Velassaru Maldives is sitting up there as one of my favorite Maldivian resorts to visit. In truth, they’re all wonderful, with their pristine white sand beaches, warm clear waters and deep rays of sun. But there are a few resorts that stand out. Velassaru is one of them.
A smaller, more intimate resort than most that I’ve been to, the ambience of Velassaru had me from the moment we arrived. There was an immediate air of relaxed happiness exuding from each person we walked by. Unlike many resorts I’ve visited in the Maldives, Velassaru didn’t seem like the epitome of romantic Maldivian escapes. Don’t get me wrong, it definitely had charming, private corners and the allure of romance, but it also had an upbeat, lively and charismatic character that immediately made you feel like you had arrived on a fun vacation. The resort’s guests had a relaxed, nonchalance- among them many couples as expected, but also several families and groups of friends. I was visiting with my sister, so it was a welcome site to see that we weren’t the only non-couple on the island!
Highlights
Wine and Dine
On a full-board package, guests are able to choose to eat their lunch at the resort’s buffet restaurant, Vela or Turquoise, which serves an a la carte menu of integrated international cuisine. The meals at Turquoise were delicious and catered to a variety of tastes. I highly recommend the Ahi Tuna ceviche and the crusted king prawns!
We also dined in Sand on one of our evenings, which as the name aptly suggests is right on the sand. Serving Pan-Indian Ocean delicacies, you shouldn’t go past the Lobster Thermidor, it was to die for.
As for Vela- Velassaru’s buffet restaurant, it had an excellent selection of international cuisine, but what I loved the most was the chef’s wandering around chat with guests ensuring that we all had what our hearts desired. I had my heart set on eating some sushi for dinner, and there had been none arranged for the buffet that evening, so the chef promptly had some prepared. If they have it available and you’d like it, nothing is too much trouble.
Chill bar, overlooking the stunning sunset was also a favorite with it’s comfortable bean bags and well, “chilled” atmosphere.
Spa
Velassaru Maldives has an overwater spa, which also hosts a gorgeous infinity hydro pool. Access is granted before or after your treatments as well as a multi-story relaxation area. My sister and I thoroughly enjoyed the fresh fruit and house made sorbet to refresh ourselves post-treatment, before spending some quiet time in the hydro pool.
Rooms
We stayed in an overwater bungalow at Velassaru Maldives, and it was not only beautifully decorated using contemporary, clean lines, it also had the same cozy, charismatic feeling the rest of the resort had. It was the kind of room that could make you feel like you could lose yourself in it all day.
Proximity
Velassaru Maldives is only a 25-minute speedboat away from Male Airport, so you are literally stepping off the plane and into paradise within minutes of your arrival. Makes for an easy, fuss free journey.
Lowlights
Not enough time!