Black Opal Travel Group Don't follow the crowd.

A luxury family holiday at Niyama Private Islands, Maldives

Posted:

Evie’s Edit: a luxury family holiday in the Maldives, through the eyes of a child.  

Recently, we welcomed Evie to the Black Opal office for her work experience. She shared with us memories of amazing family holidays. We're happy to share them with you, too, in Evie's Edit!

A few years ago, when I was 8 years old, I was lucky enough to stay at Niyama Private Islands in the Maldives with my family. The memories are still so clear; it felt like another world. The resort is made up of two islands – one called "Chill" and the other called "Play" – and that pretty much sums up the vibe. You can pick what kind of mood you’re in each day and just go with it. 

Seaplane Arrival

We arrived by seaplane, which was already a great start. Flying low over the ocean and seeing all the little islands scattered in the water was surreal. When we landed, the staff met us at the jetty for a welcome ceremony, and everything was smooth from there. They gave us cold drinks, took care of our bags, and drove us in a buggy to our villa. 

Overwater accommodation

Niyama Overwater Villas

We stayed in an overwater villa, and waking up every morning to the ocean right outside never got old. There was a private deck, a private little pool, and stairs that led straight into the sea. I spent so much time just sitting there, watching the fish through the glass floor. 

Underwater dining 

Food at Niyama was next level. They have a bunch of restaurants, including one underwater called Subsix, which was a really cool experience– not something you do every day! There was also Asian food, a grill on the beach, and a treehouse-style restaurant surrounded by jungle. Breakfast was a highlight too, with loads of fresh fruit, pastries, and anything else you could want. 

The personal touch and special memories 

The staff were super friendly, they remembered our names and what we liked, which made the whole experience feel personal. Even the buggy drivers would stop and chat or offer to take you wherever you wanted to go, even if it was just a short walk. 

Nights were peaceful. The sunsets were unreal, and it was so quiet you could hear the waves even from inside the villa. Some evenings we had dinner by candlelight on the beach, and other times we just stayed in, ordered room service, and watched the stars from the deck. 

Incredible kids club

One of the best parts for me was the kids’ club, called Explorers Kids Club. It was really well done — not just basic activities, but full of fun and creative things to do. There were themed days, scavenger hunts, outdoor play areas, and even a mini splash park. The staff were super friendly and made it easy to join in, even if you were a bit shy at first. It gave my parents a chance to relax while I was off making friends and having fun. I attended several cooking classes, a mocktail making class and even went on a boat trip with the kids’ club! 

Family activities

There were also plenty of things we did as a family. We went snorkelling together and saw so many colourful fish. One day we took a shark cruise and saw so many swimming alongside the boat, which was unforgettable. There were bikes to ride around the island, which made getting anywhere easy and fun. The beach was perfect, and the sand was perfectly white, and the water was very clear. 

The definition of quality time

Niyama isn’t just about luxury – it’s the kind of place that actually lets you slow down. Everything felt easy and relaxed. No pressure to do a ton of things, but plenty to do if you felt like it. For me, it was the perfect mix of adventure and downtime. 

If you’re looking for somewhere to really disconnect, reset, and just enjoy the moment with family, Niyama is that place.  

To enquire about your next family holiday contact us today via email or call 0330 041 4888 for a no-obligation call with our travel experts. 

 

Back to all blog posts
Image for Jamie1b
Make an enquiry 0330 041 4888