Velaa Private Island is an ultra-luxury boutique resort located in Noonu Atoll, 150 kilometers northwest of Malé, accessible by a scenic 45-minute seaplane transfer or private jet to Maafaru Airport. This Czech-owned private island resort spans 43 hectares with only 47 villas, ensuring exceptional privacy and exclusivity. Named "Velaa" meaning "turtle" in the local Dhivehi language, the resort features the Maldives' only 18-hole championship golf course, personal butler service for every guest, and some of the most sophisticated dining and spa facilities in the Indian Ocean.
Ultra-Exclusive Private Island Experience
Czech-owned boutique resort with only 47 villas across 43 hectares, featuring the Maldives' sole championship golf course and personal butler service for ultimate luxury and privacy.
Location & Access
Located in remote Noonu Atoll, 150km northwest of Malé in pristine, untouched waters.
45-minute scenic seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport with private lounge access.
Alternative access via private jet to Maafaru International Airport plus 35-minute speedboat transfer.
Small circular island walkable in 30 minutes, surrounded by white sand beaches and turquoise lagoon.
Exclusivity Features
Only 47 villas across 43 hectares ensuring exceptional guest-to-space ratio and ultimate privacy.
24/7 personal butler service for every villa with highly trained, attentive staff members.
Private yacht harbor accommodating guests arriving by private vessel or charter expeditions.
Czech billionaire owner's personal vision realized, combining best elements from world's top resorts.
Beach Villa: Spacious accommodation with lush vegetation privacy, private pool, and direct beach access.
Beach Pool Villa: Enhanced beach villa with larger private pool, outdoor dining area, and garden atrium.
Deluxe Beach Pool Villa: Premium beachfront location with expanded living spaces and superior amenities.
All feature contemporary design, high-quality furnishings, and seamless indoor-outdoor living areas.
Overwater Villas
Water Villa: Suspended over lagoon with direct water access, private deck, and glass floor panels.
Water Villa with Pool: Overwater accommodation with private infinity pool and expanded sundeck areas.
Deluxe Water Villa with Pool: Premium overwater living with larger pools and enhanced privacy features.
Only 18 overwater villas ensure exclusivity, with ladder access to crystal-clear lagoon waters.
Premium Residences
Romantic Pool Residence: Ultra-private villa accessible only by boat, perfect for honeymoons with dedicated amenities.
Beach House: Two-bedroom beachfront residence with expansive living areas and multiple pools.
Villa Beach House: Multi-bedroom family accommodation with private beach sections and extensive facilities.
Nika Residence: Two-story luxury residence redesigned by Patricia Urquiola with panoramic views.
Villa Amenities
24/7 personal butler service, air conditioning, premium linens, and luxury bathroom amenities.
Private pools in all villa categories, outdoor rain showers, and spacious terraces with lounging areas.
Flat-screen TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi, minibar, coffee facilities, and in-room safe for valuables.
Clarins spa amenities, premium beach towels, and complimentary water sports equipment access.
Design & Architecture
Contemporary tropical architecture designed by Czech architect Petr Kolar with sustainable materials.
Island layout resembles sea turtle from aerial view, reflecting the local name and marine conservation focus.
Lush tropical landscaping with towering palms, banyan trees, and aromatic vegetation throughout pathways.
Indoor-outdoor living concept with floor-to-ceiling windows and seamless transitions to natural environments.
All accommodations include personal butler service and private pools. Villa availability is limited due to the resort's exclusive nature; advance booking essential.
Signature Restaurants
Aragu: Modern European cuisine with Asian influences, featuring organic produce and elegant piano accompaniment.
Tavaru: Teppanyaki grill cuisine in iconic white tower with the Maldives' largest wine cellar.
Athiri & Avi: Casual beachfront dining serving wood-fired pizzas by day, sophisticated bar with live DJ by night.
Faiy: Healthy, light cuisine in the Wellbeing Village focusing on clean, unprocessed whole foods.
Bars & Wine Experience
CRU Champagne Lounge: Exclusive setting with world-class and rare champagnes overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Beach Bar: Waterfront location perfect for refreshing cocktails and juices after active pursuits.
Wine Cellar: Over 500 bins featuring boutique wineries to prestigious grands marques, including rare vintages.
Premium Selection: Access to exceptional wines like 1956 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.
Culinary Excellence
Executive Chef: Gaushan de Silva leads culinary team with sustainable approach to fine dining.
Organic Focus: Carefully selected organic ingredients sourced from around the world for exceptional quality.
Wine Expertise: Professional sommeliers provide expert guidance through extensive vintage collection.
Custom Menus: Personalized dining experiences tailored to individual preferences and dietary requirements.
Dining Experiences
Private Chef Service: In-villa dining with dedicated chef for ultimate privacy and customization.
Sunset Dining: Romantic dinner setups on private beaches or floating jetty gazebos.
