Need to know
Rooms
111 villas.
Check–Out
Noon; check-in, 2pm. Both are flexible, subject to availability.
More details
Rates at Vakkaru Maldives include the buffet breakfast at Amany and a round-the-clock butler for your villa.
Also
Unfortunately, this island retreat is not suited to guests with reduced mobility.
At the hotel
Watersports centre, gym, yoga pavilion, kids' club, bikes to borrow; tennis, padel and beach volleyball courts; football pitch; boutique; free laundry service; and free WiFi throughout. In rooms: TV; iPad-controlled air-conditioning, curtains and lights; Bang & Olufsen speaker; tea- and coffee-making kit; minibar; free bottled water; yoga mat; beach bag; flip-flops; bathrobes and slippers; and organic bath products.
Our favourite rooms
The island has inspired the interiors in all of Vakkaru Maldives’ villas: intricate wooden artwork, salt and sand hues, and traditional thatch roofing. In the Over Water Villas, hammock snoozing feels all the more meditative with the waves swooshing gently below; and the terraces at the One-Bedroom Over Water Pool Residences have a glass window in the floor, so the ocean’s your aquarium. The Beach Pool Villas are set on the palm-tree-line shores, with a garden-swathed private pool and outdoor shower. And you’ll feel like Poseidon on his honeymoon at the Vakkaru Over Water Residence, an all-frills villa with its own spa treatment area, Jacuzzi and pool-toting terrace, plus plenty of extra perks.
Poolside
Steps from the sunlounger-lined shore, the main pool is shaded by lolling palm fronds and seamlessly blends into the tropical landscape. After a few leisurely laps, doze off in an ocean-facing cabana or tuck into post-swim snacks and drinks at poolside eatery Isoletta. If you want a private plunge (or starlit skinny-dipping session), most villas have their own pool, set away from prying eyes…
Spa
The overwater Merana Spa is a secluded, stilted cocoon, with a cold plunge pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room at its heart; and — branching off into the ocean — water-gazing treatment rooms with a soundtrack of sea. The setting is as soul-soothing as the offerings: unwind with Ayurvedic rituals, aromatic body scrubs, vitamin-infused facials, treatments for two or tailored to little Smiths (just note: the relaxation area is for over-16s only). Doll-up for dinner with a manicure or pedicure, or meditate at a candlelit crystal-singing bowl session.
Packing tips
Sturdy swimwear for watersports (something skimpier is acceptable in your private pool). Ditch your goggles and flip-flops: the Splash watersports centre supplies snorkelling kit, and you’ll find the latter in your villa.
Also
Running off into the sunset almost comes true at the round-the-clock gym, which is set facing west over the water.
Children
Welcome. Each villa has a sofa-bed for a child under-12; residences are suited to bigger families. The Parrotfish Club (for ages three–12) entertains with outdoor activities and cooking classes; older kids can head to the sports courts or games room.
Best for
All ages, but the overwater villas may be better suited to older tots.
Recommended rooms
Each villa comes with a sofa-bed for children under-12; the One-Bedroom Over Water Pool Residence and Over Water Deluxe Pool Villa each have a children’s room with twin beds.
Crèche
Catering to little Smiths aged three to 12, the Parrotfish Club has a beach playground and puts on alfresco activities and indoor games. One-to-one care or off-site outings are available for an extra charge (from US$30), and under-threes must be supervised by a parent or babysitter. Older children might want to hit the tennis, beach volleyball or padel courts, plus the Coconut Club is a games room kitted out with pool and foosball tables, and board games.
Activities
The resort hosts a junior Masterchef programme, plus cookie- and pizza-making classes. Staff can also arrange children’s birthday parties and movie nights at the jungle cinema.
Swimming pool
The main pool is family-friendly, plus each residence and most villas have a private pool (either infinity or plunge).
Babysitting
Babysitting can be arranged at the Parrotfish Club or in your villa, with advance notice and for an extra charge.
