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From467US$ /night
Check-in
29Dec2025Select date
Check-out
30Dec2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About Resort

Thelu Veliga, South Ari Atoll, 20183 Theluveligaa, Maldives, Dhangethi, Maldives
-
Close to the beach
Perfect
9.4
10.0
/10
4.4
4.4
/5

Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat (Adults Only) offers a serene escape with 30 charming villas amid lush vegetation. This adults-only, 4-star retreat features an overwater spa, beachfront bar, and a restaurant serving a variety of culinary options in an open-air setting.

Rooms & Amenities

All guestrooms at Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat feature air conditioning, free WiFi, and laptop-friendly workspaces, with some rooms offering sea views and patios. The elegant design integrates with the natural surroundings, providing a peaceful refuge for relaxation.

Dining Options

The restaurant offers a sumptuous buffet as well as a la carte options, emphasizing fresh and locally sourced seafood with continental and Asian flavors. Dining can also include private beach dinners and themed culinary experiences.

Leisure & Activities

The overwater spa at Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat provides a range of massage treatments influenced by Indonesia, Thailand, and India, alongside body treatments aimed at restoring harmony. Guests can engage in various water sports, such as snorkeling and big game fishing, or partake in excursions to view whale sharks.

Transportation & Local Area

Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat is reachable via a 35-minute seaplane ride from Malé International Airport, making it a secluded getaway. Nearby, the retreat is 5 km from Villa International Maamigili, a known area for diverse marine wildlife, particularly the whale shark.

Must-do experiences

  • Snorkel at Maafushi for vibrant marine life and coral reefs.
  • Savor traditional Maldivian garudhiya at Dhiyafa Restaurant.
  • Visit the local fish market in Dhangethi for fresh catches.
  • Take a sunset dolphin cruise for unforgettable ocean views.
  • Explore local art at the Dhangethi Art Gallery.
View all

Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Beach Villa on SPA
2 persons
39 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Water Villa on SPA
2 persons
54 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Bathtub

Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • Adults only
  • Luggage storage
  • Private beach

Sports & Fitness

  • Wind surfing
  • Diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Paid airport shuttle
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Outdoor dining area

Children

  • Board games

Spa & Leisure

  • Beach access
  • Entertainment
  • Garden area
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Massage

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Mini-bar
  • Sitting area
  • Patio
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Parquet floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

At Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat, delicious dining options await guests seeking both local and international flavors. The retreat boasts a charming restaurant and offers personalized dining experiences, including private beach dinners and seafood BBQs, perfect for memorable moments.

Restaurant #1

A blend of American, Austrian, Australian, and Asian cuisines, with options for Halal, Kosher, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, and Dairy-free diets.
Ambiance
A harmonious mix of traditional and modern styles, offering a romantic setting perfect for intimate dinners or relaxed gatherings.
Key Offerings
Signature dishes feature a fusion of cultural influences, with creative presentations and flavors that capture the essence of global dining. Light meals and snacks are readily available throughout the day.
Reservation
Reservations are recommended for dinner.
Lunch is served daily from 12:30hrs to 14:30hrs; other hours vary.

Location

Thelu Veliga, South Ari Atoll, 20183 Theluveligaa, Maldives, Dhangethi, Maldives
Map view
Thelu Veliga, South Ari Atoll, 20183 Theluveligaa, Maldives, Dhangethi, Maldives
Nearby
Island
Theluveligaa
30 m
Explore Dhangethi
Local Experiences
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Theluveligaa
1-minute walk
A serene beach offering stunning views, perfect for relaxation and enjoying the natural beauty of the Maldives.
Snorkeling Excursions
5 minutes' walk
Guide-led snorkeling trips nearby showcase vibrant coral reefs; equipment rental available for thrill-seekers.
Yoga Sessions
10 minutes' walk
Tranquil yoga classes on the beach provide relaxation; available daily with options for all levels and experiences.
The Beach House
2-minute walk
Charming ambiance with seafood specialties; signature dishes include grilled fish and tropical salads. Reservations recommended.
Palm Restaurant
5 minutes' drive
Wide variety of international cuisines served in a casual setting; known for its pasta and vegetarian options.
Lounge Bar
3-minute walk
Lively spot featuring live music weekly and a selection of cocktails; perfect for a night out or relaxation.
Cultural Dance Shows
8 minutes' drive
Local performances showcasing Maldivian culture; family-friendly and held regularly in nearby venues.
Getting around
City Centre
Dhangethi14 min  ·  9.1 km
Airports
Villa International Maamigili (VAM)2 min  ·  100 m
Velana International Airport (MLE)8 min  ·  5.3 km

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.
Guest reviews
5.0/10
based on 5 reviews
9.4
9.4/10 based on 210 reviews
Jason
United Kingdom, February  2025
6.6/10

The resort offers a stunning getaway with vibrant marine life and a serene environment, but the service and dining experience leave much to be desired. While the location is picturesque, the staff's approach to guests who chose the all-inclusive option feels unwelcoming, which significantly detracts from the overall experience.

Rooms
7.0
The beach villas are charming and maintain a classic Maldivian style, but some aspects like cleanliness could be improved.
Service
5.0
The service was generally slow and often felt disorganized, particularly at meal times, which was quite disappointing.
Location
8.0
The island is beautifully small, offering a scenic escape with easy access to snorkeling right off your villa, although some maintenance issues are noticeable.
Dining
5.0
While the buffet has good quality food, the lack of diversity and the issues with the all-inclusive drink options were frustrating.
Facilities
6.0
Though the facilities include a nice spa and diving center, the overall care for the environment is lacking, especially with plastic sandbags disfiguring the beach.
Robert
United Kingdom, February  2025
8.8/10

My stay at this resort was a dream come true! The view from the water villa is absolutely breathtaking, and the privacy it offers is unmatched. The staff were attentive and friendly, making my special occasions even more memorable. However, I did notice that the food quality varied and the snorkeling trips came with a hefty price tag, which felt a bit misleading.

