Velaa Private Island… Built with Passion, Filled with Possibilities.
A (Virtual) conversation WITH george dammers, Director of Sales & Lisa JAKOBSSON, PR, Marketing & Events Manager
How did velaa private island come about?
More than a resort, Velaa is the passion project of a couple to create the world’s perfect home. It is a place where you are truly carefree and able to indulge in the best the world has to offer—food, wine, adventures, delights. It is a place to experience private moments of happiness and of joy, to create memories and be remembered, and to celebrate life.
The heart of Velaa is the wonderful spirit of majaa—Maldivian for enjoyment, celebration, adventure and fun—which is displayed by our dedicated team who are more than staff, they are family.
Our aim is that every guest who arrives is able to celebrate in their own unique and private way—whether that is with a group, or on their own. The Velaa family works hard to ensure that every guest leaves here taking a bit of majaa with them wherever they go.
What is The mission of velaa?
For the world’s most discerning travelers who actively seek the very best in life, Velaa is the ultimate retreat destination, offering both the seclusion and authenticity of a private island and the comfort and variety of a large resort.
Unlike other resorts that are purely commercially driven, Velaa is privately owned and passionately built by someone who knows first hand the high expectations of its guests.
what does a perfect day look like at velaa?
I think this depends on who you ask, however since Velaa is built as a home, it offers unlimited experiences and activities such as the most exclusive golf course in the Maldives, the biggest fleet of water sport toys, yachts and towables. Personally, I enjoy waking up to the sun in one of the over water villas, having a late floating breakfast in the private pool, continuing with some pampering spa treatments at Velaa spa, maybe a visit to the uninhabited sandbank for a private picnic or a sunset yacht cruise before finishing of the day with a fine dining experience in Aragu, our signature restaurant.
Do you have a famous menu item we can share with our clients?
KANDU KUKULHU RIHA (TUNA CURRY)
FOR CURRY PASTE:
20 grams curry powder
150 grams Onions (Diced)
10 grams Black Pepper
30 grams Garlic
05 grams Maldivian Chili (Similar to Habanero)
03 grams Pandan Leaves
03 grams Curry leaves
02 no. Cinnamon Stick
10 grams Cardamom
100 grams Grated Coconut
03 grams Salt
METHOD
Roast fish curry powder, cinnamon, cardamom, grated coconut and blend with rest of the ingredients using a mixer. Add a little water to get a paste consistency.
FOR THE CURRY:
350 grams Tuna Loins
200 grams Red Onions (Sliced)
100 grams Curry Leaves
03 grams Pandan Leaves
03 grams Maldivian Chili
50 ml Vegetable Oil
20 grams Ginger (Cleaned and peeled)
20 grams Garlic (Cleaned and peeled)
100 grams Tomatoes (Chopped)
05 grams Fish Curry Powder
03 grams Turmeric Powder
200 grams Coconut Milk
03 grams Red Chili Powder
50 grams Curry Paste
40 grams Tomato Paste
03 grams Salt
METHOD
Add diced ginger and garlic in a food processor. Add little water and blend to get a smooth paste.
Heat oil in a pan and add sliced onions, curry leaves and Pandan leaves. Add Maldivian Chili if required(to make the curry very spicy).
Sauté on a low heat until light brown and add ginger, garlic paste. Mix well.
Add turmeric powder, red chili powder and mix. Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste and let it cook for 5 minutes. Add curry paste and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.
Add coconut milk and let it simmer for another 5 to 8 minutes.
In the meanwhile, season all tuna loins with salt and apply small amount of curry paste and roll it tightly. Tie with strips of Pandan leaves.
Gently poach the rolled tuna in the curry for 5 minutes until cooked.
Serve with Steamed Basmati Rice, Pappadam and pickles
Charity of choice to support?
Every year we donate to and partner with Care Society Maldives, Maldivian Thalassaemia Society, and The Cancer Society of Maldives but we also support the local communities in every way possible throughout the year.
LUXE & NYx PICK - Discover their secret world…
Set sail on Yacht Rania for a scuba diving adventure like no other. The untouched Noonu atoll is home to numerous exotic dive sites featuring shark cleaning stations, dramatic swim-throughs and elusive Eagle Rays. A dedicated marine biology team oversees the development of the largest coral restoration programme in the Maldives, and guests can arrange an immersive tour of the coral garden as well as discover the fascinating hidden gems located within the house reef. The well-equipped dive shop offers PADI certification from beginner to dive master levels and a range of Scubapro equipment.
Finish the day with sundowners on an uninhabited sand bank in the middle of the Indian Ocean…
Ready to Book or Have Questions?
We can’t wait for you to experience Velaa Private Island!
Visit us here or reach out - hello@luxeandnyx.com.
xx, The team at luxe & nyx
