An invitation to slow down, breathe deeper, and immerse in an integrated rhythm of self  and relationship. 

This season, the most meaningful  realignments happen within. At Vakkaru Maldives, a shift is found in the light, the tides,  and the island’s natural tempo. Framed by wellbeing and connection, this August,  Vakkaru Maldives launches an immersive series of programmes and curated stays  designed to bring guests back to themselves, each other, and the natural rhythm of the  sea. 

The island flows with intention and curiosity, led by a trio of transformative personalities  and expressed through signature packages designed for those ready to reconnect with  what matters. 

The journey begins with the arrival of Executive Coach and Psychologist Dr Jonathan  Marshall’s residency from 6 – 16 August, where Vakkaru Maldives will be offering  something distinctly meaningful and profound: authenticity and deeper purpose. (See bio  and Q&A attached.) 

A Stanford-trained psychologist and Harvard post-doctorate, Dr Marshall’s approach is  shaped by the work of one of the world’s most esteemed living psychiatrists, Irvin Yalom;  emotional-behavioural expert Daniel Goleman; leadership scholar Ron Heifetz; and  systems thinker Otto Scharmer. Jonathan doesn’t offer surface-level coaching or one-size fits-all advice. His approach is measured and reflective, combining psychological insight,  narrative reframing, and presence-led coaching to help guests access meaningful personal  shifts.

Throughout his residency, Jonathan will provide one-on-one coaching and small-group  sessions that integrate leadership psychology, emotional resilience, and mindfulness. His  background — spanning elite athletes in sports, Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, and Ivy  League institutions — means his insight is both grounded and expansive. But here, in the  calm of Vakkaru, that insight becomes more than just intellectual. It becomes deeply  personal. 

“People often come to places like this to switch off,” he says. “But this setting invites  something more powerful: a chance to tune in.” 

During his residency, Dr. Marshall will be offering three complimentary immersive group  sessions for Vakkaru’s guests, designed to bring insight and self-awareness into everyday  life. Knowing Your Mind offers a practical and private exploration of emotional  wellbeing, helping guests recognise their own signs of strain, support others more  sustainably, and create greater psychological safety in their daily lives. Purpose, Passion,  and Direction invites a deeper recalibration, guiding participants through values-led  reflection and simple, energising steps toward greater life alignment. And in Hypnosis:  Myth, Magic, or Medicine?, he demystifies one of psychology’s most misunderstood  tools, offering a grounded introduction to its uses in performance, anxiety, and habit  change, including an optional experience for those curious to explore it firsthand. 

Guests may also book individual or couples coaching sessions with Dr. Marshall, tailored  to their specific personal goals or shared growth objectives. Select sessions may include  guided hypnosis, depending on the guest’s interest. 

Rates start at US$575++ per hour or US$850++ for 90 minutes, inclusive of a  personalised consultation. 

Alongside Jonathan’s inward-facing work, Vakkaru welcomes back Daria Gudkova (24  July until 24 August), a Himalayan-trained visiting therapist whose sessions offer a  physical counterpoint to emotional reflection. Grounded in intuition and attuned  listening, her work blends breath, body, and energy in ways that feel both elemental and transformative. 

New to the resort’s wellness collective is Dr. Thilini Madushani Kularathna, a Sri  Lankan Ayurvedic doctor whose approach bridges classical practice with modern  ideologies. Through personal consultations and customised treatments, she helps guests  reconnect with their body’s natural intelligence, gently recalibrating rhythms that have  been neglected by busy schedules. 

Choose Your Journey  

Vakkaru introduces two thoughtfully crafted packages, each offering a unique doorway  into immersive adventures for both self and nature. 

Wellness Your Way is a three-night (min) experience that encourages guests to  personalise their path to restoration. Included are a Signature Spa Treatment at Merana  Spa, a one-on-one Ayurvedic consultation with Dr Thilini followed by a tailored treatment, a private yoga session, and a healthy floating breakfast served in the calm of  your private pool. Designed to nourish from the inside out, this package is ideal for guests  looking for restoration without restriction. 

Ocean Journeys, on the other hand, is for those who find clarity and connection in the  salt and sea. Spanning five nights, the itinerary flows like the tides. Starting with a guided  snorkel or dive at the famed Blue Hole with Vakkaru’s resident marine biologist, followed  by a newly introduced off-island experience curated by the resort. Guests will go line  fishing with the local crew and enjoy their fresh catch grilled to perfection under the  stars, and spend a full day on a secluded sandbank — snorkelling, picnicking, and  revelling in the raw beauty of the Baa Atoll. 

And for guests arriving during these sun-washed months, the message is clear: take the  time, take the space, and reconnect with yourself, your people, and the natural world  around you.