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Kuda Villingili Resort highly commended for Best Long-Haul Family Stay at the Family Traveller Awards 2026

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been named Highly Commended for Best Long-Haul Family Stay in the Family Traveller Awards 2026, recognising the resort’s thoughtful approach to family and multigenerational travel, where considered design, generous space and experiences for  every generation allow families to holiday together while enjoying the freedom to create their  own time and space. 
Organised by Family Traveller, the UK’s leading family travel publication, the awards attracted  hundreds of entries across 19 categories. An independent panel of expert family travel  journalists selected the finalists before thousands of public votes determined the winners and  highly commended properties, announced at an awards ceremony in London on 11 September  2026.  
Just 30 minutes by luxury speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili combines  easy accessibility with an island experience thoughtfully designed for families. Its 75 private pool villas and residences include spacious multi-bedroom Villas, Residences and Retreats particularly suited to extended and multigenerational stays. Individual bedrooms and living areas feature separate external entrances alongside internal connecting doors. This allows  families to stay together while retaining a sense of privacy and independence – particularly useful for grandparents, parents, couples and older children travelling together. 
For younger guests, Kuda Fiyo Kids Club offers its own expansive beach beside the island’s shallow lagoon, giving children space to explore while parents enjoy time of their own. With supervised outdoor adventures, creative activities, games and island discoveries, the  programme encourages young guests to experience the island independently. The daily Kuda Villingili train ride has become a much-loved ritual for little explorers. 
Family-friendly thinking continues throughout the island. The resort’s spectacular 150-metre swimming pool features dedicated shallow areas for younger swimmers, while the surrounding lagoon opens the door to kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and other ocean adventures. 
Budding surfers can also take their first steps into the sport with certified surf instructors at Baby Chickens, the beginner-friendly section of the island’s renowned Surf Chickens break, where they can gradually build their confidence and skills in the ocean. 
Older children and teenagers are equally considered, with tennis, padel, pickleball, futsal, volleyball, watersports, diving and other recreational experiences offering plenty of  independence and adventure beyond the Kids Club years. Across eight distinctive restaurants,  diverse cuisines provide something for every generation, with children under 12 dining  complimentary, while parents can retreat to the overwater Spa or enjoy time of their own as  younger guests explore the island. 
This balance between togetherness and individuality lies at the heart of Kuda Villingili’s family experience. Families can share a villa without sacrificing privacy, pursue different experiences  during the day, and come together again over dinner, beside the pool or for a Maldivian sunset  – allowing each generation to experience the island in their own way. 
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 accolade further highlights Kuda Villingili’s family-focused offering in the Maldives, where  “Time and Space Redefined” takes on a special meaning: more time to reconnect, space for  every generation, and experiences designed to become part of the family story.  
Discover Kuda Villingili’s Family Getaway Offer here 
For more information about Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, please visit www.kudavillingili.com  
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