Velassaru Maldives – Luxury, Simplicity & Total Bliss

My husband and I have just returned from our Maldives honeymoon, and one of the highlights of our trip was our 5-night stay at Velassaru Maldives. It’s honestly one of the most beautiful islands I’ve ever visited and now firmly has a place in my heart.

Velassaru is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection, and the moment you arrive, you understand why. The whole experience felt personal, polished, and effortlessly luxurious, yet never over the top. It struck the perfect balance between barefoot relaxation and refined indulgence.

Seamless Arrival & Island Charm

The island is located in the South Malé Atoll, just a 25-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport. After landing, we were greeted by the Velassaru guest services team who were waiting for us at the arrivals hall, and we were swiftly escorted to the boat. The transfer was smooth, scenic, and beautifully handled, such a calm way to start your stay.

Velassaru itself is a tiny, intimate island, but cleverly designed. With just 129 villas and bungalows (both beachfront and overwater), it never feels busy. Despite its size, the resort boasts five incredible restaurants and two chic bars, which gives you all the variety you need for a longer stay without losing that peaceful, island feel.

Our Room: Beach Villa with Pool

We were kindly upgraded to a Beach Villa with Pool, and honestly, it was heaven. Nestled along the shoreline, we had direct beach access and uninterrupted ocean views. The villa itself was extremely spacious, beautifully styled with natural materials and soft lighting, and featured one of the nicest bathrooms I’ve ever seen on holiday. It had double doors separating the sleeping and bathroom areas, a freestanding bathtub, his and hers sinks, and a private outdoor rain shower, all surrounded by greenery and the sound of the waves in the background.

Outside, we had our own plunge pool, sun loungers, a daybed, table and chairs, and a wide sandy beachfront right in front. For me, that private outdoor space with a pool was worth every penny, it gave us the best of both worlds: total privacy and the beach at our doorstep.

Dining & The Indulgence Package

Velassaru doesn’t offer a traditional all-inclusive plan, but their Indulgence Package is pretty close—and for us, it was absolutely worth the upgrade. It includes:
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner across a choice of restaurants
• A la carte dining at any of the resort’s restaurants including Turquoise, Vela, Etesian (Latin American fine dining), Sand (grill and seafood on the beach), and Teppanyaki (Japanese overwater dining)
• Lunch options at Turquoise, Fen Bar, or Chill Bar
• A generous selection of drinks and cocktails
• Complimentary use of snorkelling equipment
• Two hours of ocean kayak rental

As someone who loves trying different restaurants and a la carte menus while on holiday, this really hit the mark. The food was exceptional, and the portion sizes were generous. Dining in the overwater Teppanyaki restaurant was one of our favourite experiences, amazing service, delicious food, and watching the chef cook with the ocean beneath your feet… just unforgettable.

There’s even a daily ice cream cart that roams around the island, because who doesn’t want a coconut ice cream in the middle of paradise?

One small downside: the mini bar isn’t included, which caught us off guard, especially as a Diet Coke addict 😂. But it does include Dairy Milk chocolate, so I had no complaints really!

Activities, Diving & Snorkelling

While Velassaru doesn’t have a house reef, the resort more than makes up for it with its excellent Immersion Dive Centre, offering boat trips to nearby coral reefs for snorkelling and diving. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned diver, you’ll have access to some of the Maldives’ most vibrant marine life just a short ride away.

You can also enjoy sunset cruises, jet-skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, and catamaran sailing, or simply unwind with a treatment at the Velassaru Spa, perched above the lagoon with panoramic ocean views.

Atmosphere & Who It’s Best For

Although Velassaru is family-friendly, it’s much better suited to couples or families with older children, as there are no kids’ clubs or specific children’s facilities like we’ve experienced on other islands. The vibe is serene, intimate, and romantic, perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries, or adult-only getaways.

Even though we had a few rainy spells during our stay, it didn’t put a dampener on the experience at all. The service was exceptional throughout, and the staff went out of their way to make our honeymoon feel special.

Final Thoughts

There were so many special moments during our time at Velassaru, but a few that really stood out:
• Teppanyaki dinner over the water – amazing food and even better views
• Watching the sunset at Chill Bar with a glass of wine in hand – pure bliss
• Lounging by our private pool with the ocean just steps away – total honeymoon heaven

It’s hard to put into words how peaceful and perfect this island feels. If you’re after refined luxury, personalised service, and understated elegance, Velassaru ticks every box. We’d go back in a heartbeat.

Please, take me back! 💙