Hi
We went to Sri Lanka with our 18mth old in feb 2012.
We stayed at the Max Wadiya and can't recommend it highly enough.
It's an amazing, magical place and it doesn't get more child friendly.
Feb/March is when the turtles hatch if you can time that right.

I have attached the trip advisor reviews below which are just as enthusiastic.

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Revi ... vince.html

Good luck. I am very, very jealous.

Actually, sorry, it's not the sister hotel, but is nearby. I would highly recommend Le Prince Maurice for children.

I've stayed at Le Prince Maurice, the sister hotel, which was amazing. October and November are the best months of the year.

We took our 18 month old to Lux Belle Mare in Mauritius last year and really enjoyed it. The set up works very well for that age as the pool is gently shelving and the beach is large and safe. There is not a separate room for them to sleep in (unless you spend a fair bit more) but there is a lobby/dressing area in the room which is semi separate. cots and high chairs are provided and the main buffet restaurant and Beach Rouge have child friendly food. Also the time difference works very well as you can keep your little one on UK time and up for dinner with you (saves on babysitting fees) or adjust them to local time fairly easily if you prefer. Direct overnight flights with air mauritius on certain days, 1hr transfer I think.

we went in March/April but I believe November is also good?

Any affordable recommendations for Mauritius or Oman?

Kerala is rainy in November and the Maldives are also somewhat risky - the problem there is that there is literally nothing to do if it rains, so you go stir crazy. Mauritius is probably a better option at that time of year with kids. Also Oman might work.

Maldives? Lovely toddler friendly resorts here:
http://www.totstoo.com/hotels/destination/maldives/

Kerala?

We don't mind if we have to change flights if it is a better overall destination and less transfer time at the other end.

Thanks for the tip re November - open to suggestions on other destinations as well with similar criteria.

Thanks

I love Sri Lanka but November can be very wet (even December can still be unsettled). Can you wait until Jan or Feb?

following this as I would really like to go...

One question I would ask is would you prefer a non stop flight or one with a stop halfway? My understanding is the resorts nearest to Colombo will enable a non stop whereas those cliser to Galle will require stopping. Ideally you dont want a long transfer from an airport after a long flight too.

Any recommendations for a toddler friendly resort / accommodation that doesn't cost the earth yet has access to eateries and separate space for the little one to sleep. Ideally looking for somewhere costal.
Also keen to hear of other recommendations for a November winter sun spot with similar requirements.