Velassaru Maldives Resort
Formerly known as the Laguna Beach Resort, the Velassaru Maldives Resort has 129 bungalows, rooms, and villas, 45 of which are on stilts over either the lagoon or the ocean. This is a solid 5-star resort on a relatively small private island, which is conveniently located close to the capital city for fast transfers.
The prices are rather reasonable by Maldives standards, so it’s a good choice for those looking for a small island in a moderate price range. There are four restaurants and a wide range of water sports and activities available, though not much in the way of family fun, so this is probably a better choice for couples. It’s worth noting that guest reviews for the water villas tend to be fabulous and consistent, which isn’t always true of the island bungalows.
Location
The Velassaru Maldives is located on Velassaru Island which is 12 kilometers southwest of Malé International Airport in the Maldives.
Rooms/villas/suites
28 Water Villas
Area: 1,206 sq ft (112 m²)
-Full sea-facing wall opens out to the spacious over-water terrace with steps that lead you into the lagoon.
17 Water Suites
Area: 861 sq ft (80 m²)
-Over-water deck with cushioned sun loungers leads into the turquoise ocean
84 Island villas and suites
- Beds: 1 kingsize bed
- Wi-Fi: Available
- Entertainment system: Satellite TV, DVD player, iPod docking station
- Room service: 24 hours
Special room features
- Wine chiller
- Mini-bar
- Espresso machine
- Home theatre system
- Air-conditioning
- Ceiling fan
- Hot and cold fresh water
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Hairdryer
- Private bar
- IDD phone
- In-villa safe
Rates
- Low season online specials from US$659 per night
- High season online specials from US$823 per night
Restaurants and bars
- Etesian – Mediterranean cuisine
- Sand – Oceanfront dining
- Vela – World cuisine with a casual vibe
- Turquoise – Continental and Asian cuisine
- Fen – Beachfront bar
- Island Dining – Custom dining in a private setting
Resort features
- Infinity pool with view of the beach and ocean
- PADI certified dive school
- Snorkelling
- Water skiing
- Kneeboarding
- Wake boarding
- Fun tube adventures
- Windsurfing
- Parasailing
- Kayaking – transparent glass-bottom kayaks
- Kitesurfing
- Seabob Cayago water rocket
- Catamaran sailing
- Tennis
- Fitness centre
- Live music at Fen
- DVD library
Spa
The Aquum spa is a full-service spa featuring a wide variety of treatments.
Nearby activities
- Sunrise Experience
- Bespoke Encounters
- Maldivian Fishing
- Big-game Fishing
- Discover Malé excursion
- Spirit of the Bird – Maldives from the sky
- Maldivian Life excursion
- Sunset Cruise
What the reviews say
Reviews for the Velassaru Maldives Resort are mostly very positive, with nearly everyone enjoying the food and the spa in particular. As one of the more reasonably priced Maldives private-island resorts, it’s fairly popular, though some reviewers point out that the location is a bit too close to the capital city so it’s not quite as secluded as they might like.
Those who stayed in the water villas and bungalows seemed to really love the rooms, but those who stayed in the beach villas were less enthusiastic. This is a small island with fewer dining options than most resorts, but overall it gets high marks and should be a good choice for couples on a honeymoon or anniversary trip who don’t have unlimited funds.
Getting there
To reach the Velassaru Maldives Resort you’ll need to fly to the main Malé International Airport in the Maldives. From there you’ll be met by resort staff and put on a private boat for the 25-minute speedboat ride to the hotel’s island, at an additional charge.
Similar resorts to consider
- 6 Best honeymoon water villa resorts in the Maldives
- Maldives water-villa resorts near the Malé Airport
