Imagine an island so serene and secluded, you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret paradise. That’s the magic of Velaa Private Island, nestled in the pristine Noonu Atoll. Just a 45-minute seaplane flight from Malé, this haven was born from the passion of Radka and Jiří Šmejc, who envisioned a retreat that redefines luxury, privacy and intimacy in the Maldives.
The name “Velaa,” meaning “turtle” in Dhivehi, pays homage to the generations of sea turtles that call this island home. Designed by the renowned Czech architect Petr Kolář, the resort elegantly blends modern luxury with Maldivian charm. From the sky, the over-water villas form the head of a turtle, with the island and jetties representing its body and flippers, a testament to the thoughtful design.
A Seamless Arrival
Arriving at Velaa is an experience in itself. The 45-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport offers breathtaking views of the Maldives’ azure waters and coral reefs. For a touch of exclusivity, private charters on a Velaa-branded seaplane are available. If you arrive by private jet, as many of this royalty and A-list celebrity guest attracting resort do, Maafaru International Airport is just 26.6 km away, followed by a 35-minute boat transfer to the island.
Exquisite Accommodation
Velaa’s 47 villas, houses, and residences epitomise luxury, each designed with the utmost attention to privacy and comfort.
Beach Pool Villa
Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the Beach Pool Villa provides an intimate beachfront experience. The 287 m² villa features a king-size bed, a spacious bathroom with his and her vanities, an outdoor garden atrium with a rain shower and soaking bath, and a private pool. Wall-to-wall glass doors frame the terrace, offering stunning ocean views. It’s perfect for those seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature.
Deluxe Beach Pool Villa
Couples will adore the Deluxe Beach Pool Villa. With 313 m² of space, this villa includes a king-size bed, an expansive living room, a bathroom with his and her vanities, a garden atrium, and a private pool. The outdoor dining gazebo and lounge area are perfect for relaxing amidst tropical vegetation, making every moment a romantic escape.
Beach Pool House
For families, the Beach Pool House offers a perfect blend of privacy and communal living. Covering 581 m², it features two detached villas connected by a spacious living room, two king-size beds, ensuite bathrooms, a kitchenette, and a wine bar. The vast terrace includes a dining platform and two private pools, catering to both adults and children.
Velaa Private Residence
The Velaa Private Residence is the ultimate in luxury for larger groups. With 1,324 m² of living space, it accommodates up to 10 guests. The residence features four ensuite bedrooms, a large living room, dining area, and private kitchen. Outside, guests can enjoy a personal gym, spa treatment room, outdoor cinema lounge, and a spacious pool.
Romantic Pool Residence
Accessible only by boat, this secluded one-bedroom residence offers uninterrupted ocean views and complete privacy. The 598 m² residence includes a personal gym, spa treatment room, and kitchen, with the option to book a private chef. The expansive terrace features a Jacuzzi, 16.5-metre pool, sundeck, and a sunken bath, making it the ultimate romantic hideaway.
Over-Water Villas
With 18 over-water villas, guests can enjoy the most breathtaking sunrise and sunset views directly from their accommodation.
Sunrise Water Pool Villa
The Sunrise Water Pool Villa, measuring 223 m², is perfect for early risers. It includes a separate living room, a bathroom with his and her vanities, a circular bath, an outdoor shower, an alfresco dining area, a gazebo with daybeds, and a private pool.
Sunset Deluxe Water Pool Villa
For those who love sunsets, the Sunset Deluxe Water Pool Villa offers 245 m² of luxurious living space. It features a separate living room, a standalone bar with a wine fridge, a bathroom with his and her vanities, a circular bath, an outdoor shower, an alfresco dining area, a gazebo with daybeds, and a pool.
Ocean Pool House
The Ocean Pool House spans 493 m², accommodating four guests with two king-size beds in two bedrooms. It includes two bathrooms with his and her vanities, two circular baths, a separate living room, a separate outdoor dining room, a kitchenette with a bar area and wine fridge, an outdoor shower, a gazebo with daybeds, a gazebo with a sunken Jacuzzi, and a pool.
