September 2022 / This autumn, Vakkaru Maldives, welcomes two exciting additions to this luxury resort including a new resident expert, marine biologist Diana Vergara, who will teach guests about reef conservation and host 'Marine Biology Adventure' excursions, plus the opening of a new padel tennis court, the first of its kind in Baa Atoll.

Marine conservation and new 'Marine Biology Adventure'
With a Masters in Marine Biology and Coastal Environments, plus years of experience working on marine biodiversity research projects and ecosystem monitoring, Diana Vergara joins the team at Vakkaru as the resort's resident marine biologist. Bringing her expertise and enthusiasm for marine conservation to the island, Diana will be encouraging guests of all ages to do their bit to care for the environment by joining the resort's Coral Adoption Programme that allows guests to adopt a coral frame specially designed to protect reef fish and sea species that live around the island, and place it in the coral nursery close to Vakkaru's house reef.

At Vakkaru's Coconut Club for teens and Parrotfish Club for little ones Diana will hold a weekly marine biology presentation covering a variety of topics, from the Maldives and the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere, to manta rays, sea turtles, and how to spot the Baa Atoll 'Big Five'. Guests will also have the chance to join 'Marine Biology Adventure', a guided snorkelling or diving trip around the House Reef and beyond, where Diana accompanies the guests on a journey of discovery through the underwater world, pointing out the interesting features and unique marine life that resides. Upon completion of this snorkel or dive session, there will be a full debrief on the encounters and an opportunity to share more interesting facts on the fish and corals.

Of her new appointment, Diana says: “My goal at Vakkaru is to communicate, create awareness and share my passion with others, and make them fall in love with this amazing underwater world. I'm so glad to be part of the team and look forward to working together to protect our ocean and nature, especially in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Baa Atoll. We will implement more marine education and activities for all guests, including kids. Even with simple steps, I always say, 'every seed counts'.”

Play padel tennis in paradise
One of the fastest growing racket sports in the world, padel tennis is suitable for fitness enthusiasts looking for a serious workout as well as guests wanting to try something new as a couple, with friends or as a family. Open to all ages and levels, Vakkaru's new padel court is complimentary for in-house guests with advance reservations and includes rackets, balls, towels and water. Little guests and teens can have a go with an 'Introduction to Padel Tennis' session hosted weekly and guided by the resort's recreation team.

Those keen to stick to what they know can book a session playing Vakkaru's resident tennis pro, Uros Tapuskovic, as part of the resort's prestigious partnership with Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis Academy, who can help guests improve their tennis skills or simply challenge them to a match that will keep them on their toes.

Speaking about these new additions to the resort, General Manager Iain McCormack says: “We're excited to be one of the few resorts in the Maldives to bring padel tennis to this part of the world, and we're equally thrilled to welcome Diana to our team. At Vakkaru, we're commited to evolving our guest experiences so they align with the latest industry trends and guest demands. As a luxury five-star resort, our top priority is to ensure the needs of our international guests are always catered for, one of the many reasons Vakkaru remains one of the leading destinations in the Indian Ocean.”

For more information visit vakkarumaldives.com.

Download marine biologist images here and general resort images here.

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About Vakkaru Maldives
Located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for its spectacular sea life, Vakkaru Maldives is a timeless sanctuary recently named the Indian Ocean's Leading Resort in the World Travel Awards. An awe-inspiring 30-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport takes you to this secluded reef island, shaded by coconut palms and blessed with calming ocean views and powder-soft white-sand beaches. Here 113 beautifully appointed Over Water and Beach Villas are elegantly designed to respect their surroundings, while exceptional dining experiences and amenities await. Among our industry-leading offerings is overwater Merana Spa, complete with an Ayurveda practice and a regular host to residencies by the world's most inspiring wellness practitioners. Children and teens are generously catered for in the Parrotfish Club and Coconut Club respectively, while guests of all ages can play against world-famous pros through a best-in-class coaching partnership with Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis or play each other on the newly opened padel tennis court, the only one in Baa Atoll. The resort's resident marine biologist is available for escorted ocean excursions, as well as talks about reef conservation and observations about the underwater world. Threading all these services and facilities together is our unique hospitality concept, Vakkare, that places a sincere, proactive commitment to putting care at the core of all we do.

For press enquiries and images please contact Nadia Walford PR.

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