Sheikh Hamdan in the Maldives: this is the stunning private island hotel where the Dubai royal stayed
27 June, 2019
Dubai's Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed enjoyed a well-deserved break this week, with a trip to the Maldives.
The Crown Prince of Dubai was staying at the ultra-exclusive Velaa Private Island resort in the Maldives' Noonu Atoll in the north of the island country.
A super-exclusive hotel that starts from Dh8,000 per night, it offers private bungalows and secluded over-water villas so that guests can enjoy total privacy throughout their visit.
The royal, also known as Fazza, has now left the island, but made sure to keep his social media followers up to date with all the action from his trip with his uncle, Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Juma. The royal posted regular updates on his Instagram page, both in his stories and on his grid.
Far from a lazy beach break, the royal went fishing, swimming, snorkelling, diving and cycling during his time at Velaa. He also posted shots of himself playing tennis with his team and watching a traditional Maldivian dance, which took place at night.
He also took the opportunity to get up close to Maldivian nature, posting a video of a hermit crab on the beach and underwater shots of fish and turtles.
Velaa Private Island Maldives
The hotel describes itself as a "beyond luxury hideaway". Located 187 kilometres north of the capital Male, the hotel's design is inspired by the sea turtles that inhabit the ocean surrounding it.
The website claims: "The colours and patterns of a turtle's shell make up subtle nuances in the design, while from a broader aerial view, Velaa’s exclusive over-water villas resemble the head of a turtle with the island forming the body."
The hotel offers eight different types of room: beach pool villas, deluxe beach pool villas, beach pool houses, Velaa private residences, sunrise water pool villas, sunset deluxe water pool villas, ocean pool houses and a romantic pool residence. There are six restaurants and bars on the private island resort.