How to Get to Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat Maldives from Malé Airport: 2025 Transfer Guide
How to Get to Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat Maldives from Malé Airport: 2025 Transfer Guide
If you’re wondering how to get to Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat from Malé Airport, this guide covers everything—transfer options, costs, timing, resort amenities, dining, and festive gala dinner details. Located in South Ari Atoll, approximately 88–90 km southwest of Malé, Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat is a peaceful adults-only island resort with just 30 villas and a pristine house reef.
✈️ Transfer Options & Travel Time
Guests can choose between two routes arranged by the resort:
- Seaplane transfer: A scenic 35-minute seaplane flight directly to the island.
- Public ferry + speedboat transfer: A round-trip ferry or speedboat via Dhangethi, taking approximately 1.5 hours total (usually ~35 minutes ferry plus ~30 minutes speedboat).
💰 Accurate Transfer Costs (Round Trip in 2025)
- Seaplane transfer: USD 462.15 per adult
- Ferry + speedboat alternative: USD 250 per adult
- Children under 12: Not accommodated (Drift is adults-only)
- Infants: N/A
These rates are confirmed for stays from mid-2025 onwards and are charged separately from the booking price. Flight details must be shared at least 48–72 hours in advance.
🏝 Resort Highlights, Dining & Ambiance
Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat offers a rustic, serene Maldives experience with 10 beach villas and 20 water villas featuring rustic décor, direct access to white sand or lagoon, handcrafted furniture, and open-air showers. The Restaurants serve international buffet meals and à la carte, plus themed evenings and private beach BBQs. The Bar offers sunset cocktails and light snacks. Activities include snorkeling the vibrant house reef, diving, windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, catamaran sailing, kite surfing, fishing excursions, and special experiences like in-villa champagne breakfast or desert island picnic. Guests can also enjoy the overwater spa, yoga pavilion, and boutique shop. High service ratio, minimal digital distractions, and adults-only policy ensure a peaceful retreat.
🎄 Gala Dinner Info (25 Dec & 31 Dec)
Booking platforms indicate that mandatory gala dinners for Christmas Eve (25 Dec) and New Year’s Eve (31 Dec) are typically included separately or added to the all-inclusive price. Guests should verify gala inclusion when booking to confirm any additional fees.
✅ Quick Travel Summary
| Transfer Option | Duration | Adult Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seaplane | ~35 mins | 462.15 | Scenic, daylight only, book early |
| Ferry + Speedboat | ~90 mins total | 250 | Budget alternative, slower route |
🎯 Final Thoughts
Knowing how to get to Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat from Malé Airport allows you to plan your arrival smoothly. With two transfer options—scenic seaplane or longer ferry route—you can pick the one best suited to your schedule and preference. The resort’s adults-only setting, rustic luxury, coral-rich house reef, and thoughtful dining and experiences make it ideal for couples seeking solitude. Make sure to verify holiday gala dinner inclusion if you’re staying over Christmas or New Year’s Eve.