Our Story

1984 ~ 2024

Message from the General Manager

Dear Valued Guests,

Welcome to Veligandu Maldives Resort Island!

At Veligandu, we believe our island paradise is for everyone, and we warmly welcome you to experience our unique blend of natural seclusion and luxury. Just a 20-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport, our island offers uninterrupted views, award-winning beaches, a world-renowned sandbank, and vibrant marine life.

Veligandu Maldives Sandbank view

What’s New at Veligandu

Rebranding to Luxury

We are excited to announce that Veligandu has been rebranded from a 4-star resort to a 5-star luxury property.

Formerly known as Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, our resort was rebranded to Veligandu Maldives Resort Island in March 2024. Along with this change, we unveiled a captivating new logo that reflects the island’s beauty. After 18 months of extensive renovation, Veligandu is set to reopen in November 2024. This refreshed identity underscores our dedication to providing unparalleled experiences while staying true to our core values of hospitality and service excellence.

Sunset Ocean Villas at Veligandu Maldives

Luxurious Accommodations

Discover our newly introduced sunset and sunrise overwater villas with private pools and two-bedroom villas. Our upgraded sunset villas now feature open-air bathrooms with bathtubs and rain showers for an indulgent experience.

Gourmet Dining

Delight in the revamped Madivaru Restaurant, where Silk Restaurant offers Mediterranean-Asian fusion, and the Teppanyaki Grill dazzles with Japanese-style cooking. The restyled Dhonveli Buffet Restaurant features comfortable indoor and outdoor seating with ocean or garden views, sand floorings, and contemporary decor. Enjoy live cooking stations, including charcoal-fired pizza and sizzling Asian Tandoori dishes.

Wellness and Recreation

Stay active at our new VFitness Center with oceanfront views, or enjoy games on our paddle tennis and pickleball courts. Relax in our new DayUse Villas and Lounge for ultimate comfort.

Sustainability Initiatives

We’re excited to introduce one of the Maldives’ largest solar energy systems, significantly cutting our reliance on diesel. As we prepare for a 20-30% increase in energy demand in November 2024, we’re harnessing the abundant Maldivian sun.

Our elevated overwater villas, now raised to better handle tidal changes and rough seas, offer improved air circulation and guest comfort. This design not only enhances your stay but also protects the marine ecosystem by reducing seabed contact, preventing coral reef damage, and maintaining natural water flow. Our resident marine biologist will offer insights into our marine ecosystem, and our sustainability efforts reflect our commitment to protecting the environment.

The Memory Wall

Explore the Memory Wall, an engaging display showcasing the rich history of the timeless and treasured building materials used in Veligandu’s construction since 1984.

This exhibit offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of our resort’s architecture and design, highlighting the enduring quality and significance of these materials.

The personalized hospitality at Veligandu ensures you feel at home from the moment you arrive until the very last moment of your stay. We look forward to welcoming you to our slice of paradise!

Book your stay or contact us for more details.

Warm regards,
Fathuhulla Ibrahim
General Manager, Veligandu Maldives Resort Island

Resort History

1984

Veligandu began as a charming retreat with 17 coral-built rooms, a cozy restaurant, a lively bar, and just two dhonis, staffed by under 50 passionate team members, offering a truly intimate escape.

1985
The resort added 15 more rooms, bringing the total to 32 standard accommodations, amplifying its intimate island vibe and welcoming more guests to enjoy this serene, secluded paradise.
1986
An additional 18 rooms were crafted, bringing the total to 50 standard accommodations, expanding the resort’s serene hideaway, and inviting even more guests to indulge in this tranquil island retreat.
1987
With 5 more rooms added, the resort now offers 55 standard accommodations, enhancing its secluded charm and welcoming more guests to experience the peaceful beauty of this island sanctuary.
1991
Eight Deluxe rooms were introduced, bringing the resort’s total to 63 accommodations, offering guests an elevated experience with added luxury, and more opportunities to enjoy this serene island paradise.
1998
The resort transformed with 45 Superior Rooms, 8 Deluxe Rooms, and its first 10 stunning Water Villas, elevating the guest experience and adding a touch of luxury to this island paradise.
History of Veligandu Maldives
History of Veligandu Maldives
History of Veligandu Maldives
History of Veligandu Maldives
2001

Twelve new beach front Deluxe Villas were constructed.  The resort then featured 43 Superior Rooms, 20 Deluxe Villas, and 10 Water Villas, bringing the total to 73  villas. Each room provided an unforgettable stay, blending comfort with the breathtaking beauty of the island.