Wine Tastings: Exclusive tastings in the underground wine cellar with expert sommelier guidance.
Dietary Accommodations: Comprehensive options for vegetarian, vegan, halal, and allergy-specific requirements.
Championship Golf Course
Maldives' only 18-hole championship golf course designed by José María Olazábal.
Par-70 course featuring strategic design with holes alongside beaches and through coconut groves.
Golf Academy with putting green, driving range, simulator, and professional instruction available.
Premium equipment rental, pro shop, and cart transportation included with green fees.
Velaa Spa Sanctuary
Six exclusive overwater treatment villas suspended above lagoon with glass floor viewing.
Unique snow room facility (only one in Maldives) for cooling therapy after sun exposure.
CLOUD 9 light therapy pod for deep relaxation and customized wellness treatments.
European technology combined with traditional Asian spa techniques and Dr. Burgener treatments.
Personal Styling: Beauty services, exercise routines, and lifestyle consultation with expert practitioners.
Most activities can be arranged as private experiences. Velaa focuses on exclusive, personalized adventures rather than group activities, reflecting its ultra-luxury positioning.
Velaa is accessible by 45-minute seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport. Guests enjoy access to a private lounge at Malé Airport while waiting. Transfers cost approximately $1,600-$1,800 per person roundtrip. Alternative access via private jet to Maafaru International Airport plus 35-minute speedboat transfer.
Velaa features the Maldives' only 18-hole championship golf course, personal butler service for every villa, and exceptional guest-to-space ratio with only 47 villas across 43 hectares. The resort also has the largest wine cellar in the country and unique facilities like a snow room at the spa.
Yes, Velaa offers My Atolli Kids Club with the Maldives' largest kids' water park, age-specific programs with 1:4 staff ratios, and family-friendly villas. The resort provides specialized children's menus, high chairs, and professional childcare services, though babysitting costs $60/hour.
Three main restaurants: Aragu (modern European), Tavaru (Teppanyaki in white tower), and Athiri & Avi (casual beachfront). Additional options include Faiy (healthy cuisine), CRU Champagne Lounge, and Beach Bar. The resort features the Maldives' largest wine cellar with over 500 bins.
No, all dining venues at Velaa Private Island are exclusively for resort guests. This policy maintains the ultra-exclusive atmosphere and ensures privacy for staying guests. Reservations at restaurants are managed internally for villa occupants only.
Seaplanes operate from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM with multiple daily departures. Evening restrictions require careful flight timing. Each passenger receives 20kg luggage allowance, with excess charged at $5 per kilogram. Private charter seaplanes available for enhanced flexibility.
Year-round tropical climate with temperatures 26-30°C. December-April offers drier conditions with calmer seas. May-November brings occasional rain but excellent diving conditions and fewer crowds. The resort operates year-round with consistent service standards.
Premium Resort Neighbors
Soneva Jani - Ultra-luxury overwater villas with slides and observatory in same Noonu Atoll.
Cheval Blanc Randheli - LVMH luxury resort offering different architectural and service approach.
Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru - UNESCO Biosphere Reserve location with marine research center.
Many guests combine two Noonu Atoll resorts for comparative luxury experiences during single trips.
Marine & Natural Sites
Unexplored dive sites within 15 minutes featuring grey reef sharks, nurse sharks, and eagle rays.
Seasonal manta ray cleaning stations accessible during appropriate migration periods.
Black-spotted stingray aggregation areas for guided diving and snorkeling experiences.
Protected coral gardens with vibrant reef fish and healthy ecosystem preservation efforts.
Transportation Hubs
Velana International Airport (Malé) - Main seaplane departure point with dedicated Velaa lounge.
Maafaru International Airport - Private jet destination with speedboat transfer connection.
Trans Maldivian Airways - Standard 15-seater seaplane service with scheduled departures.
Traditional Maldivian fishing communities accessible via guided cultural excursions.
Local handicraft centers showcasing authentic Maldivian artisan techniques and products.
Historic sites demonstrating traditional island life and sustainable fishing practices.
Community conservation projects supporting marine ecosystem protection and turtle preservation.
Booking & Reservations
Advanced booking essential due to limited 47-villa capacity and ultra-exclusive positioning.
Credit card authorization required at booking with same card presentation mandatory at check-in.
Cancellation policies vary by season with strict terms during peak periods.
Special requests accommodated subject to availability; early communication recommended for preferences.
Group bookings for 6+ guests may qualify for preferential seaplane transfer rates.
Transfer & Arrival
Seaplane transfers require advance coordination with flight schedules due to daylight operation restrictions.
Luggage limitations apply: 20kg per person included, excess charged at $5 per kilogram.
Private jet guests can arrange Maafaru Airport arrival with speedboat transfer coordination.
Weather-dependent operations may cause delays; flexible scheduling recommended for connections.
VIP airport services available for seamless arrival and departure experiences.
Family & Guest Policies
All ages welcome with age-appropriate facilities and activities for different family compositions.
