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A visit to Velaa Private Island is like escaping to another
world. Surrounded by pristine turquoise waters, the private island hideaway sits
tucked away in Noonu Atoll, 116 miles north of the capital city of Male.
A passion project of Czech couple Jirí and Radka
Smejc, this ultra-exclusive getaway was brought to life by architect Petr Kolar using an array of luxe materials: wood
from Borneo, stone from Jordan and artisan patio furniture from Italy. But the
tropical retreat doesn’t just look the part — you’ll be treated as though the
island is your own private paradise, whether you choose to tan by the pool, opt
for alfresco yoga or charter a cruise with the resort’s own fleet.
The stunning natural beauty of
the Maldives flows seamlessly throughout the isle that’s less than a mile long.
Forty-seven self-sufficient villas and residences all come complete with their
own pools, ocean access, day beds and elaborate outdoor living areas. There
really is no need to leave your heavenly hideaway.
A visit to Velaa Private Island is like escaping to another
world. Surrounded by pristine turquoise waters, the private island hideaway sits
tucked away in Noonu Atoll, 116 miles north of the capital city of Male.
Velaa Private Island’s inspired
design is derived from the sea turtles (or velaa, in
the local Dhivehi language) that
call Noonu Atoll home.
The circular overwater
villa boardwalk resembles a turtle’s head, while
the island itself forms the body.
Adrenaline junkies won’t be bored at this luxury
hotel, where waterborne
adventures ranging from
kite surfing and parasailing to jet skiing and seabobbing (a
high-tech underwater scooter) might just make you feel like an international
man (or woman) of mystery.
As if luxuriating on a private island wasn’t exclusive
enough, the sanctuary is also home to the only Snow
Room in the Maldives. Used in conjunction with the sauna or steam room, the frigid space provides an array of health benefits including increased circulation, detoxification and helping to tighten cuticles and pores for younger looking hair and skin.
Velaa Private Island’s groundbreaking wellness offerings are not to be
missed. It offers a Wellbeing Village with two spas: Velaa Spa focuses on cutting-edge technologies and modern techniques, and Evelaa Spa specializes in Ayurveda, Eastern medicine and holistic treatments. The Wellbeing Village also provides onsite doctors and a regular slate of visiting practitioners.
Tee off in paradise at Velaa Golf Academy, a 9-hole course designed by two-time Masters champion José María Olazábal.
Things to Know
Have your camera ready for the spectacular 45-minute seaplane
journey to this Maldives hotel.
Leave a lasting
impression when you adopt a coral through the property’s Coral Restoration Project. You’ll receive photo updates and progress reports from the
resort’s resident marine biologist long after you’ve
returned home.
For some worry-free alone time, drop your tots
off at Lha Velaa Kids Club, where they can run through the splash park, enjoy
the waterslide-clad pool and explore the playground, all under the watchful eye
of experienced staff.
The Rooms
Eight
categories of villas, houses and residences are constructed from natural
materials (teak and bamboo) combined
with contemporary embellishments, like wall-to-wall glass doors,
deep-soaking tubs and hanging chairs.
Indoor-outdoor living is paramount at
Velaa Private Island. Alfresco showers and private plunge pools help you stay
cool, while heat-resistant stone from Jordan ensures upmost comfort underfoot outside
your villa.
Perched over its own turquoise lagoon and
accessible only by boat, the one-bedroom Romantic Pool Residence is made for
honeymooners. The lodging boasts its own private beach, Jacuzzi, infinity pool,
overwater dining gazebo, gym and massage room.
The two-story,
four-bedroom Velaa Private Residences are good for group getaways. Request NIKA (one of the private residences) to enjoy contemporary Kettal furnishings by Spanish designer
Patricia Urquiola, a 52-foot
swimming pool, a private gym and spa treatment room and a stylish fire pit.
The Restaurants
Aragu is an overwater marvel serving Modern European cuisine with an Asian twist. Chef Gaushan de Silva creates nightly individualized tasting menus based around a rotating list of fresh, sustainable ingredients, such as New Zealand lamb or Japanese blue fin tuna.
Cool off with sundowners at Avi,
an all-day pool bar. If you’d rather keep your feet dry, an indoor lounge area also provides a cozy perch for cocktails and DJ-spun beats after dark.
For an alfresco meal with a side of spectacular sunsets, head for Athiri where you can dine on elevated international comfort foods. Don't miss the wood-fired pizzas — these delightfully crispy pies are a restaurant signature.
Take the open
elevator 37 feet up to
dine with panoramic ocean
views at Tavaru. Here, you’ll savor dinner and a
show as teppanyaki chefs prepare an extravagant meal before your eyes.
Appreciate burgundy and bordeaux varietals along with rarities —1956 Domaine de la Romanée Conti and 1870 Blandy's "Verdelho Solera" Madeira are both on offer — in Velaa Private Island’s 800-label wine cellar.
Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, you will receive private limousine service to Velaa Seaplane Lounge. From there, you will take a 45- to 50-minute seaplane ride to Velaa Private Island.