Elite Traveler HRS 2023

etr li at ve eler HOTELS, RESORTS & SPAS 2023 95

relaxing scalp and body massage with long, rhythmic strokes to relieve muscle tension, and a mini-facial enhanced by a beautiful rose mist. This romantic experience ends with a glass of champagne and handmade chocolate tru ffl es. DINE Aragu, the resort’s signature restaurant, presents contemporary European cuisine with an Asian twist. Aragu has taken the dining experience to the next level, combining a passion for culinary art with awareness and sustainability. To complement the re fi ned cuisine of Aragu, Davide Guidi, food and beverage director, has created an 800-bin wine list. Tavaru Restaurant and Wine Cellar has amazing views over Velaa and the beautiful azure waters of the Maldives, which are further intensi fi ed by Tavaru’s menu celebrating Teppanyaki grill cuisine. The grand theatrical show and exclusive Japanese tasting menus produce culinary delights such as Teriyaki Black Cod and Kagoshima A5 Tenderloin. Everything is experienced from the highest architectural building on a resort island in the Maldives. EXPLORE Velaa Private Island houses some of the newest hi-tech water sport toys and equipment, from fl yboarding and hoverboarding to electric foil surfboards and the latest tandem jetovator. Velaa also has a range of exciting towables for children and families to enjoy. Located in the untouched Noonu Atoll where divers will discover unexplored dive sites, Velaa is surrounded by some of the most amazing marine life that the Maldives has to o ff er. Velaa Dive Center uses all the latest Scubapro equipment, which is renowned for its outstanding quality. A ffi liated with PADI, the largest dive association in the world, Velaa o ff ers courses from the Bubblemaker for younger guests to the professional-level Divemaster for more experienced divers. Guests can snorkel and enjoy the house reef at leisure, and also explore some of the most untouched snorkel sites, which are a quick fi ve- to 20-minute boat ride away. To ful fi ll everyone’s experience of a Maldivian island dream, tailor-made excursions can easily be arranged, from big game fi shing out in the ocean to snorkeling trips around untouched reefs — or enjoy a lavish lunch on a deserted island followed by a dolphin-watching sunset cruise. Velaa’s sports facilities include the only completely covered tennis court in the Maldives, perfect for a game even on the hottest of days, as well as the all-new padel tennis court (padel is typically played in doubles on an enclosed court), squash court, table tennis, climbing wall, beach volleyball and football pitch. Velaa Private Island also o ff ers the latest from Technogym in its world-class gym featuring state-of the-art fi tness equipment. Guests can also experience personal yoga master and meditation sessions held in an elevated Yoga Pavilion with beautiful views over the golf academy, or in a private garden or on the beach.

Watch the sun set from Nika Private Residence’s sunken seating area

Tavaru Restaurant and Wine Cellar has incredible views over the island