It Began With A Dream
Velaa Private Island: The Epitome of Maldivian Luxury
I recently had the pleasure of staying at Velaa Private Island, a hidden gem in the Maldives that promises an unparalleled luxury experience. And yes, it really did deliver. Have I found the one? Possibly! And I’ve been searching for 20 years 😉
Velaa Private Island stands as one of the world’s most exclusive resorts, a testament to the vision of Czech entrepreneurs Radka and Jiří Šmejc, who sought to create the ultimate private island retreat. Born from their love for the Maldives Jiří vision was to create an island to gift to his wife that reminded them of many happy years at Huvafen Fushi. I noticed a few similarities with the design of Velaa to Huvafen Fushi (his first love).
Conveniently located in the Noonu Atoll, Velaa is accessible by a scenic 45-minute seaplane flight from Malé International Airport. The journey itself is a breathtaking experience, offering aerial views of the stunning atolls and turquoise waters. The island is secluded, ensuring utmost privacy and tranquillity, with no disturbances from flight or boat paths. I was fortunate to fly in their Velaa branded seaplane that has just 9 luxurious seats, and as you can imagine, some lovely touches such as branded earplugs, mints, and Evian water—they really have thought about everything. Even the pilots were delighted with the extras, especially the cold towels!
The name “Velaa” means “turtle” in Dhivehi, the local Maldivian language—a fitting tribute to the generations of sea turtles that inhabit the island and its surrounding reefs. This connection to nature is reflected throughout the resort, with subtle turtle motifs woven into the design, and the over-water villas forming the head of a turtle when viewed from above. Velaa’s commitment to thoughtful and extraordinary design is evident in every detail, making it a place where nature and luxury coexist harmoniously.
Accommodation
Velaa Private Island offers some of the world’s most exclusive accommodations, each designed with the principles of privacy, comfort, and luxury in mind. The resort features 47 villas and residences, 18 of which are built over water, all offering stunning ocean views and unparalleled elegance.
Every villa at Velaa includes a spacious private pool and is designed with the finest natural materials, showcasing warm tones of brown, black, gold, and blue. The smallest accommodations start at a generous 223 square meters, providing ample space for relaxation and luxury. The categories available include:
I stayed in a deluxe beach bungalow villa no. 6, which was the epitome of sophistication. The villa featured a private pool, spacious living areas, and direct access to the beach. The interiors were a harmonious blend of modern design and traditional Maldivian elements, creating a cozy yet luxurious ambiance. The service was impeccable, with my personal butler surprising and delighting me with discreet efficiency.
Dining
Velaa Private Island is a culinary paradise, with dining experiences that reflect the owners' deep passion for gastronomy. The resort’s restaurants are not only beautifully designed but also offer some of the finest cuisine in the Maldives, accompanied by the best wine cellar in the region.
Aragu is the resort’s signature fine dining restaurant, where Executive Chef Gaushan De Silva presents contemporary European cuisine with an Asian twist. The level of craftsmanship here rivals many Michelin-starred establishments, making it a must-visit for gourmet enthusiasts.
Tavaru Restaurant is housed within a striking 23-meter-tall cylindrical structure designed by Czech architect Petr Kolář. Resembling an alien watchtower with its asymmetrical discs and circular openings, Tavaru offers a unique dining experience focused on Teppanyaki grill cuisine. Guests can savor Japanese delicacies such as Teriyaki Black Cod and Kagoshima A5 Tenderloin, prepared live on Teppanyaki grills, all while enjoying breathtaking views over the island and ocean. Beneath the restaurant lies the Tavaru Wine Cellar, home to over 1,000 labels, making it one of the most extensive wine collections in South Asia.
Athiri Restaurant offers beachfront all-day dining with a menu that creatively reinterprets global cuisine. Chefs from 14 different nationalities contribute to a diverse culinary experience, with highlights including freshly baked pizzas from the wood-fired oven and the award-winning Lemongrass Poached Lobster. Faiy is the resort’s wellbeing restaurant, offering light, healthy meals with serene views of the golf course—perfect for those seeking a balanced and nourishing dining experience.
