Velassaru welcomes guests with powder-soft sands that slip into azure, bathwater-warm waters. Quality dining is a real focus here with five restaurants serving creatively-curated menus.
On the outside, the rooms are traditionally thatched, high-pitched Maldivian buildings. Inside, you鈥檒l find contemporary glass partitions, polished-wood furniture and every technological feature you could hope for.
The modern decor and range of facilities attracts all ages, giving the island a lively feel, with traditional music, movie nights and DJ nights each evening. Thanks to its size, it鈥檚 also easy to find a quiet spot to enjoy the beauty of this majestic Maldivian island.
OUR OPINION:
Velassaru seems to tick everyone鈥檚 box. It has plenty of space to relax, while still offering a range of activities, entertainment, water sports and dining options. Please note that both Mal茅 and an industrial island located 8 km (5 miles) from Velassaru are visible on the horizon from certain points of the island.
Speak to someone
who's been there
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Maldives specialists
- 617-223-4185
- Make an inquiry
Photos of Velassaru Island
Rooms
There are 129 rooms on Velassaru, which are either tucked among the tropical foliage or over the water with direct access to the lagoon. The rooms have a minimalist, contemporary design with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, minibar, satellite TV and tea and coffee making facilities. Thoughtful touches include beach bags and flip-flops.
Location
Velassaru sits on its own palm-fringed island in the South Mal茅 Atoll, just 25 to 30 minutes by speedboat from Mal茅 Airport.
A white sand beach hems the entire island and there's plenty of room to find your own space without feeling crowded by other guests. The island is surrounded by a calm, turquoise lagoon that鈥檚 ideal for swimming, along with a house reef that glimmers with angelfish and grey mullet.
Food and drink
Food is a highlight of the resort and with a choice of five restaurants and two bars 鈥� Velassaru offers a greater range of dining experiences than many other Maldivian resorts.
Vela is the island鈥檚 main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner serving a variety of international dishes buffet-style, with live cooking stations. Turquoise provides a creative 脿 la carte menu with a large selection of both continental and Asian dishes.
There are also more specialist restaurants. Etesian is known for its Mediterranean food while Teppanyaki, a popular Japanese restaurant, serves fresh seafood as well as extensive sushi and sashimi. Sand, the signature restaurant, is aptly set on the beach, with well-spaced tables, ocean views and delicious Asian and Western dishes.
The Chill Bar, located close to the water bungalows, serves a choice of tapas during the day. It鈥檚 perfectly positioned to order a cocktail from their inventive menu and watch the sun go down.
In addition, there鈥檚 a selection of private dining options from a private barbecue on the beach to a sunset cruise with authentic Maldivian cuisine.
Families
Although there鈥檚 no children's club on the island, families are welcome and with the wide range of water sports facilities, there is plenty to keep older children occupied.
Some rooms, particularly those over water, have balconies/terraces that are unsuitable for young children. Please ensure your specialist is aware if children are in your travel party so we can ensure a suitable room is requested.
Facilities and activities
As well as an infinity pool, the resort has an extensive range of water sports including waterskiing, knee-boarding, wakeboarding, windsurfing, parasailing, catamaran sailing and kayaking, as well as tube rides and SEABOB water rockets. Complimentary snorkeling equipment is available for use on the house reef and they also offer guided snorkeling trips and opportunities to learn more about the reef from in-house marine biologists.
On land the resort has a tennis court and fitness center with yoga classes.
Local excursions
The resort runs a number of activities, including visits to a nearby local island as well as fishing, dolphin trips, night snorkeling and a sunset cruise (where you might spot the occasional dolphin).
All excursions can be booked on arrival at the island, but please ask your specialist if you would like more details.
Diving
The Maldives鈥� clear waters offer some of the best diving opportunities you鈥檒l find anywhere in the world.
Immersion is Velassaru鈥檚 own PADI dive center offering diving for every level from beginner to professional. PADI courses for all ages and abilities can be booked as well as bespoke diving courses and trips. A digital underwater photographer and equipment is also available to capture your diving experiences.
Spa Facilities
The over-water spa has ten separate treatment rooms offering a range of treatments and techniques including Thai, Balinese, Swedish and Shiatsu.
The island's own Velassaru technique uses coconut wood tools to liberate negative stress and stimulate a positive sense of well-being.
There鈥檚 also a steam room and small hydro pool. Yoga sessions are also provided, with a choice of various disciplines depending whether you want to relax, strengthen or energize.
Tour ideas in The Maldives
Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Velassaru Island as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.