Discovering the Maldives: what to do in a small (and beautiful) seaside resort

If we talk about leisure, the concept of “one island – one hotel” has taken root in the archipelago. There are quite large islands where, to get from point A to point B, you need to use environmentally friendly transport – an electric car or a bicycle. But about 100 islands can be called compact and very compact.

For those who have never been to the Maldives, a vacation on a small island may seem boring. But, we dare to assure you, it directly depends on how everything is organized. So, let’s start at the beginning!

The five-star Velassaru Maldives Resort is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection of boutique hotels and has received several certificates of excellence from TripAdviser. It is located in South Male Atoll, just 12 km from Velana International Airport. The trip on a comfortable boat will take about 25 minutes – and now you are on the island, famous for its picturesque turquoise lagoon (even by Maldivian standards!). Its dimensions are only 400 meters by 200 meters, but they accommodate everything one could wish for in search of a serene and measured vacation.

Velassaru Maldives is popular with couples and honeymooners – the room capacity consists of 129 bungalows and villas which ensure privacy. A special choice is of course the water villas with their own water access. There are small corals next to them, and tropical fish and even small sharks fearlessly swim up to the ladders. The designers managed to create interiors that interpret the natural shades of the archipelago. The main element of the palette of shades is the color of the sea wave. You can also choose a beautiful villa in a tropical garden with access to the beach, a house with a swimming pool and ocean view, or even a overwater bungalow with private pool and its own descent into the ocean.

Residents of the water villas can go snorkeling for whole days – and, of course, they will see a lot of interesting things, but we can also recommend guests to take a snorkeling excursion around the island, accompanied by a specially trained guide, on one of their first days. The expert will tell you where you can meet the most bizarre ocean inhabitants, talk about safety rules and other nuances.

Morning yoga seems to have already become a standard for Maldives vacations, but what about evening yoga? Eastern practices include variations of surya namaskara depending on the time of day, and on our small island you can do yoga several times a day, but sunset exercises are a treat. Instructor Arun, equipped with mattresses and water, waits for everyone at the edge of the lagoon every day at 5:30 p.m. – under the lapping waves and the pink sunset, all thoughts disappear. the muscles relax and the long-awaited inner peace arrives. During the rainy season, the group travels to the spa.

The spa, of course, cannot be ignored. The procedures take place in secluded bungalows located directly on the water’s edge – the sound of ocean waves serves as musical accompaniment. The menu is very extensive – from exotic Thai, Indian and Balinese techniques to classic Swedish. There are special programs to eliminate the effects of jet lag and a very special Velassaru Signature massage – a 90-minute procedure with coconut oil.

Lovers should pay attention to offers for couples – these are real rituals that last up to three hours. They include relaxing treatments, massages, beauty treatments, a real marathon of pleasure. The resort has also thought of those who are expecting a baby: pregnant women receive delicate treatments for the face and body. .

Even if you’ve never had the opportunity to sit with a fishing rod on the edge of a pond or even swing a net at a trout farm, sea fishing is a must-do life experience in the Maldives. Velassaru has several fast and fully equipped fishing boats. Their team is made up of local residents, hereditary fishermen. It can be assumed that these friendly and efficient guys have some kind of genetic echo sounder, because they literally feel where the fish are – and without a catch you will never return, and when you return, the catch will be prepared for you in a restaurant. and served for lunch or dinner. The most commonly caught bait is wahoo, a fish from the mackerel family whose tender flesh is often fried or grilled and served with vegetables and savory entrees.

And it goes without saying that the fishing in the Maldives is very beautiful. Yes, you will have to rise in the dark, but you will meet the dawn in the ocean, watching the world awaken. Unforgettable!

By the way, about fish – and other tasty things. Maldivian cuisine combines Indian and Arab traditions and also intersects with Sri Lankan gastronomy. The basic set of products consists of seafood in all its variety, rice, spicy seasonings and coconut fruits. However, local specialists are open to anything new and take training and practice seriously. For example, concept chef Velassaru was trained in a French culinary school and organized a morning buffet at the Vela restaurant according to all the rules of international haute cuisine. “Program highlights” are corners with refined fusion-style portioned snacks, a chocolate fountain and a “healthy lifestyle corner” with freshly squeezed juices and superfood shots.

The resort won the ‘Best Culinary Venue 2024’ award at the Hotel Asia 2024 Expo and International Culinary Challenge, so be sure to tell the staff you want to try the ‘champion dishes’.

And let’s not forget that we are talking about a very romantic place. Dinner at Sand Restaurant activates all five senses: enjoy each other’s company, sink your feet into the silky white sand, and share your thoughts on the signature menu. And the stunning interiors of the Turquoise restaurant will not only emphasize gastronomic pleasure, but also become a wonderful backdrop for a photo where you two, beautiful and happy, will feel the taste of life.