There are resorts in the Maldives that dazzle with design, wow with their price tags, and curate luxury down to the most minute detail. But only a rare few leave you with the feeling that you’ve truly found something special. Veligandu Maldives is one of those places. And for anyone fortunate enough to experience it, it becomes something of a benchmark. In a country of over 150 resorts, it is remarkably hard to beat and the perfect all-rounder for couples, multi-gen families, friends or solo travellers alike.
Set on a long, slender island in the North Ari Atoll, Veligandu is the perfect blend of idyllic seclusion, thoughtful service, barefoot luxury, and authentic Maldivian spirit. For seasoned travellers and first-timers alike, it ticks every box — and then quietly, gracefully, goes beyond.
From every angle, Veligandu delivers picture postcard views — sugar-soft sand, lagoon blues fading into indigo reef drops, and overwater villas extending like a string of pearls into the sea. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you pinch yourself upon arrival.
Beautiful Villas
The resort’s villa categories are particularly impressive. For those seeking top-tier luxury, the One and Two Bedroom Overwater Villas with Pool offer extraordinary comfort and privacy. These stunning retreats are expansive and elegantly designed with premium finishes, vast decks, private pools, and open views across the Indian Ocean.
The Two Bedroom Overwater Villa with Pool is a rare find in the Maldives — ideal for families or two couples travelling together. Spacious bedrooms are separated for privacy, each with their own ensuite bathroom, and a shared living area opens onto a wide deck with a private pool and direct ocean access. It’s a perfect blend of sociability and seclusion.
Accommodation at Veligandu also includes the Sunrise Overwater Villa with Pool — the villa type I stayed in. These villas are spacious, serene, and designed with privacy in mind. Step outside to a large wooden deck with sun loungers, a shaded seating area, and aprivate infinity-edge plunge pool. A set of steps leads directly into the warm lagoon, and each morning brings a spectacular sunrise. It’s the kind of setting that redefines “luxury wake-up.”.
The Sunset Overwater Villa with Pool category is also wonderful – and perfect for those who love to enjoy sunset gazing in the comfort of their own private sanctuary.
Dining out
Dining at Veligandu offers something to match every mood.
The main Dhonveli Restaurant serves a delicious buffet with live cooking stations and themed evenings.
The sunset facing à la carte Madivaru Restaurant provides a more intimate setting and an elevated menu featuring grilled seafood, international dishes, and fine wines.
Guests can also indulge in the Teppanyaki dining experience, which is as fun as it is flavourful. Held at Madivaru, the experience combines expert showmanship, and a sizzling array of meat, seafood, and fresh vegetables cooked before your eyes. It’s a social and interactive evening — one that often ends with new friendships and a toast to the stars.
Those seeking a relaxed drink can head to Thundi Bar, where toes-in-sand seating and oceanfront views pair perfectly with a chilled cocktail.
Athiri Bar offers a quieter vibe and an especially lovely Champagne terrace, where guests gather for golden hour views and celebratory clinks. This was a delightful experience.
So much to experience
Veligandu is a resort that understands that luxury means different things to different people. Guests can fill their days with snorkelling, diving, sunset cruises, or simply swinging in a hammock with a book.
The house reef, just a short swim from shore, teems with marine life — including reef sharks, rays, and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish. For divers, Veligandu’s proximity to famed North Ari Atoll sites like Maaya Thila and Fish Head adds major appeal.
Those looking to truly unwind can escape to the Serena Spa, where overwater treatment rooms offer Thai, Balinese, and local treatments. Gentle hands, ocean views, and calming rituals melt away even the most persistent stress.
Veligandu also offers curated experiences for couples — from floating breakfasts and romantic beach dinners, to vow renewal ceremonies complete with Maldivian drummers and flower arches.
But what makes this place special above all is the consistency and sincerity of the service. The staff remember your name, your coffee order, your favourite table. They do it not because it’s required, but because it’s natural.
The island is just the right size — long enough to walk and explore, but intimate enough to feel like a private escape. Even at full occupancy, it rarely feels busy.
One of the very best Maldives resorts
After visiting over 35 of the best Maldivian resorts so far, Veligandu remains a clear standout – the perfect Indian Ocean idyll. It has the charm, the beauty, and the service of a much higher-priced property, without any of the pretension. It’s the rare place that gets everything right — effortlessly. It’s one I’d absolutely recommend and really wish to return to.
For more information and to book: https://veligandu.com/
By Lisa Curtiss
