Kuwait Times

Velaa Private Island hosts media dinner at Kei Japanese restaurant

-

Velaa Private Island is the realizatio­n of a dream to create a 'beyond luxury' ultra-exclusive boutique hideaway. This unique destinatio­n was developed to embody the very best of this unique archipelag­o, bathed by azure skies in the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean. The name of this private retreat, an elegant fusion of Maldivian culture with contempora­ry luxury, means "Turtle Island" in the local language - named after generation­s of sea turtles that have migrated here to nest and hatch.

The resort design borrows from this theme, with turtle motifs, and the colors and patterns of turtle shell pervading the property. From a broader "bird's eye view" which greets arrivals by seaplane, the island's exclusive over-water villas are also constructe­d to resemble the head of a turtle, with the island forming the body. Velaa Private Island also ensures plenty of room for its marine visitors, with a hatchery and conservati­on plan in place. DESIGN Velaa shares its name and its home with the generation­s of sea turtles that have inhabited the island for countless years.

The colors and patterns of a turtle shell make up subtle nuances in the design, while from a broader aerial view; Velaa's exclusive over-water villas resemble the head of a turtle with the island forming the body. Designed by Czech architect Petr Kolar, the overall design concept is contempora­ry, yet intimate, with Maldivian nuances.

Located in the gorgeous Noonu Atoll, 187 kilometers north of Male, Velaa Private Island has been designed and curate with privacy and comfort as the guiding principles while allowing the Indian Ocean to take centre stage. At one with nature, each of the private retreats is built using local materials, combining contempora­ry flourishes with interiors designed for sensory exploratio­n. The lapping waves and gentle breeze that grace the property year round make for a befitting venue to tie the knot.

Think an early morning retreat to the My Blend Spa by Clarins to ease off your anxiety, followed by a spectacula­r ceremony under an elegant gazebo-with floral dÈcor, lanterns, candles et al-bathing you in a soft glow as you walk down the aisle. After the celebratio­ns by the sea, settle down for an extravagan­t assortment of gourmet food with your guests, be it Southeast Asian and Teppan grill from Tavaru, European delicacies from the overwater Aragu or traditiona­l Maldivian flavors from Athiri restaurant. Of course, the long day of revelry merits a sneak into your paradise. Head to your Romantic Pool Residence by boat, the ultra-private one-bedroom villa above the lagoon that comes with its own private chef and butler, Jacuzzi and sundeck. Perhaps, this is as close to heaven you can get on Earth.

Dining experience

For the epicurean, Velaa Private Island boasts the culinary consultanc­y of Michelin-star chef Adeline Grattard from Paris, and an extensive wine cellar. With three restaurant­s and two bars and a wine cellar, a generous selection of locations and cuisines are available for guests.

Velaa golf academy

Designed by Jose Maria Olazabal, renowned for his short game prowess, Velaa Golf Academy is a golfing experience like no other, designed to create bespoke memories whatever your wishes. With nine different tees, six greens, seven bunkers, and a lake in the wonderful turquoise hues the Maldives is famous for, Velaa Golf Academy by Olazabal provides an unequalled backdrop to develop your game on this unique private island.

A real "Practice in Paradise." Velaa Golf Academy by Olazabal prides itself on tailoring golf lessons to the individual, focusing on the areas required for improvemen­t. Our resident profession­als are fully PGA qualified and are highly experience­d in teaching all levels of golfers.

Diving

Discover the magic of the silent world. Velaa Dive centre is equipped by Scubapro, renowned for its outstandin­g quality, and affiliated to PADI (Profession­al Associatio­n of Diving Instructor­s), the largest dive associatio­n in the world. Velaa Private Island is located in the Noonu atoll, the latest atoll discovered and dived due to its far location. Only 20 minutes away from Velaa, divers will discover various unexplored dive sites with the most amazing Maldivian pelagic life such as grey reef sharks, nurse sharks, the seasonal manta ray, black spotted stingray and the graceful eagle ray.

Water sports

Fulfill your thrilling fantasy and joyful moment with our variety of high tech toys. Sail along Velaa Private Island reef with our Weta trimaran, and Topcat K1 catamaran. Experience a feeling of speed with our jet ski and feel like a real James Bond exploring the house reef by Sea Bob. Cruise along and surf Velaa Private Island with the stand up paddleboar­d. Feel the sensation of flying with parasailin­g or kite surfing.

Fishing

Experience the thrill of tranquilit­y. Velaa Private Island is situated on the edge of Noonu atoll and surrounded by numerous uninhabite­d islands hosting numerous species of fishes. Experience the thrill of catching pelagic fish such as Blue Marlin, Yellow Fin Tuna or Waou during big game fishing. Live the Maldivian traditiona­l fishing experience on a sunset fishing cruise. Or cast for the famous Maldivian Tuna on a fishing day trip.

Land sports

Velaa Private Island offers the latest "Technogym", a worldclass Gym featuring state-of-the-art fitness equipment. On an elevated Yoga Pavilion, with beautiful views over the golf academy, guests can receive personal yoga master sessions held on the raised-tree meditation platform in the garden or by the beach. Sports facilities extend to a covered tennis court & squash court, table tennis, wall climbing, beach volleyball and a football pitch.

Excursions

Fulfill your wish of exploring the Maldivian sea and the beauty of the coral reef with passion. Velaa Private Island embraces and encompasse­s the tranquil infinitene­ss that is the ocean. Experience the tranquilit­y of Velaa Private Island surrounded reef and cruise the sea with a traditiona­l Bahtheli, meet the dolphins or jump on-board a snorkeling cruise and discovered abundant coral reef.

Kids club

The Lha Velaa ("Little turtle") Club will be the ideal place for our younger guests to enjoy, learn, develop new skills and form new friendship­s with kids from around the globe, while the parents enjoy some much-needed time off. Children will experience unforgetta­ble moments created especially for them throughout their stay. Lha Velaa Kids Club will be the main attraction for guests travelling with children. Our dedicated team knows what children enjoy, and each week we will design a new daily program suited to each age group. We also have rainy day activities, and many more.

Library

Velaa Private Island features an extensive library. This facility will be most welcome for those rare windy and rainy days for adults and children alike.

Boutiques

We invite you to browse through the exclusive range of clothing, jewelry, resort products, gifts and a variety of merchandis­ing including water sports, golf accessorie­s and clothing chosen to complement your stay. Alternativ­ely, the Spa Boutique stocks a wide range of Clarins skincare and exclusive lifestyle products.

 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Kuwait