Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / Maldives / Vakkaru Island / Vakkaru Maldives
Vakkaru Maldives
Vakkaru Island, Baa Atoll, Maldives · Independent · Grand Luxury
Vakkaru means coconut timber in Dhivehi, and the December 2017 opening on this former plantation in UNESCO-listed Baa Atoll kept more than 2,300 coconut trees standing. One hundred eleven villas sit inside the biosphere reserve; Travel + Leisure ranked the hotel 17th in the world in 2026, and MICHELIN gave it a Key.
- 111 rooms
- Opened 2017
- Neighborhood: Baa Atoll
About Vakkaru Maldives
- The name means coconut timber in Dhivehi; more than 2,300 coconut trees were kept from the old plantation.
- Opened December 2017 inside the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll.
- Travel + Leisure ranked it 17th among the world's best hotels in 2026.
- A marine biologist is on staff at the PADI center; Merana Spa has overwater treatment rooms.
History
Opened in December 2017 on a former coconut plantation, Vakkaru Maldives was designed to preserve the island's natural environment, including over 2,300 coconut trees. The resort's name, meaning "coconut timber" in Dhivehi, reflects its heritage and commitment to integrating Maldivian charm with modern elegance. It is located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, emphasizing its connection to the surrounding marine biodiversity.
Restaurants and bars
- Amaany — Restaurant · International breakfast buffet and themed dinner with local
- Isoletta — Restaurant · Italian flavours with International flair
- Cabana — Poolside
- Vakku — Restaurant · Seafood and premium cuts of meat
- Onu — Restaurant · South Asian inspired
- Anguru Teppanyaki — Restaurant · Teppanyaki
- Lagoon Bar — Bar · Creative cocktails, sushi, sashimi and Asian influenced tapa
Experiences
- Vakkaru Reserve wine cellar — Award-winning wine cellar with over 680 labels, wine tastings and private wine dinners hosted by a resident sommelier.
- Merana Spa — Spa with 12 treatment rooms, outdoor relaxation area with whirlpool, plunge pool, sauna and steam room; Ayurvedic treatments by Siddhalepa.
- Yoga & Wellness — Beach yoga pavilion with group yoga classes Saturday to Thursday and private yoga classes by reservation.
- Parrotfish Club — Supervised kids club for children aged 3 to 12 with indoor play areas, kids' pool, playground and daily themed activities.
- Coconut Club — Haven of fun for teens and adults with scheduled activities, lounge, billiards, table tennis, foosball and board games.
- Private Jungle Cinema — Cinema set in lush tropical vegetation, with optional private dinner and movie experience; by reservation.
Amenities
- Merana Spa with overwater treatment rooms and outdoor wellness area
- Five restaurants, two bars, and the Vakkaru Reserve wine cellar
- Splash water sports and PADI dive center with marine biologist on staff
- Parrotfish Club for children and Coconut Club for teens
- Overwater gym and all-weather floodlit tennis courts
- Personalized butler service for all villas and residences
- Pool
- Sauna
- Hot tub
- Beach
- Kids club
Awards
- Forbes Travel Guide Recommended (2026)
- MICHELIN One Key (2026)
- Travel + Leisure World's Best Hotels (2026)
- Indian Ocean's Leading Hotel Suite 2024 (World Travel Awards) (2024)
- Indian Ocean's Leading Resort 2024 (World Travel Awards) (2024)
- Maldives' Leading Hotel Suite 2024 (World Travel Awards) (2024)
Open Vakkaru Maldives in the atlas for live weekend rates, photos, and the full folio.