- Island Features
- Tennis
- Swimming Pool for Children
- Splash Park for Children
- Bubble Master Introductory Diving for Kids
- Swim Up Pool Bar
- Communal Swimming Pool
- Communal Swimming Pool (Adults only)
- Kids Club (from 3 yrs)
- Kids Club (from 4 yrs)
- Babysitting Available
- Doctor on Island
- Nurse on Island
- Decompression Chamber on Island
- Island Time same as Airport/Male Time
- Island Time 1 hour ahead of Airport/Male Time
- Island Time 2 hours ahead of Airport/Male Time
- Age Restriction - Adults Only (above 07 years)
- Age Restriction - Adults Only (above 08 years)
- Age Restriction - Adults Only (above 12 years)
- Age Restriction - Adults Only (above 16 years)
- Golf Buggies for transportation
- Spa
- Gym
- Evening Music Entertainment
- Feeding of fish/shark/rays by the island
- Shop - for Clothes
- Shop - for Jewellery
- Shop - for Gifts/Everyday
- Snorkel Equipment included Free
- Local Island Excursion
- Evening Music such as - Bodu Beru
- Evening Music such as - a Vocalist, a Band or a DJ
- Bicycles (free)
- Bicycles (chargeable)
- Bicycles with Stabilisers or Child Seats
- Child sized Bicycles
- Sea Defences (sea walls) offshore
- Sea Defences which disappear at High Tide
- Groynes extend from Beach into Lagoon
- Sea Grass Area (friendly to Turtles)
- Located in Addu Atoll
- Located in Baa Atoll
- Located in Dhaalu Atoll
- Located in Faafuu Atoll
- Located in Gaafu Alifu Atoll
- Located in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll
- Located in Haa Alifu Atoll
- Located in Haa Dhaalu Atoll
- Located in Laamu Atoll
- Located in Lhaviyani Atoll
- Located in Meemu Atoll
- Located in Noonu Atoll
- Located in North Ari Atoll (Alif Alif Atoll)
- Located in North Male Atoll (Kaafu Atoll)
- Located in Raa Atoll
- Located in Rasdhoo Atoll
- Located in South Ari Atoll (Alif Dhaal Atoll)
- Located in South Male Atoll
- Located in Shaviyani Atoll
- Located in Thaa Atoll
- Located in Vaavu Atoll
- Room
- WiFi available in Rooms
- WiFi available in Rooms (but chargeable)
- WiFi available in Communal Areas
- WiFi available in Communal Areas (but chargeable)
- 2 Bedroom Beach Villas (with linking door)
- 2 Bedroom Beach Villas (with linking corridoor)
- 2 Bedroom Water Villas (with linking door)
- 2 Bedroom Water Villas (with linking corridoor)
- Twin Beds available? (enquire for room type)
- Water Villas
- Water Villas with Private Pools
- Water Villa with Child Safety Rails
- Water Villa with Slide
- Beach Villas with Private Pools
- Sunbeds numbered for Villa
- Sunbeds on Beach for Water Villas
- Butler Service
- Room Service/In Villa Dining
- Room Service/In Villa Dining (incl. in a mealplan)
- Coffee Machine and Pods (free)
- Coffee Machine and Pods (chargeable)
- Minibar included in All Inclusive
- Movies on Room TV included
- Movies on Room TV chargeable
- Minibar in the room
- Iron and Ironing Board available
- Dining
- All Inclusive
- All Inclusive including A La Carte
- Bar that shows Football/Sports
- Celebration Beach Dining Available
- Celebration Dining Dug into Sand Available
- Early Dining for Children
- OverWater Bar/Restaurant
- Vegan Friendly Restaurant
- Vegan Friendly Menus in Standard Restaurants
- Food Intolerances can be Accommodated
- UnderWater Bar/Restaurant
- Breakfast - Buffet only
- Breakfast - a la Carte only
- Breakfast - Buffet and a la Carte
- Coffee Machine and Pods (free)
- Minibar included in All Inclusive
- Coffee Machine and Pods (chargeable)
- Minibar in the room
- Room Service/In Villa Dining
- Room Service/In Villa Dining (incl. in a mealplan)
- In the Water
- Snorkelling available from the Beach
- Snorkelling available from Water Villas
- Snorkelling available from a Boat Trip (free)
- Snorkelling from a Boat Trip (chargeable)
- Water Sports available free (non motorised)
- Water Sports available chargeable (non motorised)
- Water Sports available free (motorised)
- Water Sports available chargeable (motorised)
- Water Villa access to Water via a Runged Ladder
- Water Villa access to Water via a Flat Step Ladder
- Water Villa access to Water via Flat Step Stairs
- Sandy Bottomed Lagoon
- Surf Waves from Shore
- Surf Waves accessible from boat trip
- Sea Defences (sea walls) offshore
- Sea Defences which disappear at High Tide
- Groynes extend from Beach into Lagoon
- Certified Dive Centre
- Nitrox Diving
- Whale Shark Season (May to December)
- Whale Shark Season (January to April)
- Manta Ray Season (June to November)
- Manta Ray Season (January to May)
- Sea Grass Area (friendly to Turtles)
- Regular Turtle Sightings
- Bioluminescence seen in past 12 months
- Water Park in Lagoon
