The Luxe List 2014

  • Abode, Mumbai, India

    Abode, Mumbai, India

  • Amano'i, Vinh Hy Bay, Vietnam

    Amano'i, Vinh Hy Bay, Vietnam

  • Cheval Blanc Randheli, Noonu Atoll, Maldives

    Cheval Blanc Randheli, Noonu Atoll, Maldives

  • Dwarika's Resort, Dhulikhel, Nepal

    Dwarika's Resort, Dhulikhel, Nepal

  • Gangtey Goenpa Lodge, Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan

    Gangtey Goenpa Lodge, Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan

  • Hotel Hotel, Canberra, Australia

    Hotel Hotel, Canberra, Australia

  • Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town, Lijiang, China

    Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town, Lijiang, China

  • Iniala, Phang-Nga, Thailand

    Iniala, Phang-Nga, Thailand

  • Jetwing Yala, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

    Jetwing Yala, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

  • Kata Rocks, Phuket, Thailand

    Kata Rocks, Phuket, Thailand

  • One&Only Hayman Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia

    One&Only Hayman Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia

  • Point Yamu by COMO, Phuket, Thailand

    Point Yamu by COMO, Phuket, Thailand

  • Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, Japan

    Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, Japan

  • Sala Lodges, Siem Reap, Cambodia

    Sala Lodges, Siem Reap, Cambodia

  • Sofitel So Singapore

    Sofitel So Singapore

  • Temple Hotel, Beijing, China

    Temple Hotel, Beijing, China

  • Velaa Private Island, Noonu Atoll, Maldives

    Velaa Private Island, Noonu Atoll, Maldives

  • Waldorf Astoria, Beijing, China

    Waldorf Astoria, Beijing, China

  • Mira Moon, Hong Kong, China

    Mira Moon, Hong Kong, China

  • Mira Moon, Hong Kong, China

    Mira Moon, Hong Kong, China

Click image to view full size

The Luxe List 2014: Velaa Private Island, Noonu Atoll, Maldives

A 45-minute seaplane flight from Male in the Noonu Atoll, Velaa is the US$200 million passion project of Czech financier Jirí Smejc, who has lavished the private-island resort’s 43 one- to four-bedroom villas with Borneo hardwood, desert stone from Jordan, and elegant Italian furnishings. Other draws include a short-game golf academy designed by two-time Masters champion José María Olazábal, cloud-shaped treatment pods in the overwater Clarins spa, an extensive kids’ club, and a Seabob and mini-submarine, on hand for exploring the surrounding reefs. Velaa also claims the only shaded tennis courts in the Maldives. And rising above the palm fronds, a canvas-wrapped 11-meter tower houses a teppanyaki restaurant helmed by Sri Lankan sous chef Gaushan De Silva as well as the largest wine collection in the archipelago.

960/656-5000; Velaa Private Island; doubles from US$1,900

Share this Article

Related Posts

Koh Samui’s The Tongsai Bay Relaunches as a Garrya Resort

It will become the inaugural Thai property of a new wellness-focused brand from the Banyan Tree Grou...

Hyatt Launches New Inclusive Collection

The hospitality giant’s latest global grouping comprises nine all-inclusive luxury resort brands.

Mandarin Oriental to Debut Second Beach Resort in Vietnam

There will be just 72 suites and villas on site, alongside a cliff-top spa and three restaurants and...

Six Senses to Splash Down in Norway

An eco-chic retreat is taking shape at the end of a fjord roughly halfway between Trondheim and Trom...

Opening Soon: Meliá Chiang Mai

Leisure travelers can look forward to plenty of Spanish cuisine and the highest rooftop bar in town.

Waldorf Astoria Plans Outpost in Sydney

Set to open in early 2025, the hotel will occupy a 28-story tower right on Circular Quay.