Dining Delights
Velaa’s dining options are nothing short of spectacular, offering a blend of International and Maldivian cuisine that caters to every palate.
Tavaru Restaurant
Tavaru offers breathtaking views and a Teppanyaki grill menu featuring Japanese tasting dishes such as Teriyaki Black Cod and Kagoshima A5 Tenderloin. The circular design and live cooking theatrics make dining here an event in itself, seating just 24 guests for an intimate and most memorable culinary experience. The hugely talented chefs share their knowledge whilst also making you feel welcome and encouraging you to join in the fun.
Aragu Signature Restaurant
Aragu combines contemporary European cuisine with an Asian twist, all while promoting sustainability. The 800-bin exclusive wine list, curated by the sommelier team, complements the refined dishes crafted by Michelin-starred chef Gaushan de Silva. With seating for 36 guests, Aragu takes the dining experience to new heights. This truly is an exceptional restaurant – hailed by many as the finest in the whole of the Maldives and we certainly agree – the design is quite breathtaking and food exquisite. There is a strict dress code too – smart cocktail wear.
Athiri Restaurant
Athiri, seating 134 guests, offers beachfront all-day dining with a menu of global cuisine. Chefs from 14 nationalities use the finest ingredients to create authentic, home-style dishes. A wood-fired oven produces freshly made pizzas, served throughout the day. Athiri’s casual yet sophisticated atmosphere is perfect for a relaxed meal by the beach.
Faiy Restaurant
Located within the Wellbeing Village, Faiy Restaurant focuses on health-conscious, nutritious meals that don’t compromise on flavour. Overlooking the serene greens of the Velaa Golf Academy by Olazabal, Faiy serves a menu rich in fresh, organic ingredients. From vibrant salads to inventive vegetarian dishes, Faiy offers a refreshing take on wellness dining, ensuring guests feel nourished and revitalised.
Bars and Wine Cellar
The Beach Bar on the Watersports beach is ideal for a refreshing juice or cocktail after a day of adventure. The Tavaru Wine Cellar, boasting over 1,000 labels, is one of the most exclusive wine collections in South Asia. The CRU Champagne Bar, positioned over the Indian Ocean, offers some of the world’s finest champagnes. By night, Avi Bar transforms into a vibrant cocktail lounge complete with master mixologists, a DJ, and a live band.
Indulgent Spa
Velaa Spa offers a world of expertise and excellence, combining cutting-edge technology with traditional techniques. Signature treatments include customised facials using European technology and traditional Asian massages. The spa features the only ‘snow room’ in the Maldives and six secluded double treatment villas over the water. Partnering with Dr Burgener Switzerland and KOTOSHINA from Japan, Velaa Spa provides treatments that blend the latest in anti-aging technology with natural ingredients.
The Cloud 9 pod, a cloud-shaped reclining treatment pod developed by Viennese artist and perception researcher Sha, offers a unique relaxation experience by gently swaying and cradling guests into a state of deep relaxation.
Wellbeing Village
The Wellbeing Village is a sanctuary of health and tranquility, featuring a new Yoga Pavilion and an air-conditioned Pilates Studio, offering both mat and reformer Pilates. Various wellness practitioners visit the Pavilion throughout the year, providing world-class holistic treatments. The yoga sessions, whether conducted in the elevated pavilion with its panoramic views or on the serene beach, offer a perfect blend of physical and mental rejuvenation.
