News
Exclusive new retreat Velaa Private Island opens
Maldives.net.mv – Velaa Private Island, an exclusive new island hideaway in the Maldives, officially opened on December 20, 2013.
An exceptional private luxury retreat in Noonu Atoll north of Malé, with service that goes beyond traditional resorts, Velaa promises luxury from Michelin star cuisine and one of the finest wine cellars in the Indian Ocean archipelago, to world-class watersports including its own private submarine.
Exceptional facilities “beyond traditional resorts” extend to the only My Blend By Clarins spa in the Maldives and a ‘short game’ golf academy designed by two-time Masters Champion Jose Maria Olazabal operated by Troon Golf.
Velaa Private Island is the realisation of a quest by founders Radka and Jiri Smejc to establish a truly exceptional resort in the Maldives. The unique destination has been created to embody the very best of this unique archipelago, under the azure skies and in the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean.
“Velaa is an island paradise, in all senses, where the essence of Maldivian culture, lifestyle and landscape meets limitless opportunities,” said Jiri Smejc, the founder of Velaa Private Island.
“Our commitment is that no request is too much, and each guest ultimately feels this is their own private island.”
Velaa means “Turtle Island” in the local language – named after generations of sea turtles that flock there to nest and hatch.
A “Celebration” promotion from December 24 to January 12 introduces the prestigious new private island for rates beginning at US$3,100 a night for stays at the colonial-style Beach Pool Villas.
Velaa Private Island has been designed and curated with privacy and comfort as the guiding principles, while allowing the Indian Ocean to take centre stage. At one with nature, each of the private retreats is built using local materials, combining contemporary flourishes with interiors designed for sensory exploration. Generous terraces and sultry gazebos are positioned to maximise shade, breeze, views and privacy, allowing for total immersion in nature.
The resort features 45 private villas, houses and exclusive residences fusing local materials with contemporary style each with their private swimming pool, including 18 built on stilts over water.
Family accommodation ranges from eight beach pool houses and pavilions to an ultra-private Romantic Pool Residence accessible only by boat and four expansive 4-bedroom Velaa Private Residences, a rarity in the archipelago, for families or groups of up to 10.
With three restaurants, two bars and a wine cellar, gastronomic dining is a resort signature, designed by French Michelin starred chef Adeline Grattard.
She oversees elegant over-water restaurants Aragu and Cru, where guests can enjoy vintage champagne, as well as Tavaru teppanyaki restaurant at the center of the island, which is uniquely set in a striking ivory-white tower, and features live cooking and an extensive wine cellar.
Additional venues include beachfront restaurant Athiri and Avi – a pool bar by day and vibrant cocktail bar by night.
A Destination Dining concept additionally offers bespoke menus, entertainment and locations, both on and off the island, for special occasions.
Velaa is one of only a handful of hotels in the world and the only resort in Asia partnering distinguished spa brand My Blend By Clarins, at its sublime spa nestled over the lagoon.
The spa also showcases the first ‘snow room’ in the Maldives – a cloud-shaped reclining pod that cradles guests into deep relaxation – and a Yoga Pavilion with personal training, either on a raised tree meditation platform in the garden or by the beach.
Recreation and wellness extends to world-class water sports and fitness facilities, covered tennis and squash courts, a football field and beach volleyball court.
The Velaa Golf Academy by Olazabal is also the only golf experience of its kind anywhere in the world. Operated by Troon Golf with a resident professional for personalised tuition, it incorporates a state of the art indoor studio for fine-tuning golf swings and a short-game target area with multiple par-3 layouts for pitching from 65 to 180 yards over bunkers and a small lake onto six greens.
A PADI dive centre offers excursions, certification courses and snorkeling adventures. Water activities extend to windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, wakeboarding, water-skiing, kite surfing and the only two-passenger private submarine in the Maldives.
Sunset cruises, dolphin watching, private boat excursions and fishing expeditions are aboard a luxury Prestige yacht or traditional Maldivian ‘bahtheli’ boat.
Velaa is designed by award-winning Czech architect Petr Kolar as “an elegant fusion of Maldivian culture with contemporary luxury, intimate with Maldivian nuances”.
Styling adopts a motif of the turtle, after which the island is named, with the colors and patterns of turtle shell pervading the property. From a broader “bird’s eye view” which greets arrivals by seaplane, the island’s exclusive over-water villas are also constructed to resemble the head of a turtle, with the island forming the body.
Villa Nautica has been recognized among the world’s top 150 resorts, receiving the esteemed Red Star Quality Award 2024 from DERTOUR Group. This accolade, reserved for hotels that uphold the highest standards of guest satisfaction, highlights the resort’s commitment to excellence in service, hospitality, and overall experience.
