Vakarufalhi Island Resort, Maldives

In recent years Vakarufalhi (also known as Vakaru) was sold almost exclusively into the Italian market so we jumped at the chance to start working with them when they opened up to the UK and other markets.

Vakarufalhi delivers an authentic and traditional Maldives experience, sadly lacking in many resorts these days. Don’t come here expecting swimming pools and motorised water sports. Instead, embrace the fact you have lush vegetation throughout, a beautiful lagoon for swimming, a lovely and easily accessible house reef, and spacious villas.

In fact the island prides itself on being a ‘quiet’ island meaning there is no seaplane platform, no motorised water sports and no speedboats, only dhonis. Guests arriving via seaplane will land at one of the neighbouring resorts and be collected by dhoni (approx. 10 minutes).

There are 79 villas in total - 28 over water and the rest on the beach. As the island itself is just under 6 hectares, it doesn’t feel cramped or busy.

Chef Puspa and his amazing team are responsible for providing some of the best food we’ve had at this level. Although there is only one main buffet restaurant, Ilaa, the variety and quality of food is impressive with weekly rotating themes. The live cooking stations vary daily but pasta and pizza lovers will be pleased to know these staples are always available, and the pasta is homemade on resort and perfectly served. Once a week, dinner is set up on the beach (weather permitting) for all guests to enjoy.

There are plans to create an a la carte outlet within the next year, utilising a redundant area of the main restaurant so watch this space for updates.

Facilities include a very small gym, over water spa, badminton, beach volleyball and a clinic.

The house reef is home to a huge variety of marine and fish life. Access is easy and best from the main jetty.

Excursions are attractively priced and good value. Try the ‘manta’ or ‘whale shark’ trips.

If you’re looking for a quality, authentic Maldivian resort without breaking the bank, this could be just the ticket!

Note: Wi-fi is free of charge in reception and main bar, but chargeable in villas. Wi-fi packages are available from reception and the cost depends on length of stay. At the moment it’s $50 for 4 days per villa (two devices).

Vakarufalhi Island Resort is a popular resort, tucked away in the remote corner of South Ari Atoll, 90km away from the airport, easily reached by a 35-minute seaplane flight followed by a 10-minute ride in a traditional "dhoni" (Maldivian boat).

Vakarufalhi, sometimes known as Vakaru, is a tropical island with swaying coconut palms and white sandy beaches. Surrounding the island is a pristine lagoon enriched by a nearby house reef. These features combined with traditional Maldivian building concepts, makes Vakarufalhi a haven of nature and tranquility.

Services & Facilities
*24-hour reception
*Multilingual staff
*IDD telephone service
*Laundry/valet service
*Foreign currency exchange
*PADI-certified scuba diving
*Watersports centre
*Spa