Connect with us

Featured

Velaa Private Island Maldives: a safe haven in Indian Ocean

Published

on

Nestled in the Indian Ocean, surrounded by pristine blue waters, Velaa Private Island is a safe haven away from it all and the ideal choice for those looking for a leisure break in total privacy and seclusion once the travel restrictions are lifted.

The Maldives will be reopening once again to international travellers and there cannot be a better destination to relax and get away from it all during the current Covid-19 situation.

From July, visitors can land at Maafaru International Airport in their private jet and be whisked away on Velaa’s luxury yacht to one of the world’s finest private islands. This is physical isolation at its most luxurious and most pleasurable!

The luxury resort comprises 47 private villas — 18 of which are built over the water and one of which is accessible only by boat, making it feel even more isolated.

Large families looking for a private secluded residential experience should choose one of the four Velaa Private Residences.

With four bedrooms accommodating up to 10 guests, a rarity in the Maldives, the Velaa Private Residences offer stylish contemporary design with 1,350sqm of private interior and exterior area, inclusive of two terraces, large pool, private beach, outdoor lounge and cinema, private spa and plenty of space for each member of the family to relax.

Secluded on a pristine private beach, the carefully curated interiors deliver comfort and space for all members of the party.

Venture beyond the villa and enjoy the most extensive programme of activities in the Maldives: jet-skiing, windsurfing and pedal-boating, as well as hydro flight toys and scuba-diving in the resort’s own dive centre.

Explore the marine environment in a mini submarine or an underwater drone that allows you to make short films of the flora and fauna, which are among the most diverse in the Maldives.

Golfers will be pleased to know that Velaa Private Island offers one of the few golf courses in the Maldives. The Velaa Golf Academy by Olazábal has been created in collaboration with the golfing legend and features a stunning golf course and academy.

Velaa Spa is a wellness sanctuary that curates personalised beauty and wellness experiences. The luxury island prides itself in pioneering some of the most innovative beauty and wellness treatments in the world such as the Cloud 9 relaxation facility.

Velaa Private Island is the ideal destination for the whole family to relax keeping their minds at rest that they are in the safest of surroundings while creating exceptional memories to last a lifetime.

Featured

Veligandu Maldives unveils its five-star rebirth

Published

on

Crown & Champa Resorts (CCR) has announced the reopening of Veligandu Maldives Resort Island, unveiling its transformation into a five-star luxury destination. Situated in the scenic North Ari Atoll, the resort is accessible by a 25-minute seaplane journey or a 60-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport. Following extensive renovations, the resort now offers elevated experiences while preserving its rich heritage.

First established in 1984 as one of the Maldives’ pioneering resorts, Veligandu has been renowned for its natural beauty and exceptional hospitality. The recent upgrades have enhanced its offerings, seamlessly blending Maldivian authenticity with modern luxury.

Ahmed Shaheen, Chief Commercial Leader of CCR, described the reopening as a significant milestone for the group. He noted that the transformation reflects a commitment to delivering world-class experiences, combining natural beauty with contemporary sophistication. Guests are invited to rediscover Veligandu and create lasting memories in this enhanced paradise.

The resort now features 100 villas, including 47 Ocean Pool Villas with glass floors showcasing the crystalline waters below, 28 Ocean Villas, 16 Jacuzzi Beach Villas, and 9 Beach Villas. These accommodations are designed with tropical-inspired interiors, king-size beds, private porches, and modern amenities, including 55- or 65-inch flat-screen TVs.

General Manager Fathuhulla Ibrahim expressed excitement about welcoming guests back to the resort, emphasising its ability to provide unforgettable experiences for both loyal patrons and first-time visitors.

Veligandu offers a rich culinary journey, catering to diverse tastes through its thoughtfully curated dining options. Highlights include the artistry of teppanyaki at Madivaru Teppanyaki Grill, fresh seafood at Raalhu, and a fusion of Asian and international cuisines at Dhonveli’s buffet-style restaurant. Additional offerings include tapas and salads at Thundi and bespoke destination dining experiences, such as meals on the beach or under the moonlit sky. The resort’s dine-around all-inclusive package provides unrestricted access to all dining venues, while flexible beverage plans enhance half-board and full-board stays.

Guests can engage in an array of activities, from snorkelling and diving with manta rays and sea turtles to land-based pursuits like pickleball, padel tennis, and biking trails. Thrill-seekers can enjoy jet skiing, parasailing, and kayaking at the Ocean Water Sports Centre. For those seeking relaxation, the overwater Himeyn Spa offers holistic treatments and a yoga pavilion, while the resort’s marine biologist leads conservation efforts and educates guests on marine ecosystems.

