Velaa Private Island
Noonu Atoll · 186km from Malé
Where art meets the ocean — an ultra-luxurious private island in Noonu Atoll
About Velaa Private Island
Velaa Private Island is the realisation of a singular vision — a passion project built by Czech billionaire Jiri Smejc for himself, his family, and a select group of guests who seek the most complete ultra-luxury experience the Maldives can offer. Velaa means turtle island in Dhivehi, named after the generations of sea turtles that nest and hatch on its shores. Located in Noonu Atoll, 47 villas occupy 43 hectares — the lowest villa-to-space ratio of any luxury resort in the Maldives.
The resort's defining philosophy is the Privacy Edge — the notion that genuine luxury requires space, silence, and genuine separation from other guests. The island has been designed so that no villa can see another, no restaurant feels crowded, and no activity ever feels rushed. The result is an environment where the team knows every guest by name from the moment of arrival and a level of personalised service that no hotel group can replicate.
Velaa is the only resort in the Maldives with a championship golf experience — designed by Masters champion José María Olazábal — alongside a private submarine, an 18m Tavaru teppanyaki tower, a wine cellar with over 500 bins, and a dedicated Eveylaa Wellbeing Village. These are not amenities — they are the expression of an owner who built exactly the resort he would want to stay at himself.
Accommodation
Velaa offers 47 villas across beach, overwater, and residence categories — each with a private pool, teak and mahogany interiors, and outdoor pavilions. The Private Reserve — the most secluded accommodation — includes an infinity pool, Jacuzzi, sunken bath, private gym and spa room, sundeck with daybeds, overwater dining gazebo, and personal butler and chef. All villas reflect the turtle motif that runs through the property — colours and patterns drawn from turtle shells woven into surfaces, textiles, and art throughout.
- Beach Pool Villas — direct beach access, private pool, outdoor pavilion, teak interiors
- Overwater Pool Villas — suspended above the lagoon, direct water access, private infinity pool
- Two and Three Bedroom Beach Residences — for families and groups, multiple pools
- Private Reserve — the most secluded villa on the island, private gym and spa room, personal chef
- The Owner's Residence — Velaa's four-bedroom pinnacle villa, used by the owner and available for guests
Dining
The dining programme at Velaa is one of the finest in the Maldives — overseen by Executive Chef Gaushan de Silva and consistently described by guests as Michelin-star quality. Aragu, the overwater signature restaurant, serves innovative Modern European cuisine in an elegant lagoon setting widely regarded as the best dining experience in Noonu Atoll. The iconic Tavaru — an 18-metre teppanyaki tower and wine cellar — is an architectural and gastronomic spectacle. The Faiy wellness restaurant focuses on pescatarian, vegetarian, and vegan cuisine. The Athiri beach restaurant serves international cuisine for all-day dining.
Experiences
- Golf on the only championship course in the Maldives — designed by Masters champion José María Olazábal
- Private submarine — underwater exploration of the Noonu Atoll reef systems
- Eveylaa Wellbeing Village — state-of-the-art wellness centre with comprehensive programmes
- Wine tastings and private pairings in the Tavaru cellar with 500+ bins
- Coral restoration with the dedicated marine team
- PADI diving and snorkelling on pristine Noonu Atoll reefs
- Water sports — jet skiing, wakeboarding, catamaran sailing, kayaking
- Tennis, padel, squash, climbing wall, beach volleyball, football
- Cooking and cocktail masterclasses
- Private yacht excursions and sandbank picnics
Spa & Wellness
The Velaa Spa and Eveylaa Wellbeing Village together form one of the most comprehensive wellness environments in the Maldives. The overwater spa offers a full treatment menu including Balinese massage, Ayurvedic therapies, and body wraps. The Eveylaa Wellbeing Village adds a state-of-the-art fitness studio, personal training, yoga, Pilates, and structured multi-day wellness programmes. The setting — overwater, surrounded by the turquoise Noonu Atoll lagoon — ensures the spa experience matches the extraordinary environment.
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Getting There
Velaa Private Island is located in Noonu Atoll, approximately 169km from Velana International Airport in Male. The island is reached by a 40-minute seaplane transfer. Velaa also offers a private custom-designed aircraft for guests arriving from the Maldives domestic airports. The remote location of Noonu Atoll — far from the busy Male Atoll resort corridor — ensures the surrounding reefs and marine life remain extraordinarily pristine.