34 Years, 50 Visits: Why One Swiss Doctor Calls Velassaru Maldives Home

Sunday 13th of April 2025

For Dr. Klein, a General Practitioner from Lucerne, Switzerland, Velassaru Maldives is far more than a vacation spot — it’s a place of peace, connection, and comfort. Since 1991, he and his wife Corina have returned over 50 times, sometimes twice a year, making the island their personal sanctuary.

“Back home, I take care of others. Here, I’m the one being taken care of,” Dr. Klein says, describing the resort as the only place where he feels he can truly recharge. The couple’s bond with Velassaru runs deep, and this year’s visit — their golden anniversary trip — was celebrated in style. From the moment they landed, they were welcomed with warmth: special gifts including a custom sunhat and golf shirt with Dhivehi messages, and even their own golf buggy to explore the island.

Their days now begin with calm snorkelling sessions or quiet walks, a change from the intense diving Dr. Klein used to enjoy. Afternoons are filled with Maldivian cuisine, and evenings end at the Chill Bar, where he relaxes with a Schweppes tonic and a cigar, often reflecting on the resort’s familiar rhythm. “They remember the juice I like, my coffee – it’s all set up just right,” he shares.

He credits much of the experience to the leadership of General Manager Denys Hordiienko, whose attention to detail keeps everything running smoothly. “It’s the small things — the names, the smiles, the food. That’s what makes it feel like coming home.”

For the Kleins, Velassaru isn’t just a destination; it’s part of their life story — one they plan to continue writing for years to come.