Maldives with 2 under 5s? Are we crazy?

LesD

We did Bandos five years ago.

Although we didn't have any with us (!), you could see it's a great island for kids. It's one of the bigger islands and has lots of facilities.

The medical support is the best in the Maldives with a full-time medical centre including a decompression chamber for diving problems.

However, as pointed out several times, food and drink costs are not cheap.

We were there two weeks on HB and I've just checked my old CC statement to find we spent approx £400 over the two weeks on trips, paragliding, and 'extras' - drinks etc.

From memory, evening meals were $20 - $30 per person. So that would be £400+ for two of you for two weeks.

Add 25% for inflation/exchange rate and you won't get much change out of £1,000 for 'extras'.

However, the standard meals eligibility is only in the buffet restaurant. Even on HB, there are extra charges to eat in the 'premium' restaurant.

In addition to these two, there are at several other 'snack' bars around.

Full details of these, together with a price list for drinks are on their website. There's also a contact email there if you want more details of the food costs.

bylromarha

Just got back.

It was amazing. Our 3 and 4 yr olds had a great time-the beach was the biggest softest sand pit they'd ever seen, the fish came and said hello when they were standing in the shallow water, so if you dredge up this thread, the maldives is very do-able with 2 under 5s!

Would recommend Bandos-loved being able to access babysitters and used the kids club 3 mornings-kids understandably preferred being outside to in!

Final bill on half board was just over £800-2ad, 2 kids, 4 excursions, 1 dive and a very expensive lobster dinner to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary suited us as Clubcard had paid for the 2 week trip.