The Ultimate Maldives (Velaa Private Island) Guide + Tips

First, let's talk about some tips. Avoid staying in Water Villa 316 as it lacks privacy; everyone can see the pool, and the air conditioning is extremely noisy! 1. All-Inclusive or Activities Package: If you're not a heavy drinker, choose the activities package. The all-inclusive option only adds lunch and some alcohol, while the activities package includes a mini bar with beer, white wine, and vodka, which is replenished daily. The island has a buffet restaurant called Kaani with average food but different themes daily, ensuring you won't go hungry. There are also a bar restaurant and a water villa restaurant with more refined dishes. Breakfast is served until 10:30, so you can eat a bit more and skip lunch. 2. Should you stay in a transit hotel in Malé? If you arrive in Malé after 3 PM and have a long seaplane transfer, it's advisable to stay overnight, as island hotels are expensive and not worth it for a late-night arrival. We stayed at Amber Beach Hotel, where they pick you up at the airport with a sign. If you can't find them, use the help desk's free phone to call the hotel. The breakfast is standard, and the island hotel coordinates the transfer and seaplane schedule with the transit hotel. The front desk will inform you of the next day's arrangements. 3. Which two out of three free activities should you choose? Night fishing is highly recommended! We went on September 29th and saw a stunning sunset and full moon, catching five fish. Some people didn't catch any, though. After fishing, you can have your catch prepared for free at Kaani restaurant with options like sashimi, grilled, or fried. The sunset cruise focuses on dolphin watching, which depends on luck. We were thrilled to see dolphins leaping out of the water. We didn't choose the full moon cruise, so we're not sure about it. 4. How to use the $1,000 credit: Prices for activities change quickly, and the versions from the agent, the website, and on-site are all different, each more expensive than the last. The spa is decent for relaxing your legs and shoulders after a long flight, similar to those at Beijing's JW Marriott or Ritz-Carlton, but not extraordinary. Jet skiing is a must-try; it's fun to drive yourself, and we saw many dolphins, more than on the sunset cruise. Morning fishing is also enjoyable, and we caught two more fish, providing lunch for the day. Paid snorkeling doesn't require a test, and a coach accompanies you, but the marine life is similar to what you'd see elsewhere. 5. Other paid activities: Whale shark snorkeling is highly recommended! It takes a whole morning, including lunch, with a speedboat trip to the northern atoll. The snorkeling water quality is excellent, and swimming with sharks is a unique experience. On the way back, there's a beautiful uninhabited island. Scuba diving requires a PADI certification, or you'll need to pay for lessons. There are also paid dining options like water dinners and beach barbecues, averaging $300 per person. 6. Drones: The open space in front of the sand villa lobby is officially allowed for drone use. Water villas are more flexible; as long as no one complains, it's fine.