Priority Maldives has started selling bespoke holiday packages that include fast-track service at Velana International Airport.
Termed as VIP Airport Service, it is among the different experiences the agent could include in the package along with exciting underwater dinners and luxury yacht cruises. You can stay at almost any resort and let Priority Maldives arrange a trip to the nearest resort that has an undersea dining facility.
Transfer options include a luxury yacht, speedboat or VIP seaplane charter if it is distant. Alternatively, you could stay in one of their recommended resorts that is not far from the undersea restaurant. According to the agent, you could conveniently choose any island in Baa Atoll, Noonu Atoll or Raa Atoll and have the undersea dinner at Huwalhi Island Resort.
A yacht can be hired for a full day or half day. Depending on your budget they could include enhancements such as spa treatment aboard. Embarking on a Dolphin Cruise in the afternoon would be a great idea, especially if you want to surprise your spouse. Right after the cruise, the yacht can take a course to Hurawalhi for the ultimate experience below the surface of the sea.
In the post-Covid era, the Maldives has been enjoying tremendous growth in its tourism industry. Over a million tourists visited the country in 2021 and the following year it was 1.6 million tourists. Tourist arrivals continued to increase at a double-digit figure. For the current year, the government has targeted to achieve 2 million tourists.
Increasing tourist counts make the Male Airport often too crowded as an airport to cope beyond its capacity. Thanks to Priority Maldives for making the VIP airport service so convenient and easy to book via WhatsApp, not only queues can be skipped but the whole arrival terminal gets skipped altogether. On arrival, the guests on VIP package are quickly received at flight stairs and escorted to one of the lounges while regular passengers proceed to the arrival hall.
Velana Airport (MLE, ICAO Code: VRMM) is located on a small island off the capital Male. It has been more than 30 years since the terminal was built. Though there were upgrades every few years the main arrival terminal and departure terminal largely remain the same while new Duty Free outlets and additional services have been introduced.
Construction of a brand new terminal is underway with more than 50% completed. The new president Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced the targeted opening in the last quarter of 2024. The new terminal is said to have the capacity to serve 7 million passengers annually or 4000 passengers a day,
The airport currently serves 2000 private jets every year while Maafaru International Airport (VRDA) remains the second busiest international gateway and is largely popular among holidaymakers who fly private jets to luxury resorts in Noonu Atoll. You could land at Maafaru and get whisked on the palm-fringed beaches within 30 minutes.
Velaa Private Island (above) is a well-known resort that offers many activities to do, including scuba diving and water sports along with several land-based sports that are perfect for holidays. It is also one of the few islands that has a golf course. If you enjoy surfing the only Wave Simulator in the country is available at Cheval Blanc Randheli which is also located near Maafaru.
The other luxury brand is called Soneva (above), they have resorts near Maafaru as well as in Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve. All these are top-ranked luxury hotels that have been featured in international media such as CNN, and Forbes.
The Nautilus Maldives (above) is one of the smallest private islands where you can reserve a villa without having to exclusively book the entire island. There are about 20 luxury abodes of which some are located overwater while others are at the beach. Referred as a Beach House, every villa comes with a private pool facing the beach. Natural vegetation around the villa makes the pool very private while a narrow passage leads directly to the beach within a few steps. Privacy is an important element for many tourists, especially honeymooners. Water Villas also come with temperature temperature-controlled private pool, guests staying at other villas don’t see you as a privacy fence blocks the view from both sides, and at the front is open sea.
Ithaafushi Private Island (above) is located in Kaafu Atoll, about 40 minutes from Velana Airport. Since this is an exclusive island you cannot book individual villas, you can only book the island and stay anywhere you prefer. There is enough accommodation for 23 guests to stay, there are 2 main villas of which one is located overwater. The other is a beach villa with a private pool. This is one of the top private islands in the Maldives. All services are provided by Waldorf Astoria Maldives. Ithaafushi is a full butler service island, you can either have meals ordered from Waldorf Astoria or a private chef can cook them right in Ithaafushi. The house reef is perfect for snorkeling and your butler would be more than happy to join if you need someone to company for safety reasons. Otherwise, you can also get a professional Snorkeling Guide from Watersports Centre. Waldorf Astoria Maldives is very close, it takes only 3 – 5 minutes by pontoon boat that is available 24/7. A vast array of food and beverage options are available there and all outlets feature luxury architecture and furnishing. The price is $75000 – $120000 per night, food and beverages cost extra charges while prices are subject to taxes and service charges.
Four Seasons Voavah Private Island is a cheaper option if you want to go for an exclusive private island. It costs $45000 – $75000 per night. Apart from the beach villa and water villa, there is a luxury yacht included in the package, you can enjoy the yacht as much as you wish. Voavah is located in Baa Atoll, near Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru. As you may have noticed all these tiny private retreats have their main island in the vicinity to provide all supporting services. Luxury hospitality is complex and operating such a facility incurs tremendous costs. Hence, it comes at a premium price tag that may be affordable for the world’s ultra-rich.
