Featured
Vakkaru Maldives introduces exciting new facilities, enhanced experiences for 2022
Recently voted the Indian Ocean’s ‘Leading Resort’ in this year’s World Travel Awards, Vakkaru Maldives is excited to unveil a series of new experiences and upgraded facilities for 2022.
From a state-of-the-art padel court to a range of immersive dining experiences, these new offerings are designed to further enhance the guest journey on the private island sanctuary, and will be rolled out in time for the upcoming festive season.
To keep sports enthusiasts on their toes, Vakkaru will add a padel tennis court, which opens this December, to their extensive repertoire of sports and exercise facilities. This popular racket game is guaranteed to give a full-body workout and is perfect as a serious workout for two or as a family bonding exercise.
Meanwhile, budding tennis champs can improve their serve and game on Vakkaru’s upgraded tennis court, recently resurfaced by the professional team responsible for the Australian Open tennis court.
By mid-December, those seeking to balance their overall wellbeing can practice their downward dog and develop their breathwork at the brand-new, sunset-facing yoga pavilion on Vakku beach. Emerge from a relaxing yoga class feeling calm and refreshed, before heading over to the resort’s overwater Merana Spa for a pampering treatment.

They say food is the ingredient that binds us together, a belief which Vakkaru firmly stands by.
This November, the resort’s popular Lagoon Bar will add some sizzle and flash to its menu with the addition of a new teppanyaki table that can seat up to 10 guests. The best sunset watching spot on the island and popular for sushi, sashimi, and signature cocktails, Lagoon Bar will have a chef slicing and searing right before your eyes, serving up steak, fresh-of-the-boat seafood, and organic vegetables straight off the iron griddle.

Another culinary adventure also awaits guests in the resort’s Organic Farm, which continues to evolve into a lush tropical island garden and a location of dining events.
Encircled by coconut trees, the farm produces some of the freshest fruits, herbs and vegetables for our restaurant and bar, from lemongrass, Maldivian chilli to water spinach. Here, a newly installed dining table seating up to 10 guests provides a tranquil space for a sociable back-to-nature dining experience.
Guests can come together for an authentic Farm-to-Table experience, where they are invited to pick their own herbs and vegetables for salads whilst the chef prepares freshly caught seafood from the Indian Ocean.


Speaking of these new developments, Vakkaru’s General Manager, Iain McCormack says: “At Vakkaru, we are committed to enhancing the guest experience by continually responding to ever-changing industry trends and consumer demands. We look forward to welcoming guests to our paradise island to experience these exciting new initiatives which have been rolled out just as the Maldives prepares to celebrate its Golden Jubilee Year of Tourism in 2022.”
Located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for its spectacular sea life, Vakkaru Maldives is a timeless sanctuary recently named the Indian Ocean’s Leading Resort in the World Travel Awards.
An awe-inspiring 30-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport takes you to this secluded reef island, shaded by coconut palms and blessed with calming ocean views and powder-soft white-sand beaches.
Here 113 beautifully appointed Over Water and Beach Villas are elegantly designed to respect their surroundings, while exceptional dining experiences and amenities await.
Among industry-leading offerings is overwater Merana Spa, complete with an Ayurveda practice and a regular host to residencies by the world’s most inspiring wellness practitioners.
Children and teens are generously catered for in the Parrotfish Club and Coconut Club respectively, while guests of all ages can play against world-famous pros through a best-in-class coaching partnership with Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis.
Threading all those services and facilities together, our unique hospitality concept Vakkare places a sincere, proactive commitment to care at the core of all we do.
For more information or to make a booking visit www.vakkarumaldives.com or contact reservations@vakkarumaldives.com.
Featured
Coco Collection brings conservation and low-waste living into resort experience
Coco Collection, a Maldivian-owned resort brand, has invited guests to experience a more conscious approach to luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi.
Across its two island resorts, Coco Collection has incorporated environmental responsibility into the guest experience through its Coco Cares philosophy. From nature-led experiences inspired by the islands’ ecosystems to culinary offerings based on fresh, locally grown ingredients, the resorts have been designed to reflect the natural setting of the Maldives while integrating sustainability into daily operations.
At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, this commitment is reflected in the Maldives’ veterinary-led Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, which is operated in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. As a founding partner of the facility, the resort provides care for injured sea turtles and supports marine conservation awareness. Since its establishment, the centre has treated and released 152 injured turtles, with a rehabilitation success rate of 60%. The resort also continues seagrass preservation efforts aimed at protecting marine habitats and supporting biodiversity in the surrounding waters.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu also applies low-waste practices, mindful sourcing, and resource-conscious operations across the resort. This approach extends to Coco Farm, where homegrown produce, handcrafted preserves, and garden-to-table dining experiences are used to bring local flavour and seasonality to the table.
At Coco Bodu Hithi, the same approach is reflected in its food and beverage offerings. To mark Earth Day, the resort has introduced a green-inspired cocktail experience focused on eco-conscious mixology, using fresh ingredients grown on the island.
The resort said its low-waste approach informs all aspects of the guest experience, with attention given to responsible resource use. From the choice of herbs and fruits to preparation and presentation, the offering is intended to reflect respect for the natural environment.
This approach also extends across the resort’s wider culinary programme, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients, house-made preserves, and dishes inspired by the Maldives’ natural produce. Through seasonal menus, conscious sourcing, and resource management, Coco Bodu Hithi aims to offer an experience that combines hospitality with environmental responsibility.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
-
Cooking1 week agoSun Siyam Iru Fushi hosts Michelin-starred Chef Robin Pietsch
-
Cooking1 week agoKuredhivaru Resort & Spa introduces Secret Garden private dining concept
-
Action1 week agoEri Maldives offers accessible reef diving and snorkelling
-
Action1 week agoSirru Fen Fushi hosts football programme with Marcus Allbäck
-
Honeymoon6 days agoCentara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers secluded island experiences for couples
-
Awards6 days agoAngsana Velavaru achieves 4.8 rating in British Airways Customer Awards
-
Featured5 days agoGrand Park Kodhipparu to host lunar-themed experiences in May
-
Awards4 days agoKuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026


