Velaa Private Island

Velaa Private Island is situated in the relatively undeveloped Noonu Atoll in the northern part of the Maldives. It is a 45 minute sea plane flight from Male's international airport. The resort offers truly exceptional luxury and amenities, including spectacular diving and water sports, the Maldives' first Troon golf course and the largest wine collection in the islands. Along with stunning design and first class service, this small island offers some of the best natural scenery in the Maldives. There are only 47 villas and all have uninterrupted views of the peaceful ocean. They come with their own private pools, day beds or sun loungers, alfresco dining areas and generous terraces or sun decks just moments from the beach. Wake up and watch the sunrise directly from your bed, walk down the steps leading from the sundeck to the ocean, or explore the lush tropical gardens.

Dining options are excellent on Veela Private Island. Spacious Athiri, where guests dine overlooking the turquoise water of the Indian Ocean, is the main all-day hub. The signature fine dining restaurant is Aragu, recently recognised by the World's 50 Best Restaurants for Asia. Tavaru, rising above the island for sensational views is home to a teppanyaki restaurant and Velaa’s extensive wine cellar. Faiy is the most recent addition, part of the Wellbeing Village, it offers delicious health-conscious dining. 

There is an amazing array of recreational activities to keep guests entertained throughout their stay. The waters around the resort offer some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving in the country, with Veela's resident marine biologist on hand to accompany guests on excursions. The resort offers some of the most extensive water-based activities in the Maldives including catamarans and paddle boards, but also more unusual seabobs and jetpack-style 'jetovators'. Yachts are available for charter or the resort can arrange a trip on a traditional bahtheli boat at sunset to spend an unforgettable evening complete with a personal chef who will prepare Velaa’s signature dishes. Away from the water there are air-conditioned squash and tennis courts, a rock climbing wall and a golf academy established by Jose Maria Olazabal. There is also a large Kids Club and the afore-mentioned Wellbeing Village for all your spa and wellbeing needs. 

When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.
Susan Heller