Sophisticated travellers hungry for enriching adventures and experiences that leave a lasting impression are flocking to the shores of the hottest new luxury resort in the Maldives, Vakkaru.
Located in a breathtaking enclave within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Baa Atoll, the five-star resort is a lush and secluded floating paradise of palm-lined beaches and powder-white sand that epitomises barefoot elegance.
In a destination renowned for opulence and alluring accommodation options, Vakkaru has found a way to differentiate itself from its competitors.
By focusing on enriching, truly-immersive guest experiences, the resort is able to capture both the magic of the Maldives and the hearts of travellers from all around the world.
Enhanced Island Living
Vakkaru’s beautifully-appointed rooms are set right on the beach or suspended over the lagoon to ensure an intimate, unforgettable stay that embodies the essence of island living.
Design and nature exist in perfect harmony here and for those who value privacy, thoughtful touches like direct access to the shimmering waters of the lagoon, private plunge pools, incredible views from every room, and intelligent room connectivity where everything is controlled with the touch of a finger allow guests to soak up their surroundings in the comfort of their own villa or suite.
For travellers eager to delve into the soul of what makes the destination special – its aquatic wonderland – Vakkaru offers an impressively long list of water-based escapades, including sea bobbing, jet skiing, kayaking, catamaraning, windsurfing and relaxing in the sun on a private dhoni journey.
The Baa Atoll is renowned as a place of outstanding beauty and unique biodiversity. Guests can snorkel and explore the underwater marvels on the resort’s magnificent house reef or venture further to see the whale sharks and manta rays at Hanifaru Bay.
A team of PADI-accredited dive instructors are on-island to show guests – from beginner to advanced – the highlights of the surrounding marine life. From guided trips for certified divers, to introductory dives for non-certified divers, and even a young divers program starting for children eight years and above, there’s an option for everyone.
Guests with a hankering for exploration and discovering the nuances of a destination can also embark on an island-hopping tour, an atoll-discovery tour, a guided expedition with a marine biologist, or pursue the best view of the stunning islands on a parasailing excursion.
Bespoke Memories
Such is its commitment to originality, Vakkaru partnered with luxury guest experiences specialists, The Magnolia Creative Collaborations, to curate a collection of bespoke experiences that complement the resort’s island offerings.
From culinary greats, wellness mentors, scent experts and fitness gurus to luxurious fashion collaborations and exquisite artisanal pop-ups, the resort’s activities program packs enough punch to entice every type of traveller.
The next collaboration will be from 22 to 25 October 2019, where the resort will be “Going Beyond Chocolate” with Alistair Birt, Head Pastry Chef of Harrods London for an extraordinary experience with chocolate. The program changes regularly, so guests are encouraged to head to the Vakkaru website for full details.
A Dalliance with Tradition
Vakkaru aims to immerse guests in the fascinating layers of the destination: the vibrant cultural mix of Indian, Sri Lankan, Malaysian, Arab, Persian, Indonesian and African influences; the ancient heritage, mythology and folklore that has been passed down through generations and tells fascinating stories about the unique aspects of island life; and the nation’s dependence on the ocean.
Drawing on these rich traditions, design elements at the resort are focused on preserving local architecture and enhancing it with a fusion of the finest natural elements and contemporary amenities. In keeping with the rustic charms of Maldivian culture, all 113 beach and over water villas and suites have an earthy yet elegant aesthetic, offering an incredible sense of space and stunning ocean views.
In an effort to preserve the country’s phenomenal natural heritage and raise awareness about ocean preservation, Vakkaru hosts monthly reef clean-ups. The resort also invites team members and guests to participate in coral planting, using a specially-designed frame to attach fragmented corals and regenerate the health of surrounding marine ecosystems.
A short boat ride from Vakkaru is Thulhaadhoo Island, a local island well known for being the only place Maldivians are still practicing the country’s traditional way of lacquering artefacts, which was historically used to supply the country’s noble families. This is the perfect outing for travellers who want to learn more about the destination’s history.
Hands-on Delicacies
There are five dining outlets on the island – including a South East Asian restaurant, a poolside cabana, and a relaxed Italian piazza – so you won’t go hungry at Vakkaru. Two of them in particular combine eating with entertainment and showcase the country’s finest fare.
Vakku is an elegant open-air grill specialising in meat and seafood. It goes without saying that the seafood in the Maldives is extremely fresh, and at Vakku, your freshly-caught selection is grilled to perfection in front of you as you enjoy the sound of the water lapping gently on the shore and bask in the glow of starlight.
Vakkaru’s Organic Farm is a beautiful, expansive garden where most of the produce for the resort’s restaurants and bars is grown, and it also serves as an experiential dining option. On a ‘Farm to Table Experience’, you’ll be taken on a personal tour of the garden by the Chef and Head Gardener and will learn more about the array of organic vegetables, fruits and herbs that go into your meals. Afterwards, a sensory cooking class is available by personal arrangement.
Personalised destination dining experiences – think sunset picnics on an abandoned stretch of beach or lunch aboard a dhoni while exploring surrounding islands – are also available upon request.
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