KURAMATHI travel with kids A TRAVEL GUIDE FOR YOUR WHOLE FAMILY!
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Maldives with Kids? IF NOT NOW, WHEN? “Everything changes when you have kids” and “you can wave goodbye to nice long holidays for the next few years” are only two examples of ‘good’ advice given to you during pregnancy. Only doing holidays in a short- or medium-distance range? For more and more young families that’s just not an option anymore – and it doesn’t have to be. Many long-distance destinations have already adjusted to this newfound wanderlust of young parents. The Maldives, the island group otherwise known as honeymooners’ paradise, is at the forefront and a surprisingly great destination for the whole family: Older kids, for example, can choose from an extensive range of watersports to take part in, whereas younger children can spend their days at the Kids Club, me aning parents don’t have to spend day after day building sandcastles on the beach…
When to travel? The great thing about the Maldives is that you can vacation there all year round. Main season is from November until April, but the temperatures remain tropically hot and humid all year round. During the German summer months the Maldivian off-season begins and flights and accommodation become cheaper. At the same time, monsoon season starts and storms and rain aren’t unusual. However, temperatures still remain summery and downpours often only last for a short time.
When booking? Family holidays should be planned well and in advance, after all they often rely on a variety of factors. So the fact that the best offers can be found ca. 6 months in advance fits comes in more than handy. By the way: Kuramathi can only be booked via TUI – those who’d like to save will do well to also check the package deals!
Don't forget! • electronically readable passport • valid children’s passports (an entry on a parent’s passport hasn’t been sufficient since 2012) • 30-day-long holiday visa is filled out at the airport in Malé (which can be extended on-site if necessary) • extra vaccinations for toddlers aren’t necessary
How to travel? The Maldives are a dream destination for many Germans and airlines have long since realised this. Furthermore, the big airlines offer overnight long-distance flights, which is of an advantage when travelling with children – even the most overexcited children will become exhausted and tired at some point. The really young ones (under 2 years) might not have their own seat, but the planes offer small travel beds in the first row for babies weighing up to 12 kg. The flight time is approximately ten hours, which can either be tackled via a stopover in Dubai, or as a direct flight from Frankfurt with AirBerlin. Once you’ve arrived in the capital Malé, you continue to Kuramathi by boat or seaplane in no time at all. There’s no need to arrange the onward journey however, the resort always arranges it for its guests. Parents should think about whether a boat trip will be more of a boon or bane. After all, even if there’s no chop, a boat trip with seasickness can put some strain on your journey.
IN MY SUITCASE Travelling with children especially means one thing – good preparation. Unlike with us adults, the favourite dummy, the cuddly bunny and the current favourite toy aren’t so easily replaced if forgotten at home. Additionally, the most important documents, as well as UV protective clothing and sun cream 50+ for the children, enough diapers and bottle feed need to be remembered. The resort can provide you with many things when needed, but not everything is available at all times on the island – and not everything can be replaced, like for example the favourite dummy.
CHECKLIST -emergency pharmacy (best arranged with the doctor) - swimwear (for children, always a change of clothes) - UV protective clothing for babies - sun cream 50+ - sunglasses / sunhat - favourite cuddly toy - favourite dummy - cuddly blanket - mp3-player and headphones - iPad with children’s films (for the really difficult moments) - chargers - snacks - drinking bottle - children’s books - favourite games, i.e. jigsaw
Make sure to call the airline a few weeks before your flight to inform them that you’re travelling with a toddler and would therefore like to sit in a 3-seat row. If the flight isn’t fully booked, you then have the chance to give your child the seat in the middle.
Take enough books and games! The on-board entertainment might offer lots of children’s programs, but it won’t bridge the whole flight time. And in the end, isn’t it so much nicer when mummy and daddy finally have enough time to read lots and lots of books.
TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH TODDLERS Don’t forget neck cushions and eye masks! The bright light is on for a long time, even during a nighttime flight. Not every child will find it easy to go to sleep – a sleep mask can be the perfect helper. And the neck cushion is for mummy. If the child does get comfortable on your lap, you can at least shut your eyes for a few minutes…
Only sit in the first row if your baby can actually sleep in the baby bassinet. The arm rests can’t be raised and that can get uncomfortable very quickly, especially if the child does want to sleep on its parent’s lap.
Take enough snacks! Although food will be served, you don’t know if those times will tie in with the children’s appetite – and if the children will actually eat what’s being served. So all parents are advised to ensure enough provisions.
KURAMATHI- THE ISLAND With a length of 1.8km and a width of up to 500 meters, Kuramathi is one of the biggest holiday islands of the Maldives. The island is part of the Rasdhoo Atoll and offers a diverse and breathtaking plant world in the island’s centre. It can be reached from airport Malé by speedboat in 90 minutes and by seaplane in 20 minutes. The long sandbank, on which you can take a walk into the open sea, is unique. What’s on offer to guests here is almost unbeatable – from the German-speaking tour guides and the very lovingly led Bageecha Kids Club, to one of the best medical centres on the whole Maldives with European doctor (which is especially reassuring with small children!), there’s something to satisfy everyone’s needs. A perfect place for the whole family!
THE VILLAS As Kuramathi has been visited by families more and more over the last few years, new Two Bedroom Beach Houses, ideal for families were added as part of the renovations. Of course children’s beds and cots can be added on request – but if you have more than one child, it can be much more relaxing to have separate rooms for the parents. Those that have no problem
sharing their room and their bed with the children can find enough luxury in a garden villa or pool villa. And those choosing a villa with jacuzzi are probably doing the kids a huge favour with the bubble water. As beautiful as the overwater bungalows are, they’re just not suitable for a holiday with child. But it’s not that bad, after all you can see the sea from almost any window…
BEACH VILLAS
• space for 2 adults and 1 child • loungers on the lagoon-side, only a few paces from the beach, nestled into palmtrees and plants • semi-open bathroom and outdoor rain shower • you can find more information at kuramathi.com
BEACH VILLAS WITH JACUZZI
• space for 2 adults and 1 child • surrounded by palmtrees and tropical plants • open air bathroom as well as open air jacuzzi • you can find more information at kuramathi.com
TWO BEDROOM BEACH HOUSES
• ideal for bigger families, i.e. with bigger children/teenagers or even grown-up children; or as an option when granny and grandad are joining or family friends are travelling with you • space for 6 adults or 4 adults and 2 children • 205m2 big • they have a common entrance and the two living areas have separate entrances, each with their own bathroom, outdoor shower; downstairs with terrace, upstairs with balcony • the villas are on the sandbank end of the island, both with a view of the lagoons and the reef side. • you can find more information at kuramathi.com
KURAMATHI FOR KIDS Apart from perfect sand beaches and an underwater paradise, the island offers many more attractions for the little guests: The Bageecha Kids Club, an unusual pool landscape, a huge sports area, where cricket and football is being played every afternoon, countless watersports activities and much more. Sometimes it’s the simple things that make a child’s heart beat faster. You might find yourself spending half a day driving around the island on an electric buggy that looks like a giant
golf cart. The children might also run up and down the beach, because a small baby shark is swimming in circles in the shallow water. You can watch the big crabs engulfing on their big journey to the water, or follow the Nature Walk in the shadow of 300-year-old banyan trees. Don’t be fooled and think you’ll get bored after a few days on the island… We’ve summed up our top 6 activities for big and small as follows…
BAGEECHA KIDS CLUB The English-speaking kids club is like the icing on the cake for all parents in need of some time off, an extensive dive or a relaxed day at the spa (which we wholeheartedly recommend to every visitor!). Kids from 3 to 12 years can be dropped off and will be looked after, entertained and engaged by a great English-speaking team. The program changes every day, avoiding boredom. If the children are under three years old, you have to notify them 24 hours in advance. Smaller children generally need one-toone supervision and will receive one here. Of course, you can also request for a babysitter to come to the villa, while the child is sleeping for example. During the holiday season, the place is full of children – often you can even find German-speaking families, making communication much easier. The kids club also offers a children’s cinema or supervised pool swimming for bigger children – after all, not every child wants to experience adventures by itself.