As part of its reopening, Veligandu joins CCR’s prestigious ultra-luxury collection, which includes Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, Hurawalhi Maldives Island Resort, Kagi Maldives Resort & Spa, and Jawakara Islands Maldives. Known for its lush vegetation and timeless charm, Veligandu remains a standout property that showcases the Maldives’ natural beauty without artificial enhancements.

Veligandu Maldives Resort Island now invites guests to experience a harmonious blend of breathtaking natural surroundings and refined luxury, offering unforgettable moments for all who visit.

Continue Reading

Celebration

SAii Lagoon Maldives kicks off the Holidays with warmth and love

Published

on

As the festive season commenced at SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, the resort embraced a true celebration of tradition, togetherness, and joy. The island paradise marked the beginning of another holiday season with its annual Christmas Cake Mixing event—a cherished occasion that stirred the spirit of the season with every mix, creating an atmosphere of belonging and warmth.

The event extended beyond the preparation of the Christmas cake mix, offering guests an opportunity to connect and forge lasting friendships. Participants from around the world came together to blend a rich, aromatic mixture of dried fruits, nuts, and spices—a combination that embodies the festive season’s essence: warmth, joy, and connection.

“At SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, we believe in celebrating more than just the season. We celebrate the moments that unite us, the laughter that fills the air, and the stories shared over delicious food. This cake mixing ceremony is a tradition that brings people together in a meaningful way,” remarked Alexander Traeger, General Manager of SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton. “It was our way of inviting guests to not only enjoy festive indulgence but also to become part of a greater family—a family that embraces joy and love.”

Guests of all ages joined the activity, their hands dusted with flour and smiles beaming, as the magic of Christmas began to envelop the island. With each stir of the mixture, the nostalgic aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and rum wafted through the breeze, filling the air with warmth and holiday cheer.

Continue Reading

Cooking

Dusit Thani Maldives launches SALA, plant-powered dining experience

Published

on

Dusit Thani Maldives is enhancing its culinary offerings with the launch of SALA, a plant-based restaurant that showcases nutrient-rich dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients and produce grown in the resort’s organic gardens.

SALA is led by Executive Chef Jan Van de Voorde, whose career spans Michelin-starred establishments in Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as boutique health retreats in Ibiza. The restaurant offers a refined ‘plant-powered’ dining experience inspired by Chef Jan’s passion for organic, healthy cuisine and his expertise in blending European and Asian flavours with a focus on holistic well-being.

Chef Jan credits his time in Ibiza from 2020 to 2022 as the inspiration for SALA. During that period, he embraced plant-based cuisine and experienced its transformative impact on his health. According to Chef Jan, this way of cooking and eating revitalised his mind and body, leaving him feeling stronger, healthier, and more energised. He is now bringing this philosophy to Dusit Thani Maldives, offering guests flavourful dishes designed to nourish both the body and soul.

Aligned with Dusit’s Tree of Life sustainability program, which prioritises environmental preservation and community well-being, SALA adopts a ‘seed-to-plate’ approach. This philosophy underscores the resort’s commitment to achieving harmony between luxury and sustainability.

The menu at SALA features standout dishes such as Grilled King Oyster Mushroom served with pea puree and Creamy Mushroom Soup enhanced with white truffle oil. For a refreshing dessert, the Coconut Sorbet—crafted with locally sourced coconuts and seasonal berries—provides a health-conscious indulgence. Complementing the food are innovative beverages like the Kombucha Mojito and the Pineapple & Ginger Kefir, offering guests wellness-focused refreshment with probiotic and nutrient-rich ingredients.

Jean-Louis Ripoche, General Manager of Dusit Thani Maldives, emphasised the significance of SALA as part of the resort’s commitment to promoting sustainable, healthy living while delivering a world-class dining experience. Ripoche expressed confidence that the restaurant’s thoughtful menu and picturesque location would resonate with health-conscious travellers seeking transformative culinary experiences.

Located on the second floor of a Thai-style pavilion overlooking the turquoise waters of Baa Atoll, SALA combines Dusit’s renowned hospitality with an idyllic setting, creating the perfect environment for mindful dining, whether during a relaxed afternoon or an enchanting evening.

In celebration of SALA’s opening, Dusit Thani Maldives is offering the ‘Plant and Pamper Retreat’, a curated wellness experience that blends gastronomy, relaxation, and mindful living.

Available for direct bookings until March 31, 2025, with stays extending to October 31, 2025, the retreat includes daily breakfast at The Market Restaurant, lunch and dinner at SALA, a private yoga session, a 60-minute massage for two, and additional exclusive benefits.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.