Vakkaru Hotel & Resort, Maldives

Understated, chic and oozing contemporary style, Vakkaru’s stunning villas boast an earthy yet elegant Maldivian design, all with an incredible sense of space. Choose between a classic beach setting, nestled between coconut palms on the gorgeous white sands or an overwater location, set on stilts over the dazzling lagoon, where the warm, muted tones contrast with the gleaming turquoise colours that beam through the floor-to-ceiling glass. Some Beach and Overwater Villas also have private infinity pools. All guests are provided with bikes for cycling through the island. The pièce de résistance are Vakkaru’s utterly stunning Beach and Overwater Residences – vast, awe-inspiring private sanctuaries which take full advantage of their privileged locale – either a heavenly beach position or aquatic overwater setting. There are some Family Villas too plus the Ultimate Maldivian Private Hideaway – the exclusive two-storey, four bedroomed Vakkaru Overwater Residence – one of the largest overwater residences in the Maldives, offering guaranteed seclusion, a chef on stand-by, a 55m² private infinity pool and far-reaching ocean views.

Dining is a sublime experience on Vakkaru. There are six restaurants, two bars and an incredible wine cellar – not to mention the inspiring Organic Garden where bespoke private dining experiences can be arranged with a personal chef to celebrate a special occasion. The food is a highlight, with tastes and flavours from around the world. Dine poolside, on the beach under the stars or over the water. Try grilled seafood at Vakku or enjoy the open kitchen vibe at Onu where chefs take you on a delectable culinary journey through South-East Asia. The Lagoon Bar buzzes every night, complete with its new Teppanyaki Table serving mouth-watering sushi. For wine lovers, the wine cellar is hosted by the indomitable sommelier, Ivan from Montenegro, possibly the most charming, likeable character on the island. His passion for wine is insatiable and his ice-filled ‘rosé wheelbarrow’ sheer genius – he does the rounds at lunchtime, proudly telling guests that Vakkaru has the largest rosé selection in the Maldives!

Vakkaru’s Merano Spa is a wellness triumph! The outdoor relaxation area sits on stilts over the cerulean sea with glass panels for watching parrotfish swim beneath you. The overwater gym comes with a wooden deck for sunrise yoga and the tennis, badminton and volleyball courts lie hidden within the palm-forested foliage. The water sports centre ‘Splash’ offers a wealth of water sports including scuba diving (with accredited PADI instructors) and memorable sunset cruises whilst for families, the Parrot Fish Club has an adventure playground for younger kids and teens can head to the Coconut Club where there is table tennis and a number of pool tables. Enjoy a jungle style cinema experience under the stars for a movie night like no other or Perhaps above all else though, Vakkaru’s friendly, attentive and personalised service will leave you forever smiling and wanting to return!

A La carte breakfast is served, but mainly a buffet breakfast with a 'cook kids' area.

Over water villas and beach villas with and without pools, Family Villas and Residences.

There's so much to do, from Tennis - Paddle tennis and tennis courts (with an onsite coach).

Food and Drink - 5 restaurants, local dancers and fire shows, wine cellar with wine tasting and an organic garden.

Something special - private yacht, cinema, sandbank or turtle snorkelling.

Kids Cubs - Coconut teens club and Parrotfish kids club.

In your room you will find double basins, overwater villas have a terrace with hammocks & sunbeds, outdoor showers, 43 inch tv and bathroom amenities.

Via Seaplane after your international flight to the capital island - Malé.

There are 113 villas in total.

The doors opened to Vakkaru Maldives in December 2017.