There are family holidays, and then there are family holidays in the Maldives. In the land of overwater villas, a living room floor doubles as a tropical fish tank, a “shuttle bus” lands on the sea and a two‑wheeler with your name on it takes you to breakfast. This was the reality for Guy and Haru Suprakob, who recently took their three energetic children — Kirin, Nyra and Aden — on the adventure of a lifetime to the Baa Atoll.
In an unusual twist, alongside swimwear and sunscreen, the Suprakobs packed their boots, preparing for an exclusive meet‑and‑train experience with Michael Owen at his Football Camp. If you’re looking for things to do in Maldives with family, you’re in the right place.
Arriving in style: the best family friendly resorts in Maldives
The Suprakob family originally booked a five‑day stay at Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, but the islands had other plans. Just one day in paradise was enough to turn a quick escape into a full‑week holiday. While mum and dad rebooked the flights, the kids were already joining more than 30 youngsters to learn the beautiful game from one of England’s most celebrated former footballers, Michael Owen, who played for clubs including Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester United, and represented England in three World Cups.
Not a bad coach to have on a family holiday in the Maldives!
The adventure began even before they reached the resort. After a four‑hour flight from Bangkok, the family arrived in Malé and prepared for the most iconic part of any Maldivian journey: the seaplane transfer. Guy and Haru were delighted to discover they were at the world’s largest seaplane terminal, where the runways are made of turquoise water and the pilots wear flip‑flops. (The children were thrilled. Guy briefly considered adopting the look back home.)
From above, the Maldives looks like a necklace of tiny emerald islands floating in bright blue water. The 40‑minute flight offered a bird’s‑eye view of coral reefs and lagoons, giving the family a preview of the marine life they’d soon meet face‑to‑face. Upon landing at the resort, they were greeted by friendly staff and the sweet scent of tropical flowers drifting through the air.
Living the dream: from private infinity pool into the blue
One glance at the family’s accommodation and their decision to extend the stay to a full week makes perfect sense. You can hardly blame them for wanting more time in their two‑bedroom over‑water residence, complete with a private infinity pool that seemed to melt straight into the ocean.
The villa also came with a quirky surprise: a glass floor in the bathroom. Guy joked that if anyone swam underneath, they might get a view they weren’t expecting. Thankfully, the local fish kept things very civilised and politely averted their eyes.
That said, nature was never far away. Stingrays and baby sharks often glided through the shallow water beneath their relaxation net (or trampoline, if you’re under a certain age), turning everyday moments like brushing your teeth into mini wildlife documentaries.
And while the family didn’t try it this time, the resort can dial things up another notch with a private chef setting up a bespoke BBQ on your poolside deck in a delicious showcase of the best of Maldivian cuisine.
Goal! Scoring big at Michael Owen’s Football Camp
The highlight of the trip and the reason for all the excitement was the very first Michael Owen Football Camp, held at Avani+ Fares in late 2025. The resort’s pitch transformed into a training ground for future stars, and Aden, Kirin and Nyra had the once‑in‑a‑lifetime chance to train with the Ballon d’Or winner himself. The camp was such a success that it returned in April 2026, giving even more young guests the chance to learn from one of England’s most celebrated former footballers.
What surprised Guy and Haru most was how down‑to‑earth Michael Owen was. The distant celebrity they expected turned out to be an affable, friendly neighbour, strolling past villas, chatting with guests and sharing his love of the game with the kids. The camp focused on teamwork, fun and confidence building, ending with a medal ceremony that made every child feel like a champion (parents who aren’t fans of participation medals may wish to avert their eyes).
As a final surprise, coach Owen gifted the children signed jerseys, sending them over the moon. Whether any dads were secretly hoping for one too was not disclosed.
Exploring the deep: the manta ray encounter
When Michael Owen isn’t in residence, sport takes a back seat and Baa Atoll’s wildlife happily steals the show. The resort sits within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to the world‑renowned Hanifaru Bay where, during peak manta season from July to October, up to 200 gentle giants gather to feast on plankton funnelled into the bay by just‑right tides.
With Hanifaru Bay calling, the Suprakobs set off on a boat trip to join in the underwater ballet. Excitement rippled through the boat when word came that nine manta rays had been spotted. Moments later, the family was in the water at the “cleaning station”, where mantas glide in slow, graceful loops while tiny fish tidy them up. Guy described the experience as “winning the lottery”, watching the mantas swirl and dance just inches away. It was magical, humbling and educational all at once.
Back on land, the fun at one of the best family friendly resorts in Maldives continued. The children spent hours collecting shells — some still occupied by hermit crabs who hastily scuttled away — and exploring the island on their personalised bikes and motorbikes, zipping around with mum and dad leading the way.
Relaxation and play: the perfect balance
While the children were busy with treasure hunts and cupcake‑making at AvaniKids, the parents enjoyed some well‑deserved downtime at AvaniSpa. Haru was pleasantly surprised by the firm, therapeutic massage, which she called a welcome change from the gentle “lotion rubbing” she’d encountered at other island resorts.
The family also loved the Petit Bistro, an adults‑free dining zone where children could cook, eat and make new friends. By the end of the week, the kids were swapping Roblox usernames with their new international crew, proving that the Maldives is as much about connection as it is about scenery.
As the holiday came to an end, Guy reflected on the value of the experience. Yes, a trip to the Maldives is an investment, but the memories and the joy on the children’s faces as they experienced nature up close are truly priceless. For anyone considering family holidays in Maldives, the Suprakobs have one piece of advice: stay longer than you think you need, try everything once and be prepared to host an impromptu playdate in your villa.
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