desserts and more. While Joie de Vivre offers pool bar drinks, snacks and pizzas.

For evenings there are various dine-around options, which allow you to choose from the restaurants around the resort. All premium beverages (including champagne and fine wines), soft drinks and cocktails are included.  Tradition Peking is great for Chinese suppers that impress (try the Dim Sum, Beef Tenderloin and the Pineapple Sago Milk) head to Tradition Indoceylon for authentic Indian and Sri Lankan flavours and ethnic style platters, and for adults only, there is Lonu, which offers local Maldivian dishes with a modern twist.

GOOD TO KNOW: Depending on the length of your stay you can also enjoy a fine-dining experience at the spectacular circular underwater restaurant, M6m – kids will love spotting the sea life swim by.

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

Mm6 (minus six metres) This underwater restaurant six metres below sea level offers breathtaking panoramic views of marine life while you eat.

From Junior's Camera Roll...

What is there to do with children?
The resort offers a wide range of activities that appeal to younger guests

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

The OZEN Kids Club

For parents craving a little alone time – capturing a moment on the Instagram-famous swing perhaps?, indulging in a spa treatment, or lingering over a poolside cocktail – little ones are more than catered for at the resort’s dedicated kids’ club.

Near the beach, the OZEN KIDS’ CLUB offers a spacious indoor area alongside shaded outdoor spaces, a sandpit and a shallow saltwater pool. With games such as table tennis and darts, plenty of toys, and direct beach access, there’s no shortage of entertainment – all supervised by fully trained staff.

Open daily from 9am to 6pm, the programme ranges from yoga and Zumba to henna art, face painting, palm-leaf crafts and movie time, giving children and teens the chance to make friends and burn off that boundless excess energy.

>> In-villa babysitting is also available for children aged three and above at an additional charge.

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

The OZEN Kids Club pool area

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

Mini sunloungers and a play area for kids right on the beach

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

An indoor area for kids 

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

Arts & Crafts in the kids club

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

Memory Making Breakfasts

It’s not just honeymooners who get to have all the fun  – kids will absolutely love eating breakfast in the pool. Yes, in the pool! The floating breakfast (additional charge) experience is exactly as it sounds: a beautifully arranged tray drifting across your private pool, laden with freshly brewed coffee, fine teas, tropical fruits, flaky viennoiserie, charcuterie, yoghurt, cereals, juices, smoothies and even sandwiches. Whether you’re enjoying morning sun or happily splashing between munching, it’s a deliciously indulgent way to start the day  – and something they won’t forget.

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

The ‘Adopt a Coral’ Experience

A wonderful experience for children – turning a beach holiday into a living classroom. Kids will love learning alongside the resident marine biologists on the resort, who are gently restoring a 300-metre stretch of house reef using coral frames. Young guests can learn how to attach living coral to the frames (adopt with a $100 donation), and see it carefully planted and can then snorkel above the regenerated reefs. Each frame is labelled and monitored, with six-monthly email updates charting its growth into a thriving colony. Not only does this make it a meaningful way for families to leave a lasting, positive legacy in the Maldives – it’s something you may want to return to at a later date.
>> This is in partnership with Manta Trust and the Olive Ridley Project.

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

Attaching live coral to the frame

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

The coral fragments extending their living tissue and skeletons and attach to the frames and each other to grow.

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

Aquatic Adventures

Water sports are part and parcel of any island escape, and at Maadhoo the choice is impressively broad. From jet skis and water skiing to paddleboarding and banana boat rides, there’s something for every age and energy level.

Two daily snorkelling excursions – morning and afternoon – showcase the vibrant house reefs, while beginners can ease into underwater exploration aboard the SUB-ZEN semi-submarine, gliding just a metre below the surface for an immersive, front-row view of marine life.

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

An Educational Visit the Hydroponic Farm

Children will be amazed by the Maldives’ first ever indoor hydroponic farm, which provides 70% of the island’s lettuce (as well as  leafy greens and herbs shared with other resorts). Families can enjoy a little science and eco lesson as they explore the farm through guided tours, learning how this system is revolutionising sustainable dining and the dependency on imported produce, while lowering the resorts’ carbon footprint.

Junior Magazine Long Haul A Family Friendly Holiday in the Maldives at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

Kids will enjoy a look at the islands first ever indoor hydroponic farm

Junior Fact File

Book Direct:
It’s easy to book direct to THE OZEN COLLECTION, with every stay including luxury boat transfers, as well as a luxury stay – all you need in addition is a flight to Velana International Airport, Male.

Overnight rates at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO start fromUSD 1255, based on two sharing at Earth Villa with INDULGENCEâ„¢ Plan, including complimentary luxury speedboat transfers from Velana International Airport.

Inspiring Travel:
Alternatively, plenty of UK tour operators sell both resorts and can offer flight-inclusive packages.  Most guests tend to opt to stay in one resort, but you are of course able to combine both if you wish.

Inspiring Travel offers a seven night stay at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO from £3,874 per person, two sharing an Earth Villa (beach) on an ultra all inclusive basis and including return flights from London Heathrow and luxury speedboat transfers.