Dec 292010
Vakarufalhi has a lot to offer – great beaches, excellent snorkelling on the house reef just off the beach, spacious rooms and a natural, lush interior. For many years, the island has held a great reputation with those who visit the Maldives regularly. We loved the informal atmosphere combined with great food, accommodation, beaches and marine life. The island was redeveloped in 2009 and relaunched as TClub Vakarufalhi. The main change is the addition of 25 Water Villas, although the beach villas have also been refurbished and a new Duniye Spa has been built over the water. Since the re-launch, the resort is receiving excellent feedback – 50 out of 73 rate as ‘Excellent’ currently on Tripadvisor.
The Island
Located in the south-east of Ari Atoll, Vakarufalhi is a fine looking resort. Small, almost round with perfect beaches and a very good house reef encircling the island. The coral reef is situated at different distances from the shore on either side of theisland, allowing for swimming and sport in a wonderful lagoon on one side, where the shore slopes gently away,while on the other the reef is within easy swimming distance.
The buildings are well designed, are of a high quality and feature natural materials. The Beach Villas, which are mainly detached are particularly large and were completely refurbished in 2009. The Water Villas are modern and a new addition to the island when it re-launched in December 2009. There is plenty of vegetation, including a large number of tall, mature palms. This is an unpretentious resort offering quality facilities in a beautiful, natural surrounding.
Since relaunching as TClub Vakarufalhi, the resort has become primarily Italian focussed. Expect to find at least 50% of guests to be Italian with the remaining being a mix of British, French, Japanese, Swiss and German.
The brand TClub stands for Tea and Culture. Experts regularly visit the resort and provide information ranging from the local Marine Life to Culture and Astronomy. It has nothing to do with the existence of a Clubbing type environment!
In an attempt to contain the extent of sand movement around the island during the monsoons, coral ‘groyne’ walls have been built in the sea and are visible during low tide. Whilst this may seem like an unwelcome distraction on first arrival, we did find that they were soon forgotten about and did not detract from our enjoyment of the island.
Transfer
By seaplane, taking around 25 minutes, plus a 10 minute dhoni boat ride.
Accomodation
A total of 75 rooms : 25 newly built Water Villas in 2009, 46 Beach Villas and 4 Garden Villas refurbished in 2009.
Beach Bungalows: are set around the perimeter of the island, slightly set back from the beach amidst the luxuriant vegetation. All face the pristine lagoon with direct access to the beach and are individually offset to provide privacy (apart from the 7 semi-detached Family Rooms). All rooms feature a private verandah with day bed and chairs, wooden floors, air-conditioning, ceiling fan, sitting area, 42” plasma TV, CD Player, Digital safe box, stocked Mini Bar, tea/coffee making facility, espresso machine, IDD, hair dryer, a semi open air bathroom with garden, shower cubical and open air shower.
Family Rooms: are available in 7 semi-detached beach bungalows.
Garden Bungalows: Individually appointed Garden Bungalows exactly the same as Beach Bungalows but set slightly further back from the beach, facing the garden and the lagoon.
Over Water Villa: These over sized bungalows come with an extra large bedroom and bathroom and have a separate walk in closet/ward robe. With all the facilities of a beach bungalow plus a DVD player, iron and iron organiser, sitting area with sofa, large outdoor private deck leading directly to the ocean, with day bed, sun loungers and outdoor shower. The bathroom has a free standing bath tub, shower cubical, separate WC and luxury bath amenities.
Facilities
House Reef: The superb house reef completely encircles the island and is close to shore for most of the way. It is possible to swim round the entire reef. The huge array of underwater life is amazing and so easy to see.
Diving: The dive school is excellently run by Pro Divers. They feature guided diving and snorkelling boat trips, equipment rental and a complete PADI instructional program. Bubble courses for children are also available which is a fun and safe way for children to be introduced to diving.
Water Sports: Vakarufalhi Windsurf and Sailing Centre provides opportunities for windsurfing, kayaking and catamaran sailing. It is possible to rent a catamaran and instructor for an exhilarating ride across the ocean, or for longer to visit a deserted sand bank in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
Gift Shop: Features a selection of swim and sports wear, crafts, books and snacks.
Spa:The new Duniye Spa built over the ocean is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. Various massage and beauty treatments are available.
Other Facilities:
24h Reception assistance
Multilingual Staff
Laundry/Valet service
Foreign currency exchange
Amex, Visa & Master card accepted
Library with cyber café
WIFI internet access throughout the island (chargeable)
Eating & Drinking
Ilaa: A truly Maldivian style, open air thatched roof Restaurant with modern touches serves an international buffet, with a particular focus on Italian and Mediterranean tastes and flavours. The “pasta corner” and “pizza station” are particularly popular. It also offers an excellent range of desserts.
Ihaa Bar: With an al fresco deck overlooking the lagoon serving your favourite beverage and snacks.
Special Dinners: It is possible to organise romantic candle lit dinners on the veranda of your own bungalow or on the beach. This service is subject to an extra charge.
Meal options available: Only plan offered is Full Board with drinks at meals
Recreation
Guided Excursions: including Snorkeling, Island Hopping, sightseeing to a local village, Sunset Cruises, fishing and more!
Board games: are available at the Ihaa Bar, including Chess, Checkers, Scrabble and many more.
Sports: beach volleyball, badminton, table tennis, darts, football, yoga or Pilates.
Entertainment: Weekly night time programs including “Bodu Beru” Cultural Dance Show, Diver’s Slide Show, Marine Biology, movie under the stars, Live band, Disco and more!
Prices
All our holidays are bespoke, tailored to your requirements. Because of this we operate a “price on application” system. However, this page will give you an indication of the cost of your holiday.
Guide Prices for 2 Weeks, 2 People, Half Board, Including flights from the UK and seaplane transfers:
| This Resort | Type of Resort | Total Price – High Season | Total Price – Low Season |
| Good Value | £4,750 | £3,600 | |
| TClub Vakarufalhi | Mid Market | £5,700 | £4,100 |
| Deluxe | £10,500 | £7,500 | |
| Luxury | £11,975 | £8,300 |
High season: Early Jan – End April (prices are higher again over Christmas and the New Year)
Low season: May – Mid July
