Simply Abu Dhabi XXII

8 5 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I There’s luxury, and then there’s Velaa Private Island. T his unique destination was developed to embody the very best of life in theMaldives. Unlike other islands in this unique archipelago, Velaa is truly private, owned by a single person – Jiri Smejc, whose passion for the spectacular garland of coral islands led to him to create his ideal retreat, one curated with privacy and comfort in mind. Basking under azure skies in the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean, Velaa Private Island is Mr Smejc’s remarkable vision come to vibrant life. The name of this private retreat, an elegant fusion of Maldivian culture with contemporary luxury, means ‘Turtle Island’ in the local language, and it was chosen because of the generations of sea turtles that have migrated here. Designed by Czech architect Petr Kolar, the overall design concept is contemporary yet intimate, with Maldivian nuances. Fittingly, turtle motifs are a unifying theme on the property, while from a bird’s eye view, the villas are constructed to resemble the head of a turtle, with the island forming the body. Velaa Private Island also ensures plenty of room for its marine visitors, with a hatchery and conservation plan in place.