- Bubble Master Introductory Diving for Kids
- Snorkel Equipment included Free
- Buoyancy Jacket for Snorkelling included
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible Villa
- Swimming Pool Hoist/Crane
- Swimming Pool Flat Step Ladder
- Swimming Pool Flat Step Entry
- Swimming Pool Slope
- Hard Walkways
- Golf Buggy Available
- Sand Wheelchair
- Transfer
- Speedboat Transfer
- SeaPlane Transfer (water to water)
- Private Seaplane Lounge (as opposed to Communal)
- Domestic Plane Transfer (tarmac to tarmac)
- After Sunset Transfer available
- Air Conditioned Speedboat
- Air Conditioned Seaplane
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Drift Thelu Veliga
Here, nature never fails to captivate as you discover a wonderland of thriving marine life and stunning coral on the island’s house reef.
Spanning just over a hectare in size, Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat is an untouched island that promises white sandy beaches and plush vegetation. Surrounded by a turquoise lagoon, this private island is a throwback to a much simpler time.
Here, nature never fails to captivate as you discover a wonderland of thriving marine life and stunning coral in the island’s house reef. Take to the waves and enjoy big game fishing or water sports. Or take it easy and savour the authentic luxury and simple pleasures that Drift has to offer. Life on our island is as invigorating or as relaxing as you desire. It is, after all, yours to enjoy.
Known for its outstanding, unspoiled natural beauty and marine life, Drift Retreat is 90 kilometres west of the Maldivian capital of Malé. The island is located in South Ari Atoll, home to some of the most incredible snorkelling and diving spots in the world.
Promising an arrival you’ll never forget, you can reach the island with a 35-minute seaplane ride from Malé International Airport.
Drift Thelu Veliga only accept children aged 0-1.99 years and 11 years + on the island. Children aged 2-10 years old are not accepted.
Drift Retreat Thelu Veligaa will be an adult only island.
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Transfers
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Food
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Offers
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Rooms
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Activities
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Maps
This island is served by Seaplane and Domestic Plane + Boat.
Your Seaplane transfer will take around 35 mins.
Your Domestic Plane + Boat transfer will take around 35 mins + 30 mins.
DELECTABLE DELIGHTS
Drift’s team of highly-skilled chefs create delicious dishes incorporating a signature island flair. With an emphasis on exceptional ingredients and fresh seafood, sourced locally wherever possible, you will experience unique and memorable flavours bursting with authenticity.
The retreat’s restaurant offers a sumptuous buffet as well as a la carte options in a stunning open-air environment that ensures you will never forget your beautiful surroundings.
For the epicureans at heart, a carefully curated selection of culinary focused experiences are available for you to enjoy, as well as themed dining evenings, and both in-villa and private beach dining options.
THE BAR
Our beachfront bar offers the perfect opportunity to witness the stunning Maldivian sunset as you sit and sip on one of our cocktails. With light meals and snacks available throughout the day, it is the perfect spot to relax and mingle with other guests.
Beach Villa
Gently rounded in design, our 10 Beach Villas are tucked away on shore, ensuring total seclusion and privacy. Fling your doors open to step onto a pristine white beach and gaze at uninterrupted views of the crystal clear waters beyond.
White-washed walls contrast with the rich colours of hand-carved wooden furniture. A sweeping net canopy encircles a large king sized bed.
- Air-conditioning
- King sized bed with traditional net canopy
- Hair dryer
- Organic bathroom amenities
- Safe
- Mini bar
- Tea and coffee making facilities
- Complimentary wifi
- Private outdoor seating and sun loungers
- Direct access to the beach
Maximum Occupancy - 2 Adults
7 nights, arriving on 4th October 2026
Change Dates
- Full Board
- £2,494.00ENQUIRE
- Half Board
- £2,494.00ENQUIRE
- All Inclusive
- £2,930.00ENQUIRE
Water Villa
Our 20 Water Villas are poised over the island’s vast turquoise lagoon. A private deck allows direct access into the cool blue waters. Wake up to the music of the waves or spend balmy evenings stargazing from your private terrace.
