PAID CONTENT FOR DRIFT THELU VELIGA RETREAT
Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat SOUTH ARI ATOLL, MALDIVES
DRIFT THELU VELIGA RETREAT OFFERS AN UNFORGETTABLE ESCAPE, WITH EVERYTHING FROM THRILLING ADVENTURES TO RELAXING MOMENTS
Escape to Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat, a pristine gem in South Ari Atoll, spanning over two acres. This island enchants with its powder-soft white beaches, lush vegetation and a shimmering turquoise lagoon. Here, guests can fully immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, diving into a vibrant underwater world brimming with marine life and breathtaking coral formations at the island’s stunning house reef. There’s also the option to venture out for big-game fishing and thrilling watersports, or the chance to unwind with luxurious amenities. Whether you crave thrilling adventures or peaceful serenity, Drift promises an unforgettable escape.
Accessible location Your journey to Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat begins with a spectacular 35-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport, allowing you to take in breathtaking aerial views of the Maldives’ turquoise waters and scattered islands. This scenic flight ensures your arrival is as unforgettable as
the destination itself. The private island is located just 56 miles south west of the Maldivian capital, Malé, in South Ari Atoll — a region renowned for its natural beauty and rich marine life. The waters surrounding the island are home to some of the world’s best diving spots, offering exceptional opportunities to encounter whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea. With over 80 whale sharks calling this protected area home, guests are quite likely to come face-to-face with these majestic creatures during their stay. Drift’s house reef is just 164ft from the island’s
beach, making it easy for guests to explore the vibrant underwater world at their leisure. The resort’s dedicated dive centre offers a range of services, including diving lessons, certifications and guided diving trips, ensuring an exceptional underwater experience for both beginners and seasoned divers alike.
Luxurious accommodation This intimate island resort has just 30 villas,
offering a perfect blend of rustic simplicity, space and comfort. Each villa is thoughtfully designed to reflect a traditional Maldivian atmosphere, with earthy colour palettes and locally crafted furnishings that harmonise with the surrounding environment. Traditional thatched roofs and seamless integration with the natural landscape create bespoke, charming spaces. All villas are air conditioned and feature a
king-size bed, mini-bar, hairdryer, safe and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Guests can also enjoy a selection of natural bathroom amenities and beauty products, enhancing their stay with thoughtful touches. The 10 Beach Villas, all at 419sq ft, are tucked
away on the shores among lush vegetation, ensuring seclusion and privacy. They provide direct access to the beach and views of the crystal- clear water beyond. The 20 Water Villas, each spanning 581sq ft,
hover above the island’s turquoise lagoon, offering guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in
the beauty of the Maldives from the privacy of their own terrace. Featuring a luxurious bathroom with both a
bath and separate shower, along with direct access to the crystal-clear waters below, the Water Villas provide an idyllic, intimate place to stay on your Maldives escape.
Sumptuous dining Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat offers a selection of dining options that cater to a variety of tastes, all set in stunning open-air locations that allow guests to enjoy the beauty of their surroundings. The resort’s main restaurant serves a tempting buffet alongside a la carte options, ensuring that guests can indulge in a wide range of flavours and dishes throughout the day. The open-air dining area is designed to offer guests unobstructed views of the beach and lagoon, creating the perfect atmosphere for a leisurely meal. For a more casual dining experience, the
beachfront bar serves light meals and snacks throughout the day. This relaxed setting is ideal for
guests looking to unwind with a refreshing drink, whether it’s a tropical cocktail or a glass of chilled wine, while enjoying the spectacular Maldivian sunsets. With its laid-back atmosphere and stunning views, the bar provides the perfect spot for guests to gather, socialise and savour the beauty of the island’s surroundings.
Romantic getaways Guests can choose from several curated adventures during their stay, such as the Castaway Experience, where they can set sail to a completely uninhabited island for the day. The island is all yours to explore, from the tropical vegetation to the stunning coral reef. The onboard chefs will also prepare a delicious lunch hamper for you to enjoy before your return to Drift. There’s also the option to have a sunrise
breakfast cruise, where travellers can discover the vibrant colours and marine life of the coral reef, or a sunset cruise, where guests can enjoy a glass of Champagne with delicious canapes as they watch the tropical sun dip below the horizon.
DON’T MISS Enjoy an expert massage while taking in a panoramic sea view at the Drift Spa
This content is brought to you by our sponsor. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. Need to know
KEY FEATURES • Private beach • Lagoon with house reef • Spa with two overwater treatment rooms
• Overwater gym • Boutique • Open-air restaurant • Beachfront bar & lounge • Dive centre • Watersports
GET IN TOUCH
driftretreat.com T: +960 668 0668 E:
reservations@driftretreat.com
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