Vakkaru Maldives Announces ‘Effortless Escape to Vakkaru Package’ for Travellers from India

With Vakkaru Maldives’ inauguration launch of Effortless Escape from Mumbai to Vakkaru package, holiday-goers will be able to spring from the bustling city to the private island in half a day.

According to a press release by Vakkaru Maldives, for those who want to make a stress-free retreat to a place that specialises in timeless serenity, this promises to be the ultimate weekend getaway.

A direct 2,5 hours flight on Maldivian Airlines from Mumbai takes you to nearby Maafaru International Airport which lies near Vakkaru Maldives home in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for its exceptional sea life and incredible dive and snorkelling sites. From the airport, it’s a scenic 1 hour and 20-minute speedboat transfer or 15-minute seaplane ride to the resort.

Available exclusively to guests travelling from India, the package includes direct international return flights from Mumbai to Maafaru International Airport, transfers, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, soft drinks during meals and applicable service charges and taxes.

With check-in completed in a jiffy, Effortless Escape to Vakkaru guests can immediately commence their holiday. Dive centre Splash is the resort’s gateway to the Maldives’ underwater marvels; overwater award-winning Merana Spa is one of the Indian Ocean’s most blissful wellness destinations; resort facilities include the exceptional kids’ club Parrotfish Club, a 24/7 overwater gym, and best-in-class tennis coaching session by Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis.

Vakkaru’s beautifully appointed villas are either set on the powder-soft sands of the beach or placed over the turquoise waters of its bath-warm lagoon, where residents can expect to see kaleidoscopic marine life from their private decks. During leisurely meals, guests can indulge in abundant buffet breakfasts at Amaany Restaurant which features an Indian food station.

Guests may choose from the extensive dining options for lunch and dinner, including the laidback Italian restaurant Isoletta, South-East Asian specialities at Onu, beach grill at Vakku or Japanese delicacies at Lagoon Bar.

On selected evenings, Amaany offers an Indian Ocean Splash buffet featuring a lavish spread of Indian, Sri Lankan and Maldivian cuisines. For extra special occasions, guests can arrange private destination dining experiences under the shade of palm trees in Vakkaru’s lush organic garden, or on a private sandbank.

Available to book until 31 July 2021, the Effortless Escape to Vakkaru package is valid for stays from 9 May to 31 October 2021. Both honeymoon and family-friendly, Vakkaru Maldives’ is also extending the offer to families.

Special rates are available for two adults and two children below 12 years staying in Family Villa categories, and to four adults and two children staying in Two Bedroom Beach Pool Residences. An introductory three-night packaged rate inclusive of direct flight starts from an enticing $3900++.

For further information and reservations, visit vakkarumaldives.com or contact reservations@vakkarumaldives.com.

Feature image by Vakkaru Maldives

The Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of luxury resorts invites families to embark on an unforgettable journey. With these exclusive ‘Ultimate Family Summer Getaway’ packages, families can immerse themselves in the harmonious blend of opulence and natural beauty. Guests can explore this package at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, and JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa. Embrace luxury island living in any of the resort’s two or three-bedroom overwater and beach pool villas, providing guests with 24-hour personalized signature ‘Aris Meeha’, St. Regis Butlers, and ‘Thakuru’ butler services that cater to their every need.

Guests can reserve their extraordinary summer retreat before May 31, 2024. This is applicable for stays until September 30, 2024, when kids under 12 can dine and stay for free. Benefits include daily breakfasts and dinners, a welcome amenity for kids, complimentary access to the kids club, and a host of specially curated experiences to create cherished memories for a lifetime.

Family Fun Getaway at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands unveils its exclusive summer program. The resort invites families to embrace the island life against the backdrop of the mesmerizing Indian Ocean. The resort’s thoughtful curation entices guests with transformative travel experiences. Guests can explore epicurean journeys with Michelin-starred guest chefs to wellness retreats guided by leading names. Additionally, guests can also go on adventurous surfing retreats with surf icons.

Exploring Culinary Journeys at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives

Families can embark on a gastronomic journey, enjoying a Michelin-starred dining experience at the resort. From July 31 to August 1, Chef Bruno Verjus will bring a taste of his two-star Michelin Parisian restaurant Table by Bruno Verjus to the Beach Shack. He will also offer an exclusive masterclass for guests. From August 10 to 11, Chef Pam Soontornyanakij, Asia’s Best Female Chef 2024 and chef-patron of the one-Michelin-star Restaurant Potong, will present a bespoke menu. Guests can explore her progressive Thai-Chinese cuisine at the Summer Pavilion.

Healing Journey this Summer

In a ‘Summer of Renewal,’ celebrity healer Susy Markoe Schieffelin will lead her signature sound baths. Guests can explore this experience under the Maldivian skies from July 19 to 23. Renowned practitioner Abi Adams will also guide guests through emotional and hormonal balance journeys. Abi will be using breath, meridian dancing and yoga from August 15 to 19. Last but not least, Surf enthusiasts can learn to master the four most popular waves in the North Malé Atoll. The resort is bringing championship surf heroes Nic von Rupp from June 8 to 11 and Victor Bernardo from July 3 to 6.