DIVING & SNOR KELING Some of the world’s best diving teachers work at the resident diving school. No surprise, seeing as though the underwater world of the Maldives is unique and is seen as the El Dorado of diving spots. Diving courses are offered in all common languages. You can find many German-speaking teachers and guides here, so that you’re in good hands even without any foreign language skills. That’s especially advantageous when it comes to children: the first kids’ diving courses are offered from the age of eight and in German – and naturally in the pool or in shallow water. If the parents are passionate divers, there’s surely nothing better than finally learning to dive with mask and oxygen tank and then at some point heading out on an underwater tour with the kids.
THE AQUA SPORTS & FUN CENTER From kayaking to stand-up paddling to water ski and banana boat – one gets the impression that everything possible in or on water is being offered here. Big or small, the Aqua Sports & Fun Center will live up to anyone’s expectations. A really great tip is to book a kayak for an afternoon and paddle out into the sunset. Or to rent a stand-up paddle, put the life jackets on the kids and pull them around the water. No matter what you do, the fun factor is guaranteed!
ECO CENTER The Eco Center was founded in 1999 to protect the coral reefs, that are one of the species-richest in the world. Marine biologist holds daily changing lectures here and offers an insight into the sensitive ecosystem of our planet. The Kuramathi Eco Center wants to enlighten and sensitise tourists and relies on science and sustainable use of resources to do so.
INSIDE OF THE ISLAND Should you have enough of water sports, the inner island offers abundant jungle for a variety of activities and attractions. You can follow the Nature Walks, visit the 300-yearold Banyan tree, take a trip to the Hermit Crab Walk, take a guided tour through the island’s own garden or circle around on the buggy (the alternative to a bus, with many stops on the island), which is especially popular with kids. Furthermore, the island offers a fitness center, as well as a sports and tennis area. There’s no chance of getting bored!
THE RESTAURANTS When it comes to food, you certainly get your money’s worth on Kuramathi. Depending on your booking, you have either booked the full board or, at an extra cost, an all-inclusive holiday (two levels of all-inclusive available – more information at kuramathi.com), where you can decide between 9 á-lacarte restaurants. In both cases, you can choose from a very abundant buffet at your respective restaurants during breakfast, lunch and dinner. With a range of international, mediterranean, asian and the typical maldivian cuisine on offer, there’s something for every taste. And let’s be honest: a great buffet is perfect when you’re on holiday with children. Furthermore you can find six bars and even a coffee shop scattered around the island, if you’re plagued by an appetite in-between meals.
FOR THE PARENTS / THE SPA Something that all parents with kids and on holiday on Kuramathi should do without fail: Plan at least one visit to the spa. Whether you go together or separately doesn’t matter, because this visit is all about getting the most relaxation and undisturbed me-time. And what better way than during a relaxing massage with seaview of the perfect turquoise tinted sea! As is generally known, the most beautiful places always serve as the ideal spa and wellness oasis – and that’s certainly the case on Kuramathi. By the way: every morning between 7 and 8 am is yoga hour. And seeing as though parents are being awoken from their slumber early even when they’re on holiday, yoga is clearly the ideal way to start the day!
see you soon!
CONTACT KURAMATHI MALDIVES Universal Resorts, 39 Orchid Magu, PO Box 2015, MalĂŠ, North Ari Atoll Republic of Maldives Phone: +960 666 0527 | Fax: +960 666 0556 info@kuramathi.com www.kuramathi.com
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