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Vakkaru Maldives

A Maldivian Sanctuary Defined

Brand Strategy, Identity, Resort Outlets Naming & Identity, Pre-Opening Rollout, Guest Touch-Points, Digital, Roll-Out

The resort was entering one of the most competitive luxury markets in the world and needed a distinct identity that reflected its natural setting and its independent vision. Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll, the island offered a rare opportunity to shape a new luxury brand from the ground up. The aim was to create a story and visual world that felt calm, meaningful and connected to place.

Specialism

Luxury Property Development & Guest Experience Development

client

Travco Group

Location

Baa Toll, Maldives

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Approach

We shaped a brand narrative rooted in nature, stillness and human connection, giving the resort a clear point of view within the Maldivian luxury landscape.

We began with strategic research, category insights and interviews with leaders in luxury hospitality, including a review of traveller psychographics and resort positioning across Baa Atoll. This included competitive analysis against major players such as Amilla, Four Seasons Landaa and Anantara Kihavah. Workshops with the owners defined the resort’s vision and guest promise. The strategy centred on a calm, organic take on luxury that avoided typical Maldivian tropes. This direction inspired the platform that became the foundation for the brand’s story. Identity elements were developed to reflect a grounded, mindful expression, drawing on local patterns, natural textures and the island’s horizon line. The visual system was built to be simple and flexible, supporting both the resort and its outlets.

The Solution

We introduced a complete brand and experience system that expressed the sanctuary-like character of the island.

The visual identity was shaped by a handcrafted brandmark inspired by Maldivian motifs and a timeless supergraphic that alluded to continuity and connection. The look and feel carried warm tones and textures that echoed the island’s calm atmosphere. Seven resort outlets received their own identities, each designed with a subtle twist while retaining a visual link to the main brand. This ensured clarity for guests and strengthened recall across touch points. Pre-opening collateral was developed for sales teams, travel partners, media and digital channels. Photography, copywriting and layout were paired to help the resort enter the market with confidence and a cohesive presentation. A digital experience direction was introduced to support the resort’s online journey and booking flow.

The Outcome

The brand launch established the resort as one of the most distinctive independent luxury properties in the Maldives.

The launch received strong international coverage in publications including Forbes, The Telegraph and Arabian Industry. Celebrity guests, including Madonna, selected the resort for family stays, reinforcing trust in the brand’s positioning. Within its first year, the resort earned Condé Nast Traveller’s Favourite Romantic Getaway award and Hideaways’ Newcomer of the Year recognition. It later joined the GHA Discovery loyalty programme under the Ultratravel Collection. The unified identity provided clarity, consistency and a deeper emotional connection between guests and the island, supporting the resort’s long term growth and market presence.

Project & Photography Credits

Travco Group, Vakkaru Maldives

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Where we Work

Canada, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Greece, Hong Kong, Japan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Portugal, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Vietnam.

Dusit Hotels & Resorts, Elaf Group, Giza Palace Development, Global Hotel Alliance
Albatros Cablogs Herrods Keyfair Mediabion Racity
Albatros Group, Al Ghurair Hospitality, Al Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, Blazon Hotels, Carlton Hotels
Hilton Worldwide, Hotel Galleria by Elaf, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Jaz Hotels & Resorts Egypt, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Kempinski Hotels
Marriott International, Millennium Hotels & Resorts, Nikki Beach Hotels & Resorts, Rotana Hospitality, Senator Cruises
Jumeirah, Blazon Hotels, Carlton Hotels, Dusit Hotels & Resorts, Elaf Group, Hilton Worldwide, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Jaz Hotels & Resorts, JW Marriott, Kempinski Hotels, Marriott International, Millennium Hotels & Resorts, Nikki Beach Hotels & Resorts, Rotana Hospitality, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Travco Group.
St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Travco Group, Vakkaru Maldives