Velaa Private Island stems from a lifelong dream of the married couple Radka and Jiří Šmejc, to create a resort island “beyond luxury” and a personal home. Velaa, which means “turtle” in the local language – named after the generations of sea turtles that nest and hatch there – can be reached from Malé within 45 minutes by seaplane. The secluded island resort in Noonu Atoll has 47 luxurious accommodations built from natural materials.
While 18 of these are built on the water, the Romantic Pool Residence is only accessible by boat and offers the ultimate in seclusion. The design, created by renowned Czech architect Petr Kolář, subtly references the turtle while combining contemporary luxury with Maldivian nuances. Three restaurants, two bars and a wine cellar offer a mix of international and Maldivian cuisine, while the Velaa Spa offers traditional Asian treatments and facials using state-of-the-art European technology.
The rooms
The 47 villas are located directly on the beach or on stilts above the lagoon. The design is luxurious and the natural elements create a relaxed ambience. The spacious, semi-open bathroom is equipped with a separate shower, bathtub and daybed. They also have a bathrobe, hair dryer, LCD TV, telephone, iPod docking station, Wi-Fi (free of charge), minibar, espresso machine, safe and air conditioning. The beautiful outdoor area with private pool and semi-open living/dining area also offers plenty of space to relax. All with sea views, partly restricted by vegetation.
- Beach Pool Villa (9) approx. 295 sqm (outdoor area approx. 179 sqm, pool approx. 36 sqm): The smallest residential unit with plenty of space to relax.
- Deluxe Beach Pool Villa (9) 346 sqm (outdoor area approx. 188 sqm, pool): More spacious with an additional small living area inside.
- Sunrise Water Pool Villa (8) approx. 232 sqm (outdoor area approx. 105 sqm, pool approx. 33 sqm): To the sunrise side above the water.
- Sunset Deluxe Water Pool Villa (8) approx. 256 sqm (outdoor area approx. 114 sqm, pool approx. 40 sqm): More spacious and located on the sunset side.
- Beach Pool House (5) approx. 600 sqm (outdoor area approx. 337 sqm, pool approx. 74 sqm): Two bedrooms, separate living room, fully equipped kitchen.
- Ocean Pool House (1) approx. 500 sqm (outdoor area approx. 233 sqm, pool approx. 45 sqm): Same as Beach Pool House, but built on stilts above the lagoon.
- Velaa Private Residences (L4) with 4 bedrooms and a unique Romantic Pool Residence (L1) above the sea bookable.
Sports & Water Sports
The water sports centre impresses with a fascinating range of motorised and non-motorised water sports. In addition, you can practice the following sports: Technogym fitness center, yoga, tennis, squash, beach volleyball.
Particularly impressive is the 9-hole short golf course, designed by professional golfer José Maria Olazabal and managed by the “Troon Short Game Academy”.
Spa and Wellness
The Velaa Spa offers different treatments from Europe, Asia and Ayurvedic nature in 6 treatment rooms. The “Snow Room” offers cooling.
Food & Restaurants
Athiri – The Main Restaurant
A team of chefs from 14 nations uses high-quality imported and local ingredients to serve a global menu of authentic, home-cooked food.
Top Restaurant Aragu
Aragu showcases upscale, contemporary European cuisine with an Asian twist.
Taravu
Asian restaurant and wine cellar
Avi Pool Bar
The pool area as a chill-out and evening meeting place, where the bartender serves inspiring creations.
Facts about the island
- Location of the island: Noonu Atoll
- Distance to Malé: 184 kilometres
- Size of the island: 450 x 530 meters
Journey
The island of Velaa can be reached by a 45-minute scenic flight on a private charter plane (9-seater) or by commercial seaplane (15-seater).
All guests will be greeted by a Velaa airport butler on arrival and escorted directly to the private lounge with refreshment options and a place to rest before the seaplane transfer.
