Kuda Villingili Earns Family Traveller Commendation for Multigenerational Stays

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been named Highly Commended for Best Long-Haul Family Stay at the Family Traveller Awards 2026. The result was announced at a ceremony in London on 11 September 2026.

The awards are run by UK family travel publication Family Traveller and drew hundreds of entries across 19 categories. An independent panel of family travel journalists chose the finalists, and thousands of public votes then decided the winners and highly commended properties.

For resort operators, the commendation is a useful case study in designing for multigenerational groups. Kuda Villingili's approach centres on letting families share a villa without giving up privacy, spend the day on different activities and come together again in the evening.

The resort sits in the North Malé Atoll, 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. The resort describes its 75 villas and residences as private-pool accommodation, and the inventory includes multi-bedroom Villas, Residences and Retreats suited to extended family stays. Individual bedrooms and living areas have separate external entrances as well as internal connecting doors, so grandparents, parents, couples and older children can stay together while keeping some independence.

Younger guests have the Kuda Fiyo Kids Club, which has its own beach beside the island's shallow lagoon and runs supervised outdoor adventures, creative activities, games and island discoveries. The daily Kuda Villingili train ride is a regular fixture for children.

The resort's 150-metre swimming pool has dedicated shallow areas for young swimmers, and the lagoon is used for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and other ocean activities. Beginner surfers can learn with certified instructors at Baby Chickens, the beginner-friendly section of the Surf Chickens break.

For older children and teenagers there is tennis, padel, pickleball, futsal, volleyball, watersports and diving. The island has eight restaurants, children under 12 dine complimentary, and parents have the overwater Spa.

Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, said, "We are incredibly proud to be Highly Commended for Best Long-Haul Family Stay by Family Traveller. At Kuda Villingili, we have always believed that a family holiday should give everyone the freedom to enjoy the island in their own way – whether that means children discovering new adventures, parents finding time to unwind, or several generations coming together to share 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."

The resort's 75 villas comprise 39 beach villas and residences with private pools and 36 overwater villas. Alongside its eight restaurants, it has three bars and a Whiskey & Cigar Lounge.

Images: courtesy of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives