Maldives with Kids: A Convenient Sheraton Close to Malé

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Hello. In the summer of 2023, our family (with a child) traveled to the Maldives. We stayed at a relatively affordable Sheraton-brand resort close to the capital, Malé — prioritizing an easy, short transfer over the more remote, splashier options. That choice meant less travel fatigue with a young child in tow. Every photo here is my own.

What you'll find here

The upside of choosing a resort close to Malé for an easy transfer
The atmosphere of the overwater bungalow area along its long jetties
Kayaking, snorkeling, and pool time we enjoyed with our child
What resort dining looked like, from giant prawns on down

1. Choosing a resort close to Malé for an easy transfer

📍 Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa — Furanafushi Island, North Malé Atoll, Maldives / about 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport

The Maldives often conjures images of remote resorts an hour or more away by seaplane, but the one we chose was a comparatively short boat ride from the capital, Malé. With less travel involved, we could settle in and relax almost as soon as we arrived — a real help when traveling with a young child.

*Our family walking the resort's jetty at dusk*

The overwater bungalow area was connected by long wooden jetties, and partway along you could jump straight into the sea for a swim.

*Our child looking down at the sea from the jetty railing*

💡 Tip with kids: resorts close to Malé skip the seaplane transfer, meaning less connection fatigue — especially worthwhile for families with young kids.

2. Kayaking, snorkeling, and pool time

In the resort's lagoon, we rented a kayak and paddled out. Gliding across the clear shallow water delighted our child.

We also tried snorkeling, swimming through the crystal-clear water in pink snorkel goggles. At the pool, we spent easy family time floating around on swim rings.

*Kids floating on swim rings in the pool*

💡 Tip with kids: the lagoon stays shallow in many spots, making kayaking and snorkeling approachable even for young kids. Always wear a life jacket.

3. White sand beaches and a break in the shade

The resort's beach was dotted with thatched-roof parasols and beach chairs, perfect for a shady break after swimming. The contrast between the pure white sand and clear water made for a scene worth photographing.

*The beach lined with thatched-roof parasols*

In the evenings, we'd watch the sunset from a gazebo at the end of a jetty. The silhouettes floating on the water were beautiful — a fitting close to the day.

*Sunset viewed from the gazebo at the end of a jetty*

💡 Tip with kids: daytime sand gets hot, so beach sandals make it much easier for kids to walk around.

4. Resort dining and downtime

At the resort restaurant, a signature dish was a whole grilled prawn, head-on, served simply with vegetables and lemon — a mild flavor that was easy for our child to enjoy too.

By the pool, we'd relax in our bathrobes, and at times like that we'd simply order room service — savoring the luxury of doing absolutely nothing.

5. Honest Q&A for families

Q. Is the Maldives hard with kids? A. It depends a lot on the resort. Choosing one close to Malé means far less travel burden than a remote resort reached by seaplane.

Q. Can young kids enjoy marine activities? A. At a resort with a shallow lagoon, kayaking and snorkeling (with a life jacket) were approachable even for a young child.

Q. Is there kid-friendly food? A. Yes — mild dishes like prawns and simple grilled items meant there were plenty of options our child could enjoy.

6. When to go & what to wear (Maldives in August)

Our visit in August falls within the wet season, but the rain was mostly brief squalls, with plenty of sun in between (impressions only; always check the latest forecast before you travel).

Daytime: hot and humid — sun protection is a must
Rain: brief squalls possible; a light layer helps
Sea & pool: warm year-round and comfortable for swimming

7. A rough budget & official site (please verify)

Just an example (amounts vary — always confirm on the official site).

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa (official site: marriott.com (Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa)): about a 15-minute speedboat from Velana International Airport (Malé)
A resort close to Malé: generally more affordable than a remote resort requiring a seaplane
Marine activities (kayaking, snorkeling): often available for rent/booking on-site
Meals: mostly resort restaurants, so check whether dining is included in your room package

8. Practical notes (transport, packing)

Choosing a resort: confirm the transfer time and method (boat vs. seaplane) from Malé in advance
Packing: swimwear compatible with a life jacket, snorkel gear, beach sandals
Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, and a rash guard are musts
Dining: it's worth confirming mild/kid-friendly menu options with the resort ahead of time

📌 Last updated: July 2026. Prices, facility details, and operations change. Please reconfirm on official sites and current info just before you go.

9. You might also like

An even more remote paradise → Maldives with Kids (Park Hyatt)
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All photos were taken by me in August 2023. Prices, hours, and facility details change, so please confirm on official sites or on-site before you go.

Where to book

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