Troon to create golfing island heaven in Maldives

Velaa Private Island to take advantage of industry renowned leaders and two-time major champion to enhance the golfing experience on luxurious secluded island

Troon, the upscale golf course management company has recently been appointed to oversee the exciting new Velaa Golf Academy by Olazábal in a thrilling new project in the Maldives. Velaa Private Island is one of the world’s most intriguing prospects and with the creation of a unique golf tuition centre, under the expert stewardship of Troon, it is sure to become one of the most sought-after destinations when it opens later this year. The signing provides further impetus to the exciting development and demonstrates the owners’, Jiri and Radka Smejc’s, intent to offer the most unique golf experience the world has to offer.

The Velaa Golf Academy by Olazábal, which has been created in collaboration with the two-time Major Champion, will offer a memorable golfing experience in the solitude of the private island located north of Malé, within the constellation of islands that form the Noonu Atoll in the Maldives. In the peace and tranquillity of the Indian Ocean, the Academy has been designed to offer a comprehensive golf programme on a one-to-one basis providing each guest with privacy and seclusion to hone their skills by themselves or with invited family or friends. The concept ensures a trip to the secluded island will be the vacation of a lifetime, reinforcing Troon’s mantra to provide exceptional, incomparable golf experiences across its ever-increasing portfolio.

“Velaa Private Island is a thrilling, enviable opportunity for the discerning traveller and we are extremely excited about being selected by their owners to work with them and José María to create what will be an innovative Academy set in a paradise location,” remarked Bruce Glasco, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Troon International Operations. “The Academy sits seamlessly within Velaa Private Island’s exceptional array of amenities and to be able to impart our knowledge and guidance alongside José María in its creation is testament to the owner’s fantastic vision for Velaa Private Island and their drive to create the best, once in a lifetime experience.”

Bringing together world-class food & beverage experiences as well as unrivalled leisure facilities, Velaa Private Island combines the essence of Maldivian culture where each and every guest is able to enjoy their stay as if they were the only ones on the island. Water activities, sunset cruises, dolphin watching and even private boat excursions using the island’s luxury prestige yacht or traditional Bahtelis are on offer to the traveller and in addition, Velaa Private Island is one of only a handful of locations which hosts a distinguished My Blend by Clarins Spa that brings together a variety of body treatments and exclusive facial products.

“The choice of Troon to manage our Academy was an easy one; their expertise needs no introduction and will be the perfect accompaniment to the rest of our highly sought-after development,” commented Hans Cauchi, Executive Director at Velaa Private Island. “We strive to offer each guest the greatest possible quality, service & leisure amenities and to add a Golf Academy designed by José María and managed by Troon sets Velaa Private Island apart, creating an unparalleled golf and leisure experience that we are sure will sit at the top of consumers’ dream destination lists”

Velaa Private Island, which shares its name with the generations of turtles that have inhabited the island, comprises 43 luxury private villas and five four-bedroomed residences which fuse local materials and contemporary flourishes, all with the added indulgence of their own private pool with plentiful areas to relax and unwind. While 18 of the 43 villas are built over water, Velaa Private Island features just one “Romantic” Pool Residence which can only be reached by boat. All the accommodations are perfectly accompanied by bars and signature restaurants, all of which are managed under the expert guidance of Michelin-star Chef Adeline Grattard, who infuses French and Asian cuisines in menus for an unrivalled culinary experience of the highest standard. Most notably, guests to Aragu and Cru can sample vintage Champagne overlooking the Indian Ocean while enjoying a fine gastronomy, all supplemented by fresh local produce and the resorts private herb garden.

Azalea