Velaa Private Island

YOUR STAY

The villas are designed to give you plenty of room. Large bedrooms open towards private terraces, while floor-to-ceiling windows bring the sea into the room without you having to leave your bed.

Some residences sit directly over the lagoon, while others are tucked into the island greenery beside the beach. Your private terrace gives you somewhere to sit outside, and many villas also have outdoor showers and deep soaking tubs.

Inside, the design mixes modern touches with more traditional Maldivian details. Natural materials, timber and soft furnishings keep the rooms comfortable rather than overly formal.

A walk-in dressing room gives you plenty of space to unpack, while the living areas give you somewhere to spend time when you don't feel like sitting outside.

Your butler is there throughout the stay too. If you want breakfast somewhere different, need help planning a boat trip or simply want something brought to the villa, you only have to ask.

THE MALDIVES & LIFE ON THE WATER

Water is naturally a big part of staying at Velaa. Step outside and the lagoon is right there, whether you are staying in an overwater villa or closer to the beach.

Snorkelling is an easy way to spend an hour or two. Grab your equipment, head into the water and see what is around the reef.

When you want something faster, there are plenty of options. Try a Seabob, take a flyboard out or get on the water with one of the other motorised activities available at the island.

You could also take a longer trip aboard the 60-foot Velaa Y.C. Spend the day cruising around the atoll, stop for a swim and come back when you feel like it.

Then there are the days when you don't want to organise anything. Walk along the beach, find a quiet spot and stay there until sunset.

WELLNESS & RELAXATION

The Velaa Spa gives you somewhere to disappear for a few hours. Choose a treatment, spend some time in the thermal facilities or simply take advantage of the quieter surroundings.

One of the more unusual features is the snow room. After the heat of the Maldives, stepping into a cool space like this makes for quite a change.

You can also use the sauna, hydrotherapy facilities and relaxation areas when you want to slow things down.

For something more active, head to the fitness centre or join a private yoga session. Start early with a class overlooking the water, then take the rest of the morning at your own pace.

Of course, you could skip all of that. Sometimes a private pool, a comfortable daybed and a few hours with no plans are enough.

FOOD & EVENINGS

There is plenty of choice when it comes to eating. Aragu sits above the water and focuses on fine dining, while Tavaru gives you another setting for Japanese-inspired dishes and teppanyaki.

Breakfast doesn't have to be a formal affair. Eat in your villa, sit outside or start the day somewhere closer to the beach.

Later, you might head out for lunch before spending the afternoon on the water. Come evening, settle in for a longer dinner and take your time.

The wine collection gives you plenty to choose from if you enjoy a particular bottle or vintage. Your team can also arrange private dining when you want something away from the main restaurants.

After dinner, the island is still yours to enjoy. Have a drink, sit outside and listen to the water, or head back to your villa and call it a night.

PRIVACY & SERVICE

Velaa gives you plenty of space without making you feel completely removed from everything. Your villa is private, while the rest of the island gives you restaurants, activities and places to spend time when you feel like getting out.

A dedicated butler looks after your stay and helps with the practical details. You don't need to work out the day's schedule yourself.

Want to play golf tomorrow morning? Ask. Thinking about taking the yacht out? Your team can arrange it. Maybe you just want breakfast brought to the villa and nothing else planned. That works too.

Families have plenty to keep younger guests occupied, while the range of sports and activities gives older groups plenty to do.

Getting to Velaa is straightforward, with the resort able to arrange your arrival and transfers from the Maldives' main airport.

Once you're on the island, you can make the stay as active or as slow as you want. There is no set way to spend your time here.