Velaa Private Island Maldives: Pioneering Sustainable Luxury in Paradise
Thursday 17th of August 2023
Nestled in the pristine Noonu Atoll of the Maldives, Velaa Private Island is not just an ultra-luxurious escape; it's a beacon of innovative sustainability. Radka & Jiří Šmejc, the visionaries behind Velaa, have woven a profound respect for nature into every aspect of this tropical haven, setting a high standard for environmentally conscious luxury.
Restoring the Reef: Nurturing Marine Life
As custodians of the Earth, Radka & Jiří Šmejc are dedicated to replenishing what they've been given. The Velaa Coral Project, one of the largest coral restoration programs in the Maldives, is testament to this commitment. Guided by a team of marine biologists, the project employs cutting-edge Biorock technology to revitalize the coral reefs surrounding the island. Over the past three years, the reefs have witnessed steady growth, with plans to restore an additional 10% of the house reef using stress-resistant corals and advanced technology.
Visitors to Velaa can embark on guided snorkel or scuba diving tours of these coral gardens, learning firsthand about the intricate role coral plays in maintaining marine ecosystems. For those seeking a more personal connection, Velaa offers the opportunity to adopt individual coral lines, with adopters receiving certificates and biannual updates on their coral's progress.
Empowering the Local Community: Fehikuramaa Initiative
Velaa Private Island's commitment to sustainability extends beyond its shores to the Noonu Atoll community. Launched in 2021, the Fehikuramaa initiative strives to improve local environmental practices. In its inaugural year, the focus was on enhancing waste management through training and awareness. This year, the initiative's focus has shifted to ocean pollution and preserving a healthy marine ecosystem. Through the installation of water purification and cooling systems in local schools and accredited swimming instructor courses, Velaa is actively fostering change within the community.
Wayne Milgate, General Manager of Velaa Private Island, emphasizes the project's significance, stating, “Fehikuramaa in Dhivehi language broadly means ‘Let’s make the environment greener,’ and that’s precisely what we hope to achieve. One of the biggest takeaways from the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference is the consensus that all nations need to do much more if we want to move towards a greener planet.”
Harmonizing with Nature: Thoughtful Design
Velaa's sustainability ethos isn't limited to conservation efforts; it's deeply embedded in its design. Crafted by award-winning architect Petr Kolar, the island's architecture beautifully fuses Maldivian heritage with contemporary luxury. The use of local, natural materials such as palm leaves for thatched roof coverings and the extensive planting of native flora creates an island sanctuary that mirrors the natural beauty of the Maldives.
Velaa Private Island Maldives has set a remarkable example of how luxury and environmental consciousness can coexist seamlessly. Through coral restoration, community support, and thoughtfully integrated design, Velaa offers not just a vacation, but an experience that celebrates and safeguards the unparalleled beauty of the Maldivian paradise.
For more information, please visit: velaaprivateisland.com