News
What’s new at Vakkaru: Unveiling six reasons to celebrate six-year milestone
As Vakkaru Maldives marks its 6th anniversary this December, the resort commemorates a journey filled with extraordinary achievements and memorable experiences. Since opening its doors on 17 December 2017, it has emerged as a world-renowned leading private island sanctuary, offering unparalleled luxury levels of service, and creating cherished memories for a growing community of loyal guests.
Six reasons to return or to visit Vakkaru for the first time, with exciting developments providing enhanced experiences for our guests, especially catering to the growing demands of the family market.
Luxury Redefined with New Three- & Four-Bedroom Beach Pool Residence
This accommodation can be adapted to guests’ preferences, making it an ideal choice for families or groups seeking an elevated beach getaway. The main residence has a large 42-sqm swimming pool a spacious terrace with an outdoor gazebo overlooking the Indian Ocean. The third and fourth bedrooms have their own Beach Villa with Plunge Pool connected to the main residence, with its own 12-sqm whirlpool.
Enhanced Two Bedroom Beach Residences and Villas
The two-bedroom Residences now boast a newly built indoor living lounge for additional relaxation space. At the same time, the Beach Pool Villas have been upgraded with larger swimming pools for an even more luxurious swim experience.
Multiple Wins at World Travel Awards 2023
Endorsing Vakkaru positioning as a leading luxury resort, for the fourth consecutive year, Vakkaru has been recognized with multiple awards at the prestigious World Travel Awards 2023. These include:
- World’s Leading Luxury Honeymoon Resort 2023
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel Suite 2023
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Resort 2023
- Maldives’ Leading Hotel Suite 2023
This continuous recognition is a testament to our team’s unwavering dedication and commitment towards the unique experiences offered to our guests.
On Resort Photo Studio
The newly constructed photo studio by Yash Lightroom offers guests unique opportunities to plan personalised, professional photoshoots, for those cherished memories.
New Marine Experiences
The resort has introduced an array of new marine experiences led by our new marine biologist, Lydia Glinski. The programmes are designed for young explorers and adults including “Be A Marine Biologist for a Day,” and dedicated PADI specialty diving courses and a Coral Adoption programme.
Key Appointments in Sales & Marketing Team
Vakkaru Maldives announced two key appointments to its Sales & Marketing team, Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing, Sian Thomas, with over two decades of experience and having previously served as the Director of Sales & Marketing, in leading Luxury Resorts in the Maldives and Dubai.
Afaag Ibrahim, a Maldivian with a great reputation and exceptional leadership skills, joined as Director of Sales.
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 Overwater and Beach Villas are elegantly designed to respect their surroundings, while exceptional dining experiences and amenities await in six restaurants, two bars and a wine cellar. Among our 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 or play each other on the padel tennis court. Splash offers a host of thrilling water sports, ocean excursions, private luxury yachts as well as coral adoption programmes.
Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi wins ‘Best Service’ at 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi, a renowned boutique resort in the Maldives celebrated for its Maldivian-inspired elegance, has received recognition at the 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.
This prestigious accolade honours outstanding quality across recommended properties worldwide and serves as a trusted benchmark for travellers and industry professionals alike. Coco Bodu Hithi was awarded the title of ‘Best Service’ by Condé Nast Johansens for its exceptional hospitality, which seamlessly blends serene surroundings with meticulous, personalised service.
Additionally, the resort was recently recognised in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, cementing its position as a leader in luxury travel. Offering a thoughtfully curated guest experience, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to set itself apart within the industry.
The resort also excels in culinary innovation, boasting four exceptional restaurants. Renowned Michelin-starred chefs frequently collaborate with Group Culinary Director and Michelin-starred chef Martin Cahill to craft exquisite dining experiences, reflecting Coco Bodu Hithi’s unwavering commitment to service excellence and world-class gastronomy.
Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu shine at Seven Star Awards
Coco Collection, a leading Maldivian resort brand, has been honoured at the 2024 Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards, with both Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu recognised for their excellence in luxury hospitality.
Seven Stars Luxury and Hospitality Awards, celebrated as the premier authority in luxury recognition, serves as a trusted guide for the discerning travellers and lifestyle enthusiasts globally, particularly from India and Middle East.
Coco Bodu Hithi, known for its romantic charm and ambiance, has been named the Best Luxury Honeymoon Resort in the Maldives, highlighting its exceptional service and unforgettable experiences for couples seeking an idyllic escape.
Welcoming high-profile celebrities from India such as Mouni Roy and Surbhi Jyoti highlights the resort’s ability to cater to diverse guest profiles and needs, offering curated experiences that elevate every stay. Some of the most notable experiences include the Sunset Cruise and the intimate Dinner Under the Stars in a private pergola.
In addition, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, known for its environmental values, was honoured as the Best Barefoot Luxury Resort in the Maldives at the Seven Stars Awards. This recognition highlights the resort’s unwavering commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices, even 25 years after its inception.
These core island principles, built on ecological measures, have helped the resort achieve multiple accolades at this year’s World Luxury Hotel Awards and be recognised in prominent categories that Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu passionately advocates for.
This winter, embrace the sunshine at Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu with the Discover Coco deals offering up to 40% off on spacious and comfortable villas. To reserve, contact reservations@cococollection.com and secure your extraordinary getaway.
Drink
Cocktail art meets tropical bliss: Tao Zrafi transforms Oaga Art Resort’s Sobi Bar
Oaga Art Resort has transformed its Sobi Bar into a Mixology Garden, showcasing a collaboration with internationally acclaimed Beverage Artist and Netflix’s ‘Drink Masters’ finalist, Tao Zrafi.
Far from the typical poolside bar, the revamped Sobi Bar offers a unique experience where artistic cocktails take centre stage. Standard drinks are replaced with Tao Zrafi’s creations, which expertly blend local Maldivian flavours with surprising twists, providing a sensory journey for visitors.
Each cocktail at Sobi Bar is a testament to Tao Zrafi’s creativity. His exclusive menu combines stunning visual presentation with complex, delightful flavours, elevating the drink experience into an art form.
The Mixology Garden caters to diverse tastes. In addition to Tao Zrafi’s signature creations, Sobi Bar offers a curated selection of international gins and artisanal beers, ensuring every guest finds the perfect beverage to suit their preferences.
To commemorate the launch of the Mixology Garden, Oaga Art Resort is hosting several special events:
- Cocktail Masterclasses (November 29 and December 6): Guests can learn from Tao Zrafi himself, discovering the secrets behind his innovative cocktails.
- The Grand Unveiling (December 5): This evening celebration features Tao’s signature cocktails, a buffet, live music, interactive mural painting, and spectacular fire shows. Guests can enjoy a sunset soiree combining art, music, and unforgettable flavours.
Sneak peeks of Tao Zrafi’s creations are available on Oaga Art Resort’s social media platforms, offering a teaser of the enchanting cocktails awaiting guests at Sobi Bar.
Whether seeking relaxation, artistic inspiration, or an elevated cocktail experience, the Mixology Garden at Sobi Bar promises something extraordinary. With its blend of stunning flavors, unique atmosphere, and unforgettable events, Oaga Art Resort ensures every visitor leaves with cherished memories of paradise.
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