The Maldives may need no introduction, but for newcomers wanting to dip their toes into island life, Vakkaru is the perfect prelude. Style doesn’t overcome substance here, the balance between untamed wilderness and manicured grounds is just right; hiding adults-only sophisticated-chic alongside kid-approved activities and restaurants catering to the fussiest of palettes within the fronds.
Combine that with a butter-soft sand halo framing the region’s best assets for both sun-worshippers and diving-devotees, it’s kind of everything you could wish for.
Lagoon Bar
The beach at Vakkaru Maldives
Isoletta restaurant
Cabana Pool
Organic Farm lunch
Residence Living Room
30 minutes by seaplane from Malé lands you at this quick-access-castaway-escape. Clean elegance dressed in earthy rawness, the beach villas were built around the lush greenery of the old coconut plantation that once stood here, enveloped in an embrace of palms from which Vakkaru gets its name.
While uninterrupted 360 degree views are presented on an azure platter wherever you turn, the overwater lodgings with their curving boardwalk give them a more exclusive feel.
Vakkaru doesn’t care if you’re three or 73, absolutely no one misses out on this almond shaped islet. With more adult-orientated hangouts in the form of the serene overwater spa or uber cool lagoon bar (they’re really serious about mixology) proving to be sacred spaces to unwind, it’s no longer just about the kids.
Vakkaru is prime real estate situated in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Baa Atoll. Further out from the main inhabited islands, it’s privy to some of the most stunning ocean biodiversity, with the island itself having three deep underwater holes to dive right into alongside instructors from the Splash Watersports centre.
After a long day in the Parrotfish Kids’ Club – where they spend more time exploring the outdoors than anything else – and polishing off their new favourite meal, little islanders can be found settling down in their own enclave.
A special feature of the family villas where a moving wall separates their bedroom from the master.
While on the subject of underwater worlds, the pièce de résistance of time here is by far chartering a private para boat to the nearby Hanifaru Bay.
A mecca for manta rays and whale sharks between May and November, there are limits on how many people can snorkel the area daily, making the experience with these gentle giants all the more intimate.
The extra days of relaxation afforded by the long Easter weekend provide an opportunity to make the most of your time off, travel further afield and experience some close-of-winter sun while waiting for spring’s stubbornness to subside.
For all its calm waters and emphasis on relaxation, some may be surprised to learn that the Maldives loves a party. If there is one time to experience its electric atmosphere, make it the 2024 festive period. Where the resorts burst into a world of colourful celebrations and delectable dinners, and the sand banks become Santa’s grotto.
On secluded Bodufushi in the Raa Atoll, there’s a well-being wonderland masquerading as an island, where what some thought impossible has been built – a hotel concept the Maldives hasn’t seen before.
Classic luxury entwines with modern escapism at arguably the Maldives’ premier address – this is a glamorous island hideout for ritzy-glitzy beach goers.
Step into a world of your own making; a world with no restraints, where time has no meaning and where you have the freedom to live exactly as you please.
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