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.
News
Manhattan Grand Hotel aims to transform Maldives’ MICE industry
Manhattan Grand Hotel is set to redefine the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry with the launch of one of the largest integrated MICE and event destinations in the Greater Malé Area. Combining premium accommodation, versatile event venues, multiple dining outlets and comprehensive event services under one roof, the hotel is now accepting advance bookings for conferences, exhibitions, corporate events, weddings and social celebrations from September 2026 onwards.
Purpose-built to meet the growing demand for world-class event facilities, the hotel offers three major event halls Mā Ashi (700 sqm), Maalan (400 sqm) and Holhuashi (390 sqm) supported by the Ras Ain Meeting & Conference Facilities, comprising Ras Giri Conference Room, Ras Faruma Training Room, Ras Vani Meeting Room and Ras Pod working spaces. Together with 162 contemporary guest rooms, four restaurants and dedicated event services, Manhattan Grand Hotel provides a complete destination for events of every scale.
Designed to cater for conferences, exhibitions, Government and State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) meetings, Annual General Meetings (AGMs), corporate conventions, product launches, seminars, training programmes, weddings, gala dinners and private celebrations, Manhattan Grand Hotel can comfortably host three major events simultaneously. With separate guest flows, dedicated banquet operations and professional event management teams, each event can operate independently without disruption to others, setting a new benchmark for MICE facilities in the Greater Malé Area.
Complementing the event facilities are four distinctive dining outlets Hen Na, Manhattan Fish Market, Café Barbera and Vilu offering organisers a variety of dining experiences for delegates, networking sessions, VIP functions and private events. The hotel also features professional audiovisual technology, LED displays, high-speed Wi-Fi, conference facilities, integrated catering services and dedicated event management support, delivering a seamless experience from planning through execution.
The Chief Operating Officer of Manhattan Grand Hotel said: “Our vision is to redefine how conferences, exhibitions and major events are hosted in the Maldives. Manhattan Grand Hotel has been purpose-built to deliver the scale, flexibility and professional services required by government institutions, state-owned enterprises, corporations and international event organisers. By bringing together one of the largest integrated MICE facilities in the Greater Malé Area with premium accommodation, dining and hospitality, we are changing the landscape of MICE events in the Greater Malé Area and setting a new benchmark for the industry. We look forward to welcoming our first events from September onwards.”
Strategically located in Hulhumalé, just minutes from Velana International Airport, Manhattan Grand Hotel is positioned to become the preferred venue for government institutions, SOEs, corporate organisations, international associations, event organisers and wedding planners seeking a world-class venue in the Maldives.
Drink
SO/ Maldives introduces premium Dilmah Tea experience
Luxury is often found in life’s quietest moments, the gentle sound of waves, the warmth of the tropical breeze, and now, the comforting aroma of a perfectly brewed cup of tea. Embracing this philosophy, SO/ Maldives has introduced an exclusive collaboration with Dilmah Tea, bringing one of the world’s most celebrated premium tea experiences to the island.
More than simply serving exceptional tea, the partnership reimagines how guests connect with the destination. Every carefully selected blend becomes an invitation to slow down, reconnect with nature, and embrace the effortless sophistication that defines the SO/ Maldives experience. Whether enjoyed overlooking the turquoise lagoon, paired with an elegant afternoon indulgence, or savoured during moments of wellness and relaxation, Dilmah Tea becomes another expression of the resort’s signature Island Couture lifestyle.
Rooted in authenticity and sustainability, Dilmah’s philosophy of handpicked, single-origin Ceylon tea perfectly complements SO/ Maldives’ commitment to meaningful luxury experiences. Together, the two iconic brands celebrate craftsmanship, conscious living, and unforgettable moments shared in one of the world’s most breathtaking island destinations.
To commemorate the collaboration, SO/ Maldives will host an exclusive Dilmah Tea Launch Experience on 04th August 2026 at the vibrant Lazuli Beach Club, inviting resort guests and distinguished partners to discover the art of tea through an immersive evening of flavour, storytelling, and entertainment.

Guests will begin the experience with a signature welcome before exploring an interactive Dilmah Tea Experience featuring a curated collection of premium tea varieties. Guided by the Dilmah team, guests will discover the heritage behind each blend, learn the art of tea appreciation, and experience thoughtfully curated snack pairings designed to enhance every flavour profile.
As the sun begins to set over the Indian Ocean, the evening will seamlessly transition into a celebration of SO/ Maldives’ unmistakable style. A spectacular Flying Dress showcase will capture the vibrant colours and elegance of island couture against the Maldivian horizon, followed by a captivating fire performance that lights up the beach, creating an unforgettable finale beneath the stars.
The introduction of Dilmah Tea further strengthens SO/ Maldives’ commitment to offering world-class culinary and lifestyle experiences that blend international excellence with the serenity of island living. Guests can now discover an elevated tea programme across selected dining venues and experiences, reinforcing the resort’s promise to deliver exceptional moments from sunrise to sunset.
From tranquil mornings overlooking crystal-clear lagoons to golden-hour reflections by the beach, every cup of Dilmah Tea invites guests to pause, breathe, and savour the beauty of the present, transforming an everyday ritual into an extraordinary island experience.
For more information or to book your perfect getaway, please visit so-maldives.com or contact so.maldives.reservations@so-hotels.com or call +960 664-9100.
Awards
.Here Baa Atoll receives Forbes VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality recognition
.Here Baa Atoll has been awarded the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality recognition, affirming the resort’s commitment to responsible luxury and its dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences while embracing sustainable and ethical hospitality practices.
Developed by Forbes Travel Guide, the global authority on luxury hospitality, the VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality programme recognises hotels and resorts that demonstrate a comprehensive commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement, employee wellbeing and responsible operational practices. The recognition is awarded following an independent assessment of more than 100 standards designed specifically for the luxury hospitality sector.
Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll has been conceived around the philosophy of The Art of Duality—bringing together immersive luxury and a profound respect for the natural world. Across its two private islands connected by a pristine sandbank, the resort integrates thoughtful design, personalised experiences and responsible practices that aim to preserve the destination for generations to come.
The recognition reflects the resort’s ongoing efforts to minimise its environmental impact while creating meaningful experiences that connect guests with the unique marine ecosystem and cultural heritage of the Maldives. Through responsible resource management, conservation initiatives, local partnerships and a continued focus on guest and team wellbeing, .Here Baa Atoll strives to demonstrate that exceptional luxury and responsible hospitality can exist in harmony.
“This recognition represents an important milestone for .Here Baa Atoll and reflects the collective commitment of our team to creating experiences that are both meaningful and mindful,” said Elina Adiyan, Resident Manager of .Here Baa Atoll. “Responsible hospitality is embedded in every aspect of the guest journey, from the way we design experiences to how we care for our people, our community and the remarkable environment that surrounds us. We are honoured to be recognised by Forbes Travel Guide for this commitment.”
As global travellers increasingly seek destinations that align with their values, the Forbes Travel Guide VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality recognition reinforces .Here Baa Atoll’s position among the world’s leading ultra-luxury resorts, offering guests the confidence that their stay supports a property committed to responsible operations without compromising on service, comfort or exclusivity.
The achievement marks another significant milestone for the resort as it continues to establish itself as one of the Maldives’ most distinctive luxury destinations, where contemporary design, personalised hospitality and a deep respect for nature come together to create extraordinary experiences.
To learn more about .Here Baa Atoll, visit www.here-maldives.com.
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