Velaa Private Island: A boutique Hideaway in the Maldives

The name of stunning island resort means “Turtle Island” – after the generation of sea turtles that have inhabited the area down the years - and its design borrows from this theme, with turtle motifs and the colours and patterns of turtle shells dotted around the property.

What's more, guests arriving by seaplane will notice on their descent the island’s exclusive over-water villas, constructed to resemble the head of a turtle, with the island forming the body.

Comprising 47 private villas and houses, 18 of which are over the water, and four four-bedroom residences., the island has been curated with privacy and comfort as the guiding principles while allowing the Indian Ocean to take centre stage.

Each of the villas has been built using local materials, combining contemporary flourishes with interiors designed for sensory exploration. Generous terraces and gazebos are positioned to maximise shade, breeze, views and privacy.

While 18 of the 43 villas are built over water, the Romantic Pool Residence can only be reached by boat, allowing even more privacy and exclusivity.

For the epicurean, Velaa offers an impressive culinary experience, with three restaurants, two bars and a wine cellar.

Other notable island amenities include a state-of-the-art spa, a gymnasium, tennis and squash courts, a Yoga pavilion, a Golf academy, and a Dive center, while guests can book onto a range of local activities including snorkelling, windsurfing, wakeboarding, sailing, kite surfing, kayaking and jet skiing.