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Dive into the Manta Spa at Veligandu

Imagine the feeling of indulging in a spa day, the ultimate self-care experience. Well, guess what? Mantas are no strangers to the allure of relaxation either! Prepare to witness nature’s very own pampering session, and it’s a spectacle you won’t want to miss.

Welcome to the Manta Ray Spa, a haven for mantas, just 200 meters northwest of Veligandu – accessible via a quick 3-minute boat ride. Locally known as ‘Madi Gaa’ (Dhivehi for Ray Rock), this underwater oasis sits at a depth of 10-13 meters below the surface.

The area is a solitary boulder star coral block, rising about 2 meters from the seabed. It’s surrounded by sandy stretches and scattered coral patches, creating the perfect stage for a fascinating performance by the Mantas.

Picture this: majestic mantas gracefully circling above the coral block while tiny wrasses and parasitic copepods meticulously remove parasites, dead skin, and infected tissues from the mantas’ skin, gills, and teeth in a cleaning symbiosis. It’s a choreographed ballet of health and well-being, with the cleaners feasting on their hard-earned rewards.

You can spot mantas year-round around Veligandu House Reef, neighbouring reefs, and lagoons. However, the best time to catch this symbiotic show is from December to April during the Northwest Monsoon Season when zooplankton congregates in the Rasdu atoll’s western part, attracting scores of hungry mantas. These gentle giants filter-feed on zooplankton and krill, consuming massive quantities to sustain their colossal size.

Snorkelers can float gracefully beside the coral block at Madi Gaa, while adept free divers can venture deeper for a closer look. Scuba divers must stay low on the sandy bottom, keeping a safe distance of 3-5 meters from the coral block’s outer edge to avoid damaging the reef or startling any hidden Flounder fish.

Meet the elusive Leopard Flounder, locally known as “Velimadi” in Dhivehi. These unique creatures sport both eyes on one side and camouflage themselves beneath a thin layer of sand. With pigmented scales for disguise, they’re ambush predators that strike with stealth. Keep your eyes peeled for them but remember, no touching!

Unlike turtles, mantas are perpetual swimmers, incapable of stopping or reversing. Respect their path by approaching from the side and maintaining a minimum 3-meter distance. If they come your way, drift low or move aside, allowing these graceful giants to glide past.

Mantas are so tempting to touch due to their sheer beauty but resist the urge. Their delicate mucus layer is essential for their well-being, and your touch could harm it. So, let nature’s marvels mesmerize you by taking the Manta excursion on your next visit to Veligandu and allow these captivating sights to fill your eyes and heart with pure wonder. 

Visiting Veligandu?

The island will reopen on November 1, 2024. Contact reservations@veligandu.com for future reservations.

When the resort reopens, guests can directly access the house reef to see turtles from their villa or islands beach by taking an excursion with Veligandu or with the Veligandu dive centre.

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Turtle Behaviour and Facts

The Maldivian archipelago is home to five of the seven species of sea turtles, green (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea). The waters around Veligandu Island is frequented by the critically endangered Hawkbills and endangered Green Sea turtles.

Green sea turtles are the largest of all hard-shelled sea turtles. They can grow to about 120cm long and weigh between 135 and 160 kg. It reaches adulthood between 15 to 50 years of age.

Turtle Courtship

As seen at 1.29 seconds on the video
During mating season, males may court a female by nuzzling her head or gently biting her neck and rear flippers. If the female does not flee, the male attaches himself to the back of the female’s shell by gripping her top shell with claws in his front flippers. He then folds his long tail under her shell to copulate.
A unique communication method utilized by turtles is biting.

When some male turtles try to woo females to mate, they approach them underwater, and then the turtle will face the other and flutter or vibrate its front claws around the female turtle’s head. When the female turtle catches sight of this and is amenable to the invitation, they drop to the aquatic floor.

Sleeping and Resting

As seen at 2.38 seconds on the video
Turtles generally sleep for about 4 to 7 hours each night. They might also nap during the day or sleep for long periods if they’re hibernating. They may also rest in their basking area for long hours.

They swim to the ocean surface to breathe.
Sea turtles breathe air with their lungs. Even when they sleep, expect them to wake up frequently to breathe.

When snorkelling and diving, maintain distance from the turtles
Avoid touching turtles and corals
Avoid chasing turtles
Turtles can hold their breath for hours, but if we stress them by blocking or chasing them, they can drown in a few seconds.

