A visit to Velaa Private Island is like escaping to another world. Surrounded by pristine turquoise waters, the private island hideaway sits tucked away in Noonu Atoll, 116 miles north of the capital city of Male.
The stunning natural beauty of the Maldives flows seamlessly throughout the isle that’s less than a mile long. Forty-seven self-sufficient villas and residences all come complete with their own pools, ocean access, day beds and elaborate outdoor living areas. There really is no need to leave your heavenly hideaway.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- Velaa Private Island’s inspired design is derived from the sea turtles (or velaa, in the local Dhivehi language) that call Noonu Atoll home. The circular overwater villa boardwalk resembles a turtle’s head, while the island itself forms the body.
- Adrenaline junkies won’t be bored at this luxury hotel, where waterborne adventures ranging from kite surfing and parasailing to jet skiing and seabobbing (a high-tech underwater scooter) might just make you feel like an international man (or woman) of mystery.
- As if luxuriating on a private island wasn’t exclusive enough, the sanctuary is also home to the only Snow Room in the Maldives. Used in conjunction with the sauna or steam room, the frigid space provides an array of health benefits including increased circulation, detoxification and helping to tighten cuticles and pores for younger looking hair and skin.
- Velaa Private Island’s groundbreaking wellness offerings are not to be missed. It offers a Wellbeing Village with two spas: Velaa Spa focuses on cutting-edge technologies and modern techniques, and Evelaa Spa specializes in Ayurveda, Eastern medicine and holistic treatments. The Wellbeing Village also provides onsite doctors and a regular slate of visiting practitioners.
- Tee off in paradise at Velaa Golf Academy, a 9-hole course designed by two-time Masters champion José María Olazábal.
Things to Know
- Have your camera ready for the spectacular 45-minute seaplane journey to this Maldives hotel.
- Leave a lasting impression when you adopt a coral through the property’s Coral Restoration Project. You’ll receive photo updates and progress reports from the resort’s resident marine biologist long after you’ve returned home.
- For some worry-free alone time, drop your tots off at Lha Velaa Kids Club, where they can run through the splash park, enjoy the waterslide-clad pool and explore the playground, all under the watchful eye of experienced staff.
The Rooms
- Eight categories of villas, houses and residences are constructed from natural materials (teak and bamboo) combined with contemporary embellishments, like wall-to-wall glass doors, deep-soaking tubs and hanging chairs.
- Indoor-outdoor living is paramount at Velaa Private Island. Alfresco showers and private plunge pools help you stay cool, while heat-resistant stone from Jordan ensures upmost comfort underfoot outside your villa.
- Perched over its own turquoise lagoon and accessible only by boat, the one-bedroom Romantic Pool Residence is made for honeymooners. The lodging boasts its own private beach, Jacuzzi, infinity pool, overwater dining gazebo, gym and massage room.
- The two-story, four-bedroom Velaa Private Residences are good for group getaways. Request NIKA (one of the private residences) to enjoy contemporary Kettal furnishings by Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola, a 52-foot swimming pool, a private gym and spa treatment room and a stylish fire pit.
The Restaurants
- Aragu is an overwater marvel serving Modern European cuisine with an Asian twist. Chef Gaushan de Silva creates nightly individualized tasting menus based around a rotating list of fresh, sustainable ingredients, such as New Zealand lamb or Japanese blue fin tuna.
- Cool off with sundowners at Avi, an all-day pool bar. If you’d rather keep your feet dry, an indoor lounge area also provides a cozy perch for cocktails and DJ-spun beats after dark.
- For an alfresco meal with a side of spectacular sunsets, head for Athiri where you can dine on elevated international comfort foods. Don't miss the wood-fired pizzas — these delightfully crispy pies are a restaurant signature.
- Take the open elevator 37 feet up to dine with panoramic ocean views at Tavaru. Here, you’ll savor dinner and a show as teppanyaki chefs prepare an extravagant meal before your eyes.
- Appreciate burgundy and bordeaux varietals along with rarities —1956 Domaine de la Romanée Conti and 1870 Blandy's "Verdelho Solera" Madeira are both on offer — in Velaa Private Island’s 800-label wine cellar.
Amenities
24-hour room service 
Babysitting services
Bar
Beach
Fitness classes
Golf
Gym
House car
Outdoor pool
Restaurants
Spa
Tennis
Getting There
Additional Details
Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, you will receive private limousine service to Velaa Seaplane Lounge. From there, you will take a 45- to 50-minute seaplane ride to Velaa Private Island.
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