Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat
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About this property
Nestled on the pristine island of Thelu Veliga, located in the South Ari Atoll, approximately 56 mi southwest of the capital, Malé, Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat features of its own magnificent house reef. The property is a 35-minute seaplane ride away from Malé International Airport. The villas are tastefully designed to evoke the authentic, unspoiled charm of the Maldives. All are equipped with a mini-bar and tea/coffee maker and the private bathrooms include a hairdryer and toiletries derived from organic teas. Some villas have private access to the beach, while some are poised over the island’s turquoise lagoon. Guests can pamper themselves at the Intimate Spa by THEMAE or partake in activities such as snorkeling, diving, wind surfing and kayaking; where all can be arranged at an additional cost. In addition, the resort offers a menu of bespoke romantic experiences and excursions which may be arranged upon request. The property has Chinese speaking staff. Dining highlights include the restaurant that serves a variety of cuisines, including local seafood with continental and Asian flavors. Other dining options, such as in-villa, on-the-beach private dinners and seafood BBQs, may also be arranged for guests upon request. Guests can also enjoy refreshing beverages and light dishes at the sunset-facing bar and lounge. Complimentary WiFi is available for guests in rooms and public areas of the property.
Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.9 for a two-person trip.
Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap
Most popular amenities
- Free Wifi
- Airport shuttle
- Beachfront
- Spa
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Private beach area
- Breakfast
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Guest reviews
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Guests who stayed here loved
- Liliya
United Arab Emirates“My first time in Maldives and I’m happy I chose this hotel as it didn’t disappoint and exceeded my expectations 🙌🏻😍 cozy and beautiful island with beautiful water villas and atmosphere. Dinner buffet was amazing and ppl are friendly. Maria at...” - Mariette
United States“Intimate resort with stunning accommodation, great snorkeling, and an onsite dive center. Food is good and service is excellent.” - Muhammad
United Kingdom“Best Vacation of my life. Normal life seems so sad, that's how much I felt taken care of here. Everyone from the front staff, restaurant, bar, dive centre, everyone made our stay special. My wife and I will be back.” - Elvira
Austria“Everything was great! Loved the house reef so much. Staff was exceptionally polite and kind. Manager Maria was so amazing and helpful. Water villa is very pretty, spacious. Don’t miss out on house reef guided snorkel, guide is top notch !” - Vytis
Lithuania“We had a wonderful stay at this hotel! The food was absolutely delicious – fresh, flavorful, and with plenty of variety. The island itself is small but very charming and cozy, offering a perfect escape. The staff was extremely friendly and...” - Anastasios
Netherlands“I would say everything. Friendly and helpful staff, great rooms, everything sparkling clean, well maintained, amazing food, perfect location with rich sea life. It was a perfect choice and we definitely recommend it. Thank you Drift for the...” 
Espogian
Italy“The island is very small and cozy, since there is few people around at all times it becomes a paradise for relaxation. Staff was extremely gentle and supportive at all times; also the food was excellent and you get plenty of choice every day, with...”- Sarah
Australia“Lovely and personable staff, incredibly beautiful location. Everything you could imagine for a Maldivian holiday!” - Imane United Arab Emirates“The resort is captivating , a beautifully preserved place for the comfort and relaxation, a combination of greens , white sand and crystalline water . Amazing , friendly and polite staff at your service all time . Maria and Rayyan from the...”
- Tzion
Israel“We fell in love with this amazing resort, amazing view we could not take our eyes off it, great professional service from all staff, great food and especial great service from the chef. The water villa was amazing with all what we could just dream...”