Sometimes, they can be very curious

Turtles are solitary hunters

The hawksbill sea turtle has a narrow head adapted to get food from coral reef crevices. The jaws of a loggerhead sea turtle are adapted for crushing and grinding.

They are a fundamental link in marine ecosystems and help to maintain the health of our coral reefs and the sea grass beds.

In Veligandu house reef, mostly hawksbill sea turtles are seen, and the Hotspots for turtles are In front of the main restaurant and Athiri Bar.

[Related: Veligandu’s Scuba Diving and Snorkelers Calendar For North Ari Atoll Maldives » ]

Visiting Veligandu?

The island will reopen on November 1, 2024. Contact reservations@veligandu.com for future reservations.

When the resort reopens, guests can directly access the house reef to see turtles from their villa or islands beach by taking an excursion with Veligandu or with the Veligandu dive centre.

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Earth Hour & Sustainable Holidays With Veligandu

As a sustainability-focused resort, Veligandu Island Resort & Spa had been energy-saving focused and looking at industry practices to reduce the carbon footprint.

Over the years, the Veligandu team continued to switch off the non-essential lights all around the island to participate in the global Earth Hour movement that drew attention to nature loss and the climate crisis. This year, Veligandu take part immensely and going to the next level to spread the same message and re-create the unmissable sight by turning off 90% of the electrical lights all around the island

In all our restaurants, our guests and team members will dine under candlelight without any electric lights to commemorate reducing the carbon footprint. Veligandu has organised a private beach dinner experience consists of luscious organic cuisines and organic wine set on the beach with live music using non-electronic music instruments to show we can still have a gourmet dining experience while reducing the carbon footprint.

Furthermore, the resort is well-prepared with exciting eco and carbon-conscious activities like zero-emission sunset yoga on the sandbank to sustainable Dhoni snorkelling trips, star gazing cruise to a screening of Eco-movie related to the planet and a beach cleaning activity.

Commemorating #earthhour

Sustainable Dining Events


🌏 Inspiration 1: ECO-BEACH DINNER

Monday, 27 March 2021 from 1930 to 2130 | Pool Beach
USD 229.00 per couple

Celebrate the Earth Hour with a luscious meal in a romantic eco and charismatic ambience created on pool beach. Sense the perfect harmony in the ocean breeze listening to live music played without electricity by our talented in-house local Maldivian-band, “Spirit Henge”. Capture the treasurable moment with
our photographer and acquire one complimentary picture as a souvenir.

MENU
Amuse-bouche
Yellow fine Tuna Carpaccio, Bio Framed Micro Green and Leaf Salad
Lemony Foam Artichoke Cream with Pan Seared Shrimp

Yellow Runner Jack Fish with Steamed Sweet Potato and Parmesan gratin, Cauliflower Somite
OR
Grilled Maldivian lobster with Garlic – Parsley butter, Potato Mashed and lobster sauce

Panna Cotta Parfait with Coconut Ice Cream
Two Glasses of Sparkling Wine
Selection of Tea or Coffee

Options of organic wine with additional charge (20% discount applicable on the original price of organic wines during the dinner):
WHITE: Emiliana navas gran reserva (CHILE) grapes variety CHARDONNAY | Original Price: US$ 50.00 per bottle
RED: Emiliana navas gran reserve (CHILE) grapes variety CABERNET SAUVIGNON | Original Price: US$ 50.00 USD per bottle

🌏 Inspiration 2: ECO-BEACH DINNER WITH EXCURSION

Original Price: USD 299.00 per couple
With 15% Discount: USD245 per couple

Package Includes:
Eco-Beach Dinner from 1930 to 2130 at the Pool Beach

And

Traditional Dhoni Snorkeling Trip with a cool box for 1 hour 30 minutes. Maximum 2 couples per trip.
OR
Star Gazing Cruise with fruit punch and water for 1 hour.  Maximum 2 couple per trip

🌏 HIM&HER CUPID ANECDOTE – By Duniye Spa

Choose any massage from the spa menu including the Indian Head massages. An open-air massage experience during the Sunset or Sunrise. Limited space. Maximum one couple for sunset and sunrise. Total two couple per day.

60 minutes – USD 205 per couple
90 minutes – USD 250 per couple

Gift: Coconut Body Lotion, 50ml per couple.

In addition to the above:

All guests will experience,

🌴 Eco-Movie
A documentary about the planet screened at Thundi bar from 2130 to 2230. All in-house guest. Invited at no cost.

🌴 Sunset Yoga
Sunset yoga on Veligandu Sandbank from 1800 to 1900.
All in-house guest invited at no cost.

