Velassaru Maldives is an island full of soft sand and lush palm trees that house an array of over water villas and beach bungalows. Ok, we didn’t just go to Velassaru Maldives for the weekend but if we lived nearby, this would very much be a weekend hangout.
Getting there
Our journey started in the bustle of Malé, whisked away onto the transfer-boat (yacht more like) and I recommend taking a seat on the upper deck to take in the turquoise views and the passing of the beautiful surrounding islands. The short journey was truly a speedy 25-minute ride to Velassaru.
Our Room (No.311)
We stayed in the often seen Water Bungalow with Pool (80 sqm), gazing out onto the panoramic views of the crystal-clear lagoon through the floor-to-ceiling folding glass doors. Stepping out onto the east facing sundeck we were guaranteed dramatic sunrises each and every morning, relaxing on the cushioned sun loungers and watching the orange hues rising over the infinity pool.
If pools are not your thing the intimate sundeck leads down into the ocean, teeming with an abundance of wildlife. The bathtub (large enough for two to navigate) is decked out in luxury L’Occitane goodies and boasts breath-taking views of the lagoon.
The interior is minimal chic revealed in teak, stone and high thatched ceilings creating the sense of space. Gentle colour tones with a dash of bright green, vivid turquoise and refreshing yellow give a contemporary feel.
Things to do
There is a whole list of activities on offer at Velassaru: if the stunning oceanfront infinity pool and the fully equipped fitness centre and tennis court is not enough, the Diving Centre is PADI certified and offers incredible dive trips to beginners and experienced divers alike.
For those wanting to unwind, the amazingly relaxing Velassaru Spa is captivating with over water treatment rooms, a yoga pavilion with sea view and a boutique inside the over water building.
Experiences
Sunset is always an event in itself in the Maldives, especially at Velassaru, when the island becomes an even more magical place. The whole island becomes illuminated with hues of pinks, purples and oranges and the best way to view it all is with a sunset cruise. Departing at 5pm, we set off from the departure jetty on an authentic Maldivian boat called a Dhoni. During the tranquil 60 minute experience we met the loveliest Canadian/Russian couple (who had been at Velassaru Maldives for 2 weeks), ate canapés and sipped on champagne against the ever-changing sunset colour and serenity.
Velassaru’s pristine surrounding is the ultimate destination for an underwater adventure and our morning snorkelling trip was just that. Guided by Vladimir, we set off on a soothing 10-minute boat ride around the island to the house-reef. Snorkelling kit on hand, we jumped straight into the pristine waters and within minutes we are accompanied by some of the exotic locals swimming by like blacktip sharks, moral eels and the iconic sea turtles eating coral in their natural habitat.
Excitement erupted as one of the crew spots a group of dolphins swimming in our direction. I was fortunate enough to see these majestic creatures fully underwater swimming past us, which was truly a goose-bump moment. On our ride back we saw more dolphins skipping across the surface of the ocean against the tranquil island settings, a perfect way to end our adventure. So much sea life so close to Malé.
Food
There is an impressive number of options on this small island, with five restaurants and two bars. The Teppanyaki over the lagoon, all you can eat decadence at Vela, Asian inspired cuisine at Turquoise, culinary genius at Etesian or our favourite – seafood heaven at the elegant Sand Restaurant.
Nothing is more of a quintessential holiday experience than a breakfast buffet, the enormous spread here in Velassaru includes any freshly squeezed juice of your choosing, a bacon and sausage station, crêpe and waffle station, and an omelette station. The Sri Lankan Hoppers were a unique treat for breakfast, essentially being a nested egg in a coconut milk and rice-based crispy crepe.
Turquoise was the social hub at lunch, and no wonder why with the soft sand floor and an ocean breeze caressing you as you enjoy the view of the infinity pool and beach. Ideal for lunch – the menu includes continental and Asian-inspired dishes in a relaxed environment. The dish that stuck with me most was the seafood noodles, an array of fresh crabs, prawns and calamari served with egg noodles under the cooling shade of coconut palms.
Come evening you can again take advantage of one of the resorts five restaurants. Sands Restaurant was our go to for a more intimate and elegant feel. Here we sat dining with our feet in the sand (the island life), underneath the night sky and twinkling stars. Renowned for its fresh seafood, we went straight for the legendary grilled jumbo prawns, the biggest we have ever seen anywhere on earth!
Atmosphere
Elegant, modern, and relaxed, Velassaru Maldives is an ideal location for anyone seeking a luxury trip that suits all price ranges. I loved the feel of this resort; their ethos is ‘Luxury Undressed’ which correctly sums up Velassaru perfectly.
To discover more, visit: velassaru.com
All imagery courtesy of Velassaru Maldives
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