Villa Park Maldives (Sun Island) with Kids: A Complete Family Guide
After an unforgettable stay at Royal Island Resort and Spa, we continued our Maldivian adventure by heading to Villa Park at Sun Island, another gem from the Villa Resorts chain. If you’re considering combining both islands like we did, here’s a personal glimpse into how the transfer and our arrival unfolded, a process that was impressively smooth and surprisingly enjoyable.
Our day started bright and early at 6 a.m., leaving Royal Island by boat to catch a short domestic flight back to Malé, the capital island where all international flights land. Once we arrived at Malé’s domestic terminal, a member of the Villa Resorts team was already waiting for us. Friendly and efficient, they guided us through check-in and escorted us to our next short flight (about 15-20 minutes) to the local island of Maamigili, which is located right next to Villa Park Island.
From Maamigili, a quick 10 minute speedboat ride took us directly to the hotel. As we stepped off the boat, we were greeted with warm smiles and a lovely welcome by the hotel staff. A golf cart was waiting to take us to the reception area and that’s when it hit us, WOW! The view was breathtaking. The lagoon surrounding the island was a stunning, surreal shade of turquoise. If you’re lucky enough to arrive under a clear sunny sky, I promise that first sight will be etched in your memory forever.
At the reception, we were welcomed by our dedicated host with a refreshing welcome drink. She would become our go-to person throughout the entire stay, always available via WhatsApp to answer our questions, share daily activities offered by the resort and help us make the most of our time on the island. She also gave us a tour of the island map and introduced the layout of the hotel.
Meanwhile, our luggage was taken directly to our room, allowing us to start our vacation stress-free. No dragging bags, no delays, just immediate relaxation.
1- Family stay in the Lagoon Beach Pool Villa & New Overwater Villa with Slide
Villa Park Maldives offers an impressive variety of room categories, 15 in total, catering to every kind of traveler. During one of our bike rides around the island, we even discovered that brand-new duplex villas are under construction, a sign that this resort continues to evolve.
Here’s a quick overview of some room types you’ll find:
- Overwater Villas
- Overwater Villas with Slide
- Deluxe Beach Pool Villas
- Lagoon Beach Pool Villas
- Sunset Water Villas
- Beach Villas with Whirlpool
- Sunset Deluxe Beach Villas
- Sun Villas (The only non-sea view option, but with beautiful interiors and a private garden)
Lagoon Beach Pool Villa: A Family Favorite
We stayed in a Lagoon Beach Pool Villa, which we absolutely loved. The room was spacious, airy, colorful and elegantly designed, with a large private pool and direct access to the beach. The bathroom was a true highlight, not only did it have a stunning bathtub, a spacious indoor and outdoor shower but also (game-changer!) air conditioning in the bathroom. I can’t be the only one who starts sweating while drying my hair or doing my makeup in tropical heat, right? Well, not here. It was genuinely the first time I enjoyed a full getting-ready routine without the discomfort of humidity. And of course we loved our big private pool!
New Overwater Villa with Slide: The Ultimate Fun
The brand new overwater villas with a slide is completely renovated and modern. The moment we stepped inside, the panoramic view of the endless turquoise lagoon took our breath away. But let’s be honest, the highlight for all of us was the slide leading directly into the ocean. Years ago, the trend was water villas, then came the water villas with pools. Now? Slides are the new must-have and we are totally here for it.
2- Exploring Villa Park, Maldives: What makes Sun Island in South Ari Atoll So Special?
Staying at Villa Park in South Ari Atoll felt like stepping into another world, a place where every corner of the island has something to discover and every day brings new surprises. If you’re never heard of South Ari Atoll, it’s actually one of the best spots in the Maldives for marine life, excursions and year-round sunshine.
November to April is considered the best time to visit, with dry weather, blue skies and calm seas perfect for snorkeling or diving with whale sharks, which this area is famous for!