💡 Switch off 90% of electrical lights all around the island for one hour at #earthhour.

🌴 Veligandu Teams gift to guests;
Bed-decoration using recyclable items

For dinner reservations and more information, guests on the island can speak to your waiter or Island Host.
Guests planning to visit Veligandu can contact reservations@veligandu.com

Start planning your next vacation to Veligandu. See all special offers and travel flexibility Veligandu offers »
Or request for Veligandu from your travel agent and tour operators.

Living in the ‘new normal’ – Have A Safe Holiday Experience In Veligandu Quick Links Your questions answered before you travel  |  Facilitating PCR Testing at Resort  |  Travel Flexibility & Cancellation Policy Update  |  Guest reviews – holidaying in the new normal

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Veligandu, the Perfect Maldives Resort for Weddings

Weddings in the Maldives

The Maldives is one of the most wished-for destinations by couples seeking a special place for their ‘biggest day’ and to begin their life-long journey together. Couples also visit the Maldives to rekindle their love or celebrate it with a second wedding ceremony on anniversaries.  There is no better place to say ‘I do’ than in this idyllic paradise with azure waters, the purest stretches of white, sandy beaches, flanked by palm trees and the Indian Ocean.

Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, voted as Asia and the Maldives’ top resort for romance, offers the perfect destination for weddings and renewal of vows. The resort island is intimate and tranquil, creating the ideal atmosphere for you to celebrate your love for each other.

Here at Veligandu, we offer a range of thoughtfully-curated wedding packages to suit your wedding day wishes, be it the ultimate romantic elope or a glorious celebration with your nearest and dearest. Our team of professionals will go beyond and above to bring your dream wedding to life on our secluded island. 

Here is Why Veligandu is the Best Maldives Resort for Weddings

    • Veligandu offers several wedding options to match your budget, preferences and requirements. Whether it is a symbolic wedding on the beach, or a wedding ceremony on a luxurious yacht where you can sail across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean while exchanging vows, it is sure to provide you with an experience that you will cherish for the rest of your lives.
    • With a stunning sandbank, lush greenery, and pristine panoramas of an idyllic paradise with freedom of space and uncrowded beaches, Veligandu provides a phenomenal backdrop for the most important celebration of your lives.
    • Forget all the hassle of organising a wedding and let our experienced team of in-house event coordinators take care of all the details. We can arrange photographers, hairdressers, and a lavish feast, however you like it. We can also keep it simple as you wish, just you and your special one exchanging ‘I dos’, barefoot in the sand and in love. Best of all, when you get married at Veligandu, your honeymoon begins the moment you are declared husband and wife.
    • Having your destination wedding at Veligandu can also be less expensive, as your guests will typically cover the cost of their own flights and accommodations. Our Maldives resort provides special rates and arrangements with lots of flexibility should you wish to celebrate this special life event with as many family and friends as you like. Be it a grand affair with your extended family and friends or just an intimate celebration with a handful of your favourite people in attendance. The dynamic team at Veligandu is always on hand to help you realise your dream wedding in the Maldives.

Plan your Dream Wedding in the Maldives with Veligandu

Veligandu Maldives Weddings

With a stunning location and endless opportunities for romance, you are guaranteed to have timeless memories at Veligandu. As you plan your dream wedding, have a look at our Maldives Wedding page to inspire you.

For enquiries, please contact our wedding planners at reservations@veligandu.com.

Marriage Proposals At Veligandu

Create your own “Marry Me” anecdote in your secluded haven.

The Veligandu team is fantastic at setting intimate and surprise proposals on the island’s exquisite long beach, in your villa, over a romantic dinner, on the yacht, even on a traditional Dhoni boat or as you imagine.

Learn more about the romantic proposal options or tell us how you envision it.

FAQs. Is It Safe to Travel to the Maldives?

Maldives: is a WTTC Global Safe Travels Destination and received the ‘Safe Travel Stamp’ for implementing health and safety measures, in line with the World Travel & Tourism Councils’ Global Safe Travels protocols.

Veligandu: Learn more about the Health & Safety Guidelines and the A Safe Holiday Experience In Paradise initiative, including PCR Test facilitation at our resort. Guests who completed their Maldives holiday and returned home have nothing but praise for their experiences, the Maldivian hospitality, and safety. Read guest reviews.

Veligandu Maldives continues to allow maximum flexibility for today’s traveller.  Book now at your convenience with the freedom of FREE Cancellation on Room Rate for cancellation received 3 days prior to arrival.

