Velana Beach

Maafushi


This sparkling newcomer is on the far side of the island facing the sea, and offers up 10 rooms that have been impressively designed in minimalist white enlivened by well-chosen art work and the odd piece of brightly patterned furniture. The obliging staff both here and in the very similar next-door Velana Blu ensure guests feel immediately at home.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Maafushi attractions

1. Guraidhoo

3.27 MILES

Guraidhoo enjoys good anchorage and is a busy port used by both fishing dhonis and passing safari boats. Sultans from Male sought refuge here during…

2. Gulhi

3.44 MILES

The island of Gulhi, north of Maafushi, is not large but is inhabited by around 900 people. Fishing is the main activity, and there’s also a small…

3. China-Maldives Friendship Bridge

15.94 MILES

This incredibly impressive piece of engineering connects Male to the airport island of Hulhule, but unlike most of the causeways connecting islands…

4. Artificial Beach

15.97 MILES

A sweet little crescent sand beach has been crafted from the breakwater tetrapods here where locals can swim and enjoy a day on the beach. There’s a whole…

5. Tomb of Mohammed Thakurufaanu

16.03 MILES

In the backstreets in the middle of town, in the grounds of a small mosque, is the tomb of Mohammed Thakurufaanu, Maldives’ national hero who liberated…

6. National Museum

16.11 MILES

Maldives' National Museum may be a ferociously ugly building gifted by China, but it nevertheless contains a well-labelled collection of historic…

7. Rasrani Bageecha

16.14 MILES

Previously known as Sultan's Park and once part of the grounds of the now-demolished sultan’s palace, this former green lung of Male was redeveloped and…

8. Muleeaage & Medhu Ziyaarath

16.16 MILES

Muleeaage was built as a palace for the sultan in the early 20th century, though he was deposed before he could move in and the building was used for…