Veligandu Island: A Romantic Slice of the Maldives Where Luxury Meets Barefoot Bliss

Veligandu Island is located in the North Ari Atoll. The island is approximately 56km away from Velana International Airport in Malé. Today, the island is known globally for its exclusive resort experience, as it is a private island dedicated entirely to Veligandu Island Resort, offering seclusion and uninterrupted natural beauty.

Reaching Veligandu Island from Male is an experience in itself. This 56km stretch offers breathtaking and scenic views throughout. Here are the following ways to reach the island.

Seaplane Transfer (Most Popular)

• Duration: ~20 minutes
• Departure: Directly from Velana International Airport
• Cost: Usually included or bundled when booking the resort

Tip: Seaplanes in the Maldives operate only during daylight hours, so international flight timings matter. If you arrive in the evening, it is suggested to book a hotel in Male overnight and depart the next day.

Contrary to other islands and bustling resort areas, Veligandu Island is all about peace, privacy, and landscapes. The island is famous for:

• A naturally long sandbank that changes shape with the tides
• Calm lagoons on one side and excellent snorkelling reefs on the other
• An adult-friendly atmosphere (popular with couples and honeymooners)
• Sunset views that feel almost cinematic

Because the island is home to a single resort, most travellers experience Veligandu through a customised Maldives package that bundles accommodation, meals, seaplane transfers, and select experiences into one seamless stay. 

Unlike local Maldives islands, Veligandu does not divide its coastline into public, local-use, or tourist-only beaches. As a private resort island, every stretch of sand here is designed for guests, offering unrestricted access, privacy, and postcard-perfect views.

Lagoon-Side Beach (Calm Waters & Swimming)

• Calm, shallow lagoon waters are ideal for swimming
• Soft white sand with easy sea access
• Sun loungers and shaded palm areas near Beach Villas
• Best for relaxed daytime beach lounging

Ocean-Side Beach (Snorkelling & Scenic Views)

• Open-ocean facing shoreline with vibrant house reef
• Best for shore snorkelling in calm sea conditions
• Clear waters with reef fish, rays, and scenic wave views

Iconic Sandbank Beach

• Narrow white sand strip extending into the sea
• A tidal sandbank that changes shape daily
• Ideal for sunrise walks, photos, and private moments

Sunset-Facing Beach Stretches

• West-facing beaches with uninterrupted sunset views
• Dramatic sky colours in the evening hours
• Perfect for quiet walks and sunset relaxation

Accommodation is where Veligandu Island Resort and Spa truly shines. Every villa type here is built to offer privacy, gorgeous views, and extreme comfort.

1. Beach Villas

• It is a spacious villa category, typically ranging around 70 sqm, designed for privacy and comfort.
• Direct access to the beach, just a few steps from the shoreline
• Private shaded sun decks with loungers facing the sea
• Surrounded by tropical greenery for added privacy

Average Cost (2026): ₹45,000 – ₹60,000 per night (all-inclusive, double occupancy)

Best For: Couples who want beachfront living, easy lagoon access, and a classic island stay without overwater pricing.

2. Water Villas

The category offers a signature Maldives experience.

• Water villas generally offer around mid-80 sqm of living space, with larger decks and lagoon access.
• The water villas are built directly over the lagoon
• Glass floor panels for marine viewing from inside the villa
• Private sun deck with loungers and steps straight into the ocean

Average Cost (2026): ₹65,000 – ₹85,000 per night (all-inclusive, double occupancy)

Best For: First-time Maldives visitors, couples upgrading from beach villas, and travellers who want the iconic overwater experience without going ultra-luxury.

3. Jacuzzi Water Villas (Most Sought-After)

This is Veligandu’s most booked and most photographed villa category.

• Jacuzzi Water Villas are among the resort’s most spacious options, offering generous indoor and outdoor areas, including a private jacuzzi. 
• Veligandu Island Resort jacuzzi water villa offers the highest level of privacy.
• Sunset-facing decks with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean
• Premium positioning ensures quieter surroundings and dramatic sunsets

Average Cost (2026): ₹85,000 – ₹1,10,000 per night (all-inclusive, double occupancy)

Best For: Honeymoons, anniversaries, proposals, and once-in-a-lifetime romantic trips where the villa itself is part of the experience.

4. What’s Typically Included in the Cost

Most bookings at the island resort are on an all-inclusive basis, which usually covers:

• All meals at the main restaurant
• Alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages
• Use of non-motorised water sports
• Access to snorkelling areas and beach facilities
• Evening entertainment and resort activities

Dining at Veligandu Island resort maldives blends global flavours with relaxed island elegance, supported by a strong all-inclusive offering.

Main Buffet Restaurant

• Cuisine: International & Maldivian
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (buffet-style)
• Highlights: Live cooking stations, fresh seafood, themed dinner nights

Specialty Dining (À la Carte)

• Cuisine focus: Asian, Continental & seafood-forward menus
• Meals: Primarily dinner
• Best for: Romantic evenings, quieter dining, curated menus

Others

Thundi Bar (Beachside)

• Cuisine: Light bites, snacks
• Drinks: Cocktails, wines, spirits, mocktails
• Best time: Sunset hours

Madivaru Venue(Overwater/adults-oriented)

• Cuisine: Small plates & snacks
• Drinks: Premium cocktails and spirits
• Best time: Evening relaxation with ocean views

Private Dining Experiences

• Private beach dinners under the stars
• Sandbank dining for couples and honeymooners
• Custom menus available on request (extra charge)

While the island is designed for relaxation, there’s plenty to do if you like gentle adventure:

• Snorkelling along vibrant house reefs
• Scuba diving trips to North Ari Atoll dive sites
• Sunset dolphin cruises
• Non-motorised water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding
• Yoga, spa therapies, and wellness treatments

Read more: Things to do in Maldives

The climate on Veligandu Island maldives is tropical year-round.

• November to April: Dry season, calm seas, best for snorkelling and honeymoon travel
• May to October: Occasional rain, fewer crowds, better deals

Even during monsoon months, sunshine is frequent, and resort life continues smoothly.

Veligandu is perfect for:

• People looking for all-inclusive Maldives honeymoon packages
• Couples celebrating anniversaries
• Adults seeking quiet luxury
• Travellers who prefer natural beauty over busy itineraries

Note: It’s less suited for large families with young kids or travellers looking for nightlife and shopping. 

If your idea of the Maldives involves silence broken only by waves, sunsets that stop time, and villas floating over turquoise water, Veligandu Island delivers it flawlessly. From the pristine Veligandu Island beach to the indulgent Veligandu Island resort jacuzzi water villa, this island captures the romance and serenity the Maldives is famous for, without feeling overdone or crowded. For travellers who want the Maldives at its most elegant and intimate, this island isn’t just a choice, it’s a statement.