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Yachting With Veligandu, The Secluded Island In Maldives

Veligandu’s Gadha (lovingly named as the strong-one-of-the ocean in Maldivian language Dhivehi), is a tastefully appointed Nomad 65 by Gulf Craft.

65ft long (20.06m) and 18ft (5.55m) wide, this tri-deck, modern luxury motor yacht with crafted interiors and comprise of three guest cabins on the lower deck, fully air-conditioned living area, a bar along with a kitchen on the middle deck and an open air space at the top deck to wallow in the breath-taking ocean views.

Powerful and elegant, Gadha is versatile and is made for long-range performance. The yacht is available for day-long Ari atoll cruising, for dive and snorkelling trips, gourmet dinner cruising at sunset and a choice of deep-sea sailing options for romance, star gazing and relaxation.

Yachting inspirations

Day-Long Escapade Cruise
Exploit Ari Atoll by snorkelling through the exuberant coral reef enriched with abundant marine life like sharks, multi-coloured fishes, dolphins, turtles, manta rays, etc.… POA

Half-Day Escapade Cruise
Snorkel around the most popular best snorkelling point, Madivaru corner at Rasdu Atoll to gawk the amazing beauty beneath the serene sea.  POA

Amorous Tale Cruise
Indulge in three courses set gourmet cuisine while the sunset cast its golden rays down upon the tranquil water on ablaze and the clouds blushing at the warm touch of the sun setting as a yellow fireball. POA

Romance-Away Cruise
Relax and unwind with Champagne and Canapés drifting into romance as the sun cast its golden rays down upon the clouds of billowing smoke, turning them bright red. POA

Mysterious Romance Cruise
Make a treasurable memory while you are still on our secluded island. Awe yourselves into a new world at a luxury cabin, tantalize your taste-bud with a luscious dinner on the yacht deck while ample of twinkling stars shine upon you. POA

Curated itinerates, wedding abord Gadha and private transfers – POA

See yachting package rates  »

Living in the ‘new normal’ – Have A Safe Holiday Experience In Veligandu
Quick Links
Your questions answered before you travel  |  Facilitating PCR Testing at Resort  |  Travel Flexibility & Cancellation Policy Update
Guest reviews – holidaying in the new normal

Special Offers
Last-minute and 2021 travel deals. See All Offers »

We continue to allow for maximum flexibility given these unique circumstances. Book now to your convenience with the freedom of FREE Cancellation on Room Rate for cancellation received 3 days prior to arrival.

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Mas Riha – Maldivian Fish Curry By Chef Didi – Taste Of Maldives By Veligandu

For our guests who had tried this before and for those who love to cook, Veligandus’ famed and talented Maldivian chef Didi will guide you on how to prepare an authentic Maldivian Mas Riha (Maldivian Curry).  You can easily prepare this entire delicious meal in less than 30 minutes and bring the tropical Maldivian flavours to your kitchen with this luscious Mas Riha.

Here’s everything you’re going to need:

  • 2 tbsp. Oil
  • 1 Dried Gamboge
  • ½ tsp Fenugreek seeds
  • ½ tsp Cumin seeds
  • ½ tsp Sesamee seeds
  • 2 medium Onion, finely sliced
  • 4 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
  • 1  fresh ginger, peeled and julienned
  • 2 fresh tomatoes, diced
  • Few Hikadhi Faiy (Curry Leaves)
  • 3 Raanba Faiy (Pandan Leaves), cut into ½ inch pieces
  • 1 Maldivian chilli
  • 1 tsp fish curry powder
  • ½ tsp Chili powder
  • ½ tsp Turmeric powder
  • 300ml coconut milk
  • 500g Fresh Red Snapper or any other firm fresh fish cut into small cubes. (Authentic Maldivian Fish curry is usually cooked with fresh tuna, Kaṇḍumas (skipjack tuna), but also Kanneli (yellowfin tuna) or Laṭṭi (little tunny)
  • Salt to taste (about ½ tsp)

Veligandu's Chef Didi cooking Mas Riha - Maldivian Fish Curry

How to cook:

  • Heat the oil in a pot on medium heat.
  • Add the dried gamboge, fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, sauté for few seconds.
  • Once they start to splutter, add onions, ginger and garlic and stir. Add tomato, curry leaves, pandan and Maldivian chilli into the mixture. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
  • Once the onion softens, add Curry powder, chilli powder, turmeric powder and mix well. Stir for 30 seconds until the mixture becomes fragrant.
  • Add coconut milk and cook for about 5 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Gently add fresh red snapper cubes and toss until all pieces of fish are well coated with the source, simmer without stirring until the fish is well-cooked, about 5-6 minutes. The fish is ready when it slightly resists flaking, to confirm, gently nudge the fish with a spoon.
  • Add salt to taste and stir gently. Simmer about 1 minute.
  • Plate up and serve hot with basmati rice or roshi (Maldivian traditional flatbread).

