Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat describe on their website ‘Seclusion, tranquility and escape come together for an authentic Maldivian experience that blends rustic appeal with understated comfort and charm’. How right they got it!
It was an absolutely pleasure to experience this beautiful little Gem in South Ari Atoll. This is what coming to the Maldives is all about.
Who needs TV’s and fancy gadgets in your villa, the Maldives is about relaxing and recharging your batteries.
The Villas are simple but charming. I love all the natural interiors, lamps made from wood and artwork made from coconuts. The bed was comfortable and there was plenty of storage space for your clothes, not that you need to bring too many to this real ‘no news, no shoes’ resort.
Complimentary Tea and Coffee and water are provided in the Villas a long with flip flops. Dressing gowns and a beach bag are also provided for your use.
The Mini bar is stocked with beer and soft drinks and prices are not over the top at all.
Our Beach Villa was directly on the beach, however with bushes in between villa’s and in front, giving you some privacy. There is a built in day-bed outside which is a nice place to lounge and read a book. Two sunbeds and sun umbrella are positioned in front of each villa.
The Water Villas have similar interiors as the Beach Bungalows but with larger bathrooms that feature a bath tub.
The overall feel of the island is very rustic and Maldivian. Drift wood day beds have been created and placed on the beach with sun umbrellas. Couples daybed are also on the beach and they feature drop down blinds if you want a little bit of shade.
The bar is sand floor and open air, with comfy large seats as well as daybeds in and outside on the decking. The service is excellent and the prices are reasonable.
The restaurant has in-door and out-door seating. The service is excellent, with really friendly waiters who are very welcoming. Breakfast is a combination of buffet as well as al a cart. Dinner is buffet and the food is exception. The presentation, variety and taste of the food is wonderful and one thing that many other guests comment on.
The resort has a resident Marine Biologist who is currently working on a coral regrowth project as sadly a lot of the coral in the shallow waters is dead, however you can still see a wide variety of colourful fish and there are some colourful corals to the left of the main jetty.
The resort is perfect for couples, singles and perhaps families that are looking for peace and tranquility and a real rustic Maldivian charm. ‘No news, no shoes’ with fantastic hospitality and great food. If you want all the latest gadgets, entertainment, and can’t live without a TV then the resort is not for you.
Overall Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat has got to be one of my favorite new resorts to the Maldives. It’s such a change from five star luxury and I don’t doubt will be one of our most popular resorts we feature.
With only 30 Villas I recommend booking early as soon as reviews start to get out this resort is sure to get booked up quickly.
Thank you to all the team at Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat for a wonderful birthday experience and I can’t wait to revisit.