Splurge of the Week: Velaa Private Island

As the Australian summer draws to an end, you’d be forgiven for planning a last-minute island escape. Luckily, Velaa Private Island in the Maldives sees enough warm weather for summer to last all year round.

Velaa was built from the ground up with exclusivity in mind. Previously an untended sprawl of rainforest and papaya trees, the resort now boasts some of the most luxurious suites in the Maldives.

For a small fortune – US$9900 per night – guests can book out the Romantic Pool Residence, which is accessible by boat only. This one-bedroom villa is suspended above the lagoon and comes with a Jacuzzi, sunken bath, personal gym and spa treatment rooms. With a private chef and butler, what reason could you possibly have to leave?

Perhaps the resort’s six island restaurants could tempt you, or activities such as yoga, diving and tennis. Then, of course, there’s the poolside bar Avi, which offers a Vintage Cocktail menu with some of the world’s most expensive liquors.

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