REVIEW: Angsana Velavaru - Maldives

You'll find this breathtaking paradise also known as 'Turtle Island', home to one of The Banyan Tree's brands, Angsana Velavaru. This hidden gem is nestled on a vast private lagoon, situated in the pristine South Nilandhe Atoll of the Maldives. A mere 40-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport transports you to this untouched haven, inviting you to explore its wonders.

First Impressions & Setting

Arriving at Angsana Velavaru proved to be an adventure in itself. After enduring a lengthy 10-hour flight from London Heathrow, our weariness dissipated as we were warmly welcomed at the airport by a resort representative. This helpful guide not only assisted us but also ushered us seamlessly into our next flight with Trans Maldivian Airways. You might recognize their iconic seaplanes by their distinctive red and white exterior and stylish monochrome propellers.

For me, it was a novel experience to land in the heart of the ocean on a small floating platform. While I've had the opportunity to travel by seaplane before, they usually land at the end of the resorts' jetty. This unique landing spot added an extra layer of excitement to our journey. Without delay, a waiting boat swiftly transported us and our luggage to the island, marking the beginning of our check-in process.

Seize the moment and plunge into the uplifting world of Angsana Velavaru, the perfect destination playground for a sensational year-round tropical escape!

One thing that instantly transports you into vacation mode is the reception area's inviting embrace of the barefoot lifestyle, courtesy of its sandy flooring. While both Banyan Tree and Angsana resorts are renowned for their luxurious offerings, this particular locale exudes a distinctly laid-back ambience. Here, the emphasis is on cultivating a relaxed atmosphere, ensuring that guests feel entirely at ease throughout their stay.

Angsana Velavaru also famously known as 'Turtle Island'

Rooms

During our stay at Angsana Velavaru, we had the opportunity to experience two distinct types of accommodations offered to guests. We began our journey in the Deluxe Beachfront Pool Villa and later concluded our stay in the Deluxe InOcean Pool Villa.

I must say, both accommodations left an indelible impression. For me, the blend of beachfront and InOcean living epitomized the essence of Angsana's charm. The Beachfront villa provided direct access to the beach and the hotel's amenities. It boasted a private pool, cocooned by tall palm trees and Angsana's lush greenery, ensuring a secluded retreat. In contrast, the InOcean villa was nestled in its private enclave within the ocean, accessible only by the resort's shuttle boat. Each villa featured its own infinity pool and ladders for immediate access to the lagoon, inviting guests to enjoy a refreshing swim or indulge in some snorkelling adventures.

Dining

Kaani, Angsana's laid-back all-day dining restaurant, offers a casual dining experience. Throughout your stay, you'll likely find yourself enjoying most of your meals here, especially if you're staying in a beach villa. Kaani serves buffet-style meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additionally, they offer the flexibility of accommodating special requests and provide the opportunity to savour a variety of themed dining nights.

Azzurro, situated within the resort's exclusive InOcean cluster, requires a boat shuttle for guests staying on the main island. Guests can indulge in a delectable Mediterranean 3 to 5-course menu. The restaurant also boasts a well-stocked bar, inviting guests to savour one of Angsana's signature cocktails while enjoying panoramic views of the vast Indian Ocean.

Enjoying fish tacos and a cocktail at Kuredhi

Kuredhi, one of my favourite spots, was conveniently located by the main pool area. It offered casual dining options all day and transformed into a gourmet haven in the evening. I loved visiting for lunch, enjoying a light feast and a cocktail in the serene atmosphere. It quickly became my go-to spot at Angsana, combining relaxation with delicious food.

Our Experiences

House Snorkelling: Resisting the lure of the Maldives' crystal-clear waters is nearly impossible. At Angsana, your underwater escapades are made effortless with complimentary snorkel rental equipment. What's more, daily guided snorkeling sessions at 11am allow you to delve into the wonders of the house reef, guided by knowledgeable experts.

Watersports Centre: While Angsana provides a complimentary gym featuring state-of-the-art facilities, your fitness routine can also take a refreshing turn at the watersports centre. With the island being relatively compact, it was a fantastic opportunity for us to paddle and kayak around the entire island, basking in the warm sun and enjoying the scenic surroundings.

Sunset Boat Cruise: The sunsets in the Maldives are unparalleled, and experiencing them from the deck of a boat is sheer magic. We embarked on a breathtaking sunset cruise, complete with complimentary Hors d'oeuvres, soft drinks, champagne, soulful music, and the thrill of spotting dolphins in the distance. It was the perfect way to unwind and transition into the evening, setting the mood beautifully for our dinner.

Floating Breakfast: One of the most indulgent experiences at Angsana was the floating breakfast, a luxury reserved for our InOcean villa. Picture this: waking up to the gentle sounds of the ocean, greeted by a delicious breakfast floating gracefully towards us. With the morning sun casting a golden glow, we relished our last breakfast at Angsana in true style. The best part? We could customize our meal preferences beforehand.

A pro-tip: opt for a slightly later breakfast, around 10 am, for a leisurely brunch that promises a feast for the senses!

Overall

Although I usually crave adventure and excitement when exploring a new country, my arrival at Angsana Velavaru inspired a different desire within me—to truly unwind and embrace the serene ambience of the resort.

What struck me most was Angsana’s flexibility, allowing you to customize your stay precisely as you envision your vacation. For those seeking unparalleled seclusion, the InOcean villas offer an oasis of privacy. On the other hand, if your heart yearns to effortlessly wander from your villa to the sandy shores, ready for a day of island exploration, the Beach villas might be your perfect choice.

The resort exuded a warm and inviting atmosphere, enveloping us in a sense of ease and comfort. The staff, with their friendly demeanour, readily engaged in casual conversations, enriching our experience as we got to know them better.

Angsana Velavaru proved to be more than just a luxurious destination; it was a haven where relaxation seamlessly blended with adventure, and where every moment was crafted to cater to our desires. As I departed, I carried with me not just memories of a beautiful place, but also a newfound appreciation for the art of truly unwinding amidst nature’s splendour.

Book your next stay at Angsana Velavaru - Maldives by visiting:

angsana.com/maldives/velavaru/

This stay was gently offered by Angsana Velavaru - Maldives. All views and opinions here are as usual my own.