A serendipitous escape: Vakkaru Maldives is all about scenic views, intriguing experiences, and warm hospitality

The Maldives is the most celebrated group of islands in the Indian Ocean and perhaps the world over. The stunning beauty of its turquoise lagoons and pristine beaches is simply unrivalled. The Maldives islands are one of the few places on earth that everyone hopes to experience in their lifetime—and once you see it, you are forever smitten.

With the tourism boom on island resorts, the Maldives has become the tropical paradise for holidaymakers. And who doesn’t love dreaming of waking up in a house on stilts, gazing at the white sands and palm groves, and being able to dive straight into the crystal clear shiny waters? At Vakkaru Maldives – the private-island resort – you can enjoy these with an added dose of seclusion.

What’s in a name?

A beautiful teardrop-shaped island located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Vakkaru Maldives takes its name from the coconut wood that resembles the lush vegetation and the 2,300 fully-grown palm trees on the island. Blessed with fascinating ocean views, white sands, deep blue holes and house reef with unique marine biodiversity, a scenic 30-minute seaplane flight from Male International Airport will transport you into this idyllic paradise intuitively designed for guests seeking to make lifetime memories. Vakkaru features 113 villas and suites, five sensational restaurants, two bars Vakkaru Reserve, a wine cellar and an over-the-water Merana Spa. Engaging experiences are offered by Splash Dive and Water Sports, Sports Fields, Parrotfish Club for children below 12 years, Coconut Club for teens, and an overwater gymnasium with a personal trainer

Effortless stay

All the 113 beach and over water villas and residences here are huge! With an earthy yet elegant aesthetic, offering an incredible sense of space and stunning ocean views, the interiors combine sleek, modern design in wood and white with Maldivian accents, such as carved wooden artwork, pops of colour and patterned fabric. Right from the curtains to the entertainment system, everything can be controlled using your in-suite tablet. Fitting the classic Maldivian aesthetic, villas are palm thatched; either tucked into the island’s vegetation or on stilts over the water, and have outdoor living space. Some come with private plunge pools. You can choose between overwater and beach villas for couples and families and the four-bedroom overwater pool residence. Features that accompany the villas and residences include complimentary Wi-Fi; iPad controlled light, curtain, air-conditioning and TV; LED flat-screen TV with international channels; music, entertainment and sound system with personal device pairing capabilities; Espresso machine, tea making facilities; in-room safe; sunbeds and yoga mats; hairdryer and sustainable luxury bathroom amenities; bottled drinking water’ gourmet mini-bar; beach bag and flip flops; and bicycles.

World of flavours on a platter

Embark on a gastronomical journey of delectable dishes from Europe to Asia, served in five restaurants, two bars, a wine cellar as well as private destination dining around the island. At Vakkaru Maldives, the world’s many flavours are served on a platter. Begin your day by savouring a buffet breakfast at Amaany Restaurant, which features an Indian food station, followed by beach grills at Vakku. For lunch or dinner, you can opt for the laidback Italian restaurant—Isoletta—or the best of Southeast Asian specialities, prepared with their farm-fresh ingredients, at Onu. Catch the sunset with poolside drinks at Cabana and create your own cocktails with their award-winning mixologist at Lagoon Bar. On select evenings, Amaany even offers the Indian Ocean Splash buffet that features a lavish spread of Indian, Sri Lankan and Maldivian cuisines. Or you can relish a private wine dinner at Vakkaru Reserve. For those looking for a romantic sojourn, a candlelit feast can also be arranged at some of the most idyllic spots around the island — on the beach, under the shade of palm trees in the organic garden, or even on a private sandbank.

Romance in the air

Vakkaru has the ideal space for couples to connect with each other. Whether celebrating the start of your life together on your honeymoon or a milestone of years together for a special anniversary, they’ve curated experiences to offer. Enjoy romantic encounters with their private destination dining around the island, a ceremonial vow renewal with coconut tree planting, floating breakfasts, private sandbank lunches, couples' spa treatments or simply revel in the privacy and intimacy of your over water or beach villa.

Experiences for all

Whether you are up for an adventure or prefer to relax, Vakkaru Maldives offers extensive experiences for all age groups. 50 Shades of Blue aims to celebrate the aquamarine marvels that seek refuge here. You can elevate your Maldivian adventure by heading to Splash, the dive and watersports centre here. Swim with dolphins and sea turtles, courtesy dive explorations with expert PADI instructors; catch mesmerising sundowners on a luxury yacht, or enjoy the magnificence of the Manta Ray season (May to November) at Hanifaru Bay, which is just a 30-minute speedboat ride from the resort.

Let your little ones enjoy the extensive kids’ club facilities with tailored activities and certified team members for children aged between 3 and 12 years. Indoor arts, craft, play and activity areas have been designed to capture the imagination of the little ones and the outdoor exploration space features a children’s pool. Children’s dining options and cooking classes are some of the activities available. If there’s one thing that the Maldives excels in, it’s an innate capability of helping one relax. At the Merana Spa, one of the resort’s highlights, this tranquillity reaches newer heights. Standalone couples’ suites, single treatment rooms and an outdoor relaxation area sit on stilts over the cerulean sea with glass panels for watching parrotfish swim beneath you. Complete with pampering packages and indulgent treatments (think massages, restorative facials, body treatments, and meditation sessions). Add to it a hair and nail salon; relaxation areas like a whirlpool, cold plunge pool, sauna, and steam room; and an infinity pool, and you are sure to find bliss aplenty. The overwater gym comes with a wooden deck for sunrise yoga and the tennis, badminton and volleyball courts lie hidden within the palm-forested island.