FAIRYTALE honeymoons become a reality at the exclusive new luxury Maldives hideaway Velaa Private Island.
From discreet hideaway residences to sublime spa pampering, Michelin star cuisine, one of the finest beverage cellars in the Indian Ocean and world-class watersports and private boat excursions, Velaa aims to set a new benchmark in romance. The resort is also home to the only ‘My Blend By Clarins’ spa in the Maldives and features the Velaa Golf Academy. With personal service that goes beyond traditional resorts, the paradise island in Noonu Atoll, north of Malé boasts one of the most romantic hideaways in the world – an ultra-private one-bedroom Romantic Pool Residence suspended above the lagoon, accessible only by boat. Surrounded by terraces with a Jacuzzi, pool, sundeck and sunken bath, the resort also offers a private chef and butler to cater for every whim, from dining at sunset, or sipping sundowners on daybeds. And with a personal gym and spa suite inside, there’s little reason to leave the private paradise. Recreation and wellness extends to world-class water sports and fitness facilities, covered tennis and squash courts, a football field and beach volleyball court. A PADI dive centre offers excursions, certification courses and snorkelling adventures over breath-taking marine vistas. Water activities extend to windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, wakeboarding, water-skiing, kite surfing and the only two-passenger private submarine in the Maldives. Additionally, an excursions team is on-hand to take couples on fishing expeditions. Couples can play at The Velaa Golf Academy by Olazabal, the only golf experience of its kind anywhere in the world. Operated by Troon Golf with a resident professional for personalised tuition, it incorporates a state-of-the-art indoor studio for fine-tuning golf swings and a short-game target area with multiple par-3 layouts for pitching from 65 to 180 yards over bunkers and a small lake onto six greens. Sunset cruises, dolphin watching, private boat excursions and fishing expeditions are aboard a luxury Prestige yacht or traditional Maldivian ‘bahtheli’ boat. With three restaurants, two bars and a wine cellar, gastronomic dining is a resort signature, designed by French Michelin starred chef Adeline Grattard. She oversees elegant over-water restaurants Aragu and Cru, where guests can enjoy vintage champagne, as well as Tavaru teppanyaki restaurant, uniquely set in a striking ivory-white tower with live cooking and an extensive wine cellar. Additional venues include beachfront restaurant Athiri and Avi – a pool bar by day and vibrant cocktail bar by night.