About the Island
Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat is a private island located 90 kilometres southwest of Malé, in the South Ari Atoll. Just over a hectare (10,000 sq. metres) in size, the island has its own house reef and offers an intimate, exclusive escape in the heart of the Maldives.
Guests may travel to the island in two ways: via a 35-minute seaplane journey from Malé International Airport, or via a 35-minute domestic transfer from Malé International to Maamigili Local Airport followed by a 30-minute speedboat.
Accommodation
The island offers 10 Beach Villas (39 sq. m) and 20 Water Villas (54 sq. m), all designed to create a traditional Maldivian environment with rustic thatched roofs and drift-wood styled furniture, complemented by beautiful printed fabrics and modern-day touches.
- In-Villa amenities: air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, mini bar, hair dryer
- Natural beauty products in bathrooms derived from organic teas
- Beds: 180 cm x 200 cm
- Beach Villas offer a semi outdoor shower
- Water Villas offer a bathtub and separate shower, with direct access to the sun deck via sliding doors
Facilities
- Open-air restaurant specialising in authentic and locally inspired dishes using only the freshest ingredients — seats up to 64 guests
- Beachfront lounge and bar with lagoon views and comprehensive all-day dining menu — seats up to 51 guests
- Boutique spa with 3 over-water treatment rooms, specialising in natural and organic products
Activities & Excursions
Motorised & Non-Motorised Water Sports
- Snorkelling
- Wind Surfing
- Kayaking
- Paddle Boarding
- Catamaran Sailing
- Water Skiing
- Kite Surfing
- Wake Boarding
- Scuba Diving
Diving at Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat
A specialised dive centre offers lessons, certifications, and an array of diving trips. The House Reef is just 50 metres from the island's beach, and whale shark spotting is 20 minutes away by speedboat.
Popular dive sites nearby:
- Theluveligau Giri — 10 minutes
- Miaru Thila — 25 minutes
- Lilly Beach Thila — 25 minutes
- Vilamendhoo Thila — 30 minutes
- Kuda Thila — 30 minutes
- Noogiri — 30 minutes
- Dhangethi Thila — 40 minutes
- Orimasfaru Thila — 40 minutes
- Ranveli Rock — 40 minutes
- Dhangethi Beyru — 50 minutes
- Hudhuthila — 50 minutes
- Broken Rock — 1 hour 15 minutes
- Macchafushi Rock — 1 hour 20 minutes
Shared Experiences
- Sunset Fishing
- Sunrise Breakfast Cruise
- Dhoni Snorkelling Trip
- Snorkelling & Picnic on Desert Island
- Local Village Discovery
Unique Experiences
- Traditional Morning Fishing
- In-Villa Champagne Breakfast
- In-Villa BBQ
- Sunset Cruise
- Dinner on the Beach
- Big Game Fishing
- BBQ on a Desert Island
Weekly Activities
- Maldivian Night
- Seafood BBQ on the Beach
- Cinema under the Stars
Activities & Pricing
All prices are in US Dollars, inclusive of Service Charge and GST. All activities are subject to weather conditions. For bookings and enquiries, please contact your hosts.
- Dolphin Cruise — $85 per adult / $35 per child
- Sunrise Fishing — $155 per adult / $65 per child
- Sunset Fishing — $95 per adult / $45 per child *(included once in All Inclusive bookings)*
Unique Experiences
Maldivian Family Experience — $250 per couple
A full-day experience offering a glimpse of the Maldivian way of life. A local guide takes you on a village tour, followed by cooking a meal with a local family using traditional methods.
Island Hopping Adventure — $120 per adult / $55 per child *(min. 4, max. 10 persons)*
Explore Ari Atoll by boat, visiting a local fishing village and a deserted island for sunbathing, snorkelling, and a special BBQ beach lunch prepared by the chef.
Local Village Discovery — $75 per adult / $35 per child *(min. 4, max. 20 persons)*
A half-day journey to Dhangethi, one of the Maldives' local islands. Explore the village and cultural centre, and enjoy local shopping. Modest dress required.
Romantic Escapes
- Blessing & Renewal of Vows Ceremony — $2,500 per couple (on beach or private sandbank, traditional Maldivian style)
- In-Villa BBQ — $250 per couple
- In-Villa Champagne Breakfast — $150 per couple
- Romantic Dinner on the Beach — $250 per couple
- Drift Sunny Side Lunch — $230 per couple
- Private Romantic Sunset Cruise — $250 per couple
- Private Dolphin Cruise — $280 per couple
- Private Sunrise Fishing — $245 per couple
- Private Sunset Fishing — $245 per couple
- Sandbank Picnic: Kurumba Hamper — $285 per couple
Additional Services & Amenities
- In-Villa dining available from 8 am to 10 pm
- Babysitting services arranged on request
- Wi-Fi available across the island including in-villa
- Laundry service
- Wedding & blessing ceremonies — The Smaller Things
- Voltage: 220V, 50Hz — European 3-pin plugs
- Credit cards accepted: MasterCard, Visa, Amex
- Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa, US Dollars