Maldives Promotion House – Launching this month and unique to the Maldives, guests at Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort can participate in a brand new community involvement project by donating supplies and materials directly to local schools.

Vilu Reef is the first resort in the Maldives to work with the charity Pack For A Purpose.  The organisation was founded on the principal that those fortunate to travel to other countries have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the communities they visit and a big impact on the lives of children around the world. All it takes is a small amount of holiday luggage space for educational materials (5 lbs/2.27kg is recommended). Guests then pack the requested supplies and simply deliver them to the resort on arrival.

Unlike many hotels in the Maldives, Vilu Reef is located in an atoll which is surrounded by local inhabited islands. As such, guests who would like to bring more to the Maldives and make a small, easy, but meaningful donation can do so for the Dhaalu Atoll School on Meedhoo Island and the Bandidhoo School on Bandidhoo Island for children aged six to 16 years.

What’s more, for those who would like the opportunity to personally meet the school children and teachers, and deliver their donated items in person, Vilu Reef offers a choice of ‘local island tours’. These half-day or full-day excursions visit Meedhoo and Bandidhoo Island to explore the local fishing villages and to experience Maldivian culture and traditional ways of life. Guests visit the mosque, school, meet the local people and can enjoy some shopping. Prices start from USD 45.00 per person (excluding local tax charges). Alternatively, guests can drop the donated items off at the front desk of Vilu Reef, after or during check-in.

Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort is sprawled across the entire expanse of Meedhuffushi Island in the South Nilandhe Atoll.  Reached by a 35-minute seaplane transfer from Malé, the luxury resort is surrounded by lush vegetation, swaying coconut palms and pristine white sandy beaches. Offering a wealth of luxurious facilities including  an infinity pool, gym, Sun Spa, table tennis, volleyball court, a selection of restaurants and bars and a children’s playground. The island also boasts a beautiful lagoon one side and a reef the other – ideal for snorkelling and diving.