NIYAMA PRIVATE ISLANDS
NIYAMA is the cool kid on the family block in The Maldives – little wonder it is known as Nature’s Playground. NIYAMA is located in the South Western Atoll of Dhaalu and is accessible via a thrilling 45 minute seaplane flight from Male, so the family adventure begins before you’ve even arrived! It’s a tropical hot spot definitely worth making the long haul journey for it is simply picture-postcard Maldivian perfect with soft white sands and turquoise waters. NIYAMA staff are ever adoring of younger guests and special attention is always lavished on little VIP’s. It’s ideal for families of all ages.
Now double the fun – NIYAMA comprises two islands, aptly named ‘Chill’ and ‘Play’ – linked via a bridge. Chill is the original island (opened in 2012) whilst the freshly opened second island, Play, (March 2015) has reinforced NIYAMA’S dedication to family friendliness. Play is livelier and very family-focused.
Treats In The Rooms
We love NIYAMA’S treats in the rooms with unique take on a mini-bar – ‘Deli-In’ – it’s a fridge brimming with gourmet drinks and treats including complimentary popcorn and ice cream! Kids love making sweet and savory popcorn in their rooms! The personal butler service ‘Maldivian-style’ are one of NIYAMA’s signature touches for all rooms.
New Kids Club
The New Kids Club called Explorers (located on Play island) is the BEST in The Maldives hands down. This new super-duper wildly imaginative Kids Club is set in the style of a big circus tent takes tiny tots from 12 months right up to 12 years. It’s the only resort in The Maldives offering a club for children under 3 years. Children are split into four age groups or ‘tribes’ with activities tailored to their abilities and interests.
Everything from Master Chef classes, snorkeling safaris, kayaking and dolphin spotting to mini Olympics, crazy crab soccer, salt dough making and NIYAMA’s unique treasure hunt.
- Globetrotters : 12 months – 2 years
- Adventurers : 3 – 4 years
- Voyagers : 5 – 7 years
- Pioneers : 8 – 12 years
There are lots of fun amenities at Explorers from a playground, trampoline, splash park, a climbing wall and even a stage where budding actors and actresses can live out their Hollywood dreams. Mini-fashionistas can take to the cat-walk to showcase the latest designs from the resort’s boutique whilst in Munch, the mini gourmet kitchen kids can enjoy cooking classes. Little ones can drift off to sleep listening to traditional Maldivian stories in their den.
Spa
The Drift Spa is one of PER AQUUM’s signature concepts, located on Chill, it caters for modern families! Family spa experiences are available as well as a dedicated children’s spa menu with kid-friendly treatments ranging from Daphne the Dolphin Massage to Cool Camel after the Sun treatments and even a Captain Red Claw Manicure!
Dining
NIYAMA does cutting-edge family dining better than anyone! Kids can tuck into child-pleasing treats like mini tacos at Tribal, NIYAMA’s African-cum-Sputh African dining boma with roaring fire where a Maasai warrior greets you, then there’s cool BLU, an all-day beachfront dining paradise with a poolside ice cream parlor packed with home-made ice cream, smoothies, sherbert and crepes, all served by your Sunshine Thakuru.
Then there is Nest, a one-of-a-kind concept for The Maldives, it features a multi-level tree-house design where you climb into the tree-house and navigate the jungle on a labyrinth of wooden walkways to your private dining pod in the treetops, this adds a real sense of adventure to the dining experience.
Families LOVE The Deli, full of Grab and Go delights which are really reasonably priced. There are jars of tempting sweets, smoothies, paninis and favourite coffees for Mums and Dads.
Rooms
Turquoise Family Favourite Room is NIYAMA’S new Beach Pool Suites on Play, it is a great family option where children can sleep in a separate living area (transformed into a bedroom at night) whilst parents have their own bedroom right on the beach, perfect for chilling and playing. It features indoor/outdoor rain showers, high tech toys, popcorn, cocktails, ocean views and a private pool. There’s also a Two Bedroom Family Beach Pavilion as well as a host of different chic stylish studios and suites.
Baby needs can be pre-stocked into your room such as bottle warmers, baby monitors, high chairs, baby baths and top-of-the-line strollers.
Activities
FLOAT is NIYAMA’s water sports center with lots of water activities, plus bikes for families to go exploring.
When to go
The best time to go to NIYAMA in The Maldives is in our winter months, ideal for Christmas school holidays, Feb half term, Easter holidays. You can choose from direct and indirect flights. Maldives combines well with Dubai, Oman and Sri Lanka.
Turquoise Family Offers at NIYAMA – Up to 2 kids under 12 years sharing with parents can fly on the seaplane, stay and eat (buffet or children’s menus) for free between 11 Apr – 31 Oct 16. During same period, children aged 12 – 18 years can enjoy a second room for 50%.