Within the UNESCO BIOSPHERE RESERVE of Baa Atoll in the Republic of the Maldives lies a reef island composed entirely of sediment produced on the surrounding coral “faru” (or reefs), 85% it is thought, by parrotfish, the fish grinding up coral during feeding and, after digesting the edible content, excrete the rest as sand, creating the powder soft, brilliant white sands that encircle the island. (According to a study published in the journal Geology in 2015 after having taken samples and surveys on the reefs around Vakkaru island.)
From that beginning, the exceptional beauty and awe-inspiring location were what drew the owners of this untouched jewel, to select Vakkaru in their quest to fashion an idyllic, sustainable environment of pared-back luxury under the endless emeralds and azures of The Maldives.
VAKKARU MALDIVES has welcomed guests since December 2017 and is a scenic twenty-five minutes north of Male International Airport by seaplane.
Drawing on the rich traditions of the locale, design elements are focused on Maldivian style fused with the finest natural resources in order to preserve the integrity of local architecture with a contemporary style. The result is the creation of amazing spaces for guests to connect with each other and the environment around them.
“It is an extraordinarily stunning island with an impressive house reef and more than 1,400 mature coconut trees left from earlier days when the island was a coconut plantation. I love that we were able integrate the trees within the design of the resort, especially given that Vakkaru means coconut wood in Dhivehi. We also wanted to consider the importance of parrotfish to our island, so we have named the little islanders club Parrotfish Club” says Narelle McDougall, Director of Business Development.
The resort offers an extensive selection of accommodation, with 125 beach and over water villas and suites catering for couples and families alike, as well as indulgent dining choices, guests can enjoy sampling flavours from Europe to Asia in four restaurants and two bars.
Preferring to keep the natural beauty of the island as unspoilt as possible, this independently operated resort is remarkably elegant and understated says General Manager, Wicus Prinsloo, “fashionable design elements, impressive jungle feel to the gardens and vegetation, apothecary organic bathroom amenities, intelligent guest room connectivity and an array of recreational activities await travellers seeking an intimate getaway in arguably one of the most desirable island destinations on the planet”.
Less than three months after welcoming guests from around the world, Vakkaru Maldives was announced “New Comer of the Year” during ITB in Berlin at the annual Hideaways Party, a prestigious event hosted by publishers of exclusive travel magazines and the Hideaways Hotels Collection.
Let the timeless allure of the Maldives welcome you in as you discover the warmth and affection of its people in this idyllic island retreat.
