A COCONUT ISLAND IN A UNESCO BIOSPHERE RESERVE
In the heart of Baa Atoll, Vakkaru Maldives occupies a natural reef island edged by powder-soft white sand and a turquoise lagoon. Once a coconut plantation and still home to more than 2,300 mature coconut trees, the island now forms part of the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with deep blue holes, a rich house reef and far-reaching ocean views on all sides.
Guests arrive either by a scenic seaplane flight of around 25 to 30 minutes from Malé, or via a domestic flight and speedboat connection, which together set the pace for an unhurried island stay.
Vakkaru offers 111 beach and overwater villas and residences, each with an earthy yet elegant aesthetic that reflects Maldivian rustic charm. Beach villas sit tucked among palms with generous terraces and private stretches of sand, while overwater villas and residences are poised above the lagoon with wide sundecks and direct access to the sea. Layouts are designed with space and flexibility in mind, from one-bedroom villas for couples to multi-bedroom beach and overwater residences that work well for families or groups travelling together.
Dining spans six restaurants, two bars and a wine cellar. Amaany serves international breakfast and themed dinners beside the beach; Onu, set in a bamboo-framed garden, focuses on South Asian flavours; Isoletta brings relaxed Italian dishes by the main pool; Anguru offers interactive teppanyaki; Cabana provides poolside snacks and drinks; and Vakku is the open-air grill for seafood and prime cuts by the shore. Lagoon Bar sits above the water for sushi, sashimi and cocktails, while Vakkaru Reserve, the island’s wine cellar, houses hundreds of labels and has been repeatedly recognised with Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence. Destination dining experiences range from sandbank picnics to farm-to-table dinners in the organic garden.
Away from the restaurants and beach, the focus is on relaxed activity. Merana Spa, set partly over the water, includes 12 treatment rooms, outdoor hydro facilities and wellness programmes that incorporate ayurvedic therapies. Splash, the dive and water sports centre, offers everything from snorkelling and scuba diving to yacht charters and sunset cruises, with the wider biosphere reserve and renowned manta ray sites within reach. Families are well catered for with the Parrotfish Club for younger children, the Coconut Club for teens and adults, a Jungle Cinema, sports fields and an overwater fitness centre. Vakkaru’s combination of setting, facilities and service has seen it recognised as a favourite family hotel in regional Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.
Vakkaru Maldives
At a glance
- Luxury all-villa resort on a private island in Baa Atoll, part of the Maldives’ UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- 111 beach and overwater villas and residences with earthy yet elegant design and strong Maldivian influence
- Former coconut plantation, now a lush tropical island with more than 2,300 mature coconut trees
- Approximate transfer of 25–30 minutes by seaplane from Malé, or 20-minute domestic flight plus speedboat connection
- Six restaurants, two bars and Vakkaru Reserve wine cellar, with over 600 labels and multiple Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence wins
- Strong appeal for couples and families, with multi-bedroom residences and year-round kids’ and teens’ facilities
- Set within easy reach of some of the best manta ray and marine-life sites in the Maldives
For leisure and pleasure
- Merana Spa with 12 treatment rooms, warm whirlpool, plunge pool, sauna and steam room, plus ayurvedic treatments and tailored wellness programmes
- Splash dive and water sports centre, offering diving, snorkelling, yacht excursions, dolphin cruises, fishing trips and a wide range of non-motorised and motorised activities
- Parrotfish Club supervised kids’ club for ages 3–12, with indoor and outdoor play areas, a children’s pool and themed daily activities
- Coconut Club for teens and adults, with games, indoor lounge and reading areas, open 24 hours
- Jungle Cinema for private or family film nights in a tropical garden setting
- Yoga pavilion on the beach for group and private sessions with the resort’s resident instructor
- Sports facilities including two tennis courts, a padel court, beach volleyball and a football pitch, supported by a resident tennis coach
- Overwater fitness centre with lagoon and sunset views, open around the clock
The destinations were fabulous, but what really stood out was the care and patience Tania showed as she guided me and my sister through every question and hesitation. Nothing felt rushed or too much trouble. The result? A truly wonderful holiday. Thank you.