Something Exciting for the Young Explorers

Young explorers from ages 4 to 12 can ignite their imaginations at Ritz Kids and learn about marine life, nature and sustainability. Young guests can go on an adventure with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program. Children can dive into the action at Ritz Kids, a futuristic indoor-outdoor haven filled with interactive playgrounds, napping pods, cinematic movie experiences, and an adrenaline-pumping pool complete with slides and jets.

With the ‘Family Fun Summer’ Package, guests can savour daily breakfasts at La Locanda, dinners at Summer Pavilion, Arabesque, Beach Shack, or EAU Bar, and a special welcome amenity for kids. Families can choose from elegantly designed villas including Two Bedroom Water or Beach Pool Villas, or elevate their stay at The Ritz-Carlton Estate, a private beach residence with its own exclusive cove and sunset views.

Visit the website at ritzcarlton.com/maldives or book your stay here.

Ultimate Summer Escape at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, situated on a private natural island in one of the destination’s most exclusive atolls, welcomes families for a luxurious summer getaway in the Maldives. Guests can explore the breathtaking surroundings, complemented by the resort’s distinctive design inspired by nearby marine life, including the atoll’s house reef. Along with The St. Regis Butler Service – a hallmark of the brand’s commitment to excellence – a dedicated St. Regis Butler is available to curate tailored experiences and meet every need of the guests.

Exploring the Local Culture

Families can delve into local culture with thrilling expeditions on a traditional Maldivian Dhoni, from dolphin sightings to sunset fishing. The resort also offers marine conservation experiences through unique interactive classes and activities for both children and adults with the resident Marine Biologist. Adults can revel in luxurious amenities and exquisite dining experiences, while young travellers will find an abundance of excitement on the island. At the resort’s dedicated Children’s Club, children aged 4 to 12 can partake in yoga classes, painting, origami, and other creative crafts. Kid-friendly snacks and refreshing juices are available from the private dining menu. For teens ages 16 and older, the Socialite Club boasts an open-door recreation area with a variety of entertainment, including table tennis, foosball, billiards, and air hockey, as well as video and board games.

Families booking the ‘Ultimate Family Summer Escape’ package will enjoy a range of exclusive benefits, including a special welcome amenity for kids, daily breakfasts at ALBA, dinners at select restaurants, kid-sized luxuries like robes and treats, and complimentary access to the resort’s dedicated Children’s Club. Guests can choose from a variety of elegantly designed villas set amidst lush forest surroundings or with breathtaking ocean views, including the award-winning John Jacob Astor Estate, Caroline Astor Estate, Knickerbocker Villa, or Cesar Balsa Villa each featuring family-friendly amenities such as private plunge pools and state-of-the-art entertainment systems.

For more information, visit the website at stregismaldives.com or book your stay here.

Tropical Summer Fun at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa

Nestled on Vagaru Island overlooking the azure waters of Shaviyani Atoll in the Maldives, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa invites guests to its multi-generational luxury resort for an immersive and eco-friendly holiday experience. Families can bask in the unspoiled beauty of the island’s pristine white beach, savour diverse dining experiences, and embark on daily excursions for diving, snorkelling, dolphin watching, and sunset fishing to explore the vibrant marine life.

FAMiLY by JW™ Little Griffins Kids Club

Travelling with children is now even easier with FAMiLY by JW™ Little Griffins Kids Club. The club provides a captivating and educational environment for young adventurers on Vagaru Island. The club runs over 100 activities. This ranges from arts and crafts to cooking classes. Some of these activities are specially designed for the whole family to enjoy.

Fine Dining Experiences

Fine dining experiences can be elevated through bespoke destination dining services. This ranges from in-villa barbecue dinners and traditional Maldivian Malafaaiy dinners on the beach to a sublime eight-course interactive Indian fusion dinner in the hidden oasis of RIHA. The resort’s sustainability efforts are centred on the vibrant JW Garden, which sources fresh produce for creative cuisine. The JW Garden to Table concept celebrates locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a farm-to-table experience for eco-conscious travellers. This summer, guests can delight in a new vegan menu with innovative plant-based dishes. Explore dishes crafted from homegrown JW Garden ingredients, emphasizing sustainability and wellness.

With the ‘Family Fun Summer’ package, guests can immerse themselves in luxurious island living. Guests can explore the modern and spacious Duplex Overwater or Beach Pool Villa. Each of these villas features private pools and personalized Thakuru butler service. The package includes daily breakfasts at Aailaa and a choice between daily lunches or dinners at select restaurants. Additionally, guests will receive a welcome amenity for kids, a one-time 30-minute complimentary photography session. You can also get one printed photo and complimentary usage of non-motorized watersports throughout their stay.