Property Of The Week

Velaa Private Island In The Maldives 

In an area already renowned for its beauty and luxury, Velaa Private Island in the Maldives takes the aspirational escape to an entirely new level. Unquestionably the most exceptional hotel in the Maldives, it is also one of the most extraordinary hotels on earth. Recently named one of the world's Top Five Best Hotels* Velaa Private Island boasts a selection of stylishly appointed luxury villas and hotel offerings that are nothing short of spectacular.

Tucked away within the collection of islands that form the Noonu Atoll, Velaa Private Island is elegantly positioned to overlook enchanting vistas of a cerulean ocean. Its name derived from the generations of sea turtles that flock there to nest and hatch; it is comprised of 47 private villas, houses and exclusive residences. The resort also includes a Romantic Pool Residence which can only be reached by boat, allowing even more exclusivity. Here all details have been considered: each villa comes with a personal butler, all services offered can be tailored to personal specifications, and attention to detail everywhere is impeccable: stone pavements from the desert in Jordan, Indonesian flowerpots, luxury wood panelling from Borneo, and glimmering Italian marble.

The passion project of Czech billionaire, Jirí Smejc, Velaa Private Island represents his vision to create a destination in a category entirely of its own. Following a $200 million investment to essentially build the resort from scratch, it has emerged as the ultra-luxe haven for the world’s most discerning holidaymakers. Awarded both ‘Best Resort’ and ‘Best New Resort in the Maldives’ it is perhaps unsurprising that there are a lot of exclusives here: the only resort in the Maldives with a snow room, the largest and most extensive wine collection in the region, the only Maldivian resort with a private submarine, an extraordinary kids’ club designed by his 7-year-old daughter and the only resort in Asia with a My Blend by Clarins spa.

But of all the luxuries that Velaa has to offer, its privacy is perhaps its greatest asset - the resort is designed for a maximum of 142 guests at one time. “Our goal was to bring new meaning to a private escape, where the essence of lifestyle and landscape meets limitless opportunities,” says owner Smejc. “A place where no request is too much and each guest will ultimately feel this is their own private paradise.”

Additionally, there is a waterside Aragu restaurant, with a twist on Modern European cuisine; Aragu takes gourmet experiences to a new level. Combining passion for culinary art alongside awareness and sustainability, Aragu favours carefully chosen organic produce from all corners of the globe. Home to the largest wine and champagne collection in the Maldives, housed within a futuristic 75-foot Tavaru tower, Velaa Private Island will delight food and drink connoisseurs. The spa facilities feature six spa suites nestled over the island’s lagoon, with two suites reserved for couples. They are one of only four hotels in the world to partner with distinguished spa brand My Blend by Clarins.

Alongside these features is a Cloud 9 flotation suite along with a relaxation area looking out to sea, a hair salon, juice bar and retail lounge. Additionally, 5 of the villas on the island will include private spa suites with the full spa menu on offer.

To accompany the spa, the resort has a yoga pavilion offering sessions with a yoga master and personal training programmes. Velaa Private Island’s gym is equipped with world-class Technogym equipment, while sports being offered include a Troon Short Game Golf Academy designed by two-time Masters Champion Jose Maria Olazabal.

In addition to everything else, Velaa Private Island offers some of the best diving in the world. Alongside world-class fitness equipment and facilities there is also a dive centre that offers excursions, PADI certification courses or snorkelling through spellbinding marine vistas. There are water activities including windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, wakeboarding, water-skiing and kite surfing. For the truly adventurous there is the exclusive semi-submarine expedition, in the Maldives’ only two-passenger private submarine.

Romantic sunset cruises, dolphin watching and private boat excursions can be arranged either aboard a luxury Prestige yacht or traditional ‘Bahtheli’ boat, and there is also an excursions team on hand to take guests on fishing expeditions. And there are local guests - in a tribute to the turtles of its namesake, Velaa Private Island has carved out lots of space for their marine visitors, with a hatchery and conservation plan in place.

Situated in the Noonu atoll, Velaa Private Island is a 45-minute seaplane flight north of the Maldivian capital of Malé.