Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been named Highly Commended for Best Long-Haul Family Stay in the Family Traveller Awards 2026, recognising its thoughtful approach to family and multigenerational holidays. The accolade celebrates an island experience shaped around generous accommodation, activities for different ages and the freedom for families to spend time together while retaining their own space.
Organised by Family Traveller, the UK’s leading family travel publication, the awards attracted hundreds of entries across 19 categories. An independent panel of expert family travel journalists selected the finalists, before thousands of public votes determined the winners and highly commended properties. The results were announced at an awards ceremony in London on 11 September 2026.
Located just 30 minutes by luxury speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili combines convenient access with an island setting designed to accommodate different family needs. The short transfer offers a practical advantage for guests travelling with children or several generations, allowing them to begin their resort experience soon after arriving in the Maldives.
The resort’s 75 private-pool villas and residences include spacious multi-bedroom Villas, Residences and Retreats suited to extended families and multigenerational groups. Individual bedrooms and living areas feature separate external entrances alongside internal connecting doors, allowing guests to remain connected while maintaining privacy and independence.
This arrangement is particularly useful for grandparents, parents, couples and older children sharing accommodation. Families can gather in common spaces, then return to their own rooms without disrupting others, creating a flexible environment for different routines and preferences throughout the holiday.
For younger guests, Kuda Fiyo Kids Club offers an expansive beach beside the island’s shallow lagoon. Supervised outdoor adventures, creative activities, games and island discoveries encourage children to explore their surroundings while giving parents opportunities to enjoy time of their own. The daily Kuda Villingili train ride has also become a popular part of the experience for young explorers.
Family considerations extend throughout the resort. Its 150-metre swimming pool includes dedicated shallow areas for younger swimmers, providing a setting for shared leisure time. The surrounding lagoon offers kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and other ocean activities, allowing families to discover the island from the water.
Children interested in surfing can begin learning with certified instructors at Baby Chickens, the beginner-friendly section of the island’s renowned Surf Chickens break. The experience gives budding surfers an opportunity to develop their confidence and skills with guidance, adding another dimension to the resort’s active holiday offering.
Older children and teenagers have access to tennis, padel, pickleball, futsal, volleyball, watersports, diving and other recreational experiences. This range recognises that family travel needs evolve as children grow, providing opportunities for independence and adventure beyond the Kids Club years.
Dining also supports the multigenerational experience. Eight distinctive restaurants offer diverse cuisines, giving families a choice of settings and flavours when gathering for meals. Children under 12 dine complimentary, adding further appeal for families planning their stay.
Parents can enjoy the overwater Spa or take time to relax while younger guests participate in island activities. This balance allows different generations to pursue their interests during the day before coming together over dinner, beside the pool or to enjoy a Maldivian sunset.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, welcomed the recognition as an acknowledgement of both the resort team and its approach to hospitality. He said the resort believes a family holiday should give everyone the freedom to enjoy the island in their own way, whether through children discovering new adventures, parents finding time to unwind or several generations sharing memorable experiences.
“This recognition is a wonderful acknowledgement of our team and the experiences we strive to create for every family who stays with us,” Thaufeeg said.
The Highly Commended distinction brings further attention to Kuda Villingili’s family-focused offering and the Maldives’ appeal for long-haul, multigenerational travel. By combining accessible transfers, adaptable accommodation, varied dining and activities for different ages, the resort presents an experience that supports both shared moments and individual enjoyment.
Kuda Villingili’s “Time and Space Redefined” philosophy finds a clear expression in this approach: time to reconnect, space for every generation and experiences that become part of a family’s shared story. Travellers considering a stay can also explore the resort’s Family Getaway Offer for further details.
advertisment
advertisment
