Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat

The food could be better, in my opinion. There were only a few options at the buffet. Still, we had an amazing experience during our short stay. The resort is a small, cozy island with serene views, and it’s beautifully maintained. Reservation Manager, Ms. Amainath, and receptionist, Mr. Abrar, deserve a special mention for going out of their way to help us and make sure everything was in order. Malé is quite far, about a 2-3 hour speedboat trip depending on the weather. If you’re planning to travel by sea, it may be best to avoid going during rain 😂

Maria and all the staff made us feel incredibly welcome and gave us the best service I’ve ever had. Maria was always on the go with a big smile, thoughtful and proactive about planning activities the boys would enjoy. She arranged a boat trip where we swam with dolphins, whale sharks, and mantas. While we were waiting for dinner, she brought out goal-posts and a soccer ball for the boys. She also arranged a beach dinner, and the food was amazing. We spent two nights here in June with my three children. The boutique-sized island gives you privacy despite being small, and the rustic place has a luxurious Maldivian style surrounded by nature. There’s plenty of wildlife in the clear water, and we saw sharks and colorful fish snorkeling around the jetty. The room was comfortable and clean, with two single beds on the side for my older boys. I love this place and would come back with my husband. I’d encourage tipping the staff, I did, because they deserve it!

The powder-soft sand was lovely, and the rooms felt cozy and beautifully designed, with a mix of Bali and tropical beach-villa style. The snorkeling spot is great for kids and beginners, with colorful marine life that’s easy to see. Don’t miss watching sharks at the jetty at night. This private resort felt peaceful and safe for kids. The water was cool, clear, and turquoise, and there were lots of water activities to choose from. The buffet had fewer options, but the food was superb and the menu changed daily. Catch the sunset and try the fishing trip. It may feel slow at first if you aren’t catching anything, but once you do, you’ll want to go again.

We’re already dreaming about coming back to Drift Thelu. The house reef right by the hotel was mind-blowing. We snorkeled every day and kept finding new things, like swimming in a real aquarium. The diving center team made some of the most magical experiences of our lives possible. Swimming with whale sharks and manta rays was a dream, and their passion and professionalism made it even more special. Maria deserves a huge thank you for organizing everything and making our stay an 11/10. The excursions she helped plan were unforgettable. The cocktails were delicious, and the bartenders made every drink with flair and a smile. Food was another highlight, especially the live cooking station where the chef made fresh, flavorful dishes to suit your taste. Our waiter Monir was kind and attentive, making each dinner more enjoyable. This resort feels like a slice of heaven. We can’t recommend it enough.