2007
Veligandu re-emerged on December 23, 2007, with 74 luxurious rooms, including new and upgraded Jacuzzi Water and Beach Villas. The resort introduced two new dining venues: Dhonveli Buffet Restaurant and Madivaru A la carte Restaurant, along with swimming pools, a fitness center, and enhanced amenities, redefining the island experience.
2010
At this point, the resort has unveiled 2 new Jacuzzi Beach Villas, expanding to 76 elegant rooms. Each room offering unparalleled luxury, breathtaking beachfront views, and serene relaxation for a perfect getaway.
2011
With 5 newly added Beach Villas, Veligandu now offers 81 rooms, each providing an unparalleled beachfront escape and ultimate luxury. Guest experienced elegance and serenity in every stunning retreat.
2014
By this time, Veligandu has expanded with 6 new Beach Villas and 4 Jacuzzi Beach Villas, bringing the total to 91 rooms. The Athiri Bar, newly opened at the island’s northern tip offers beautiful views.
2018

The Thundi Bar has undergone a stunning upgrade, and a new Arrival Pavilion has been constructed, enhancing guest experience with exceptional facilities and a warm, welcoming first impression.

2019
At this year, all rooms have been upgraded, with the introduction of the Sunset Jacuzzi Water Villas. The Madivaru À la Carte Restaurant has also been beautifully revamped for an enhanced dining experience.
2022
The transformation to Natural. Seclusion. Luxury. begins as Veligandu Island Resort & Spa embarks on a new chapter, closing for an 18-month renovation, promising an extraordinary escape like never before.
History of Veligandu Maldives
History of Veligandu Maldives
History of Veligandu Maldives
History of Veligandu Maldives
2024

From its modest start in 1984, Veligandu has evolved into a symbol of Natural. Seclusion. Luxury. Reopening in 2024 as Veligandu Maldives Resort Island, it promises an extraordinary escape, redefining luxury and serenity.

Unveil the Unforgettable at Veligandu

Year after year, Veligandu Maldives Resort Island has distinguished itself as one of the top resorts in Maldives by continuously receiving exceptional recognition and perpetual support from its beloved guests – past and present. We are very humbled and proud to be the recipient of multiple accolades by some of the most reputable global institutions and organizations for outstanding achievement in service excellence.

Meet Our Exceptional Team: The Driving Force Behind Our Success

Experience the magic of the Maldives with our dedicated team at Veligandu. Your journey to paradise begins here – where dreams become reality, and relaxation knows no bounds. Come and be a part of the ultimate escape in the Maldives.

My Veligandu Story

Our Story Veligandu Hussain

Mohamed Hussain

I started my job as a Mason. 

It was a sunny Friday in the year 1984 when I arrived in the island of Veligandu.

There was no jetty yet and I can still remember that we unloaded our stuff by hands as there were no trolleys yet. Life was so simple. The rooms weren’t constructed yet so we slept in tents. There was no fresh water available for shower, so we used salt water instead and just apply lotion afterwards. And then eventually, we transported water from Rasdhoo, placed it in tanks and distributed it to the rooms. 

See Hussains’ Story 

Our Story Veligandu Mahinda

R.G.D Mahinda Wijerathne

Mahinda arrived in the Maldives in 1988 and began working in Veligandu in 1989.

Although a lot has happened since, Mahinda has embraced this transformation to date. After 35 years of service excellence, he shares his story from his beginning, his historical memories, and his personal experience of his journey at Veligandu.

See Mahinda’s Story 

Awards & Accolades

Veligandu Maldives is TravelLife Gold Certified

Travelife Gold

Achieves Prestigious Travelife Gold certification for accommodation and sustainability.

Veligandu wins TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards

TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards

Consecutive winner for 12 years. For being among the 10% of Hotels worldwide.

Best Honeymoon Destination

Travel Trade Maldives Awards

Big 7 Travel Top 50 Most Romantic Hotel 2021, Worldwide

Ranked 28th amongst the Top 50 Most Romantic Hotels in the World

Explore exciting career opportunities with us!

Embark on a journey of endless possibilities as you explore exciting career opportunities with our world-class Maldives resort. From enchanting guest experiences to behind-the-scenes magic, join our passionate team dedicated to creating unforgettable moments in paradise. Whether you’re a hospitality enthusiast, culinary maestro, wellness guru, or a creative spirit, discover a career where your talents shine as brightly as the Maldivian sun.

Elevate your professional journey amidst turquoise waters and pristine beaches, where every day feels like a dream come true. Join us in crafting memories that last a lifetime and become a part of our vibrant family, where passion meets purpose and every role contributes to the extraordinary tapestry of our resort. Your next chapter begins here, surrounded by the beauty of the Maldives.

Ready to start your career adventure? Apply today!