Less than 120 miles north of Male, in Noonu Atoll, lies Velaa Private Island, an ultra-exclusive boutique hideaway that showcases its stunning Indian Ocean setting while elevating the definition of luxury. Its name means “Turtle Island” in the local language, homage to the protected sea turtles that nest on its shores. A turtle motif pervades the property, from contemporary design flourishes that mirror the patterns of a turtle shell to the view that greets seaplane arrivals—overwater villas constructed to resemble a turtle’s head, with the nearly 50-acre island forming its body.

Thoughtful design is the hallmark of Velaa Private Island, with each of the 47 butler-serviced private villas, houses and residences immersing guests in nature, comfort and privacy. One-bedroom beachfront pool villas decked in mahogany feature private pools, an ocean-facing al fresco dining area, and outdoor bathroom connected to a garden atrium. Two-bedroom beachfront houses are ideal for families. Overwater accommodations are set along an extended jetty for uninterrupted ocean vistas and up-close marine life viewing. Four-bedroom Velaa Private Residences sit on a private stretch of icing-sugar sand, accommodating up to 10 guests in more than 14,500 square feet of indoor-outdoor elegance—a rarity in the Maldives. For the ultimate in privacy, the one-bedroom Romantic Pool Residence, suspended above the lagoon, is only accessible via boat.

The retreat’s equally luxurious dining experiences range from the ocean-view CRU Champagne Lounge and modern European cuisine of Aragu to Tavaru, a Teppanyaki grill in a tower that also houses the Maldives’ largest wine cellar. In-villa or destination dining are always on the menu. The newly updated Velaa Spa offers holistic healing therapies, as well as one-of-kind facilities, such as Cloud 9, a state-of-the-art light therapy pod. Velaa Golf Academy has a putting green, simulator and tailor-made instruction. Every water sport imaginable is within reach: paddle boarding, kite surfing, yachting, big game fishing and, of course, scuba diving rarely visited reefs. It’s even possible to explore deeper waters on a semi-submarine tour or snorkel after dark to observe florescent marine organisms. At Velaa Private Island, the options for a perfectly curated escape are as endless as the aquamarine sea.