Velassaru Resort & Hotel, Maldives

With 10 different accommodation options at Velassaru, one thing you won't be is stuck for choice. Divided between the beach and over the crystal-clear lagoon, every bungalow and villa is firmly traditional in style, with thatched roofs supported by dark wood beams and with whitewashed interiors. Light wood floors are matched by the soft colours of the contemporary furnishings and decor, with vibrant cushions, loungers and bed runners (oranges, reds, turquoises) adding a splash of character.

The beach accommodation is tucked within leafy jungle and the thick foliage means each bungalow and villa has its own private patch of sand beyond the veranda and outdoor shower. If you want some extra indulgence, some of the beach villas also come with their own private pool.

Head overwater and wherever you stay, you're guaranteed glorious Indian Ocean views. Balconies, complete with brightly coloured daybeds and loungers, give you a prime spot for soaking them up and if you'd like to take a closer look, each overwater accommodation comes with steps leading straight into the dreamy lagoon. Like their beach counterparts, some water villas also come with private pools.

Despite Velassaru's small size, its dining offering is incredibly impressive, with five restaurants and bars on the island. They encompass every type of cuisine you can think of, whether its eating innovative Japanese food overwater at Teppanyaki, dining on worldwide fare at Vela or trying Latin American dishes with your toes in the sand at Etesian. Elsewhere, continental cuisine can be enjoyed under the shade of palms at Turquoise, while Sand is beachfront dining with a glorious Indian Ocean vista – the prawns here are the size of your hand!

Fen Bar is a modern, beachfront space furnished in neutral tones overlooking a panorama of blue – a cool sensual vibe permeates here – and you can nibble of tapas-style food at Chill Bar while suspended over the dazzling lagoon below.

Velassaru also has a number of stunning dining experiences, from a private satay barbecue to lunch on a deserted island or a candlelit dinner with a fiery ocean sunset as your backdrop.

Velassaru doesn't have its own house reef, but that doesn't mean there aren't opportunities for wonderful snorkelling or diving experiences. The on-island Immersion dive centre gives you the chance to explore the Maldives' mesmerising marine worlds, whether you're a novice or seasoned expert. Hop on a dhoni or a speedboat and arrive at iridescent coral reefs, where the resort's guides will take you around coruscating coral, crayon-coloured fish and much more marine life.

Back on the island, the comprehensive GLIDE water sports centre offers a huge selection of activities, including glass-bottom kayaking, kitesurfing, jet-skiing and wakeboarding. Velassaru's range of excursions go beyond the ordinary, too, with night snorkelling, manta ray-spotting trips, sunset cruises and dolphin discovery adventures among some of the other experiences you can do. For something truly memorable, book a spot for you and your loved one aboard your own dhoni, which will transport you to a deserted island for the day. You'll be armed with a hamper full of food and drink, so all you need to do is enjoy your mini exotic paradise.

After a hard day’s activities make sure you spot the ice cream man who rides his tricycle around the island twice a day and indulge in a well-deserved selection of complimentary freshly made ice creams or sorbets.

Velassaru's main pool is utterly spectacular, like a cerulean wedge fanning over the beach which makes for a truly tranquil place to relax. There's also the resort's spa, which is set entirely overwater. Wafts of exotic indigenous ingredients create a blissful atmosphere in each of the 10 treatment rooms, while the wealth of spa treatments you can choose from all serve to recharge and rejuvenate. There's also a manicure and pedicure room, a steam room and hydropool perched over the gin-clear lagoon.

Velassaru offers a variety of experiences to enhance your stay with bespoke dining experiences such as breakfast in the lagoon and romantic beach dinners. For something more active, enjoy a dolphin cruise, snorkelling or just head to sandback with a luxury hamper and chill by yourselves.

Honeymooners staying a minimum of 4 nights at Velassaru will receive a complimentary bottle of Taittinger Champagne (375ml), sunset tapas at Chill Bar including a selection of 3 tapas dishes and 2 glasses of sparkling wine, L’Occitane Sleep Well honeymoon gift pack and a USD25 credit to use in the spa.

Velassaru Maldives is a luxury resort that caters to a wide range of guests, including families. The resort provides various amenities and activities suitable for children including:

• Vilu Reef Kids Club: Velassaru's Kids' Club named Vilu Reef provides a range of supervised activities and entertainment for children.
• Kids' Menus: Fussy eaters will be no problem at this resort. Velassaru has its very own kids'menus, designed for young diners under 12-years-old.
• Complimentary Ice-Cream: Visitors at this resort can enjoy a complimentary ice cream once a day! Just keep an eye out for the ice-cream man who is often pushing a cart of homemade flavours around the island!
• Babysitting Services: The resort has its own babysitting services for when you need some down time. 

Plus, plenty more! Get in touch with our holiday experts today to find out if Velassaru is right for your next Maldives trip. 

Velassaru isn't all-inclusive but its Velassaru Indulgence package comes very close, offering a carefully crafted full board meals and drinks option that includes fabulous culinary experiences and a range of complimentary beverages as you dine. Bed and breakfast, half board and standard full board options are also available.

Velassaru is located in the South Malé Atoll, close to the Maldives' main entry point of Malé.

Velassaru is very close to Malé's international airport and you can reach the resort via a 25-minute speedboat ride.

Velassaru doesn't have its own house reef but there are plenty of incredible coral reefs you can snorkel or dive that are only a short boat ride away.

The island Velassaru is situated on is tiny, while the resort is home to 129 bungalows and villas, found on the beach and overwater. Despite the island's small size, it also has five restaurants and two bars.