Professional childcare available at $60/hour with highly trained, multilingual staff members.
Kids Club operates with 1:4 maximum staff-to-child ratios ensuring personalized attention.
Family villas accommodate multiple generations with connecting or adjacent accommodation options.
Special dietary requirements accommodated including baby formula preparation and organic food options.
Privacy & Sustainability
Ultra-exclusive guest capacity ensures privacy with minimal crowding and personalized service.
Environmental conservation programs including coral restoration and marine life protection.
Photography restrictions in certain areas to maintain guest privacy and wildlife protection.
Sustainable tourism practices with careful resource management and ecosystem preservation.
Dress codes apply at fine dining restaurants; resort casual appropriate elsewhere.
All policies reflect ultra-luxury positioning with emphasis on exclusivity, privacy, and personalized service. Terms may vary by season and require confirmation at booking.
Best Time to Visit
December-April: Dry season with calm seas, perfect for golf, water sports, and first-time visitors.
May-November: Green season with occasional rain, excellent diving conditions, and potentially better rates.
Year-Round: Consistent 26-30°C tropical temperatures ideal for all resort activities.
Peak Season: December-March offers best weather but highest occupancy; advance booking critical.
Ideal Duration
4-5 Nights: Minimum to experience golf course, spa treatments, and core dining venues.
7-10 Nights: Optimal duration for families to enjoy kids club, multiple excursions, and wellness programs.
10+ Nights: Extended stays for golf enthusiasts, spa retreats, and comprehensive cultural immersion.
Combination Stays: Many guests pair Velaa with other Noonu Atoll resorts for comparative experiences.
Target Audience
Ultra-Affluent Travelers: Guests seeking highest levels of luxury, privacy, and personalized service.
Golf Enthusiasts: Players wanting championship course experience in tropical island setting.
Luxury Families: Multi-generational groups requiring sophisticated amenities and kids' facilities.
Special Occasions: Honeymoons, anniversaries, milestone celebrations requiring exceptional venues.
Signature Experiences
18-hole championship golf with professional instruction on José María Olazábal-designed course.
Private wine tasting in the Maldives' largest cellar featuring rare vintages and expert sommelier.
Romantic dinner in floating jetty gazebo with sunset views and personal chef service.
Semi-submarine adventure exploring coral reefs without diving certification requirements.
Overwater spa treatment with glass floor marine viewing and snow room cooling therapy.
Packing & Preparation
Smart casual and formal attire for fine dining restaurants, golf attire for course access.
High-quality sun protection including reef-safe sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and UV clothing.
Underwater photography equipment, waterproof cases, and extra batteries for marine adventures.
Personal golf equipment optional (premium rental available), comfortable walking shoes for island exploration.
Travel insurance recommended given remote location and high-value investment in luxury experience.
Weddings & Honeymoons
Jetty Ceremonies: Wedding ceremonies on private jetties with ocean views and tropical island backdrop.
Beach Celebrations: White sand beach ceremonies with personalized décor and professional photography.
Romantic Pool Residence: Ultimate honeymoon villa accessible only by boat with private beach and dedicated services.
Custom Packages: Tailored wedding experiences including flowers, music, catering, and guest accommodations.
Professional event coordination, legal ceremony arrangements, and luxury honeymoon suite amenities.
Corporate & VIP Events
Executive Retreats: Ultra-private corporate meetings with golf, spa, and fine dining experiences.
Incentive Programs: High-end reward trips for top performers with exclusive access and personalized service.
Product Launches: Unique venue for luxury brand events with sophisticated backdrop and world-class facilities.
VIP Conferences: Small group meetings with business facilities, luxury accommodations, and privacy assurance.
Dedicated event managers, audiovisual equipment, private dining, and charter flight coordination.
Milestone Celebrations
Anniversary Parties: Romantic celebrations with villa decorations, private dining, and sunset experiences.
Birthday Celebrations: Custom parties with themed decorations, specialty cakes, and personalized activities.
Family Reunions: Multi-villa bookings for extended families with group activities and shared experiences.
Achievement Awards: Recognition events for business success, retirements, and personal milestones.
Flexible event spaces, custom catering, entertainment coordination, and photography services.
Exclusive Event Features
Wine Cellar Events: Private tastings and dinners in the Maldives' largest underground wine cellar.
Golf Tournaments: Private competitions on championship course with professional instruction and prizes.
Cultural Performances: Traditional Maldivian entertainment and international artists for special occasions.
Event Planning Services
Dedicated event coordinators with extensive luxury hospitality experience and attention to detail.
Custom menu development, wine pairings, and dietary accommodations for all group sizes.
Professional photography and videography including aerial shots and underwater sessions.
Transportation coordination, logistics management, and seamless integration of all event elements.
All events require significant advance planning due to limited capacity and exclusive nature. Premium pricing reflects ultra-luxury positioning and personalized service levels.
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