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Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat

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Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat is a small island resort in Alifu Dhaalu (South Ari Atoll). The resort coordinates transfers from Velana International Airport by seaplane (about 25–35 minutes in daylight) or, on select schedules, a domestic flight to Maamigili followed by a short speedboat. Expect a quiet, barefoot setting with beach and overwater villas close to the lagoon and house reef.

Location & Access

  • South Ari Atoll island with a calm lagoon and marked reef entry points.
  • Seaplane transfer ~25–35 minutes; domestic flight to Maamigili + speedboat when scheduled.
  • Compact and walkable—most venues are a few minutes apart by sandy path.

What to Expect

  • Beach and overwater accommodation in a low-rise, natural style.
  • Main restaurant, a relaxed bar deck, and optional private dining.
  • PADI-supported diving, house-reef snorkelling, and a small spa.
Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat South Ari Atoll resort Maldives overwater villas Seaplane transfer Maldives House-reef snorkelling

Beachside Categories

  • Beach Bungalows: direct sand access, shaded veranda, outdoor shower.
  • Beach Villas: added indoor space; select units include a small plunge pool.
  • Two-Bedroom Beach: simple layout for families or small groups who prefer shade.

Overwater Categories

  • Water Villas: deck with steps to the lagoon; sunrise/sunset orientation on request.
  • Water Villas with Jacuzzi/Pool: extended deck for longer stays.
  • Two-Bedroom Overwater: shared lounge and wider views for social time.

Amenities

  • Air-conditioning, ceiling fan, Wi-Fi, TV, Bluetooth speaker, in-room safe.
  • Tea/coffee set, minibar (plan inclusions vary), complimentary drinking water.
  • Rain shower, bath amenities, hair dryer, beach towels and robes.

Bedding & Occupancy

  • King bed standard; twin configuration available in select categories.
  • Extra bed/daybed or baby cot on request—check per villa type.
  • Interconnecting or adjacent beach units are limited—pre-book early.

How to Choose

  • Beach = shade and short walks; Overwater = uninterrupted lagoon views.
  • End-of-jetty villas often feel quieter with wider horizons.
  • Confirm railings and pool safety if travelling with toddlers.

Practical Notes

  • Reef shoes help at coral rubble entry points.
  • Sunrise decks stay cooler for morning coffee; sunset sides suit evening swims.
  • Simple celebration setups (petals, cake) arranged through guest services.

Layouts and inclusions vary by category and season; confirm details when booking Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat.

Restaurants

  • Main restaurant with breakfast and dinner buffets plus live stations.
  • À la carte evenings on selected nights with grills and regional flavours.
  • Occasional beach grill nights with simple, fresh seafood.
  • Private dinners on the beach or jetty by advance request.

Bars & Café

  • Beach/jetty bar for smoothies, iced coffees, and mocktails by day.
  • Sunset deck with calm playlists and small bites.
  • Wine selections with pairing suggestions at dinner.

Meal Plans

  • Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board, and selected All-Inclusive (seasonal).
  • Premium labels and specialty menus may carry supplements.
  • Reserve à la carte or private setups early in peak weeks.

Dietary & Family

  • Vegetarian, vegan, and halal-friendly options on request.
  • Kids’ menus and earlier dining windows at the main venue.

Spa & Wellness

  • Treatment rooms for massages, scrubs, facials, and beauty sessions.
  • Short “jet-lag reset” and couples’ rituals (book ahead in busy periods).
  • Gentle stretch or yoga classes when scheduled.

Dive & Snorkel

  • PADI support with intro dives and certification courses.
  • Guided house-reef snorkels; night snorkelling by arrangement.
  • Boat access to South Ari channels and whale-shark areas (conditions apply).

Island Amenities

  • Lagoon-front pool with loungers and shaded daybeds.
  • Small fitness corner; beach volleyball and casual table games.
  • Boutique, photo service, and medical assistance on call.

Connectivity

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi in villas and public areas; signal varies by spot.
  • Strongest coverage usually near reception and dining/bar hubs.
  • For remote work, plan offline files and bring a power bank.

Sustainability

  • Glass water where possible; reduced single-use plastics.
  • Towel/linen re-use programs to conserve water and energy.
  • Reef-safe sunscreen encouraged to protect corals.

Family Notes

  • Beach categories work best for shade and stroller access.
  • Baby cots, high chairs, and babysitting available on request.
  • Overwater stays follow safety guidance for young children.