A maritime celebration of quayside life, Villa Nautica blends urban sophistication with the spirit of the open sea. Inspired by the sleek elegance of a superyacht, its interiors reflect a polished, modern aesthetic, where crisp nautical lines meet understated luxury. The resort’s lifestyle is equally refined, offering guests a seamless blend of relaxation and adventure. With world-class scuba diving, exhilarating water sports, and direct access to some of the Maldives’ most stunning marine landscapes, Villa Nautica captures the essence of the seafarer’s dream with a glamorous twist.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Villa Nautica stands apart for its authenticity. Unlike many international hospitality brands in the Maldives, Villa Resorts is one of the few locally owned and operated groups. This deep connection to the destination shapes its ethos, offering guests more than just a holiday, but an experience rooted in genuine Maldivian warmth. Every element, from its personalized service to its commitment to sustainability, reflects a philosophy of meaningful hospitality, one that seeks to leave guests feeling enriched and restored.
The Red Star Quality Award is DERTOUR Group’s top recognition, given to only 100 resorts in long-haul destinations and 50 in Europe, based on guest feedback and key performance metrics. For Villa Nautica, this acknowledgment highlights its consistent ability to provide a well-rounded and memorable experience, where service and atmosphere come together to offer guests something truly special.
Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has on April 1 officially opened Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives with an exclusive introductory offer. Guests are invited to experience this tranquil island retreat with special privileges and premium benefits, including Stay 4, Pay 3 and Stay 7, Pay 5 packages, upgrades, and more, for a limited time only.
Representing the final piece in Centara’s vision of offering extraordinary experiences across four distinctive properties in the Maldives, each catering to unique traveller preferences, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives features 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater accommodations that perfectly complement the natural beauty of the surroundings. This private island sanctuary seamlessly blends Thai-inspired hospitality with Maldivian allure, inviting guests to indulge in world-class dining across multiple restaurants and bars, and experience rejuvenating wellness journeys at the serene Spa Cenvaree Retreat.
The opening of this stunning property also signifies the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project set to redefine experiential travel in this breathtaking destination. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives blends sophisticated tranquillity with immersive experiences, catering to discerning travellers seeking a refined escape while also granting guests unprecedented access to the thrilling water attractions and vibrant facilities of neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.
“We are thrilled to officially welcome guests to Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives this April,” said Andrew Jansson, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives. “From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and holistic wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers a truly distinctive experience that captures the essence of both Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”
To celebrate the grand opening, Centara invites guests to take advantage of its Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer. Book from now until 30th June 2025 for stays between 1st April and 15th October 2025 and enjoy the privilege of staying 4 nights while only paying for 3, or extend your escape with Stay 7, Pay 5. This offer also includes meal plan upgrades, complimentary champagne and couples’ massages, exclusive access to The Club, a choice of an ocean excursion, plus extra perks for CentaraThe1 members and more.
For more information about Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives or to make a reservation, please visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cglm/introductoryoffer.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives invites families to embrace the spirit of Easter with an exciting line-up of activities and themed experiences from 18 to 24 April 2025. Set on a private island in the South Malé Atoll, the resort offers the perfect setting for a memorable tropical Easter escape.
A Week of Wholesome Adventures at Kandoo Kids’ Club
The Easter celebrations centre around the Kandoo Kids’ Club, open daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm for children aged 4 to 12. Supervised by a caring and energetic team, it will offer a rotating schedule of themed activities, including nature exploration, wellness-focused fun, traditional Maldivian experiences, Easter celebrations, and ocean discovery that little VIPs will surely enjoy.
Island-Wide Easter Fun
Families can enjoy a week full of island-wide Easter activities. On Easter Sunday, 20 April, guests can participate in Easter card making, egg painting and decoration, and a festive Easter Egg Hunt. The evening will conclude with an International Easter Dinner Buffet at Kandooma Café, showcasing a diverse selection of global flavours, from roast lamb and seafood to bunny-themed treats and indulgent desserts.
Throughout the week, guests can also participate in various recreational activities, including sunset cruises, snorkelling adventures, volleyball matches, and an Easter-themed movie night under the stars.
Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, shared: “Easter is a time for families to come together, and at Kandooma, we’re proud to offer a setting where guests of all ages can connect, celebrate, and create special memories. Our team puts great care into crafting meaningful experiences, especially for our younger guests, and we’re excited to welcome families for a truly unforgettable Easter week.”
Plan the Perfect Family Escape
Families looking to make the most of Easter at Kandooma Maldives are encouraged to take advantage of the Family Getaway package. This special offer includes family-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, memorable island experiences, and the added benefit of kids staying and dining for free. Terms and conditions apply.
For bookings and more information, visit https://maldives.holidayinnresorts.com/hotel-offers/family-getaway/. For the full Easter 2025 Brochure, visit https://holidayinn.aflip.in/HIRKM_EasterBrochure.html.
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