Eveylaa Wellbeing
Surrounded by lush jungle foliage in the heart of the island, Eveylaa Wellbeing offers traditional Ayurvedic healing combined with Eastern medicine and holistic treatments. The name Eveylaa means “Ancient” in the local language, reflecting the treatments offered. The facility includes two couples’ treatment rooms; one features Ayurveda beds, Shirodhara stands, and traditional steam boxes, while the other is designed for Osteopathy with a European-style steam room, modern treatment beds, and a floating pod. Eveylaa Wellbeing has a dedicated Ayurvedic doctor and visiting international Osteopaths, representing the full spectrum of ancient holistic healing. Treatments are tailored to individual needs, ensuring a personalised wellness journey that revitalises the body and soothes the mind.
Activities for All
Excursions
Velaa offers tailor-made excursions, including big game fishing, snorkelling trips, and sunset cruises. Guests can explore untouched reefs, enjoy a lavish lunch on a deserted island, or embark on a sea manta encounter.
Watersports
The island offers a range of watersport adventures, from flyboarding and hoverboarding to electric foil surfboards and tandem jetovators. There are also exciting towables for children and families to enjoy.
Diving and Snorkelling
Surrounded by the rich marine life of Noonu Atoll, Velaa is a diver’s paradise. The Velaa Dive Center offers courses from the PADI Bubblemaker to Divemaster. Guests can snorkel the house reef or explore pristine snorkelling sites a short boat ride away.
Land Sports
Velaa’s extensive sports facilities include one of the Maldives’ only completely covered tennis courts, padel courts, a squash court, table tennis, a climbing wall, beach volleyball, and a football pitch. The Velaa Golf Academy by Olazábal offers a unique golfing experience with tuition from PGA professionals and state-of-the-art technology.
Marine Conservation
Velaa is dedicated to preserving underwater beauty with the largest coral restoration programme in the Maldives. Guests can snorkel or dive with the resident marine biologist and adopt a coral line, receiving biannual updates on its development.
Kids Club
The LHA Velaa Kids Club offers the Maldives’ most extensive kids’ water park. Activities include Maldivian baseball, neon disco, pizza making, and island treasure hunts. The club provides a consistent caregiver for each child, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience.
Boutiques and Art Gallery
Velaa’s boutiques offer exclusive clothing and jewellery, including the High Jewellery Collection by Maison Atelier Loréedubois and the Velaa Turtle Collection. The Luxury Edition boutique features premium fashion and accessories from brands like Missoni and Melissa Odabash.
In celebration of Velaa Private Island’s ten-year anniversary, the newly launched Velaa Art Gallery introduces a pioneering collection known as The Glass Collection. This unique exhibition showcases artworks meticulously crafted from vibrant glass. The Velaa Art Gallery features three renowned glass artists from the Czech Republic, a global hub for glass crafting. When adorning their second abode, the Šmejc family chose glass artworks that stand out internationally while paying homage to their homeland’s time-honoured legacy.
Rudolf Burda, Lukáš Novák, and Rony Plesl were chosen for their profound connection to this captivating yet intricate medium and are distinguished as virtuosos in their craft on a global scale. While each artist’s work diverges in technique, themes, and artistic approach, they are united in their commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new forms of artistic expression. Tasked with designing exclusive pieces tailored for Velaa’s 10th-anniversary exhibition, this collection delves into the island’s themes through their distinctive perspectives, offering an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in the distinct ambiance of Maldivian abundance.
Weddings
Velaa offers three romantic wedding packages—Kaiveni, Loabi, and Umurah—for vow renewals and symbolic ceremonies. While not legally binding, these ceremonies provide a magical setting for your special day. Guests can also celebrate in complete privacy with an entire island buy-out.
Velaa Private Island isn’t just a resort; it’s a destination that offers unparalleled luxury, service, privacy, beauty, and a deep connection to nature. Everything about it is exceptional. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or romance, Velaa promises an unforgettable Maldivian escape.
Fact Box
Website: www.velaaprivateisland.com
Address:
P.O. BOX 2071,
Noonu Atoll
Republic of Maldives
Contact:
T: +960 6565 000
info@velaaisland.com
By Lisa Curtiss
