Soneva Fushi Wins Childcare Award, With Nature Woven Into Play

Soneva Fushi has won the Excellence in Sustainable Childcare category at the Luxury Childcare Association Awards 2026, with the result reported October 28. The recognition focuses on how The Den brings environmental learning into children's holiday activities at the Maldives resort.

For parents comparing island stays, the news offers a useful reason to look beyond the size of a kids' club. The award recognises an existing programme rather than a newly opened facility, and its emphasis is on what children do while they are there.

What earned The Den the recognition?

The association's awards coverage describes tree planting, environmental scavenger hunts, recycled paper workshops and nature-based creative projects. Visits to Eco Centro introduce children to the handling of waste materials, including sorting, composting and reuse. Guided walks and marine conservation activities extend that learning beyond the club itself.

These are tangible subjects for a conversation with a child before a holiday: what happens to paper after it is used, which animals live on an island and how the sea connects to life on land. Parents looking for that kind of experience can ask for a sample weekly programme rather than relying on an award badge alone.

Who can use the club, and what is included?

Soneva's current information says The Den's programme is designed for children and teenagers aged 4 to 17. Access and its daily complimentary experiences are included for young guests in that age range. Children under four can use a one-to-one babysitting service, which families should arrange separately and ask about when checking costs.

The resort describes supervised, technology-free play spaces, two pools, a cinema and creative areas across more than 1,365 square metres. That mix gives siblings different ways to spend time, although a broad age range does not mean every session will suit every child.

What should families arrange before arrival?

Share children's ages, interests and any support needs with the resort before committing to a particular schedule. Soneva recommends arranging specific activities, childminding sessions and babysitting through its team or a Barefoot Butler in advance.

The LCA results were determined through voting by families, guests and industry participants. They are a useful point of comparison, but parents still need the practical answers that make care work for their own household: session times, supervision arrangements, collection procedures and whether siblings can take part together. Those details will shape the daily holiday rhythm more directly than the trophy.

Image: The Den at Soneva Fushi, photographed from above. Courtesy of Soneva.