Crown and Champa Resorts (CCR) has expanded its presence in the luxury space with its latest opening, Veligandu Maldives Resort Island in the North Ari Atoll.
It is just 20 minutes by seaplane or 60 minutes by speedboat from Malé International airport and welcoming guests of all ages.
Established in 1984 as one of the pioneering resorts in the Maldives, Veligandu has undergone extensive renovations for over a year and is started welcoming guests from November 23 in its 100 villas.
Veligandu now belongs to CCR’s prestigious luxury collection alongside Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, Hurawalhi Maldives Resort Island, Kagi Maldives Resort & Spa, and Jawakara Islands Maldives. There are no man-made islands in the CCR portfolio, and Veligandu is no exception, seamlessly blending natural beauty with secluded luxury and featuring already-established lush vegetation and flora unlike new islands that have been manufactured, said a statement.
“The reopening of Veligandu Maldives Resort Island as a five-star destination is a proud milestone for Crown & Champa Resorts. Following a thoughtful renovation, we are delighted to reintroduce this iconic island with elevated luxury, refined experiences, and the same heartfelt Maldivian hospitality that has made Veligandu a beloved retreat. This transformation reflects our commitment to providing world-class stays, blending natural beauty with modern sophistication. We invite guests to rediscover Veligandu and create cherished memories in this enhanced paradise,” Ahmed Shaheen, Chief Commercial Leader comments.
Veligandu has undertaken a solar energy project to reduce diesel consumption significantly. The resort’s new solar panels have a capacity of around 1,460 kWp, allowing the resort to keep the lights on without generators for 9-11 hours per day.
General Manager Fathuhulla Ibrahim comments: “We are delighted to welcome everyone to this beautiful natural resort island, where you can relax and enjoy to the fullest. We eagerly look forward to welcoming both our loyal guests and new visitors, helping them create unforgettable experiences to cherish forever and share with their family, friends, and social media communities.”
ACTIVITIES
Just a 10-minute boat ride away from the resort, Big Blue point is the most likely place for hammerhead shark sightings in the Maldives. The North Ari Atoll features 18 dive sites catering to divers of all levels and Veligandu’s Ocean Dive centre offers custom-made courses tailored to all guests. Snorkelling and diving excursions will also give guests the opportunity to encounter the diverse marine life of the North Ari Atoll including sea turtles, manta rays, and eagle rays. The inhouse marine biologist is on hand to enhance the guest experience by sharing a deeper understanding of the underwater world while contributing to the conservation of the coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
Veligandu is only the second resort in the Maldives to feature a pickleball court, as well as padel tennis and bicycles. The resort’s ocean water sports & excursions centre gives guests the opportunity to jet ski, parasail, kayak, and paddleboard, amongst many other activities.
For guests looking for a more relaxing experience, Veligandu also features an overwater Himeyn Spa with an extensive treatment programme and a yoga pavilion.
ACCOMMODATION
Veligandu Maldives Resort Island comprises 100 villas including 47 Ocean Pool Villas with a section of glass floor to the crystalline waters below; 28 Ocean Villas, 10 of which have a private jacuzzi; 16 Jacuzzi Beach Villas; and 9 Beach Villas. Each villa brings the outside in with interiors synonymous with the tropical surroundings and is complete with a king-size bed, a private porch, and a 55- or 65- inch flat-screen TV.
DINING
Chef Cristian Marino, the Culinary Consultant for Veligandu Maldives, has a distinguished career spanning over two decades across multiple continents, and ensured that Veligandu’s new offerings feature a variety of cuisines suited to all tastes. Madivaru Teppanyaki Grill invites guests to indulge in Japanese-inspired teppanyaki cuisine with live, theatrical knife work and cooking, while Raalhu specialises in fine seafood – such as local lobster – paired with unparalleled ocean vistas. Guests can also enjoy buffet-style dining at the Dhonveli restaurant with a fusion of authentic Asian and international cuisines, or, for those guests opting for a lighter meal, Thundi’s snack menu offers tapas-style bites and salads. For a unique and immersive culinary experience, guests can also choose destination dining with a variety of spots at their disposal such as on the beach, in the tropical gardens, or moonlit dinners.
For the freedom to dine at any restaurant on the resort at leisure, the dine-around all-inclusive package takes away the constraints of reservation times. For full and half board guests, the resort’s new beverage plan gives guests complete access to all-inclusive drinks add-ons when needed.
Guests can save 30% on stays till April 20, 2025 if booked by December 15, 2024, it said. - TradeArabia News Service
