Velaa Private Island’s launch of a new bespoke culinary concept

Nestled within the constellation of islands that form the remote northern Noonu Atoll in the Maldives, Velaa Private Island takes exclusivity to the next level with facilities and services that go beyond traditional resorts. Designed by award-winning Czech architect Petr Kolar as “an elegant fusion of Maldivian culture with contemporary luxury, intimate with Maldivian nuances”.
 

Velaa Private Island is the realisation of the Owner’s dream to create a ‘beyond luxury’ exclusive boutique hideaway in the Maldives. Velaa means “Turtle Island” in the local language – named after generations of sea turtles that flock here to nest and hatch. From a broader “bird’s eye view” which greets arrivals by seaplane, the island’s exclusive over-water villas are also constructed to resemble the head of a turtle, with the island forming the body.
 

The resort comprises 47 private villas, houses and exclusive residences. While 18 of the 47 are built over water, the Romantic Pool Residence can only be reached by boat, allowing even more privacy and exclusivity.

Velaa Private Island, the most exclusive private island hideaway in the Maldives, has launched a new concept for their signature restaurant, Aragu. Discerning diners will now be able to design their own personalized menu either with 3 or 5 courses, as well as enjoy a bespoke six-course tasting menu designed by the Executive Chef, Gaushan de Silva.
 

Award-winning Chef Gaushan de Silva has over 18 years of culinary experience having trained under Michelin Star chefs all over the world and worked at the Royal Palace in Jordan. He has received major awards in numerous culinary competitions including, most recently, winning the region’s most prestigious international culinary competition, FHA Culinary Challenge 2018, where he lead Velaa’s talented culinary team to bring home no less than 12 medals.
 

Aragu, which means “Essence” in the local Maldivian language Dhiveni, presents a contemporary European cuisine with an Asian twist. Combining passion for the culinary art with sustainability, Chef Gaushan carefully selects his ingredients daily which include organic produce from over 20 different countries around the world, promising a fresh and lavishing experience. The new menu includes a mouthwatering selection of unique and exquisite products including Maldivian Lobster, Japanese Blue Fin Tuna, and New Zealand Lamb to name but a few.
 

This thrilling expression of gastronomy plays out in the most elegant and serene over-water setting, where the guests are surrounded by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean teeming with marine life, mirrored on the ceiling of Aragu with hundreds of porcelain fish hanging above them, creating an immersive and unforgettable dining experience.
 

To Book: Velaa Private Island’s Beach Pool Villas start from $1,815USD per night inclusive of daily breakfast. (Rates are subject to 10% service charge, 12% government tax (TGST) and government green tax US$ 6 per person per night.)
 
For more information or to book, visit www.velaaprivateisland.com or call +960.6565.000