Villa Park (also known as Sun Island Maldives) is huge, easily one of the largest resorts in the Maldives. You’ll quickly realize that getting around on foot isn’t always practical, especially under the hot sun. You have two main options for transportation: Bicycles, which you can rent for around 15$ per day or golf carts, which are free and available any time, just call reception and they’ll send one over to your villa.
Shopping on the Island: A hidden Gem
Surprisingly, Villa Park has several shops dotted across the island, where you can find everything from sunscreen and beach sandals to swimsuits and snacks. Of course, prices are higher than back home, so I’d still recommend bringing your essentials with you.
But one shop truly stood out: The souvenir store near the main reception. It’s more than a shop, it’s an artist’s workshop. The owner is a truly talented painter who personalized t-shirts, coconuts and other items with hand-painted designs. We got a custom coconut with our names and date and our son even asked him to paint a t-shirt featuring his favorite part of the island. The result was better than we imagined! This is also where you’ll find a painting class that’s perfect for kids, especially on rainy days. If you’re planning to buy personalized gifts, go at least two days before departure, so the owner has enough time to finish everything beautifully.
Activities, Sports and Family Fun
Villa Park is a paradise for active families. The sports center is fully renovated and air-conditioned, offering facilities like badminton, tennis, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, billiards… There are even chess boards and games available throughout the resort. Also my husband and son had so much fun playing chess!
Nature, Sustainability & Local Farming on the Island
One of the most surprising aspects of Villa Park was just how green and self-sufficient the island is. Lush with tropical vegetation, it feels like a jungle meets paradise. The resort has its own plantations, where they grow fruits, vegetables and herbs used in the restaurants.
One morning, during a walk, we stumbled upon a chicken coop (or as we called it, the island’s own little farm) and we met a friendly staff member who was collecting freshly laid eggs. It was such a wholesome, unexpected experience and it made us appreciate the effort the resort puts into using local, fresh ingredients from the island itself.
The Main Pool & the Island's Natural Sandbank
While many guests love the privacy of their villa pools, the main pool area is a lively, social spot with music, sunbeds and a pool bar.
But what really took our breath away was the natural sandbank at the very end of the island. Known as a sand tongue, it’s basically a sandbank still connected to the island itself. No need for an expensive boat trip, just walk or bike there!
A Fully-Equipped Medical Center for Peace of Mind
I wasn’t planning on visiting the medical center, but after getting a small thorn stuck in my finger, I dropped by to ask for a needle. What I found was a fully equipped clinic, complete with a pharmacy, consultation rooms and a friendly staff ready to help.
It gave me a real sense of relief knowing that in case of any emergency, we’d be in good hands. That saids, I highly recommend travel insurance, just in case, medical services in the Maldives can be pricey if you’re not covered.
3- Dinning at Villa Park Maldives: Where Culinary Magic Meets the Indian Ocean
One of the highlights of our family holiday at Villa Park Maldives (Sun Island) was the sheer and beauty of its dinning experiences. Be ready to experience something really unique! From Manta rays under your feet to spotting at sunset nurse sharks. Every restaurant on this island will become a memory in itself.
- Al Pontile, Authentic Italian Cuisine and Manta Rays by Night: Al Pontile, the island’s Italian restaurant, is set right at the end of the arrival jetty. By day, it’s a great spot to enjoy fresh pasta and wood-fired pizzas with stunning views over the lagoon. The coral reef is also located right by the Italian restaurant. During the day, you can go snorkeling there and see many fish and if you’re lucky, even a sea turtle. BUT what truly sets Al Pontile apart is what happens at night. As the sun sets and the underwater lights come on, manta rays often appear. Nearly every evening, at least one or two rays come by, drawn by the light and dining here turns into a show. Eating Italian food while watching these majestic creatures swim below you? Honestly, it was breathtaking. It’s now one of our all-time favorite travel moments.
