KCR Spring 2025 Magazine - Flipbook - Page 82
Veligandu Maldives: The Most Perfect
Indian Ocean Idyll
overwater treatment rooms o昀昀er Thai, Balinese, and local treatments.
Gentle hands, ocean views, and calming rituals melt away even the most
persistent stress.
There are resorts in the Maldives that dazzle with design, wow with their
price tags, and curate luxury down to the most minute detail. But only
a rare few leave you with the feeling that you’ve truly found something
special. Veligandu Maldives is one of those places. And for anyone
fortunate enough to experience it — especially in a Sunrise Overwater
Villa with Pool — it becomes something of a benchmark. In a country of
over 150 island resorts, it is remarkably hard to beat.
Veligandu also o昀昀ers curated experiences for couples — from 昀氀oating
breakfasts and romantic beach dinners, to vow renewal ceremonies
complete with Maldivian drummers and 昀氀ower arches.
Set on a long, slender island in the North Ari Atoll, Veligandu is the
perfect blend of idyllic seclusion, thoughtful service, barefoot luxury,
and authentic Maldivian spirit. For seasoned travellers and 昀椀rst-timers
alike, it ticks every box — and then quietly, gracefully, goes beyond.
But what makes this place special above all is the consistency and sincerity of the service. The sta昀昀 remember your name, your co昀昀ee order,
your favourite table. They do it not because it’s required, but because it’s
natural.
From every angle, Veligandu delivers picture postcard views —
sugar-soft sand, lagoon blues fading into indigo reef drops, and
overwater villas extending like a string of pearls into the sea. It’s the
kind of scenery that makes you pinch yourself upon arrival.
The island is just the right size — long enough to walk and explore, but
intimate enough to feel like a private escape. Even at full occupancy, it
rarely feels busy.
The resort’s villa categories are particularly impressive. For those
seeking top-tier luxury, the One and Two Bedroom Overwater Villas
with Pool o昀昀er extraordinary comfort and privacy. These stunning
retreats are expansive and elegantly designed with premium 昀椀nishes,
vast decks, private pools, and open views across the Indian Ocean.
The Two Bedroom Overwater Villa with Pool is a rare 昀椀nd in the Maldives — ideal for families or two couples travelling together. Spacious
bedrooms are separated for privacy, each with their own ensuite bathroom, and a shared living area opens onto a wide deck with a private
pool and direct ocean access. It’s a perfect blend of sociability and
seclusion.
After visiting over 35 of the best Maldivian resorts so far, Veligandu
remains a clear standout – the perfect Indian Ocean idyll. It has the
charm, the beauty, and the service of a much higher-priced property,
without any of the pretension. It’s the rare place that gets everything
right — e昀昀ortlessly. It’s one I’d absolutely recommend and really wish
to return to.
For more information and to book: https://veligandu.com/
By Lisa Curtiss
The One Bedroom Overwater Villa with Pool is similarly lavish, o昀昀ering
honeymooners or solo travellers a serene sanctuary suspended over the
lagoon. These villas come with oversized tubs, outdoor loungers, and a
front-row seat to the ever-changing blues of the sea.
Accommodation at Veligandu also includes the Sunrise Overwater Villa
with Pool — a personal favourite and standout choice. These villas are
spacious, serene, and designed with privacy in mind. Step outside to a
large wooden deck with sun loungers, a shaded seating area, and a
private in昀椀nity-edge plunge pool. A set of steps leads directly into the
warm lagoon, and each morning brings a spectacular sunrise. It’s the
kind of setting that rede昀椀nes “luxury wake-up.”
Dining at Veligandu o昀昀ers something to match every mood. The main
Dhonveli Restaurant serves a delicious bu昀昀et with live cooking stations
and themed evenings. The sunset facing à la carte Madivaru Restaurant
provides a more intimate setting and an elevated menu featuring grilled
seafood, international dishes, and 昀椀ne wines.
Guests can also indulge in the Teppanyaki dining experience, which is as
fun as it is 昀氀avourful. Held at Madivaru, the experience combines expert
showmanship, and a sizzling array of meat, seafood, and fresh vegetables cooked before your eyes. It’s a social and interactive evening — one
that often ends with new friendships and a toast to the stars.
Those seeking a relaxed drink can head to Thundi Bar, where toes-insand seating and oceanfront views pair perfectly with a chilled cocktail.
Athiri Bar o昀昀ers a quieter vibe and an especially lovely Champagne
terrace, where guests gather for golden hour views and celebratory
clinks. This was a delightful experience.
Veligandu is a resort that understands that luxury means di昀昀erent
things to di昀昀erent people. Guests can 昀椀ll their days with snorkelling,
diving, sunset cruises, or simply swinging in a hammock with a book.
The house reef, just a short swim from shore, teems with marine life
— including reef sharks, rays, and a kaleidoscope of tropical 昀椀sh. For
divers, Veligandu’s proximity to famed North Ari Atoll sites like Maaya
Thila and Fish Head adds major appeal.
Those looking to truly unwind can escape to the Serena Spa, where
KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW
PAGE 82
