Travel provides one of the best educational opportunities possible. It allows us to explore new places, step outside our comfort zones, connect with people of diverse backgrounds, and learn about different cultures.
In 2023, travellers are increasingly seeking rich cultural experiences, in a movement away from simply visiting a destination, toward actively building connection and community. This style of hospitality can be delivered at resorts through a myriad of touchpoints, from the cuisine on offer to immersive, experiential itineraries.
With all that in mind, here are some of our favourite resorts in the Maldives that offer a true taste of local hospitality and culture.
VAKKARU MALDIVES
Vakkaru Maldives is passionate about spotlighting, conserving, and immersing guests in both the culture and unique natural beauty of the Maldives; a vision they achieve through a fusion of considered design, wholesome experiences, and a waste-not-want-not philosophy.
Vakkaru blends contemporary architecture, interior design and décor, and Maldivian charms with the island’s natural features. Once a coconut plantation, the island is home to over 2,300 fully grown coconut trees - in fact, Vakkaru is the Dhivehi word for “coconut timber” - so it feels authentically Maldivian in terms of the landscape.
From a man-made perspective, all 113 beach and overwater villas and residences channel the rustic charms of Maldivian culture, offering an earthy yet elegant aesthetic, as well as an incredible sense of space and stunning ocean views.
The resort invites guests to experience local customs and traditions via various cultural experiences, such as Maldivian cooking and mixology classes, local wood carving workshops, and a local island tour, which involves a 30-minute transfer in speed boat), bottled water, cold towels, beach towels and a tour guide.
SIX SENSE LAAMU
Barefoot luxury with a commitment to conservation, environmental responsibility, and local culture has always been the philosophy behind Six Senses Laamu. The only luxury resort in the southern Maldives’ Laamu Atoll, it recognises its responsibility towards the local population and ecosystem.
Laamu’s sustainability strategy, led by its core value of ‘Local Sensitivity, Global Sensibility’, includes initiatives centred around energy saving, seagrass conservation, waste reduction, reef protection, and wildlife conservation.
From a cultural perspective, the resort encourages guests to visit a local island nearby Six Senses Laamu, where they can walk around the streets and get a glimpse of the Maldivian way of life. They also offer a traditional fishing excursion at either dawn or dusk, which are the best times to line fish in the surrounding clear waters; as well as a traditional Maldivian cooking class, where guests can get the lowdown on exotic cuisines and special ingredients to use to achieve authentic Maldivian flavours.
HERITANCE AARAH
Heritance Aarah in the breath-taking Raa Atoll is home to a first-of-its-kind Maldivian village on island, where guests can participate in a village tour and learn all about the Maldivian way of life: what their homes look like, how schools and learning works in the Maldives, and local foods.
Built to celebrate the illustrious culture and heritage of the island nation, the village endeavours to create awareness and educate guests from around the world, of the incredible past and its varied influence in modern Maldives lifestyle. The experience includes a tour of a typical Maldivian household, an outdoor school area, ‘joali’ traditional furniture, and examples of key local industries such as boat building and coral stone carpentry.
Guests will also get to see local handicrafts in action, including local jewellery-making, mat weaving, embroidery, and lacquer work. Interactive sessions include experiencing life as a local, with activities ranging from making food in an open kitchen to learning to write your name in Dhivehi.