For a more relaxed atmosphere, CRU Champagne Bar is the place to sample some of the world’s most exclusive champagnes in an overwater setting. AVI Bar provides poolside cocktails with live DJ beats in the evening, while the newly opened Beach Bar offers refreshing juices and cocktails right on the sand. Don’t miss the signature cocktails featuring tequila infused with chili pepper—a drink that delivers a refreshing kick!
Staying
Velaa Private Island is a true paradise, with its snow-white beaches lined with gently swaying palm trees and its interior lush with meticulously maintained vegetation. The island's nearly perfect circular shape is a rare feature in the Maldives, enhancing its unique charm. Whether walking or cycling, exploring Velaa feels like traversing an immaculate tropical garden, where every turn reveals another breathtaking vista.
The resort’s communal spaces were designed by Czech architects and interior designers, guided by the vision of the owners to create the world’s most luxurious private island “home.” The architecture seamlessly blends contemporary luxury with subtle Maldivian touches, using the finest materials such as solid wood, which helps blur the boundaries between the natural environment and human craftsmanship.
Velaa Private Island is the only ultra-luxury resort in the Maldives that features its own golf course. Velaa Golf Academy by Olazábal is a unique golfing experience that stretches over seven holes and nine tees but offers numerous combinations. The golf course is designed by José María Olazábal, renowned for his short game mastery, and managed by Troon, the leader in upscale golf course management. Velaa boasts a studio offering one-on-one tuition with PGA professionals. The academy also holds swing analysis software with the latest technology and is equipped with a state-of-the-art Trackman simulator to enhance the golfing experience. A putting green and tailor-made tuition programs make the Velaa Golf Academy an experience for the whole family to enjoy.
For sports enthusiasts, Velaa offers an impressive array of facilities, including the Maldives' only fully covered tennis court, a squash court, table tennis, a climbing wall, beach volleyball, and a football pitch. The state-of-the-art gym is equipped with the latest Technogym fitness equipment, and guests can also participate in personalised yoga and meditation sessions held in an elevated Yoga Pavilion or on the beach.
Water sports lovers as you’d expect, they have top-of-the-range motorised sports facilities, certainly the most exciting and extensive in the Maldives, from seabobs and jetpack-style jetovators to new slick yachts available for charter.
The Spa
The Velaa Spa is a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation, housed in a stunning overwater structure. The spa features six spacious treatment villas and offers a variety of signature treatments. It also boasts the Maldives' only ‘Snow Room’ and the exclusive “Cloud 9” relaxation experience, combining cutting-edge technology with the timeless art of touch.
The wellbeing village is a new addition to Velaa as of Summer 2023, a hyper-wellness concept fusing Ayurveda and osteopathic practices, comprising a treatment centre, yoga pavilion, and a new detox-friendly restaurant called Faiy, which dishes out wholesome, health-conscious gourmet cuisine that’s just as tasty as the other island venues.
Snorkelling
For those looking to explore beyond the island, Velaa provides a range of unique excursions, including big game fishing, snorkeling trips around untouched reefs, gourmet meals on deserted islands, and dolphin sunset cruises—ensuring there’s something to fulfil every adventurer’s dream.
Final Word - Velaa Private Island
"Velaa Private Island began as a dream—a vision to create the perfect holiday destination where privacy, luxury, and unparalleled experiences come together. The result is a reality that surpasses even the highest expectations. With its stunning villas, exquisite dining, and a wealth of unique activities, Velaa Private Island offers an extraordinary escape that truly feels like your own personal paradise." If you feel inspired to visit or have more questions about picking the perfect resort, contact me and I'll help curate your ideal trip. Book with me
Jane
PS - I can't wait to return, I might just see you there, if so, say hi!
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