About
Velassaru is a private island retreat on the tiny 35 km island of South Malé Atoll in the Maldives. It is the choice for a serenity-luxury escape, a barefoot honeymoon away from it all: pristine white sands, crystalline water in aquamarine shades, swaying palms. The adventure starts from your Malé airport pick-up – a 25-minute private boat escort across the expanse of the Indian Ocean. At the hotel, a glass of complimentary champagne sets the tone for proceedings. For the happy couple, we vote for a villa on the archipelago of overwater bungalows on the lagoon, complete with private deck and pool, or a beachfront villa, which give the lucky recipients private access to their own vista view (naturally all decked out with L’Occitane scrubs and Nespresso coffee). Velassaru elevates the post-wedding unwind with an in-house spa on the lagoon: treatments incorporate indigenous ingredients like a scrub with Maldivian coral sand and cult products from Margaret Dabbs’ London line. Sunset Ashtanga, Hatha and stretch yoga sessions are available on the sand, alongside Pilates and barre in dedicated studios and diving, windsurfing, coral planting or a couples’ doubles tennis match. And if all that sounds a bit too appealing, Velassaru also offers bespoke destination weddings: you can say your “I dos” on a private sandbank or a secluded beach.
Why Our Editors Love
- The ultimate for barefoot honeymooners looking for luxury
- Opportunity for a breadth of excursions from adventure to dialled-up relaxation
- Private overwater lagoon villas sitting on the impossibly blue Indian Ocean
Testimonials
The island’s aesthetic is stunning, and the care the gardeners put into keeping the pathways clear of leaves reflects the pride they take in maintaining the resort. Breakfast was incredible, and the facilities and activities were absolutely top-tier. The staff’s attention to detail in making your stay exceptional truly stands out. A perfect experience-highly recommended.
– Michael
This resort is truly a piece of paradise. The beaches are breathtaking, with crystal-clear water and soft, white sand. The food was outstanding, offering a great variety of delicious options every day. And the service? Simply top-notch-every staff member was incredibly kind, professional, and always ready to help with a smile. Absolutely fantastic and flawless.
– Ivan
