Velassaru Maldives, now rebranded Niva Velassaru Maldives, is a private-island resort about 25 minutes by speedboat from Malé airport, with nightly villa rates reported from around $490. It has 129 villas, five restaurants and two bars, and the old Velassaru name is still widely used in listings.
Niva Velassaru Maldives key facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Niva Velassaru Maldives (formerly Velassaru Maldives, rebranded in January 2026 per one resort guide) |
| Transfer | About 25 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport |
| Villas | 129, including beach and overwater types |
| Dining | Five restaurants and two bars |
| Reported rates | From about $490 a night; 5-night Deluxe Villa packages for two with breakfast about $1,957 to $3,977 |
What is the island like?
The resort has a private coral island in the Indian Ocean, white sand and a turquoise lagoon. The official site lists Deluxe Villas, Beach Villas with Pool and Water Bungalows with Pool, plus a spa built over the water.
The resort has described the experience in its own words:
“Soothing vistas across the spectacular turquoise lagoon at sunset. Minimalist contemporary chic meets comfortable natural elegance in your own private hideaway. “
“Five dining venues, each providing a taste of the exotic. Two innovative bars, the ultimate chill-out. Experiences that immerse you in local culture, underwater explorations that introduce you to our tropical marine world. Days and nights of simple indulgence.”
“Inspired by local architecture, elegant personal sanctuaries in harmony with the tropical surrounds. Elemental colours with a vivid and playful twist, high vaulted ceilings invoking a sense of space.”
Dining and snorkelling
The resort’s restaurants include Vela, Turquoise, Sand, Etesian and Sora, and its bars are Fen Bar and Chill Bar. Japanese cuisine at Sora and beachfront dining at Sand are named on the official site.
One caveat for divers: the shore has no house reef to speak of, just scattered coral patches in the lagoon. The better snorkelling sits on boat trips of about 10 minutes to nearby reefs.
How much does it cost?
Rates move a lot by season. One resort guide lists nightly villa rates from about $490, with 5-night Deluxe Villa packages for two with breakfast at roughly $1,957 to $3,977, transfers extra. A shared round-trip speedboat transfer was listed at about $190 per person. The official site gives no fixed rates, so confirm before booking.
Overwater villas are adults-only, so families should book beach or garden villas.
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FAQ
Where is Velassaru Maldives?
It is a private-island resort about 25 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport in Malé.
Is Velassaru still called Velassaru?
The resort now trades as Niva Velassaru Maldives, though older listings still use the Velassaru name.
How many villas does Niva Velassaru have?
One resort guide lists 129 villas, including beach and overwater types.
How much does Velassaru cost per night?
One guide lists nightly villa rates from about $490, and 5-night Deluxe Villa packages for two with breakfast from roughly $1,957 to $3,977. Rates vary by date, so check before booking.
Is Velassaru good for snorkelling?
The shore reef is limited, so the best snorkelling is on boat trips of about 10 minutes to nearby reefs.
Is Velassaru suitable for families?
Beach and garden villas are, but the overwater villas are adults-only.
Last updated: October 2026.
