Golf in the Maldives? Why yes!
It is not the first and admittedly not the longest, but it is the newest on Noonu Atoll, whose island resort Velaa Private Island is one of the most exclusive and expensive in the Maldives.
Czech entrepreneur Jiri Smejc has raised 250 million for the project and golf icon and Ryder Cup captain Jose-Maria Olazabal has created an exceptionally beautiful 6-hole course. All in all, it is the dream destination for golfers with the necessary change.
Practise in Paradise
is the name of the Olazabal Golf Academy brochure, which aims to whet the appetite for a round of golf. I'm curious to find out what's so special about 6 holes with 9 tees. There is even supposed to be a golf academy with all the necessary equipment and rental clubs. The hour costs 150 dollars, the caddy 100 dollars and Chris, the pro, charges another 150 dollars for 30 minutes of training. Not cheap fun! But anyone who thinks this short course is a "Mickey Mouse" course is mistaken. What looks so harmoniously integrated into the landscape at first glance has a few pitfalls: bunkers hidden by hills, water and palm trees that block the view of the green and sand and flowering bushes as boundaries. Nevertheless - even golf novices can have fun here, as the choice of games ranges from very easy to very difficult. All on just 1.2 hectares of green space, built by Austrian landscape architect Toni Ortner, who planned Olazabal's ideas on the drawing board and is explaining the course to me today. "You can make it difficult or very easy," he says, pointing to the 9 tee boxes, which can be varied. As you please - that's the motto as long as you can stand it in 30° heat. The indoor studio, on the other hand, is cool and pleasant with a simulator, camera and tees outside and, of course, equipped with the latest academy equipment. And if you still haven't had enough, there's the open tennis hall or the deeply chilled fitness studio and the incredible range of water sports on offer, including an underwater boat and yacht.
Once in my Lifetime - Velaa Private Island
High-priced, stylish and absolutely exclusive, with its own house, garden, pool, beach, covered relaxation oasis and its own butler - that's how it is to live in my deluxe beach pool villa. After all, celebrities such as Madonna and Rihanna had the same taste - although they probably stayed in the Romantic Pool Residence on over 600 square meters, which can only be reached by boat and guarantees maximum privacy. Crowned heads of state also appreciate this hideaway and rent the entire island with its 43 villas with their entourage. There is also a choice of the Sunrise Water Pool Villas out at sea or the Residences for families on 600 square meters with a large pool, kitchen, two bedrooms, fitness room and library. What they all have in common is the authentic thatched roof and the colonial-style ambience with mahogany walls, high ceilings and teak furniture. With a view of the turquoise blue sea, the daybed in the Gazebo is of course best enjoyed as a couple, but even "without" you will feel like you are in 7th heaven.
Dining, golfing and shopping with Buddy
Buddy is my butler and how can I keep him busy is the question. So he takes me to the Arthiri Restaurant in the morning in a golf cart, to the stylish Tavaru Tower for live teppanyaki cooking at lunchtime, which couldn't be taller than the tallest palm tree and also houses a well-stocked wine cellar, and then to the Michelin-starred Aragu Restaurant with Cru Champagne Lounge for fine dining in the evening. I immediately fall in love with the curries, the fish dishes and the exotic fruit that Buddy serves me in my room - as well as the bottle of champagne. It feels a bit "like God in France".
In the design of the water turtle
As in the name "Velaa", the "turtle" motif can be found all over the island. Also in the clothing and jewelry boutiques and in the library. Even as pictures and fabric patterns in the rooms, as stone figures among the 2000 plant species and as souvenirs to take home. Even an average consumer like me can afford it.
For everything else, you need the necessary "small change": Villa per night between 1600 and 16. 000 dollars, depending on the season.
www.velaaprivatisland.com
