Resort update on travel during COVID

Proud to represent one of the world's foremost luxury resorts, our team at Vakkaru Maldives has always done everything in our power to ensure that our guests enjoy a holiday experience to treasure forever. As the world emerges from lockdown, and at a time when so many feel the need for a worry-free escape more than ever, Vakkaru Maldives takes our commitment to truly supporting guests' wellbeing even further.

From our reopening on 1 August 2020, guests can count on our team's commitment to 'Vakkare', a new standard in luxury hospitality, unmatched in the Maldives, that will place the concept of care at the core of all that Vakkaru Maldives offers. Comprising four pillars - We Kare, Self Kare, Let's Kare and After Kare - Vakkare creatively, considerately and comprehensively cares for the physical, social and emotional needs of our guests, ensuring a holiday experience to treasure forever. Combined, those four pillars are intended to support a guest experience that holds an unwavering, sincere sense of true hospitality at its heart.

We Kare signifies the resort team's dedication to sincerely investing in the wellbeing of its members and everyone who visits through reinforcing the elevated practices of safety, hygiene and sanitation at all times in guest areas and production outlets, as well as the heart of the house.

Self Kare refers to the many restorative, wellness-minded experiences and services that will be available to every guest. From enjoying tailored wellbeing experiences led by world-class specialists to discovering the life-affirming seascape that surrounds our island, every stay will provide ample opportunity to nourish the mind, body and soul.

Let's Kare is inspired by the abundance of natural wonders around the island. The team at Vakkaru Maldives is continuously working towards making a meaningful and positive difference to the environment and communities on local islands.

After Kare is our wellness-centred loyalty programme providing guests with tips from visiting practitioners and the Vakkaru team, alongside a range of exclusive offers and special surprises so the sense of good health and happiness that Vakkaru Maldives provides is sustained long after their return home.

PRE ARRIVAL

• In accordance with health requirements, all travellers travelling to and from the Maldives are required to submit a self-declarative health declaration within 24 hours prior to their travel. Please visit imuga.immigration.gov.mv/ethd/create and follow the instructions to fill up the Travellers Health Declaration Form.
• In reference to the official statement published by the government’s gazette on 30 April 2021, Health Protection Agency (HPA) revealed amendments of the previous circular regarding Revision to Ease of Travel Restriction. The authority mandates all travellers arriving in the Maldives to present a health document in English that confirms Negative PCR test result, which has to be conducted within a maximum of 96 hours prior to departure to Maldives. This is applicable for all travellers aged one year and above, including those who have been vaccinated.
• All guests arriving in Vakkaru Maldives from other resorts are also required to present a Negative PCR test result, which has to be conducted within a maximum of 48 hours prior to their arrival.

ON ARRIVAL

• Our Airport Representative will welcome guests at Velana International Airport.
• After a contactless temperature check and seaplane check-in, guests will be escorted to our private Seaplane Lounge.

DURING STAY

• Upon checking into the villa, all guests will need to undergo a rapid test, which is arranged with our compliments. Our resident doctor will take the swab sample of each guest. This procedure will only take a few minutes and we kindly request the guests stay in the villa until the test result is ready. Once receiving non-reactive rapid test results, guests are welcomed to enjoy the resort and all that we have to offer.
• Comprising personal protection and sanitising kits, including mask, gloves and wipes, Vakkare welcome amenities are available for all guests upon arrival and throughout guests' stay.
• The resort is reinforcing elevated practices of safety, hygiene and sanitation at all times in the guest areas and production outlets, as well as the heart of the house through the following measures:
  • All our front liners will be wearing face masks at all times
  • Proactive sanitisation practices by providing hand sanitisers and easy access to handwashing facilities
  • Frequent disinfection in the guest villas and guest areas, especially of commonly touched surfaces
  • Social distancing measures, particularly in dining venues, buffets and other common areas such as the gym, pool and beach
  • A 24-hour certified Resort Doctor is available at the Resort's Clinic with all the necessary equipment and accessories in place, together with an isolation room, in line with the WHO and local authorities' requirements
  • Flexibility to cater to every guest's personal preferences to minimise physical contact
• In the highly unexpected case a guest is tested positive, the guest will be given a further PCR test and is to remain in the villa during the waiting time for the result and will have to follow the health protocols and measures by HPA, including 14 days isolation if the guest is tested positive. We will ensure the Covid positive guest is comfortable and well taken care of within the isolation guidelines by offering:
  • A special rate at US$500++ per night in entry category villa (Over Water Villa) on full board, inclusive of 3 set meals for up to 14 days
  • A special 50% Villa discount from published rates on full board basis, should the guest request to stay in a specific villa of their choice. This is subject to availability
• Other services including In-Villa Dining, housekeeping, Doctor and Butler services will continue to be available while providing the highest safety and hygiene standards. Upon completion of the isolation period, the Covid positive guest must undergo a PCR test again. If the guest is tested negative, the guest is welcome to enjoy the resort.

Vakkaru Maldives also provides testing services for guests who require COVID-19 test results to return to their countries of origin or another destination. Those guest will be required to undergo the PCR test at least 96-48hrs prior to their departure. The sample will be taken in the morning before breakfast by our resort doctor at the Resort's Clinic and guests can expect the result at least 24 hours prior to departure. The PCR test is subject to an additional charge.

Our Waiver Policy

We remain committed to ensuring our valued guests experience flexibility during these extraordinary times, so we have extended a 14 days free cancellation policy, exceptionally for all bookings travelling before 22 December 2021 ( Excluding 01 to 16 April 2021) .

In case any guests travelling have a positive Covid-19 test result prior to arrival, we will extend a voucher of the invoiced amount for future stays valid for 12 months, subject to availability and rate variances. Please note that to proceed with the free cancellation, guest must present the valid document in English that confirms a positive PCR test result.

In the interim, we remain available to assist you with your existing reservations, rebooking process or to provide you with any information regarding booking a future stay at Vakkaru Maldives. Please contact us at [email protected]

At Vakkaru Maldives, rest assured that we are committed to the joy of travel and delivering exceptional experiences to our discerning guests in a safe and healthy environment.

We are looking forward to welcoming you and your valuable clients to our timeless sanctuary.

Please check our Frequently Asked Questions for your reference to help you to plan your stay at Vakkaru Maldives.

COVID-19 FAQ