Velassaru Maldives

Although its billed and presented as a luxury resort (and it certainly is luxe), Velassaru Maldives has a real all-inclusive resort vibe pulsing through the property. It gets particularly bustling during meals times -- particularly breakfast -- at Vela, when all the guests congregate at the buffet. While it may not be the top Maldives option for a romantic getaway, if you're the social type or want a little more buzz than just lying around the beach and quality food, service, and design, then Velassaru could be an ideal pick. The island itself is small enough to walk around in about 20 minutes, and while you'll be able to find your way thanks to many signs and the myriad stamped "Velassaru" marks in the sand, you're likely to find most people facedown in the water peering at fish through their masks, lounging by the pool, or sipping cocktails on the wooden deck at Chill Bar. Even the staff is lively and adds to the vibrant vibe of the resort. However, this isn't to say it's a party hotel, there are still a few places to find solace, quiet, and privacy, especially in the evenings over an a la carte dinner or private beach dining -- but during the day, be prepared to share space and sound with your fellow good-spirited guests, many with kids in tow. 

Velassaru Maldives is located in the South Male Atoll on Velassaru Island. Unlike at most islands, there's no seaplane arrival or departure option for this resort -- because it's so close. From Male airport, guests jump on a quick 25-minute speedboat to reach the resort. While the proximity and short travel time is ideal, you'll be missing out on the aerial views afforded to those flying high in seaplanes. 

All of Velassaru's 129 rooms have a modern and clean design that has roots in local architecture, minibars, rainfall showers, luxe L' Occitane bath products, raincoats, fluffy bathrobes, branded flip flops that leave a Velassaru stamp in the sand with every step, tea and coffee facilities, and flat-screen TVs with DVD players. Garden Villas start off as the standard category and have sunken sitting rooms, hardwood and tiled floors, polished coconut shell decor, modern wicker furniture, and both indoor and outdoor showers. Upgrading to the Beach Villa gets you a chic room in earth tones with stone tile floors, a bathtub, ironing facilities, a dual vanity, a personal wine chiller, a Nespresso machine, and your own private beach area and fully outdoor bathroom -- though you'll lose the sunken sitting area found in each Garden Room. Stepping up another notch to the Water Bungalow with Pool, you'll find the bathroom inside, a home theater system, and folding glass doors that open all the way up to panoramic views of the ocean. Built in 2013, the Water Bungalows have a slightly more modern look and are just a tad more snug than the Water Villas, but they're still comfortable and conveniently located near the Chill Bar. Water Villas are overwater and have additional features such as snorkeling gear, large standalone tubs, pillow menus, and top-notch linens. The top two categories, Pool Villa and Water Suite, include massive private plunge pools, butler service, private bars, large verandahs and poolside gazebos, and big bathrooms (with both and indoor and outdoor showers in the Pool Villas), infinity pools, 24-hour butler service, and gazebo dining areas (in the Water Suites). Note that some Water Villas face a manmade "trash island" in the distance. 

One of Velassaru's best features is its big, beautiful beach. Where many islands have to worry about sand erosion leaving little beach, Velassaru's shores are, for the most part, covered in soft white sand that stretches wide out to a picturesque blue and turquoise lagoon. At the top of the beach, just beyond the bright green bushes of sea cabbage, you'll find double-lounger setups with umbrellas. Spacing here is key, as the beach doesn't seem over-crowded. It's not uncommon to see blue herons walking along the sand or a crab scuttling across the shoreline, or tons of fish swimming around in shallow waters or around the Water Villas. 

Unlike most resorts, none of Velassaru's restaurants are open for all three meals. Instead, the main buffet restaurant Vela is open for a free, well-stocked breakfast buffet and dinners with international and local dishes. Breakfast here is generous, with all the fixings, from toast and made-to-order omelets to miso soup and dripping honeycombs. (On the rare occasion Vela is open for lunch, it serves the same menu as Turquoise.)Lunch can be found poolside at the Infinity pizzeria and pool bar, and at Turquoise, a beachfront spot with indoor and outdoor dining, serving a la carte international and Asian-influenced menu items. The rest of the restaurants at Velassaru are dinner-only a la carte spots. Etesian focuses on Mediterranean cuisine and has a richly decorated dining room with deep burgundy cushioned chairs, hardwood floors, dim lighting, and glass globe decor on one side, and slick polished tile floors, contemporary gray fabric chairs and white table cloths, and a large glassed-in, chilled wine cabinet on the other. Outdoor seating in the sand, lit by tiki lights, is also available. Seafood is the main option over at Sand, a fully outdoor restaurant with an open kitchen, while out on a hut over the water is Teppenyaki, a small spot for hibachi-style Japanese food. The resort can also set up romantic, private dinner on the sand.

The beach-facing Fen Bar has a sleek but casual lounge vibe with a hint of eastern-world decor. This spot is open all day and has chic couches with white and burgundy cushions, bright red modern bar stools**, **a nice-sized bar with a top-brand whiskey selection on display, and a chilled-out vibe with beanbag setups directly on the sand. There are even a couple of cabanas and hammocks to post up in, with a drink in hand. On the opposite side of the island, over by the overwater villas, the Chill Bar is a relaxing and uber-casual spot overlooking the ocean where guests can plop down on cabana chairs scattered across the large wooden deck (though there are a few bar stools, too). This spot is popular in the evenings when guests gather with cocktails and wine to watch the sunset. Chill Bar also serves a small bite tapas menu and homemade sangria. Wine lovers should be sure to check out the huge walk-in wine cooler at Eteisan restaurant.

One of Velassaru's standout features is its stunning infinity pool. Perfectly designed to create an impressive illusion of disappearing into the sea, it's one of the (if not the) most seamless you're likely to see -- it’s even got a sparkling sand-like, walk-in entry. While the pool is surrounded by a small deck, only a small section has sun loungers, the main spot to catch some rays is off to the side of the pool, in the sand, where several comfy loungers are set up in rows under the palms. There's even a dedicated smoking section. For those looking to get into the crystal clear waters, there's a third-party dive shop on the island that not only offers dive trips, but also certification and refresher courses; or you can head over to Glide Watersports and hop on a jet ski, standup paddle board, or catamaran, or try your hand at kitesurfing and parasailing. Scheduled excursions and water activities range from the usual snorkeling trips, to night fishing and dolphin discovery trips. Private boat rental is also available. Other features for active or fitness-focused guests include outdoor tennis courts and the large gym. The gym is outfitted with traction floors, mirrored walls, tons of Life Fitness machines, and a refrigerator filled with chilled towels and bottled water. The overwater spa features hydrotherapy treatments, pevonia and OPI products, an ocean-facing outdoor hot tub, steam room, sauna, and relaxation rooms where guests can lie back with a cup of hot tea. Massages and other treatments are given in private treatment bungalows with bright ocean views and strong aromatherapy smells. Other on-site features include shops selling things like spa products and jewelry, a large library with international titles and magazines, and a set-up of computers in the back corner.Freebies at Velassaru include a 30-minute photoshoot (inclusive of one print), welcome drink upon arrival, generous breakfast buffet with international dishes, and Wi-Fi throughout the property.