When mentioning the Maldives as a holiday destination, there seem to be two schools of thought.
The ‘yes, don’t be absurd, of course I’d love to spend endless days in paradise’ and the ‘what would I – and the kids – do all day?’
Let’s face it, for anyone who’s ever travelled with children, the thought of flying halfway around the world only to be met by cries of ‘I’m bored’, while spending a small fortune, doesn’t seem appealing.
But that’s where Jawakara Maldives comes in.
Set in the pristine, lesser-explored waters of Lhaviyani Atoll, this new five-star resort is set to appeal to those in the second camp.
These are two large islands – Mabin and Dheru – connected by a 650-metre overwater bridge spanning the vibrant Jawakara house reef, creating a unique experience of space and variety seldom found in the Maldives.
We arrive already jetlagged by seaplane (a 35-minute journey) from Malé International Airport to a fanfare of song and welcome drinks, and hop in a buggy to our pool villa situated on the small island of Dheru.
Between the two islands, Jawakara offers 290 villas.
Carol Driver takes her family to Jawakara, a two-island resort in the Maldives connected by a 650-metre overwater bridge
Carol and her family arrive by seaplane (a 35-minute journey) from Malé International Airport to a fanfare of song and welcome drinks
The resort comprises two large islands – Mabin and Dheru – connected by a 650-metre overwater bridge spanning the vibrant Jawakara house reef, creating a unique experience of space and variety seldom found in the Maldives
At around 14 acres, Dheru – aimed more at couples, or families with children over 12, and those who want to be further away from the ‘action’ – is fairly big compared to other Maldives getaways; with restaurants, pools, entertainment and a spa all a short walk away.
The villas mix modern with traditional Maldivian designs. There are three-bedroom options with private infinity pools, and ours meets the pristine sand leading to the sparkling Indian Ocean.
Mabin, the larger of the two islands, covers around 95 acres, mixing lush tropical vegetation, soft white beaches, and calm coral lagoons.
There are bus stops for buggies as well as bikes for hire.
Inside, our villa is sleek and minimalist, with a king-size bed, an alfresco ensuite bathroom with a rain shower (listen out for the geckos), and a private sun deck.
And while, yes, we spend many hours soaking up the sun by our own pool (try enticing a seven-year-old to go on a walk when you have a pool outside your villa), Jawakara isn’t all about taking it easy – there is an abundance of activities.
The resort has been designed to keep those who like to be on the move (including children) entertained.
As well as an 18-hole golf course with a driving range, there’s tennis, padel, pickleball – and watersports, including windsurfing, kayaking, scuba diving and catamaran sailing.
As well as an 18-hole golf course with a driving range, there’s tennis, padel, pickleball – and watersports, including windsurfing, kayaking, scuba diving and catamaran sailing
Carol and her family’s villa is sleek and minimalist, with a king-size bed, an alfresco ensuite bathroom with a rain shower (listen out for the geckos), and a private sun deck
My husband and I take our daughter, who’s seven, jetskiing for the first time – which is exhilarating.
Within minutes, she’s giggling and clinging onto her dad as they zip across the water.
We also explore the beautiful colours of the reef with a snorkelling expedition (although the water was a tad too cold).
We also check out the islands’ multiple swimming pools. Each has a different atmosphere.
The main infinity pool is where to go for sweeping ocean views, while the lagoon pool feels like an extension of the sea itself.
Then my daughter and I head for a moment of calm in the over-water Sulha Spa for a relaxing couple’s massage.
En route, the bridge itself is a novelty – the ‘let’s beat mummy’ from my daughter whirring past in a buggy while I aim to get my steps in for the day.
Or standing at the edge, feeling as though you really are in the middle of a vast ocean, while schools of cute-looking baby sharks dart between the coral below.
The main infinity pool is where to go for sweeping ocean views, while the lagoon pool feels like an extension of the sea itself
When it comes to dining options, there appears to be pretty much any style of cuisine available at Mabin’s Saima and Aila buffet restaurants
When it comes to dining options, there appears to be pretty much any style of cuisine available at Mabin’s Saima and Aila buffet restaurants.
This isn’t just a typical help-yourself offering – this is a space the size of a large house, with food stations serving everything from salads, pasta, pizza and meat, to Indian dishes freshly cooked in tandoori ovens.
There’s an entire cold room with enough room for 20 people that’s purely filled with desserts. The live cooking stations are a highlight, especially for Amelia – watching as the the friendly chefs flip pancakes at breakfast or grill her favourite fish for dinner.
We also dine at Umi 海, which is located on the bridge, for a spectacular grown-up a la carte experience of Asian Pacific flavours, while Hideout is perfect for staple comforts such as burgers and sandwiches.
Then we choose from the three bars on Mabin for a sundown on a terrace overlooking the shimmering water and pinch-me views.
Jawakara manages that rare balance – enough serenity to switch off, but plenty of room to move, explore and feel like you’re doing more than just lying still.
It’s a version of island life that doesn’t demand you slow down completely, unless that’s exactly what you want.
And after a few days here, even the most restless holidaymaker might be tempted to do just that.