Area info
Restaurants
- Restaurant #1
- CuisineAmerican • Austrian • Australian • Asian
- AmbienceTraditional • Modern • Romantic
- Dietary optionsHalal • Kosher • Vegetarian • Gluten-free • Dairy-free
Resort facilities at Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat
Most popular amenities
- Free Wifi
- Airport shuttle
- Beachfront
- Spa
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Private beach area
- Breakfast
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Towels/Sheets (extra fee)
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Bathrobe
- Hairdryer
- Shower
Bedroom
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
- Alarm clock
View
- Sea view
- View
Outdoors
- Outdoor furniture
- Beachfront
- Outdoor dining area
- Private beach area
- Patio
- Terrace
- Garden
Kitchen
- Electric kettle
Room Amenities
- Socket near the bed
- Clothes rack
Activities
- Beach
- Evening entertainment
- Water sports facilities on siteAdditional charge
- Snorkeling
- DivingAdditional charge
- CanoeingAdditional charge
- WindsurfingAdditional charge
- FishingAdditional charge
Living Area
- Sitting area
- Desk
Media & Technology
- Telephone
Food & Drink
- Wine/ChampagneAdditional charge
- Snack bar
- Breakfast in the room
- Bar
- Minibar
- Restaurant
- Tea/Coffee maker
InternetWifi is available in public areas and is free of charge.
ParkingNo parking available.
Front Desk Services
- Baggage storage
- 24-hour front desk
Entertainment & Family Services
- Board games/Puzzles
Cleaning Services
- Daily housekeeping
- Ironing serviceAdditional charge
- LaundryAdditional charge
Safety & security
- Safe
General
- Adults only
- Air conditioning
- Mosquito net
- Wake-up service
- Private entrance
- Fan
- Ironing facilities
- Suit press
- Airport shuttleAdditional charge
- Non-smoking rooms
- Wake-up service/Alarm clock
- Room service
Spa
- Spa/Wellness packages
- Spa lounge/Relaxation area
- MassageAdditional charge
- SpaAdditional charge
Languages Spoken
- Bengali
- English
- Hindi
House rules
Child policies
Children not allowed.
Crib and extra bed policies
Cribs and extra beds aren't available at this property.
The fine print
The property can be reached by a shared seaplane and a ferry boat.
Shared seaplane Transfers:
From July 4, 2025, to August 1, 2026, the charges are as follows:
- Adult (12 years and above): USD 462.15 per person
This rate is not included in the booking price and will be charged additionally.
Ferry boat Transfers:
From July 4, 2025, to August 1, 2026, the charges are as follows:
- Adult (12 years and above): USD 250 per person
This rate is not included in the booking price and will be charged additionally.
The property can be reached by a seaplane.
Please share your flight details with the property at least 2 days before your arrival to secure your seat(s) for the transfer.
Please note that children from 2 to 10 years cannot be accommodated at the hotel.
Please note that the connecting transfer can only be arranged from 09:00–17:00 daily, kindly send your flight details after making a confirmed reservation.
The property offers all inclusive options. It consists of of:
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner served at the main restaurant
- Selection of tea, coffee, soft drinks, juices, water, draft beer and house wine by the glass with meals at the main restaurant
- Lunch at the main bar from the all-inclusive snack menu between 00:30–14:30, with the credit amount of US$20 per adult per day
- Unlimited access to soft drinks, juices, draft beer, wine by the glass, selection of house wines by the glass (red, white and rose, depending on availability), select house pouring spirits (Whiskey, Vodka, Rum, and Gin) at the main bar from 10:00–23:00
- Unlimited cocktails from the all-inclusive beverage menu and 1 special cocktail of the day per person per day
- Afternoon snacks at the main bar from 16:00–17:00
- Unlimited use of snorkeling equipment
- Unlimited use of select non-motorized water sports equipment depending on availability
- One shared group fishing excursion per person during the stay
- In-villa tea and coffee facilities
- Complimentary mini-bar drinks consisting of 2 soft drinks and 2 Carlsberg Beer or Tiger Beer per day. Additionally, 2 complimentary 1.5 liters water bottles will also be provided daily to the villa
- All-inclusive supplements and benefits will be discontinued at 12:00 on the day of departure
Please inform Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