A king sized bed faces floor to ceiling windows, soaking the villa with gentle glow of the sun. A sunny bathroom features a stylish designer bathtub with a spectacular ocean view.
- Air-conditioning
- King sized bed with traditional net canopy
- Hair dryer
- Organic bathroom amenities
- Bathtub with ocean view
- Safe
- Mini bar
- Tea and coffee making facilities
- Complimentary wifi
- Private outdoor seating and sun loungers
- Direct access to the lagoon
Maximum Occupancy - 2 Adults
7 nights, arriving on 4th October 2026
Change Dates
- Full Board
- £2,926.00ENQUIRE
- Half Board
- £2,926.00ENQUIRE
- All Inclusive
- £3,362.00ENQUIRE
ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS
Set yourself up for the day with a sunrise breakfast cruise, or learn to scuba dive in the crystal clear waters to discover the vibrant colours and marine life of our coral reefs. Plan to do as little or much as you like, from the thrilling to the relaxing, Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat is yours to explore.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
Curated moments for two, with a signature Drift flavour.
- A Local Fisherman's Journey
- A Maldivian Family Experience
- The Castaway Sandbank Picnic
SHARED EXPERIENCES
Discover the sights and sounds of South Ari Atoll.
- The Coral Garden Adventure
- The Ultimate Desert Island Experience
- An Afternoon Spent Fishing
- Bird’s Eye View from a Seaplane
- An Island Hopping Adventure
- Going Dolphin Watching
WATER SPORTS
A rush of adrenaline on the clearest of waters.
- Snorkelling
- Wind Surfing
- Kayaking Paddle Boarding
- Catamaran Sailing
- Water Skiing
- Kite Surfing
- Wake Boarding
Snorkelling gear of a variety of sizes are available at Drift. For those looking for adventure close to home, our House Reef is a just short swim away.
AN AWE INSPIRING EXPERIENCE
Just a 30 minute speedboat ride away from Drift Retreat, close to Maamigili Island, is the famed Whale Shark Point of South Ari Atoll. Known as the foremost location in the world for spotting and snorkelling with the gentle giants of the sea, over 80 unique whale sharks call this protected region home.
Join our highly experienced team to go on an unforgettable adventure to swim alongside these remarkable creatures. Our team will always take the utmost care to be ecologically considerate during the excursion, and will be on hand to advise on how to enjoy this experience in a responsible way.
Drift Retreat is proud contributor of whale shark sighting reports to The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme, a charity which studies and advocates on behalf of whale sharks.
HOME OF DANCING ANEMONES AND SEA TURTLES
Famous for its ivory beaches and turquoise shores, the Maldives is one of the world’s top diving destinations, and South Ari Atoll in particular is renowned for its biodiversity.
The resort partners with an internationally renowned diving team to help guests discover the incredible beauty of the Maldivian underwater ecosystem.
POPULAR DIVE SITES NEARBY
Theluveligau Giri 10 Minutes
Miaru Thila 25 Minutes
Lilly Beach Thila 25 Minutes
Vilamendhoo Thila 30 Minutes
Kuda Thila 30 minutes
Noogiri Dhangethi Thila 30 minutes
Orimasfaru Thila 40 minutes
Ranveli Rock 40 minutes
Dhangethi Beyru 40 minutes
Hudhuthila 50 minutes
Broken Rock 1 hour 15 minutes
Macchafushi Rock 1 hours 20 minutes
ATOL protects packages with flights.
The TTA protects ATOL packages and accommodation and transfer packages.
These are provided at no extra cost so you can book knowing you’re in the safest of hands.
Purely Maldives’ prices are inclusive of all taxes and surcharges and we ALWAYS include either speedboat, seaplane or domestic plane transfers (click on the Transfer tab).
- Atoll Name
- South Ari Atoll (Alif Dhaal Atoll)
- Distance from Male
- 88km / 55mi
- Time from Male
- Seaplane35 mins or
- Domestic Plane + Boat35 mins + 30 mins
- House Reef from Shore
- Yes
- Groynes on Beach
- Yes
- Sea Walls in Lagoon
- Yes
- Age Range
- Adult Only (12years +)
- All Inclusive Available
- Yes (buffet)
- Number of Restaurants
- 1
- Number of Bars
- 1
- Number of Beach Villas
- 10
- Number of Water Villas
- 20
- Island Dimensions
- 150x115m
- Island Area
- 12,000 square metres
- Island Density
- 1,200 square metres per land room