A picture-postcard private island retreat, Velaa Island is an idyllic resort with a boutique feel, personalised butler service for every guest, and three exceptional restaurants that truly ‘wow’.
Why you'll love it here
- The private Romantic Pool Residence stands out in the ocean and is only accessible by boat
- Discover the unique snow room and cool off after a day in the sun
- The golf course has nine different tees, six greens, seven bunkers and a turquoise lake
- Enjoy Japanese tasting menus with stunning views at the elevated Tavaru Restaurant
Best For
- Honeymoon, Family, Kids (4-12),
Lucy
Travel Specialist
Your holiday always includes
- Premium lounge passes at UK airports
- VIP meet & greet service at departure
- Private transfers to and from your hotel
- Personal concierge service throughout
- 24/7 assistance when travelling
- The first-hand knowledge of our team
Full accommodation information
Hotel information
Take the 45-minute seaplane flight from the airport and you’ll be transported to this 20-hectare retreat which goes above and beyond ‘luxury’.
Meaning ‘Turtle Island’ in the local language - thanks to the sea turtles who have come to nest and hatch their eggs on its beaches for generations – you’ll find its namesake woven throughout the design of Velaa, with even the shape of the resort from above resembling a turtle!
Accommodation choices are superb, with eight categories to choose from, including 18 overwater. For extra space for families, there are four-bedroom residences, or honeymooners will find the extra seclusion of the Romantic Pool Residence hugely private.
Dining is certainly a reason alone to visit Velaa, with the three restaurant options each creating distinct environments in which to indulge. At Aragu & Cru you’ll discover a twist on modern European cuisine, while Athiri & Avi is a casual beachfront setting serving wood-fired pizzas by day and a bar with live DJ and mixologist at night.
For us though, the jewel in Velaa’s crown is Tavaru, a stunning white tower that’s home to Teppanyaki grill cuisine and a wine cellar with more than 500 bins!
Destination and in-villa dining are also available for a more private experience.
And when you’re not lazing by your private pool? Well there’s the spa that works in conjunction with My Blend and Clarins to offer a huge selection of treatments; the all-singing-all-dancing golf academy designed by Jose Maria Olazabal; a vast array of watersports including more unusual pursuits including Seadoo Scooters; a well-regarded PADI dive centre; and a gym, yoga pavilion, tennis and squash courts, football pitch and even a climbing wall. Children meanwhile will be in their own mini-paradise at the Lha Velaa kids’ club with its pool, playground and supervised activities.
All activities at Velaa Private Island are private so are tailored to individual guests, simply book with your butler.
Room Options
With Villas, Houses and Residences to pick from, there’s plenty to choose from within Velaa’s 43 property portfolio. Privacy is key, and each retreat is built with local materials and generous outdoor spaces to showcase the island setting in all its glory. Butler service is at hand to see to your every whim, with the villa phone ensuring personal service at the touch of a button. Some 18 of the 43 retreats are built over water, with the Romantic Pool Residence reached by boat for extra privacy.
Beach Pool Villa
Sleeps: 2 Adults , 1 Child
One-bedroom, beachfront pool villas, these nine properties boast Indian Ocean views. Beautifully furnished, the wall-to-wall glass doors allow natural light to flood in, and the day beds and swinging chair offer relaxing spots to chill.
Deluxe Beach Pool Villa
Sleeps: 2 Adults , 1 Child
Extra spacious, the living room, outdoor terrace and private pool ensure plenty of room to relax. The alfresco dining area – beside your own pool – is a stunning spot for sunset views, and the outdoor bathroom has a huge tub in its own private garden atrium.
Beach Pool House
Sleeps: 4 Adults , 1 Child
There are some seven Beach Pool Houses on the island, each set amid lush foliage and swaying palms. With two bedrooms and beach access they are perfect for families, while the kitchen is ideal for daytime snacking and evening drinks. The large private pool is set on a spacious terrace with an outdoor dining platform offering views of the lagoon.
Velaa Private Residence
Sleeps: 8 Adults , 2 Children
The premier beach residence at Velaa, these four two-storey properties each has a huge four bedrooms, accommodating up to ten guests and making them a preferred choice for multi-generational travel and those travelling for a special celebration. There are two terraces, a pool, gym, spa room, courtyard and a private stretch of beach, while each of the four bedrooms has ocean views.
Sunrise Water Pool Villa
Sleeps: 2 Adults , 1 Child
For a romantic retreat for two, these eight overwater villas enjoy uninterrupted views of the ocean; best enjoyed from your bed that is perfectly placed behind floor to ceiling windows. Highlights include the viewing window in the living room floor to the coral reef below, and the steps leading from your sundeck into the crystal waters.
Sunset Deluxe Water Pool Villa
Sleeps: 2 Adults , 1 Child
These eight palatial properties have a key ‘wow’ feature: private pools that face the sunset. The large living room has its own bar area with private wine fridge and a viewing window set into the floor, while canvas sails between your villa and the next ensure incredible privacy.
Ocean Pool House
Sleeps: 4 Adults , 1 Child
This singular property boasts an incredible location on the very tip of the island, a two-bedroom residence that enjoys superb privacy and space. Views of the ocean are showcased throughout the house, and when you fancy a dip there are stairs leading directly into the lagoon. Come evening, survey the view with a cocktail in hand in your sunken hot tub.
Romantic Pool Residence
The ultimate Indian Ocean proposition for a luxury honeymoon, this stunning one-bedroom villa is suspended over the lagoon and only reached via boat. Romance, privacy and uninterrupted views make it perfect for a post-wedding holiday, while the private chef and butler will ensure you needn’t lift a finger. A personal gym and spa treatment rooms, as well as a dining gazebo on its own jetty, mean you needn’t leave your private retreat your entire stay.Sustainability Initiatives & Responsible Tourism
With the largest coral restoration effort in the Maldives, Velaa Private Island is committed to preserving its beautiful location north of Malé. A mesh-like nursery holds the coral in place to regrow before the resort returns them to the ocean. Partly motivated by the colony of turtles which reside near the island, Velaa aims to protect its marine ecosystem and ensure it thrives for years to come. As well as this, there’s an award-winning chef whose passion for sustainable practices has led to the use of carefully selected organic ingredients in every dish. Added to the Teppanyaki grill cuisine at Tavaru, these eco-friendly meals pack a flavoursome punch with every bite.
Maldives travel information
When to visit Maldives
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best time
Good time
Ok time
- Time zone: +5 GMT
- Flight time: 8 hours, 30 minutes
- Currency: Rufiyaa, US dollar
- Tipping guideline: A 10% service tax is added to most restaurant bills
- Health considerations: No major health risks
- Capital: Malé
- Population: 521,021 (2023)
- National languages: Dhivehi, English
- Electricity and plugs: D/G - 230v, 50Hz
- Mobile phone coverage: Good
- UK passport visa requirements: You must complete a traveller declaration form (IMUGA) within 96 hours before your flight to or from the Maldives.
Other hotels nearby
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Enquire about your stay at Velaa Private Island
Prices from £ per person for nights
Price is per person, based on adults sharing a double room for nights , including economy flights and transfers. Price includes relevant offers and is subject to availability.
Lucy
Travel Specialist
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