Velavaru Island Resort

I visited Velavaru Island Resort for the second time from the 18th Dec 2005 until the 2nd Jan 2006 as well. This is definitely the best time to visit the island! It is a lot less humid than before the rainy season that starts around May, and the special celebrations for New Years Eve and Christmas eve were spectaular! On New years eve the chefs prepared a very impressive feast which was served just outside the main restaurant. All the tables, which were candlelit, were laid out under the stars.... it was just the most amazing night ever I won't forget it! It was so romantic! Also all of the trees were decorated with colourful lights, the atmosphere was just completely and utterly amazing.

The DJ on both nights at the bar was also quite fun! otherwise during the rest of the year there aren't much activities availible on the island, I didn't go on any excursions so I can't comment on them. The island is definitely child friendly. I went with my younger brother and sister, and they had no complaints - the food is suitable for all ages. The staff love children as well.

The island has definitely recovered well from the Tsunami. The only noticeable differences since I last went was the colour of paint in the restaurant had changed and there was even less beach around rooms 160 (we were unfortunate enough to get these rooms first time round!)

The staff were so nice and friendly. Particularly one of the chefs, who I am I lucky enough to still be very much in contact with..... I know a lot of other people mentioned him in their reviews too!

Overall it was an amazing holiday. I really didn't want to go home. There is nothing more relaxing than going to the Maldives. I was worried I would get bored, but surprisingly this time it went so quickly! This is definitely the prettiest island I've been to (out of Komandoo, Kurumathi Village, and Giravarru) We stayed in the adjoining superior rooms, which are closer to the beach, but don't have a CD player or tea and coffee maker like the deluxe rooms - this wasn't much of an issue though and they are still very private. There's a small strip of plants and trees just before the beach as well, which was nice, you don't step out immediately into the sun.

Spa treatments are good, my mum and I both had back massages. Don't go for the full body massage if you're ticklish! When I had one of these before, I spent the whole time trying to supress fits of giggles which wasn't very relaxing!

I didn't notice this so much, but my parents thought that the beds were pretty uncomfortable. The mini-bar prices were also quite high - the drinks are cheaper at the bar which provides a breath-taking view at sunset. There are no TVs in the rooms, but I thought it was quite nice to get away from a TV for a couple of weeks anyway. There is a plasma screen in the bar but I didn't catch anyone watching it!

The management has changed since we last came. Obviously I didn't come across them too often but the general feeling i got from the staff was a little resentful - they seemed a LOT stricter towards them than the previous management..... definitely a bad point, but it shouldn't really affect your stay.

All in all, this island is a good all rounder. I definitely recommend it.

We loved this most beautiful and peaceful Velavaru Island Resort. We went for the Christmas period and new years 2005, they laid on a brilliant spread and the Island looked amazing with all the lights, even the palm trees were lit up. We stayed in a standard beach bungalow which was nice and clean, with a superb view. I also had my 30th birthday there, what a special day; we had a champagne breakfast in bed, a brilliant 3 hour spa treatment, a fantastic candle lit love heart dinner on the beach and finally our room boy decorated our bed with birthday wishes with flowers. If you are looking for a quite, peaceful Island and you love good food and good service this is the Island to book. The only 2 worries was the change of ownership, which we heard that they are going to make this a 5 star resort with water bungalows; I hope it doesn't ruin this great place and also no beach on one little section of the Island. We would definitely recommend this Island and hope you have a great time like we did. Also the sea plane was such a good experience and I'm so pleased we did it.

If you don't want (ugly) over-developed and commercialised surroundings you should love Velavaru Island Resort. The food was excellent which was a bonus. If you don't go all inclusive (definitely a good idea) you'll pay for each and every glass of water you drink and even if you do it's $3.50 if you want a botle in your room! Bear in mind also that there is only one restaurant and one bar. The Island itself is lovely and you always have a feeling of space on its beaches. Yes the bar service is a little slow but to use that as a criticism is to miss the point. Ignore the propaganda Island tour and go dolphin watching instead.

They have Uk plugs with continental adaptors and there are no mosquito's (hardly any bugs at all in fact!)

Velavaru Island Resort is one of the most beauiful islands in the world!!! The staff are very friendly, food is delicious, entertainment is very good: various excursions, fishing trips and specially organised dinners on the beach! When I was bokking the holiday to the Maldives I had no idea where I was going to! I did not regret a second of my stay on this wonderful island. Highly recommended!!!!!