- Sun Star, Thai Flavors with a Slide of Sharks: Located above the water at the end of the overwater villas, Sun Star is a Thai restaurant that offers both incredible food and an unforgettable natural spectacle. Each evening around 5 p.m., nurse sharks start circling under the restaurant, awaiting their 6:30 p.m. feeding. The water is crystal clear and the scene is mesmerizing, a blend of peaceful beauty and raw ocean powder. All this while you’re eating a tasty meal or sipping a fresh cocktail. Our son was absolutely captivated and honestly so where we. The combination of great food and wild marine life was something we didn’t even know we needed on this trip.
- Maaniyaa Main Restaurant, Exclusive Buffet Dining with Rays at Sunset: This restaurant is reserved for guests staying in the Deluxe Beach Pool Villas and Overwater Villas and thanks to an upgrade, we were lucky enough to enjoy it daily. The setting is elegant, open and right by the beach. The buffet itself is diverse and high-quality, offering everything from fresh tropical fruits to international comfort food and live cooking stations. Each night brought something new and the staff were always warm and welcoming. But what made it magical was what happened just in front of the restaurant every evening around 6 p.m., stingrays would swim right up to the shore, gliding through the shallow waters. It became our little family tradition to watch them before heading for dinner. Peaceful, graceful and totally unforgettable. If you’re booking a Deluxe Beach Pool Villa or an Overwater Villa, this dining access is definitely a hidden luxury that adds real value to your stay.
- Southern Star, Buffets for All Room Categories: If you’re staying in all other villa types, like the Sun Villas or Beach Villas, you’ll likely dine at Southern Star. This buffet restaurant offer a wide range of international cuisine and generous options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and they’re family-friendly, casual and delicious. Even without exclusive access, the quality of food across the island remains consistently high.
- Zero Restaurant, Lunch Among the Trees: Through we didn’t have the chance to try it, Zero Restaurant is one of the island’s most unique culinary concepts. Nestled up in the trees, it offers a plant-based, raw food menu with ingredients freshly harvested from the island’s own gardens. It’s perfect for wellness lovers or anyone looking to try something totally different. Imagine having dinner in a treehouse surrounded by tropical vegetation and the sounds of the forest.
- Evening Entertainment and the Main Bar: After dinner, we often wandered over the main bar, where there was always something going on. From live music and cultural dance performances to DJ sets and casual karaoke nights, the vibe was always fun but relaxed. It’s a great space for families, kids can play safely while adults unwind with a drink by the sea.
4- Our 5 Day Family Itinerary at Villa Park Maldives
Day 1 : Touchdown in Paradise & Island Rediscovery:
The first day is always the most exciting, stepping back onto the sandy paths of Villa Park Maldives after five years felt so surreal. So much had changed since our last visit in 2019, yet it still felt like the same peaceful paradise we remembered.
After arriving and checking in, we rented our bikes (highly recommend doing this right away, it’s the best way to get around this massive island). We spent the day cruising through lush tropical paths, stopping to dip into the pool and walking along the beach. Nothing planned, just us, reconnecting with the island, soaking in the calm, the sun and the unbelievable turquoise colors of the lagoon.
Day 2: Water Sports & Spa:
If you’re staying at Villa Park Maldives and don’t visit the Water Sports Center, you’re seriously missing out. This is hands down one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, calm, clear and absolutely dreamy for water activities. We decided to rent a jet ski and a seabob. What made it extra special this time was that Noah, now 10, was old enough to drive the jet ski (with us sitting behind him, of course). You should’ve seen his face! He was so proud, it was one of those little parenting moments that just fills your heart. And let’s be real, it was fun for us too. The water here is unreal. Even when you’re far from shore, it still feels like you’re in a massive swimming pool with the bluest water you’ve ever seen.
And speaking of unforgettable moments… Back in 2019, we took a jet ski out around sunset and suddenly spotted something huge in the water. At first, we were like “No way!” but then we saw it again, it was a 4 meter long nurse shark, at least 3 times bigger than the jet ski! We panicked a bit, but the staff later told us nurse sharks are totally harmless. Still, it was a crazy memory that came flooding back while we rode again this year.
