Take a deep dive into paradise at Angsana Velavaru, Maldives
If you’re looking for a sensational summer break, British Airways now flies direct to the Maldives all year round. We take a trip to one of its newly remodelled resorts that’s unparalleled for divers, snorkellers and, well, pretty much anyone else
01/03/2023
You’re woken by the gentle ocean breeze that tweaks at the white curtains and reveals a teasing glimpse of turquoise. Sauntering out on to your deck, you find yourself admiring your own private infinity pool and, beyond it, the endless blue of the Indian Ocean.
This is Angsana Velavaru, a hotel that encapsulates most people’s idea of an earthly paradise. Located in South Nilandhe Atoll in the Maldives, its 113 villas are perched on a circular reef around a lagoon that gives infinite opportunities for diving, snorkelling or just splashing about.
Reachable by a short seaplane jaunt from the islands’ airport in Malé, the resort’s exclusivity is second only to its beauty. And now that British Airways flies to Malé all year round, it really is the perfect time to visit paradise.
A beach villa with a private pool
Deluxe digs
All Angsana Velavaru’s accommodation is built on the turquoise shallows of a circular reef. The main island ‒ known as Velavaru ‘Turtle Island’ ‒ is home to 79 beachfront villas, most with private infinity or plunge pools. Guests can also opt to stay at the ‘InOcean Villa Cluster’, a group of 34 villas that hover over the reef’s turquoise waters on stilts and have infinity pools, sun decks and hammocks. These are fantastic for those who want that castaway feel, while still being just a short hop (by free regular shuttle service) to the main island.
Epic dives
The island has one of the best-preserved house reefs in the Maldives, with more than 30 dive spots, and you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy them. As well as reef diving for the PADI-certified, there are snorkelling safaris and glass-bottomed canoe trips. And there’s the option to learn about marine biology or help keep the reef healthy at the Angsana Velavaru Marine Lab. Join the coral replanting programme or explore nearby reefs with a marine biologist to record sightings of key iconic species such as sharks, turtles and rays.
Outdoor escapades
On a paradise holiday there’s always the choice to just relax and bask in the guaranteed sunshine ‒ and, as well as your own private gardens and pools, the hotel has a gorgeously refurbished pool overlooking the ocean. But for those who find it harder to sit still, the water sports centre has thrills and spills aplenty. You can opt for an ethical dolphin safari or indulge in one of the spa’s blissed-out packages of massages, facials and body polishes. Finish the day with an evening of entertainment at the main bar, including local Maldivian Boduberu performances and other live music.
The main pool on the beach
Family fun on tap
If you’re after some uninterrupted adult time, there’s plenty to keep youngsters busy all day long. The kids club, Rangers, has an abundance of activities ‒ think treasure hunts, craft workshops and kite flying ‒ while diving lessons in the lagoon (for children over eight years old) are a great way to help kids experience their first underwater adventure. The babysitting service allows for lingering sunset dinners and, when it comes to making memories together, there are boat trips and beach time, a kids’ pool to keep the littlest ones happy, and even family spa sessions to please your demanding teens.
Divine all-day dining
As you’d hope from such a high-end all-inclusive resort, there’s a huge number of options for your daily meals. Both Kuredhi pool bar and Kaani restaurant offer all-day waterside dining, with exotic cocktails to match. Book into Funa for Thai pan-Asian cuisine at its offshore pavilion or pop across to the InOcean Villa Cluster for Mediterranean classics at the romantic Azzurro. For special meals, the chefs will cater in your villa or at private tables on the beach: a paradise meal for your group, or a perfect star-studded moment for two.
All British Airways Holiday packages are ATOL protected, include 23kg of baggage per person and come with a 24-hour holiday helpline, while a Customer Promise gives you peace of mind when booking your holiday. Secure your 2023 Angsana Velavaru holiday with British Airways Holidays for a low deposit here