On the Water

  • Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards in calm-lagoon conditions.
  • Catamaran sailing or windsurfing lessons (weather permitting).
  • Sunset cruises and private dhoni charters for small groups.

Excursions

  • Whale-shark search near Maamigili area (year-round possibilities).
  • Manta snorkels (seasonal) and two-tank dives on channel thilas.
  • Sandbank picnics, dolphin watching, and local-island visits.

All activities depend on sea conditions and may require a minimum number of participants or a private charter.

Most guests take a seaplane from Velana International Airport; the scenic flight usually runs 25–35 minutes in daylight. A domestic flight to Maamigili followed by a speedboat may operate on select schedules.
Check-in from 14:00; check-out by 12:00 noon. Early check-in/late check-out can be requested, subject to availability and fees.
Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is offered in villas and public areas. Coverage is typically strongest near reception and dining/bar spaces.
Plans commonly include Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board, and selected All-Inclusive options. Premium beverages and specialty menus may carry a supplement—confirm at check-in.
Beach categories suit families thanks to shade and short walks. Baby cots and babysitting can be arranged; overwater stays include safety notes for toddlers.
South Ari has year-round chances, with calmer seas improving visibility. The excursion team monitors conditions daily and recommends the best window during your stay.

Marine Highlights

  • Whale Shark Point near Maamigili (guided boat trips; conditions apply).
  • Kudarah Thila and other channel thilas with turtles, rays, and schooling fish.
  • Shallow sandbanks for easy swims and photo stops.

Gateways

  • Velana International Airport (MLE) for international arrivals and seaplanes.
  • Villa International Airport Maamigili (VAM) for domestic connections and speedboats.

General

  • Check-in from 14:00; check-out by 12:00 noon.
  • Transfers are coordinated by the resort; fees vary by route and season.
  • Facilities and excursions are weather-dependent and may change without notice.
  • Drones require prior approval; pets are not permitted.
  • Overwater villas follow safety guidance for families with young children.

Payments & Deposits

  • Credit-card pre-authorisation or refundable deposit taken at check-in.
  • Government taxes and service charges apply to rooms and extras.
  • Please bring the same card used to secure the booking for verification.
  • Seaplane baggage allowances are limited; excess charges may apply.

Policies may be updated; review your confirmation or contact Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat before travel.

Best Time to Visit

  • Dec–Apr: Typically drier with calmer seas—good for first-timers.
  • May–Nov: More variable; lively channels for divers and manta trips.
  • Sea temperatures remain warm year-round; visibility shifts with currents and wind.

Ideal Duration

  • 4–5 nights: Lagoon time, one whale-shark search, and a sandbank evening.
  • 6–8 nights: Add dive days, manta snorkels (in season), and a spa routine.
  • 9+ nights: Alternate activity blocks with slow mornings on your deck.

Target Audience

  • Couples who enjoy overwater living and quiet evenings.
  • Families seeking shaded beaches and easy, walkable paths.
  • Solo travellers focused on reef time, photography, and light wellness.

Nearby Attractions & Day-Trip Ideas

  • Whale-shark cruise near Maamigili followed by sunset drinks on a sandbank.
  • Two-tank dive at Kudarah Thila and a relaxed beach grill evening.
  • Local-island visit paired with a short talk on reef life and culture.

Packing Tips

  • Reef-safe sunscreen, rash guard, hat, and polarized sunglasses.
  • Water shoes for coral rubble and jetty steps.
  • Universal adaptor and a portable power bank for cameras/devices.

Weddings & Honeymoons

  • Symbolic ceremonies on the beach or jetty with simple décor.
  • Couples’ spa rituals, floating breakfasts, and sunset photo sessions.
  • Private dining on the sand with tailored menus.

Corporate Retreats & Meetings

  • Boutique-scale incentives and small leadership off-sites.
  • Team activities: guided snorkel, sunset cruise, and light wellness blocks.
  • Menus aligned to dietary needs; timing coordinated with seaplanes.

Birthday & Anniversary Ideas

  • Custom cakes, villa decorations, and starlit beach dinners.
  • Private boat charter for snorkel-plus-picnic days.
  • Golden-hour photos at a nearby sandbank.

Event options depend on season, tides, and venue availability—contact the resort in advance for tailored plans.

Resort

Seaplane

Check In 12:00 pm
Check Out 12:00 pm

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