Maldives The Place For a Family Holiday

Take the family to Kurumba in the Maldives and the memories will last years longer than the footprints left on the North Male lagoon. There’s the setting, cast in the Indian Ocean like a stone in an emerald necklace. There’s the sea, with its shades of blue that have yet to be named. And there’s the luxury, which Kurumba have over 30 years’ experience of lavishing on their visitors. Just ask Bill Clinton or Kofi Annan, who number among their guests.

Kurumba was one of the Maldives’ original private island resorts, and following a £20 million refurbishment, this five star establishment offers unsurpassed levels of luxury amongst the 1190 islands that make up the Maldives. And Kurumba is only a short speedboat trip from the Maldivian capital of Male, something to be grateful for after a long flight.

Kurumba is All About The Family

Kurumba, Maldivian for coconut, groves of which cover the island, is unquestionably the place to go when travelling as a family. Families of four can be accommodated in a Private Villa, just a few paces from the gently lapping waters of the ocean, which offer all the comforts of contemporary living. Each of the island’s nine restaurants offers a children’s menu, and even the room service menu comes innovatively replete with a Colouring Board so that the kids keep busy until the meal arrives.

There are a host of activities dotted around the island to be done as a family, whether it’s on a sunset cruise, a fishing trip or playing a floodlit game of tennis. Parents can look on from a seating area in the play area on the beach as the little ones lark about and there are activities galore for the youngsters out on the water in the shape of a Banana boat and Doughnut dingy.

The Wealth of Underwater Fauna in the Maldives is Unbelievable

But it’s what lies under the water that will provide the memories that will stay with the family forever. In the crystal ocean here is one of the wonders of the world. Kurumba sits on a volcanic reef of ancient coral protecting the island from sea storms. Within the protective reef, is a natural swimming pool, warm and shallow, and home to the kaleidoscope of tropical fish that kids of all ages come here to see. Snorkelling in the safety of the lagoon is something the whole family can spend hours enjoying.
Such is the wealth of the underworld flora and fauna, Kurumba has its very own dive school, operated by the world-renowned Eurodivers (www.eurodivers.com), which caters for divers aged 10 years and older. The school offers PADI courses for both Open Water Diver and Scuba Diver certificates and features a special course for kids of eight years and above known as ‘The Bubblemaker’.

Mecca for Scuba Diving and Snorkelling

Divers on the reef can explore underwater caves or volcanic walls and will see such vividly coloured fish as the Sweet Lips and Triggerfish… and imagine the schoolyard bragging rights if the kids get to swim with the elusive Hawksbill turtle or paddle with a friendly Manta ray.

Every so often of course, one of Kurumba’s babysitters will be called upon to help out with a little break from the little ones, and the resort has the perfect romantic experience, called The Pluto Dinner. Guests are whisked away on a private speedboat to anchor in the lagoon at the location of your choice. There, under the myriad stars and galaxies, a private butler will pop open a little bubbly while you dine in paradise on a meal specially selected by the chef. No wonder Kurumba is so popular with UN secretary generals and former American presidents.