Veligandu Island beach
Located in the North Ari Atoll, part of the enchanting Maldives archipelago, Veligandu Island Resort & Spa stands as the oldest resort in the Maldives. Founded in the 1980s, it remains to this day one of the most stylish and luxurious resorts in the region. In 2014, the resort underwent a comprehensive renovation, which included major repairs to the water bungalows that are most vulnerable to the harsh local climate. A distinctive feature of Veligandu is its unique underwater lighting; at night, the reef is illuminated with colorful lights, creating a truly magical atmosphere that enchants all who visit.
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Beach description
The island is a narrow strip of land, stretching to the north and south. It is only 600 meters long, and the entire area covers 8.9 hectares. At the southern end, far out in the sea, lies a sandbank, which has lent its name to the whole island ("veligandu" means spit or shoal in Divehi). This spot boasts one of the island's finest beaches, equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, the Thundi beach bar, and a panoramic outdoor swimming pool.
The shore is encircled by a picturesque reef, teeming with exotic underwater inhabitants. It features a small passage through which turtles, manta rays, and other rare marine fauna enter the lagoon. Additionally, herons can often be seen strutting proudly on the white sand of the beach.
In the evening, guests can enjoy discos, traditional Maldivian parties, and other entertaining events. The bar operates around the clock, offering a variety of beverages and light snacks.
The northern beach is more intimate and less crowded, flanked by water bungalows on all sides. Wooden piers provide comfortable spots to observe the underwater world and to feed fish with bread crumbs. Nestled among the distant Water Villas is the Athiri Bar, boasting an amazing ocean view. From its open terrace, ladders descend directly into the water, allowing visitors to effortlessly combine socializing with water activities.
The northern part of the island extends into the center of an atoll, ensuring a windless environment and a calm, tranquil sea. On the first line, luxury Jacuzzi Beach Villas offer guests their own personal slice of beach. The main bay on the western side serves as an ideal launch point for scuba diving enthusiasts, complete with a diving center and sports equipment rental.
The eastern part of the island faces the open ocean, where visitors can encounter turtles, moray eels, stingrays, reef sharks, and dolphins. The reef here is tighter, and the currents are stronger, which beginners in scuba diving should take into account. On the first line, luxury villas boast their own private beaches and leisure areas, while more affordable bungalows are situated 100 meters from the shore, nestled among palms and mangroves.
From Male Airport, visitors can reach the island by seaplane in just fifteen minutes.
When is the best time to go?
The Maldives, with its idyllic beaches and crystal-clear waters, is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit for a beach vacation is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. This period is characterized by lower humidity, less rainfall, and plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for sunbathing, snorkeling, and diving.
- November to April: This is the peak tourist season, with perfect weather conditions for beach activities. The sea is calm, offering excellent visibility for underwater adventures.
- May to October: Known as the monsoon season, this period sees more rain and stronger winds. However, it's also a time when the islands are less crowded, and resorts may offer lower rates.
For those seeking the ultimate beach vacation, timing your visit during the dry season ensures the most comfortable and enjoyable experience. However, if you're looking to avoid crowds and don't mind occasional showers, the off-peak months can also be a great time to explore the Maldives' natural beauty.
Video: Beach Veligandu Island
Infrastructure
The main aim of the hotel is to provide romantic recreation for newlyweds, who constitute more than half of all guests. To create the perfect conditions, the resort administration does not allow children under 18.
The resort offers 90 individual rooms located in beach and water bungalows, each equipped with all the necessary amenities for comfortable leisure. Many feature outdoor hot tubs with panoramic views. All apartments boast Wi-Fi, TV, mini-bars, and coffee machines. Guests can enjoy complimentary towels, slippers, bathrobes, and a full set of essential hygiene products. Every three weeks, the rooms and the surrounding area undergo treatment with mosquito nets.
During the reconstruction, the world's leading designers contributed to the redevelopment and decoration of the premises. Special attention was given to the newlyweds' apartments, which are outfitted with open-air jacuzzis, picturesque verandas adorned with blooming orchids and gardenias, and stylish furniture sets with king-size beds.
The resort features two restaurants: one operates on a smorgasbord system, while the other offers an à la carte menu. Additionally, the hotel provides Room Service, allowing guests to order food and drinks to their room, and the opportunity to organize a romantic dinner on the beach.
On-site amenities include a spa, fitness center, and several sports grounds. Guests also have access to a currency exchange point and a small excursion bureau where they can book tours to other islands in the archipelago.
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Apart from classical recreation the island has many entertainments. Firstly, this is diving which has a certain specificity in this resort. Due to the fact that the hotel was placed at the disposal of the newlyweds, the number of divers decreased. To attracts new clients, the diving center create special programs which are not available at other resorts. These are night diving, sunken objects excursions, sharks and dolphins trips and many other. The hotel also provides boat trips to neighboring uninhabited Islands, during which tourists can arrange an unforgettable romantic picnic or a noisy youth party.