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.
Bulgarian airline GullivAir is set to launch direct scheduled flights between Malé and Sofia from 6 November 2026, establishing a new non-stop air connection between the Maldives and Bulgaria.
The service will operate throughout the 2026/27 winter season until 26 March 2027, using an Airbus A330-200 wide-body aircraft. The new route will provide Bulgarian travellers with direct access to the Maldives while allowing passengers departing from Malé to reach Bulgaria without an intermediate connection.
Under the announced schedule, flights from Malé to Sofia will operate every Friday, departing Malé at 4.30pm and arriving in the Bulgarian capital at 11.30pm local time. Flights from Sofia to Malé will operate every Saturday, departing at 7.45pm and arriving in the Maldives at 7.15am.
The flights will be operated using GullivAir’s Airbus A330-200, which is deployed on the airline’s long-haul services. Passengers will receive two hot meals and beverages during the flight, while baggage allowances and additional services will vary according to the fare selected at booking.
The launch provides the Maldives with a direct link to the Bulgarian market during the country’s main outbound winter travel period. At the same time, the route creates a new direct European connection for travellers from the Maldives.
Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, serves as a gateway to a range of winter, cultural and wellness destinations. Bulgaria’s established ski areas include Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo, while destinations such as Velingrad, Hisarya and Sandanski are known for mineral-water spas and wellness tourism.
The country also offers cultural and historical attractions including Sofia’s archaeological and religious sites, Plovdiv, Rila Monastery and Veliko Tarnovo. GullivAir said the direct connection would allow travellers from the Maldives to combine city stays, skiing, mountain experiences, spa visits and cultural tourism within one trip.
For the Maldivian tourism sector, the service adds another direct European connection for the 2026/27 winter season and provides easier access for travellers originating in Bulgaria. The route also broadens air connectivity between the Maldives and Southeast Europe at a time when direct services remain an important factor in facilitating leisure travel to the destination.
GullivAir is a Bulgarian airline operating international passenger services from Sofia. The airline said it is developing its scheduled network with a focus on direct connections between Bulgaria and international leisure and business destinations.
This September, The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives invites guests to raise a glass, chase unforgettable moments, and embrace the resort’s signature playful spirit as Oktoberfest and Negroni Week arrive in paradise alongside a lineup of island adventures, social gatherings, and exclusive experiences.
From 19 September to 4 October 2026, Oktoberfest takes centre stage with daily beer-inspired celebrations, bringing together great food, ice-cold pours, and good company against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, cocktail enthusiasts can celebrate Negroni Week from 21 to 27 September 2026, discovering the timeless Italian classic reimagined in true Standard style.
At the heart of the Oktoberfest festivities is Todis Bar, where guests can enjoy a daily Happy Hour featuring refreshing beers and lively island vibes at sunset. Guests can also indulge in specially curated Beer Pairing Lunches at Joos Café, showcasing hearty favourites including gourmet hot dogs, German bratwurst, and shareable plates designed for gathering friends and loved ones around the table.
“At The Standard, Maldives, every celebration is an opportunity to connect, explore, and create memorable moments together,” said Nandakumar Dharuman, the resort’s Director of Culinary. “Whether guests are toasting Oktoberfest, enjoying a perfectly crafted Negroni, or setting off on a marine adventure, this season is all about bringing people together in a fun and unexpected way.”
Beyond the food and beverage experiences, guests can seamlessly combine the festivities with the resort’s signature island adventures. After all, a Maldives holiday is best enjoyed in and around the water. From snorkelling vibrant coral reefs and discovering the region’s marine wonders to unforgettable excursions in Hanifaru Bay, every experience offers a new opportunity to explore paradise. Guests can also join exhilarating manta ray excursions and glide alongside these gentle giants, with experiences available through the resort’s dive centre.
The Sip & Chat Cocktail Party, held every Monday, is another experience not to be missed. This lively social gathering brings together guests and members of the resort’s management team for an evening of cocktails, conversations, surprises, and exciting lucky draws. It is the perfect opportunity to mingle, share stories, and experience the warm, welcoming personality that defines The Standard.
Those seeking a more intimate celebration can elevate their stay with the resort’s Floating Sunset Sparkle experience. Set within the privacy of a villa pool, guests can enjoy house champagne and a selection of curated canapés while soaking in the magic of a Maldivian sunset, creating an unforgettable moment for couples and special occasions.
Whether sipping a Negroni at sunset, sharing a beer over lunch, connecting with fellow travellers, or discovering the natural beauty of the Maldives, guests are invited to celebrate September the Standard way: relaxed, playful, and anything but standard.
ROBINSON NOONU has been named Best Fun & Friendly Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2026 for the second time. This marks the fourth consecutive TTM award for ROBINSON Clubs in the Maldives.
“Receiving the award for the second time is particularly gratifying. It shows that our concept resonates with both our guests and our industry partners, whilst we continue to follow our own path. ROBINSON NOONU has its very own character,” says General Manager Jan Karliczek.
ROBINSON NOONU is located on Orivaru Island in the Noonu Atoll. Guests stay in beach and water villas, many with direct ocean access or private pools. The club’s house reef invites snorkelling and diving. Sports offerings include fitness classes from yoga to HOT IRON as well as padel. The resort also features special event weeks, diverse entertainment, and programmes for children and teenagers.
With this latest recognition, ROBINSON continues its TTM Awards success in the Maldives: ROBINSON MALDIVES won awards in 2023 and 2025, whilst ROBINSON NOONU impressed in the Best Fun & Friendly Resort category in 2024 and now 2026.
The TTM Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in the Maldivian tourism industry and are presented annually at the international TTM Maldives trade fair. Winners are determined through online voting accessible via the TTM website. In 2026, awards were presented across 32 categories.
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