Unveiling the magic of the family-centric water wonderland, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives

For many, a trip to the Maldives is a once-in-a-lifetime dream—an entry on a bucket list or a distant fantasy.

So, to have visited this island paradise not once, but four times—and twice within the span of just two years—felt nothing short of extraordinary. Stepping off the plane, you’re immediately struck by the mesmerising sight of turquoise-blue waters stretching out in every direction. It’s a breathtaking welcome that never loses its magic, no matter how many times you return.

The Maldives has long been associated with luxury, and with that, a reputation for steep prices. This is largely due to the need to import nearly everything, combined with the exclusivity of being ‘stranded’ on a private island—you’re bound to only the F&B outlets at your property. However, in recent years, a new wave of upscale resorts has emerged closer to Velana International Airport. These properties are not only more accessible but also surprisingly affordable, offering exceptional value without compromising on the quintessential Maldivian experience.

Several well-known Thai hospitality brands have made their mark in the Maldives in recent years, and we were here to explore one of the newest additions, the Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives. Nestled within the multi-island The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts development, this family-focused resort brings a fresh and playful energy to the archipelago. Fans of the Centara Mirage brand may already be familiar with its imaginative, lost-world-themed property in Pattaya, and this new Maldivian outpost continues the tradition of delivering immersive, family-friendly experiences in a stunning tropical setting.

A growing trend in the Maldives is the rise of multi-island developments, where guests can enjoy diverse resort experiences within one expansive complex. The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts is a prime example—and the real winners are the guests. This innovative destination offers exclusive access to two distinct yet complementary properties: the playful, family-focused Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives and the refined, indulgent Centara Grand Lagoon Resort Maldives. Traveling with my three-year-old son, I was naturally drawn to the vibrant, underwater-world theme of Centara Mirage Lagoon, though both resorts offer exceptional experiences.

Another major plus of staying at Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives is its convenient location—just a smooth, 45-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport. In a country where reaching your resort can sometimes involve long and alarmingly expensive seaplane transfers, this proximity is a game-changer. Not only does it make the journey more affordable, but it also means you can start soaking up paradise almost immediately after landing.

There is a common misconception that the further you venture from Malé, the better the water or marine life. But I can confidently say that is simply not true. The lagoon surrounding Centara Mirage was nothing short of spectacular: crystal-clear and teeming with colourful fish. The natural beauty here rivals anything you’d expect from the outer atolls.

We were a group of four adults and one energetic little traveller, and the transfer couldn’t have been more seamless. As our speedboat approached the island, we were welcomed at the arrival pavilion with the perfect blend of Maldivian tradition and the warm, attentive charm of Thai hospitality. Even though we had already spent five days in the Maldives prior to arriving at Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, the excitement was palpable all over again.

Before settling into our villa, we were taken on a quick guided tour of the property. It was a great way to get our bearings, but for my three-year-old son, one part immediately stole the show—the resort’s incredible outdoor water complex featuring swimming pools, a designated kids’ pool, a meandering lazy river, and a vibrant water playground.

We checked into our Mirage Overwater Sunset Villa, a spacious and well-designed retreat that would be our home for the next two nights. The villa had all the modern amenities you’d expect, including an outdoor jacuzzi and plenty of space to unwind. Though officially a one-bedroom, it also included a small additional room with a bunk bed—perfect for families traveling with young children. The interiors were bright and thoughtfully decorated with subtle ocean-themed touches. Best of all were the uninterrupted views of the lagoon, showcasing the Maldives’ signature palette of blues. While I just wanted to relax and soak it all in, we had a full itinerary ahead of us, and with one very excited little traveller ready to explore, relaxation would have to wait (at least for a bit!).

We were on a full board with meal plan, which included breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with two drinks per person at each meal—a great option for families looking for both value and convenience. Our first dining experience was at Suan Bua, Centara’s signature Thai restaurant. After five days away from Thailand, we were genuinely excited to enjoy authentic Thai food again, cooked by Thai chefs and served by Thai staff. It was a little taste of home in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The Kiew waan, Krapao moo sub, and Tom yum—our go-to dishes on any beach holiday—were comforting, flavourful, and exactly what we were craving.

We had barely 30 minutes to digest our Thai feast before it was time to head out for the sunset dolphin cruise—a must-do Maldivian experience that I always look forward to. The ocean was a bit choppy that evening, but that didn’t stop us from spotting a few pods of dolphins gliding through the waves. As the boat rocked, the sky put on a show of its own—a stunning sunset that painted the clouds in hues of orange and pink, just before the rain rolled in on our way back to the resort.

After a full day of travel, food, and sea air, we were all running low on energy. So, we opted for a relaxed dinner at The Sailhouse, the resort’s breezy all-day dining restaurant. With its casual, nautical vibe and beachfront setting, it was the perfect spot to wind down. The menu offered a solid mix of local Maldivian seafood and international favourites—everything from grilled fish to burgers and steaks. It’s also where breakfast is served each morning.

