Elite Traveler HRS 2017-2018

SPONSORED

STAY Velaa Private Residences Size 14,251 sq ft (including indoor, outdoor and private pool area) Nightly rate $33,000 Secluded on a pristine private beach, the carefully curated interiors deliver comfort, style and elegance. Large enough to accommodate a group of 10, these two-story detached residences are laid out with privacy in mind. Each of the four bedrooms face the ocean across a stretch of sand; the second floor bedrooms have generous balconies while the first floor opens onto the pool. Indoor and outdoor bathrooms are connected by a garden atrium. Flanked by two gazebos for dining, resting or playing, the pool reflects the ocean and is the central focus. A gym, spa room and outdoor living area offer plenty of quiet spaces to retire to. Subdued lighting and large-format photography provide visual breaks to the natural wood and Jordan tile stone that set the tone of the interiors. As Velaa is one of only four hotels in the world to partner with the distinguished spa brandMy Blend by Clarins, the island is a center of wellness. The facilities feature six spa suites nestled over the island’s lagoon, with two suites reserved for couples. Additionally, all Velaa residences include their own private spa suites with the full spa menu on offer. My Blend spa also hosts one-of-a-kind experiences such as the Cloud 9 flotation suite and the only snow room in the Maldives. Contact Shosil Mahato, spa director, shosil.mahato@velaaisland.com, +960 6565 000 Signature treatment My Blend Youth synergy With a twist on modern European cuisine, Aragu (‘essence’ in the local language) takes its gourmet experience to a new level, combining culinary art with awareness and sustainability. With flavoring carefully chosen and organic produce from all around the world for authenticity, Gaushan de Silva created an innovative twist on the evergreens of the old continent. For an aperitif, the Cru Champagne Lounge overlooks the Indian Ocean, and guests can savor some of the world’s finest and rarest champagnes under the guidance of expert sommeliers. Contact IbrahimWaheed, F&B director, ibrahim.waheed@velaaisland.com, +960 6565 000 Designed by JoséMaría Olazábal, renowned for his short game prowess, and managed by Troon, the leader in upscale golfcourse management, Velaa Golf Academy by Olazábal is a golfing experience like no other. Practice with a state-of-the-art simulator, try the putting green and tailored tuition programs, get one-on-one tuition with all the latest technology, or try the swing studio equipped with the most up-to-date technology to enhance your learning experience. Contact Christopher Snape, golf director, christopher.snape@velaaisland.com, +960 6565 000 RELAX My Blend by Clarins DINE Aragu GOLF COURSE Velaa Golf Academy by Olazábal

The Romantic Pool Residence offers total privacy as it is only accessible by boat

Velaa Private Island NOONU ATOLL, REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES

Nestled within the constellation of islands that form the Noonu Atoll in theMaldives, Velaa Private Island takes exclusivity to the next level with facilities and service that go beyond traditional resorts. Designed by award-winning Czech architect Petr Kolář, Velaa Private Island is the realization of island owner Jiri Smejc’s dream to create a ‘beyond luxury’ exclusive boutique hideaway. Velaa means Turtle Island in the local language, named after generations of sea turtles that flock there to nest. The island’s exclusive over-water villas are also constructed to resemble the head of a turtle, with the natural island forming the body.

Velaa Private Island PO Box 2071 Noonu Atoll Republic of Maldives velaaprivateisland.com

CONTACT Hassan Zahir, reservations manager, reservations@velaaisland.com, +960 6565 000

My Blend by Clarins Spa

AWARDS & RATINGS Best Wedding Hotel award by Love Travel Awards, 2017

Velaa has the first covered tennis court in Maldives, allowing guests to enjoy their favorite sport at heat peak hours, or drizzling days