Vakkaru Maldives has pledged its support for the Australian bushfire crisis, with plans to host a charity dinner to raise funds for Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES).

Vakkaru’s General Manager Nicholas Mason has strong ties to Australia, and said he and his team were moved by the plight of Australia and its wildlife and wanted to raise money for WIRES’ dedicated emergency fundraiser.

“We’re located in a UNESCO biosphere reserve here in the Baa atoll, so we understand the importance and fragility of healthy ecosystems,” he said.

“It’s heartbreaking to see so many injured animals and such widespread loss of life and natural habitat. We hope our contribution helps the incredible WIRES team to rescue and care for as many sick, injured and orphaned native animals as possible.”

Guests on island at Vakkaru will be invited to an Australian-themed dinner on Saturday at Vakku Grill, the resort’s signature restaurant on the beach.

The set menu dinner is inspired by the country’s food culture, using an array of produce and supplies from Australia and the Maldives, curated by General Manager Mason, Executive Chef Prasong Taochan and Sommelier Stefanie Wiesner. The menu items include braised pork belly with vegemite sauce, grilled Australian black angus beef tenderloin and Tasmanian salmon couscous, and chai cake for the main course, as well as choices of pavlova and lamington for the dessert.

Wine pairing will also be available as part of the dinner experience, and the resort’s resident sommelier has selected some of Australia’s iconic wines.

All proceeds will be donated to WIRES to ensure that the native fauna affected by the bushfire are receiving the best of care.

A secluded tropical island resort in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Baa atoll, a scenic 30 minutes north of Velana International Airport by seaplane, Vakkaru Maldives offers guests a holistic approach to unassuming luxury and cherishable experiences as you discover the warmth and affection of its people.

Blessed with timeless ocean views, white sandy beaches and nurtured by nature, the resort boasts an extensive selection of accommodation featuring 113 contemporary beach and over water villas and suites with Maldivian rustic charms. Indulgent dining choices from across the world are served in six restaurants and bars, as well as a wine cellar, specializing in global cuisine with Maldivian twist, Italian, Japanese, Southeast Asian as well as luxury beach grill.

Engaging experiences abound for everyone, every day at Vakkaru Maldives with a variety of water sports and excursions await at Splash, two tennis courts and a badminton court at the Sports Fields, recreational activities at Coconut Club, Parrotfish Club for children below 12 years of age, 24/7 overwater gymnasium with personal trainer as well as pampering head to toe treatments at Merana Spa.

Vakkaru Maldives has become the latest addition to Global Hotel Alliance’s (GHA) award-winning DISCOVERY loyalty programme under the curated “Ultratravel Collection” that features premium brand of exceptional hotels and resorts from around the world, hand-picked for the most discerning travellers.

For Vakkaru reservations and general information, please visit vakkarumaldives.com or contact reservations@vakkarumaldives.com.