Mas riha is commonly eaten with steamed white rice or Basmati, but when eaten for breakfast it is served with roshi (flatbread) and eaten along with hot tea.

Tips: The real secret to a luscious curry is fresh spices. Blooming the spices is a crucial step to creating a delectable curry, as it releases the essential flavour to the curry.

Make your own Maldivian curry powder fresh at home: Roast coriander, cumin, funnel, chilli and cinnamon powder along with ground pepper and cinnamon seeds in equal quantity. Leave the mixture to cool down as you begin with your curry preparation.

Basically the fish is diced and cooked together over low fire with a mixture of sautéed onions and spices to which Coconut milk is added and left to simmer for 5-10 minutes. Once you nail the basic steps on how to make a curry, you can have your way and create your very own curry that suits your taste buds.

We will see you soon when the time is right, till then enjoy the taste of Maldives in the comfort of your home.

Mas Riha

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Renew Your Vows In Paradise

An exciting way to celebrate your anniversary while at Veligandu Island Resort & Spa is by renewing your vows. On the beach, with the glorious palm trees swaying and the stunning Indian Ocean as your backdrop, you can celebrate your love through a symbolic vow renewal ceremony. The memories from this beautiful occasion will last you a lifetime.

The vow renewal ceremony can be customised to bring your dreams into reality. We also offer the option of a traditional Maldivian ceremony, officiated by the island ‘headman’. In this case, the Veligandu bridal party, dressed in traditional Maldivian dress, will escort you to the wedding pavilion on the beach, as they sing wedding songs and beat Bodu Beru drums. The wedding pavilion is decorated with palm fronds and local hibiscus flowers, adding to the beauty of the location. The headman guides you through the heartfelt and intimate ceremony, reading a passage from the Book of Good Wishes.

The vow renewal ceremony costs US $540 per couple. There are a variety of options that you can add on to sprinkle a special touch to your celebration. These include professional photography by Raalhu Photo, a bottle of Champagne for a toast, a cake, and much more.

Read more about the ceremony here and browse through our current special offers here.

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Delightful Romantic Experiences In Veligandu This May

At the heart of Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, is our desire to create beautiful experiences that allow you to make extraordinary memories. Here are the beach dining affairs that you can be apart of in May.

For seafood lovers, the Madivaru Sunset Seafood Dinner on May 9, 2019, is the dinner not to miss. Served on the quiet and romantic beach, watch the sun go down as your waiter attends to you. Indulge in exquisite treats such as the yellowfin tuna nigiri tempura on seaweed salad followed by fresh lagoon prawns and finish off with a mouth-watering dessert.

On May 12, 2019, join us on the beach for our Mother’s Day Dinner. Our Executive Chef, Siegbert Horn and his team have created a sensational menu that will ensure you wrap up this special day in the most spectacular way. The incredible menu and the awe-inspiring setting by the sea will guarantee that you have a Mother’s Day to remember.

The Romantic Full Moon Dinner on May 18, 2019, and May 24, 2019, appeals to your romantic nature. The enchanting atmosphere under the moonlight, by the sea, as a cooling breeze blows sets the scene to enjoy dinner in the company of your loved one. Lose yourself in the wonder of the night and each other while you enjoy tantalising delicacies.

With the Bubbles & Lobster Dinner on May 31, 2019, Chef Sigi puts together a fantastic menu around the Maldivian lobster. Toast to the beautiful island life with a glass of Prosecco as you relish the delectable feast. Dig into the char-grilled prawns served with arugula salad, followed by grilled or steamed lobster served with asparagus pilaf rice, to mention but a few.

Finally, throughout the month, escape to a private location on the beach for the Signature Private BBQ Dinner. Secluded and idyllic, this highly requested dinner allows you to have the beach to yourself as you enjoy prime cuts or fresh seafood, expertly barbecued for you by your private chef.

To reserve any of these dinners, kindly email reservations@veligandu.com.

Bon Appétit!

As you plan a visit to Veligandu, we have special offers  that you can take advantage of.

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