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Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat
Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat
Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat is a tiny remote island in the South Ari Atoll, offering white sandy beaches and some of the best dive spots in the Maldives.
Known for its outstanding, unspoiled natural beauty and marine life, Drift Retreat is 90 km west of Malé, located in the South Ari Atoll, home to some of the most incredible snorkelling and diving spots in the world.
The island is surrounded by thriving marine life and stunning coral in the island’s house reef.
Take to the waves and enjoy big game fishing or water sports or take it easy and savour the authentic luxury and simple pleasures that Drift has to offer.
There are just 30 charming villas dotted by the shore or across the shimmering lagoon.
Echoing the design of traditional thatched houses, the villas provide sanctuaries of organic luxury and rustic simplicity.
Designed to create a relaxed environment, each villa combines earthy colour schemes with local handicrafts.
What's so Special?
Surrounded by a turquoise lagoon, this private island is a throwback to a much simpler time and is ideal for those looking for a natural unpretentious island hideaway in the Maldives.
Bear in Mind
Promising an arrival you’ll never forget, you can reach the island with a 35-minute seaplane ride from Malé International Airport.
Villas
This cosy island resort features just 30 charming villas dotted by the shore or across the shimmering lagoon.
Echoing the design of traditional thatched houses, the villas provide a sanctuary of organic luxury and rustic simplicity.
Designed to create a relaxed environment, each villa combines earthy colour schemes with local handicrafts that complement, rather than compete with, the outside world.
The elegant design and seamless integration with the natural landscape create a dreamy space.
Beach Villas
Gently rounded in design, the 10 Beach Villas are tucked away on shore, ensuring total seclusion and privacy.
Fling your doors open to step onto a pristine white beach and gaze at uninterrupted views of the crystal clear waters beyond.
White-washed walls contrast with the rich colours of hand-carved wooden furniture.
A sweeping net canopy encircles a large king sized bed.
Water Villas
The 20 Water Villas are poised over the island’s vast turquoise lagoon and a private deck allows direct access into the cool blue waters.
Wake up to the music of the waves or spend balmy evenings stargazing from your private terrace.
A King-size bed faces floor to ceiling windows, soaking the villa with the gentle glow of the sun.
A sun-filled bathroom features a stylish designer bathtub with a spectacular ocean view.
Dining
Drift’s team of highly-skilled chefs create delicious dishes incorporating a signature island flair.
With an emphasis on exceptional ingredients and fresh seafood, sourced locally wherever possible, you can experience unique and memorable dining with a focus on authenticity.
The retreat’s restaurant offers a great buffet as well as a la carte options in a stunning open-air environment.
For the epicureans at heart, a carefully curated selection of culinary focused experiences are available, as well as themed dining evenings, and both in-villa and private beach dining options.
Unique Experiences
Curated moments for two, with a signature Drift flavour.
- A Local Fisherman's Journey
- A Maldivian Family Experience
- The Castaway Sandbank Picnic
Shared Experiences
Discover the sights and sounds of South Ari Atoll.
- The Coral Garden Adventure
- The Ultimate Desert Island Experience
- An Afternoon Spent Fishing
- Bird’s Eye View from a Seaplane
- An Island Hopping Adventure
- Dolphin Watching
Water sports
A rush of adrenaline on the clearest of waters.
- Snorkelling
- Wind Surfing
- Kayaking Paddle Boarding
- Catamaran Sailing
- Water Skiing
- Kite Surfing
- Wake Boarding
Which Airlines do you use?
We work with all the major airlines flying to the Maldives.
Typically for the Maldives we will use British Airways for direct flights to the Maldives between November and March.
Sri Lankan Airlines is also a great option for flights to the Maldives, especially of course if combining the Maldives with a Sri Lanka tour.
The flying time for direct flights is around 10 hours, making the Maldives a little shorter flying time than going to South East Asia.
We also commonly use Emirates via Dubai, Qatar Airways via Doha and Etihad via Abu Dhabi. These all allow stopover options in the Arabian Gulf to create a multi-centre holiday.
Regional connections from across the UK are available.
Which Hotels do you use?
We're careful with our choice of resorts in the Maldives, but we're guided by our customers also. If you have some preferred hotels, just let us know.
We specialise in boutique & luxury hotels and so we will often suggest some of our favourite smaller luxury hotels where we think these will be suitable.
We understand that choosing a resort in the Maldives can be a bit bewildering, especially as they all look so similar!
That's where our expertise can help - it's always useful to speak to someone who's been to lots of different islands in the Maldives.
Do I need a visa for the Maldives?
If you're travelling on British Passports, no visa is required for stays of up to a month.
Please double check before travel however as visa requirements are subject to change at any time.
How long have you been organising holidays to the Maldives?
We've been organising tailor made holidays to the Maldives since 2009.
We use a very reliable local partner in the Maldives for transfers and to assist our clients in the Maldives. They are a family owned company who are one of the most established and respected local travel companies.
We keep up to date with developments in the Maldives with regular visits and through our local contacts.
When is the best time to visit the Maldives?
The driest time of year to visit the Maldives is normally between November and March. This is high season in the Maldives and you can expect dry and settled conditions most of the time.
What board basis should I choose in the Maldives?
You'll find there is a wide range of options in the Maldives, from b&b, Half and Full Board, All Inclusive and variations on All Inclusive options.
Because of the isolated location, dining in the Maldives is expensive by almost any standard. Bear this in mind when comparing meal options.
How do I get to my resort in the Maldives?
Some resorts in the Maldives can be reached by speedboat from Male. This makes for a convenient and easy transfer. You'll be met at the airport on arrival and taken on foot the short distance to your boat transfer.
Seaplane transfers in the Maldives are used for islands further afield. These are usually in 18-seater De Havilland Twin Otters which fly in daylight hours only, departing from the seaplane port next to the International Airport.
View Itinerary in Detail
To view a sample holiday, click on one of the links below. This will open the itinerary up in a new window.
All of our Maldives Holidays are completely tailor made and we can combine different hotels and airlines to create your ideal Maldives escape.
We have many other options so if you have a particular hotel in mind just let us know and we'll put together a price and itinerary for you.
Contact Us:
Call us now to speak to a Maldives holiday expert about your Maldives holiday or honeymoon to the Maldives.
Call our Maldives line now on 01484 432 140
Open 09:00 - 17:30 Mon - Fri. 09:00 - 12:00 Sat.
Beach Villa
Free Half Board
7 nights at Drift Thelu Veliga - Beach Villa.
Includes all Flights, Sea Plane Transfers, Half Board.
7 nights from £1,980 pp
Water Villa
Free Half Board
7 nights at Drift Thelu Veliga - Water Villa.
Includes all Flights, Sea Plane Transfers, Half Board.