Rooms
10.0
The water villa was clean and incredibly comfortable, offering stunning views of the ocean. It felt like my own private paradise.
Service
9.0
The service was excellent, with attentive staff always checking in to ensure my stay was unforgettable.
Location
10.0
The location was simply idyllic, providing a secluded beach experience where I could truly relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Dining
7.0
The dining options were diverse, but some dishes lacked flavor, which was a bit disappointing considering the resort's reputation.
Facilities
8.0
The facilities were well-maintained, but I would recommend improving the snorkel excursion options for better value.
Layla
United Kingdom, February  2025
8.2/10

Drift Retreat is a hidden gem in the Maldives, ideal for those seeking tranquility and beautiful surroundings. The overwater villas provide stunning views and comfort, making our stay enjoyable. The dining experience was delicious with high-quality food but could be more varied. Overall, it's a peaceful retreat for relaxation, but the spa prices were a bit steep.

Rooms
9.0
The overwater villa we stayed in was spacious, very clean, and comfortable with breathtaking views of the ocean, much better than what I had anticipated.
Service
8.0
The service was warm and accommodating, with staff being very attentive, though sometimes a bit overwhelmed during busy times.
Location
9.0
The location is serene, set in the Indian Ocean, ideal for swimming and enjoying the clear waters, but accessibility via seaplane may require patience.
Dining
8.0
The food was outstanding, particularly the dinner options, but I felt there could have been more diversity in the menu.
Facilities
7.0
Facilities like the bar were relaxing, but I was disappointed that there was no pool, which would have been a nice addition.
Owen
United Kingdom, September  2024
7.8/10

My stay at Drift Thelu was a mixed bag. The resort is stunning with beautiful water villas offering breathtaking views, but the strict all-inclusive policy left much to be desired and led to some frustrating moments. The staff, while friendly, had inconsistent service that marred the experience somewhat. Overall, while the location and amenities were superb, the dining and service aspects could use significant improvement.

Rooms
9.0
The water villas were gorgeous and cozy, impeccably clean with stunning ocean views and great decor. The spaciousness was a real plus, making it feel like a luxurious getaway.
Service
6.0
The staff was friendly but the service was hit or miss. Some staff members, like Mary at the bar, were delightful and attentive, but others were inconsistent, leading to some frustrating experiences.
Location
10.0
The island is truly beautiful and small, perfect for a relaxing stay. It felt like a slice of paradise, with an abundance of marine life just a short swim away.
Dining
5.0
Dining was quite disappointing given the limited options available with the all-inclusive package. The buffet offered varied but sometimes empty selections, and the rules around dining felt overly restrictive.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities were excellent; the resort had a wonderful spa, and various water activities were readily available. Snorkeling equipment was free to rent, adding to the overall experience.
Stunning location
Inconsistent service
Alexander
United Kingdom, September  2024
8.2/10

I had a lovely stay at the resort with beautiful water villas and friendly staff. The food was quite tasty, although the dinner options felt limited, and I was surprised by the prices. The location was stunning, with great snorkeling opportunities, but some maintenance issues were evident. Overall, it was a relaxing getaway, but there's room for improvement in several areas.

Rooms
9.0
The water villa was stunning, featuring a private deck with direct access to the sea, a bathtub overlooking the ocean, and an incredibly comfortable bed.
Service
8.0
The service was attentive and friendly, with staff always checking in to ensure we were enjoying our stay.
Location
10.0
The resort is located on a gorgeous island that provides a true Maldivian paradise experience, with stunning views and fishing opportunities.
Dining
6.0
While breakfast was quite varied, I found the dinner choices a bit repetitive and sometimes lacking in flavor for the price.
Facilities
8.0
Facilities like the bar area offered a relaxing vibe with beautiful sunset views, but the pool could use more attention.
Stunning water villas
Limited dining options
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
until 12 pm
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
is available in public areas for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat (Adults Only) serves a full breakfast for free. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, German, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Korean, Hindi, Bengali
Number of rooms:
30
FAQs
About Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat (Adults Only)
How far is Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat (Adults Only) from Malé International Airport?
The hotel is a 35-minute seaplane ride from Malé International Airport.
What is the distance from Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat (Adults Only) to Villa International Maamigili?
Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat is 5 km from Villa International Maamigili.
What dining options are available at Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat (Adults Only)?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant serving local seafood with continental and Asian flavors, as well as options for in-villa dining and beachfront BBQs.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat (Adults Only)?
Check-in starts at 14:00 and check-out is by 12:00.
Are pets allowed at Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat (Adults Only)?
Pets are not permitted at the hotel.
What amenities do the rooms at Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat (Adults Only) include?
Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a minibar, a coffee/tea maker, and private bathrooms with hairdryers and organic tea-based toiletries.
Is there free Wi-Fi at Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat (Adults Only)?
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
Does Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat (Adults Only) feature any spa services?
The hotel offers an overwater spa that provides a range of massage treatments and wellness packages.
What recreational activities can guests enjoy at Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat (Adults Only)?
Guests can participate in snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, canoeing, and fishing.
What languages are spoken by the staff at Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat (Adults Only)?
The staff includes Chinese-speaking personnel.
What dining experience does the on-site bar at Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat (Adults Only) provide?
The bar offers light dishes and refreshing beverages, with views of the sunset.
What is unique about the location of Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat (Adults Only)?
The hotel is situated on Thelu Veliga Island in the South Ari Atoll, known for its biodiversity and house reef.

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