Velaa Private Island Elevates Luxury Travel in 2025 With New Features & Exclusivity
- wgclients01
- Feb 28
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 4
Velaa Private Island, a renowned destination in the Maldives, has long attracted travelers from around the world, including visitors from Miami seeking an exclusive retreat. Located in the Noonu Atoll, Velaa is the vision of Czech entrepreneurs Radka and Jiří Šmejc, who aimed to create a high-end sanctuary. The island's name, meaning "Turtle" in Dhivehi, reflects its natural environment, where sea turtles nest. Designed by Czech architect Petr Kolar, its 47 villas are arranged to resemble a turtle when viewed from above, a sight appreciated by guests arriving via a 45-minute private seaplane from Malé.
WHAT’S NEW IN 2025 – LHA VELAA KIDS CLUB RENOVATION AND CULINARY PARTNERSHIPS WITH MICHELIN-STARRED CHEFS
Velaa Private Island will undergo a one-month closure in September for a renovation of "Lha Velaa" Kids Club, or "Little Turtle" in Dhivehi. The upgraded space, inspired by the owner's daughter's vision, will include expanded facilities and interactive marine life programs such as nature walks and snorkeling excursions. Activities like flyboarding and fliteboarding are popular also available.
Several exclusive partnerships have been arranged for 2025, including collaborations with global artists, wine connoisseurs, and athletes. On March 14th, Canadian artist Jared Boechler will lead art workshops inspired by the island's scenery. On March 6th and 12th, Didier Depond, President of Delamotte & Salon Champagne, and Ariel Savina of Tiano & Nareno will host two exclusive Winemaker dinners. In May, padel coach Alba Gálan, a former top-ranked player, will offer one-on-one sessions for guests.
November will bring Gastronomy Month, featuring collaborations between Velaa's Culinary Director Gaushan De Silva and Michelin-starred chefs. Guests will experience exclusive dining events, wine-pairing sessions, and "four-hands dinners" where chefs blend techniques to create unique tasting menus.
EXPANSION OF WELLBEING VILLAGE
As wellness tourism grows, Velaa continues to enhance its Wellbeing Village. This area includes a treatment center, open-air yoga pavilion, air-conditioned Pilates studio, and oceanfront gym. Programs are tailored for guests, incorporating Ayurvedic principles and modern wellness practices. Before arrival, guests can consult with the resort's Ayurvedic doctor to customize their wellness plans. Offerings include blood analysis, genetic insights, and biofeedback therapy. The Maldives’ first Snow Room provides cryotherapy treatments, and the Cloud 9 sensory pod combines vibration, color, and sound therapy for relaxation.
The Wellbeing Village is also home to Faiy, Velaa’s fourth restaurant, focusing on plant-based and balanced meals tailored to individual wellness goals.
PRIVATE VILLAS AND EXCLUSIVE AMENITIES
Velaa features 47 villas, including 18 overwater residences. Options range from two-bedroom family villas to the Romantic Pool Residence, accessible only by boat. Each villa includes private jacuzzis, infinity pools, and direct access to the lagoon. Recent interior updates feature designs by Paula Lenti and Davide Groppi, emphasizing a calming aesthetic.
Guests can explore the atoll through fishing and scuba diving or enjoy activities like tennis, squash, and padel. The resort houses the Maldives’ only nine-hole golf academy, designed by José María Olazábal. Dining options include three restaurants and two bars, including the Cru Champagne Bar and the Maldives' most extensive wine cellar. Aragu, the resort’s fine dining restaurant, is the first Maldivian establishment recognized on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
For more information, visit: www.velaaprivateisland.com
