Resorts · South Malé Atoll

NIVA Velassaru Maldives

A 129-villa resort in South Malé Atoll, originally Laguna Maldives, relaunched as Velassaru in 2009 and rebranded NIVA Velassaru in 2024 under Hilton's SLH partnership. Beach Pool Villas, overwater suites, 25-minute speedboat from Velana.

The MT Verdict

A solid mid-tier-luxury resort under steady Universal Resorts ownership. Recently rebranded NIVA Velassaru and brought into Hilton's SLH circle — same product, more distribution.

Atoll

South Malé Atoll

Villas

129

Opened

2009

Transfer

25 min speedboat

Dive Grade

Intermediate

From

$$$$

The Villas

NIVA Velassaru runs 129 villas — Deluxe Bungalows on the beach, Beach Villas with private pools, Pool Villas at the edge of the lagoon, and Water Villas / Water Suites with private pools over the lagoon. The architectural palette is grey timber and dark thatched roofs.

Dining

The line-up runs five restaurants and bars — Vela (international all-day), Etesian (overwater Mediterranean), Sand (beachfront), Teppanyaki Grill (Japanese counter), and the Chill Bar.

Programme

The resort runs a Dive Velassaru centre, a spa pavilion over the lagoon, and a sandbank picnic concept. Reef access is decent for South Malé.

Logistics

Transfer is a 25-minute speedboat from Velana International Airport. The resort is operated by Universal Resorts and now distributed under Hilton's Small Luxury Hotels of the World programme as NIVA Velassaru.

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