We returned to our villas just before the heavy rain poured down; the perfect antidote for a good night’s sleep. The next morning, we woke up recharged and ready for another packed day, fingers crossed that the weather would cooperate—and thankfully, it mostly did.

After a hearty breakfast at The Sailhouse, which featured an impressive spread of both Western and Asian options, we made our way to the main pool—the heart of the resort. My son made a dash for the water slide the moment we got to the pool—and from that point on, it was hard to tear him away. Not to mention the temptation to enjoy Papa Turtle, Uncle Octopus, and Mrs. Jellyfish, as well as Madame Stingray playground. Parenting at the beach can be tiring as much as it is fun, especially with an active three-year-old who keeps his out-of-shape dad on his toes.

So, I felt I deserved a visit to the spa for my turn at some R&R. While one of us nobly took on babysitting duty, the rest of us strolled over to Spa Cenvaree for a rejuvenating 60-minute aromatherapy massage. Being a Thai brand, you know you’re in expert hands—the spa experience here is every bit as polished and professional as you’d expect. What really stood out, though, was how family-friendly the entire resort is—even at the spa. They’ve thought of everything, including a dedicated ‘Candy Spa’ for kids aged four to 10. Yes, you read that right—a spa for children aged four and up, complete with edible chocolate treatments, mini manis, pedis, and more.

As is usually the case after a good massage, I was famished—so we made our way to Acqua for lunch, the resort’s charming Italian osteria just steps from the pool. With handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and all the comforting Italian classics you’d hope for, Acqua delivered exactly what we needed: simple, satisfying food in a relaxed setting.

While the rest of the group returned to their villas after a leisurely swim, I took the chance to meet Ahmed Zaan Hussain, Cluster Marketing Executive, who graciously picked me up from my villa for a tour around the entire Atollia island. I was able to explore a variety of room types—from the entry-level beachfront rooms to the expansive Four-Bedroom Mirage Beach House, perfect for large families or groups wanting a bit more space (and separation).

Zaan then drove me over to the newly unveiled Centara Grand Lagoon, which had just opened a few weeks earlier when we visited in early May. I was genuinely impressed by the overall build quality and attention to detail—this place could easily rival some of the Maldives’ ultra-luxury resorts that charge double or triple the price. All 142 villas come with private pools, but the one that really caught my eye was the Two-Bedroom Sunset Overwater Villa. I’ve already earmarked it for my next visit!

Before heading to dinner, we swung by Sunset Social at Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, which was jaw-droppingly beautiful. Perhaps it was the golden-hour magic, the cocktail concoction, or the strong winds before the approaching thunderstorm. It’s one of those rare spots that catches you off guard, where you pause, take it all in, and feel quietly grateful. As our final evening in the Maldives, it felt like the perfect moment to reflect and simply be present.

With the storm clouds creeping closer, we headed back to our villa to freshen up, then made our way over to Centara Grand Lagoon for dinner at The Gallery—a stylish, open-concept restaurant with a warm, inviting vibe. On Zaan’s recommendation, we tried the Indian tandoor dishes, which were perfectly spiced and full of flavour. We also sampled a few signature options from their impressively large buffet—and couldn’t resist a detour to the dessert room, which felt more like a sweet lover’s playground than a typical buffet ending.

The downpour finally arrived, and we returned to our villas to find a thoughtful farewell waiting for us—a personalised parting message drawn in the sand right at our doorstep. It was a small gesture, but one that perfectly captured the warmth and attention to detail we experienced throughout our stay.

With an early departure the next morning, we packed up our belongings and called it a night. To our surprise, the rain was still falling when we woke up. As the resort team came by to collect our luggage, we made one last stop—The Club at Centara Grand. Although typically reserved for club guests staying at Centara Grand Lagoon Resort Maldives, we were graciously welcomed for a final breakfast. A hearty à la carte spread, fresh juice, and strong coffee made for a comforting send-off before the journey home.

Farewells in the Maldives are always special, and this one was no different. The management team and staff gathered at the departure pier to see us off—a warm, thoughtful gesture that left a lasting impression. On our speedboat ride back to Malé, we were joined by four Thai families who, like us, were still basking in the glow of a truly memorable stay. As we exchanged stories, I found myself reflecting on just how much Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives delivers, especially for families. It strikes that rare balance of fun and carefree for kids, without sacrificing comfort and quality for the grown-ups. It’s playful, polished, and full of little moments that make the experience feel uniquely personal.

Leaving the Maldives is never easy—the turquoise waters, the slow island rhythm, the warmth of the people—it all leaves a mark. After a trip like this, I find myself already yearning for another return.