Michael Edwards goes to Veligandu Maldives Resort Island to see what all the fuss is about.
For most people the question isn’t “Would you like to go to the Maldives?” But rather, “Which island should I go to?”
There are nearly 1,200 islands dotted through the Maldives archipelago nation, across 26 atolls, with around 170 resorts to choose from. So, how do you choose between one idyllic resort and the next?
First, take a step back. The choice begins in Malé, the capital of the Maldives. Will you travel to your chosen island by seaplane or exhilarating speed boat? Or will you have to take a scheduled flight?
At Malé International Airport, Veligandu’s representatives whisk away our luggage and transport us to the business lounge whilst others still queue to drop off their luggage. Not every hotel uses that air-conditioned sanctuary, with complimentary food and drinks.
At a mere 20 minutes, the seaplane flight to Veligandu, an unforgettable, panoramic adventure, flown by barefoot pilots, is too short. Almost every passenger wants more coral atolls. More white sandbanks contrasting with the azure blue of the Indian Ocean. More Robinson Crusoe beach-fringed jungle islands.
Stepping onto Veligandu’s jetty, we are clapped and drummed ashore, like Maldivian royalty, by smiling Veligandu staff. Each guest or couple is welcomed by their Personal Lifestyle Assistant.
Jadhee is a 21st century 24/7 Jeeves, digitally empowered by WhatsApp and the Veligandu App. He books restaurants, snorkelling trips, sunset cruises and deals with our requests. Collects us, in a golf buggy, from bar, beach or restaurant whenever we call him. When, regretfully, it is time to leave, he books our return flight and connecting transport through to our Malé hotel.
The new look Veligandu Maldives Resort Island is undoubtedly discrete 5* luxury. With 100 villas, the vibe is a little livelier than some of the other islands and definitely quieter than those with water slides. Natural beauty, seclusion and luxury, to echo Veligandu’s mantra, are particularly appreciated by honeymooners.
After 18 months of refurbishment and expansion, the new over-the-water sunset villas, each with its own private infinity plunge pool, take pride of place. Obviously, two-bedroom villas have two plunge pools. Raised high above the ocean on their stilts, Veligandu is futureproofing against rising sea levels. Steps take you down to the Indian Ocean for snorkelling with the complimentary equipment available from the dive centre.
Behind the ocean-facing room, with curtains switch-controlled from bedside, there is an extensive dressing area with his and hers wardrobes as well as his-and-her wash units. In addition to a large rainfall shower, there is also a secluded but open-air half-egg bath.
Another question for guests is the type of package to book. At Veligandu Maldives Resort Island, bed and breakfast gives guests access to the white-sand floored Dhonveli buffet restaurant.
Throughout the week, Dhonveli rings the changes on its lunch and dinner buffet offerings. Chefs cook seafood, steaks and pasta dishes to order.
Dine around packages take in Madivaru Restaurant, named after the Maldivian for manta rays. Inspired by the ancient Spice Route, the menu offers a fusion of Mediterranean and Asian dishes. Alongside the lobster and Wagyu beef on the menu, dishes such as Nasai Noreng, Vietnamese Caramelised Pork and Shrimp Pad Thai exemplify Madivaru’s cuisine.
Thundi, meaning sandbank, is irresistible. Throughout the day waiters deliver drinks and snacks, to guests around the most serene of infinity pools, around Thundi’s bar or to the sun-loungers in pole-position for watching seaplanes come and go.
Raalhu, meaning the wave, is strategically positioned for sunset drinks at its champagne pavilion. Then slip into the fine-dining restaurant, with its ceiling hanging fishbone sculpture, for superbly sourced fish, octopus or steak. As with the other restaurants, culinary and service standards, on a 600 metres by 150 metres island, in the middle of the Indian Ocean, are astounding.
Some resorts are dominated by Wellness but at Veligandu Maldives Resort Island guests dip in and out of the VFitness gym and Himeyn Spa as they choose.
Every day a handful of guests rise early for sunrise yoga at the lanai overlooking the ocean that’s adjacent to the five overwater spa treatment rooms: four of them for couples. For more active exercise a tennis court and paddle courts are bookable.
Without doubt there are more glitzy Maldives resorts that attract celebs, resorts with underwater dining and buzzing resorts where more dynamic shapes are thrown on the dance floor. Yet, for those looking for quiet, flawless luxury, the new look Veligandu Maldives Island Resort will be hard to beat.
Tell Me More About Veligandu Maldives Resort Island
Veligandu Maldives Resort Island, Radshoo, Maldives
T: (960) 666 0519 E: reservations@veligandu.com
Double occupancy bed and breakfast in a Veligandu Maldives Resort Island Beach Villa will begin from US$508 per night in Summer 2025. Beach Villa all-inclusive dine around $1068 per night double occupancy.
Sea plane transfers are extra.
