Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / Maldives / Noonu Atoll / Velaa Private Island
Velaa Private Island
Noonu Atoll, Maldives · Independent · Grand Luxury
The island's design by architect Petr Kolář is inspired by the sea turtles (velaa) that nest there, with the overwater villas arranged to resemble a turtle's head when viewed from above. Velaa Private Island was opened in December 2013 as the passion project of Czech billionaire Jiří Šmejc and his wife Radka, who sought to create a 'beyond luxury' retreat based on their personal travel experiences.
- 47 rooms
- Opened 2013
- Rooms from 2,400 sq ft (223 m²)
About Velaa Private Island
- The spa's Snow Room is the only one of its kind in the Maldives.
- The Velaa Golf Academy, run under José María Olazábal's name, is the country's first professional golf academy.
- The smallest published suite or villa start at 2,400 sq ft (223 m²).
History
Velaa Private Island was opened in December 2013 as the passion project of Czech billionaire Jiří Šmejc and his wife Radka, who sought to create a 'beyond luxury' retreat based on their personal travel experiences. The island's design by architect Petr Kolář is inspired by the sea turtles (*velaa*) that nest there, with the overwater villas arranged to resemble a turtle's head when viewed from above. Built with a commitment to privacy and detail, the resort features high-end materials like Jordanian stone and Borneo wood throughout its 47 private accommodations.
Restaurants and bars
- Tavaru Tower at Velaa Private Island Maldives — Restaurant
Experiences
- Gastronomy Month — Guest chef series in November 2026 featuring Chef Mark Lundgaard and Chef Olivier Limousin.
- A Vampire Halloween at Velaa — Annual Halloween event scheduled for 25 October to 1 November 2026.
- Champagne Billecart-Salmon tasting — Champagne Billecart-Salmon tasting hosted by Alexandre Bader and Sébastien Papin on 18 November 2026.
- Padel tennis with Sofía Araújo — Expert padel tennis sessions with pro Sofía Araújo, 16 to 21 December 2026.
- Lha Velaa Kids Club — Kids club, with a new era of play announced in island news.
- Little Captains, Big Adventures - Darth Craft Splash — Island news item listed under Sport, described as Little Captains, Big Adventures - Darth Craft Splash.
Amenities
- Velaa Golf Academy by Olazábal (the Maldives' first professional golf academy)
- Exclusive overwater spa with the Maldives' only Snow Room
- Lha Velaa Kids Club featuring one of the largest water parks in the Maldives
- Personal butler service for every villa and residence
- Water sports centre including semi-submarine and hoverboard experiences
- Pool
- Private pool
- Sauna
- Hot tub
- Fitness center
- Tennis
Awards
- Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star (2026)
- Indian Ocean's Leading Luxury Hotel Villa 2024 (World Travel Awards) (2024)
- Indian Ocean's Leading Private Island Resort 2024 (World Travel Awards) (2024)
Open Velaa Private Island in the atlas for live weekend rates, photos, and the full folio.
More hotels in Noonu Atoll
- Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives — Mövenpick · High Luxury
- Siyam World Maldives — Sun Siyam · Core Luxury