Then came the Seabob, Noah was able to ride it solo for the first time. It’s such a cool gadget that lets you glide under the surface like a dolphin. Hubby and Noah went full “father-son bonding time” and had the best time.
Later in the day, Noah headed to the Kids Club, which is probably the biggest and most dynamic in the Maldives. It even has its own pool! He loved it.
That gave us a chance to head to the Araamu Spa, which I was SO excited about. We had fallen in love with it during our stay at Royal Island and when I saw it here again, tucked into the jungle, serene and peaceful. I booked us a couple’s massage immediately. We tried the Voyager Experience and oh my… I didn’t even realize my therapist was braiding my hair during the treatment. She was so gentle and intuitive, it was the kind of little detail that makes you feel so deeply cared for.
Day 3: Sandbanks, Snorkeling & A Not So Lucky Dolphin Chase
Day three was all about adventure. We booked a private boat for the day and went to explore a nearby sandbank, our first ever! I genuinely thought the lagoon at Villa Park was the bluest water possible… and then we got to the sandbank. The color? Next level. Just unreal.
It felt like we had the whole world to ourselves. We swam, walked around and then snorkeled around the reef. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much, but this reef was full of living coral, bright, beautiful, healthy corals with all kinds of fish weaving through them. It was like swimming in an aquarium.
One tip I always give other parents: even if your kids are strong swimmers, bring swim vests for snorkeling. It just makes it more relaxing and they won’t tire out as quickly. I wear one too, It’s just easier to float around and enjoy it.
We ended up snorkeling for two hours because we completely lost track of time. Afterward, we had some snacks and drinks on the boat and went looking for dolphins, remember how we missed them during the sunset cruise at Royal Island? Sadly, the dolphins where shy again. We spent over an hour searching, but no luck.
Day 4: Planting Our Own Coconut Tree & Private Sunset Cinema
This day was all about creating deeper memories. In the morning we did something really meaningful as a family, we planted our own coconut tree as part of the resort’s sustainability program. Noah chose a coconut tree instead of a mango tree, saying, “One day we’ll come back and drink from our own tree!” How sweet is that?
The team took us through the plantation area, showing us all the different fruits and veggies they grow on the island. Then we planted our tree in the back garden. It felt symbolic, like leaving a piece of ourselves in paradise.
For sunset, we surprised Noah with a private beach cinema experience. He loves movie nights at home, so watching a film on the beach, with waves as our soundtrack and the stars above us, was magical. We picked an ocean-themed movie and the whole setup was so cozy, we had popcorn and drinks. They really thought of every little detail.
To wrap up the evening, we had dinner at Sun Star, the Thai restaurant at the end of the overwater villas. We sat right above the water and watched nurse sharks swimming below us the entire evening. The food was delicious and the service was so warm. Honestly, the combination of good food and wild nature made it one of our favorite dinners ever.
Day 5: Saying Goodbye the Right way
It was our last day, but we didn’t want it to feel rushed or stressful. That’s why I always recommend booking 1-2 nights in Hulhumalé, the local island just 15minutes from Malé airport. We took the last plane of the day around 5 PM, which gave us the whole day to relax and soak up the last bits of sun.
We didn’t plan anything special that day, just beach time and being together. The hotel handled everything with such ease, like always. No stress, no rush, just goodbyes with sandy toes and full of hearts.
Villa Park Will Always Have a Piece of Our Heart
The size of the island, the richness of the lagoon, the vibrant marine life and the sheer number of things to do make it perfect for families. Whether you’re into action-packed day or just want to swing in a hammock under the palm trees, there’s space here for all of it.
And it’s the little moments, Noah steering the jet ski, planting a tree, watching manta rays while eating a pizza, that make it unforgettable. This place isn’t just a vacation, it’s a memory factory.
We can’t wait to return again!
This post was created in collaboration with Villa Resorts. All opinions expressed are my own.