Golf Deluxe
Luxury is always a matter of definition.
For some, it is a game in "Augusta" - much praised but unattainable, at least without the necessary small change or the required "connections". For others, it is a luxury resort with a golf course, as recently opened in the Maldives. Hard to believe, but true! Velaa Private Island is the new hotspot for the well-heeled golfer, who can tee off on one of the most beautiful 6-hole short courses in the most expensive island resort on the Noonu Atoll.
The word "private" is taken literally in this paradise - and it comes at a price. For between 1,600 and 3,000 euros per day, everyone can enjoy their own private vacation in their own house with garden, pool, beach and covered oasis of peace with sea views as well as butler service. It's easy to believe that Madonna or Rihanna vacation here carefree and that even Arabian kings and their entourages rent the entire island for millions. The Czech Jiri Smejc has invested around 250 million dollars and built 43 exclusive villas and residences - with a huge range of leisure activities, an exclusive selection of wines and Michelin-starred cuisine.
He has owned this paradisiacal spot in the Indian Ocean for four years and, despite his passion for tennis, he brought golf legend José-Maria Olazabal on board as golf architect. A luxury for the golfing guest, who pays 150 dollars per hour. But he also has exclusive use of the course! His own butler, who also goes on the round as a caddy, takes care of everything. Anyone who thinks that these 6 holes with 9 tees are a "Mickey Mouse" course is mistaken. What looks so harmonious 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. Hot tip: a game early in the morning is the most enjoyable.
More info: www.velaaprivateisland.com
