The Maldives is a tropical paradise renowned for its stunning natural beauty, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. And nestled in the heart of this island nation is Angsana Velavaru, a luxurious resort that offers guests a chance to experience the very best of the Maldives. From its private villas with direct access to the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon to its award-winning spa, three restaurants, and a range of exciting activities, Angsana Velavaru promises a truly unforgettable island getaway.
THE ISLAND
The natural beauty of Angsana Velavaru is truly breathtaking. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand beaches, the island is a haven for those seeking a tropical escape. The turquoise lagoon is home to a vibrant ecosystem of colourful marine life, including schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, and even manta rays. Snorkelling or diving in the lagoon is a must-do experience, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the underwater world. On land, the island is covered in lush tropical vegetation, including palm trees, hibiscus flowers, and other native plants. The sunsets over the lagoon are also a sight to behold, with the orange and pink hues casting a magical glow over the island.
ACCOMMODATION
At Angsana Velavaru, every accommodation option is designed to provide guests with the ultimate luxury experience. From the signature InOcean villas to the beachfront bungalows, each room boasts a private plunge pool and direct access to the pristine waters of the lagoon. The interiors are tastefully furnished with modern amenities and traditional Maldivian decor, creating a serene atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxing and unwinding.
INOCEAN VILLAS
The InOcean villas at Angsana Velavaru offer an unparalleled level of seclusion and exclusivity that’s hard to find anywhere else. There’s no walkway to the villas from the island with the only access back to dry land via a boat that runs between the InOcean villas and the island every hour. As a standalone overwater bungalow, it feels like you’re in your own private world, surrounded by the endless expanse of the turquoise Indian Ocean. From the moment you step onto your villa’s private deck, with its own infinity pool and sun loungers, you’ll be enveloped in a sense of tranquillity and peace that’s hard to describe. And while you may feel like you’re in a world of your own, you’re never too far from the luxurious amenities and services that Angsana Velavaru has to offer.
BEACH VILLAS
Beach villas in the Maldives are often overshadowed by the overwater villas that the Maldives are famous for. But if you really want that deserted island feeling, with the sand between your toes and palm trees as your beach umbrella, then Angsana’s beachfront villas are for you. Located on powdery white sand beaches and with stunning views of the lagoon, the villas have direct access to the beach – i.e., crystal-clear tropical water. We stayed in a Beachfront Infinity Pool Villa, and it was the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the tropical island atmosphere. It was also perfect for Ryder, our 18-month-old baby boy. He loved having direct access to the beach where he could play in the sand and at the water’s edge. For me, my favourite thing (other than watching Ryder play on the beach and in the pool) was the front row seat we had to unforgettable sunsets every night. It was the perfect way to end the day and be in the moment on one of the most beautiful islands I’ve ever visited.
THE SPA
Located on the edge of the lagoon and boasting stunning views of the Indian Ocean, the spa creates a serene and peaceful atmosphere that’s hard to beat. The spa menu offers a range of treatments inspired by traditional Asian healing techniques, including massages, facials, body scrubs, and more. Each treatment is designed to soothe the body and mind, leaving you feeling refreshed and renewed. The skilled therapists use only the finest natural ingredients, including local herbs and oils, to ensure that each treatment is as indulgent as it is effective.
KIDS CLUB
As a parent of a very active toddler, the kids club and the babysitting services made it easy to relax and truly appreciate our time on the island. For kids 4 to 11-years old, the kids club is complimentary and part of your stay – it’s open from 10am to 6pm each day. Kids under four require a babysitter to attend which is US$35 per hour. While we only put Ryder in a few hours a day it was enough for Jason and I to be able to get a massage, go snorkelling and to just have a rest from toddler parent life. Ryder loved playing at the kids club where he was able to build sandcastles and learn about marine life. He felt comfortable with the carers, so we took advantage of the after-hours babysitter services available and had two date nights during our stay – one where we saw dolphins, but more about that later!
MARINE LIFE
Angsana Velavaru is renowned for its incredible marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkelling lovers like us. The surrounding lagoon is teeming with an array of colourful fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures, offering a truly unforgettable snorkelling experience. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a beginner, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the underwater world. The resort offers guided snorkelling tours which is what we did, allowing us to explore some of the best spots in the lagoon and learn about the marine ecosystem. For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, snorkelling gear is available for rent, allowing you to discover the underwater world at your leisure.
DOLPHIN CRUISE
One of the highlights during our stay at Angsana Velavaru was the Sunset Dolphin Cruise. To say that it was a magical experience is an understatement. And while there is never a guarantee that you will see dolphins, I would book this experience every time. As the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, guests are taken on a cruise in search of the playful spinner dolphins that inhabit the surrounding waters. The cruise offers a chance to witness these graceful creatures leaping and spinning in the water, creating a truly memorable experience. As well as seeing dolphins, the cruise offers stunning views of the Maldivian sunset, with the orange and pink hues painting a breathtaking backdrop to the entire experience. The Angsana Velavaru Sunset Dolphin Cruise is a perfect way to end the day, offering an unforgettable combination of natural beauty and wildlife.
SUSTAINABILITY
Angsana Velavaru is committed to sustainable practices that preserve the natural beauty of the Maldives. The resort is part of the Banyan Tree Group’s “Sanctuary for the Senses” program, which aims to reduce the environmental impact of tourism through a range of initiatives. One of the most notable is the resort’s coral reef restoration project, which uses artificial reefs to help rebuild damaged coral ecosystems. The resort also employs sustainable practices such as reducing plastic waste, recycling, and using energy-efficient technologies. The resort’s commitment to sustainability is evident throughout the property, with organic gardens, locally sourced produce, and environmentally friendly amenities. Angsana Velavaru is a leading example of sustainable tourism in the Maldives, and visitors can feel good knowing that they are supporting a resort that values and prioritises the natural environment.
HOW TO GET TO ANGSANA VELAVARU
The journey from Velana International Airport to Angsana Velavaru is all part of the experience with arrival by seaplane that takes just 40-minutes.
More details here.
