Two-times Master-winning golfer José Maria Olazábal has designed an incredible golf course and academy exclusively for Velaa Private Island in the Maldives.
Velaa Island – Courtesy of VelaaPrivateIsland
Emerging as one of 2014’s key private island travel trends, it seems that high-end golf vacations are set to take the luxury sector by storm. Just weeks after Private Island News reported on the opening of Over Yonder Cay’s new Caribbean golf course, yet another private island retreat has chosen to incorporate a golf course across its spectacular surroundings.
Despite being new to the market, Velaa Private Island has already made a considerable splash amongst the popular Maldives island market since its opening in December 2013. Designed with privacy and comfort as the guiding principles, Velaa Private Island is the realization of a quest to establish a truly exceptional resort in the Maldives.
Boasting an unparalleled service that goes way beyond that of the more traditional private island resorts in the region, the opulence of Velaa Island extends over Michelin star cuisine, one of the finest wine cellars in the Indian Ocean archipelago, the only Clarins-endorsed spa in the whole of the Maldives, world-class watersports facilities and even a private submarine.
The latest addition to Velaa Island is an incredible “short-game” golf course and academy designed by two-time Masters Champion Jose Maria Olazábal and operated by highly acclaimed golf management group Troon Golf. Home to six sprawling greens and nine tee-options, the course has been described as “training in paradise” by its major-winning designer.
“I have never seen such a luxurious location,” said Olazábal. “I have had the pleasure of working on some remarkable projects, but what [Velaa Private Island resort owners] Jiri and Radka have created here is simply awe-inspiring. Through careful use of the landscape guests can hit all the shots imaginable, from mid-irons to wedges and short game.”
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the elements that come to the forefront on this incredible private island golf course are the aspects that Olazábal is best at – the iron game. Home to numerous water obstacles and an array of bunkers, guests will be able to make use of all their clubs on Velaa Island – from medium irons right through to wedges.
Perfectly integrated into the paradisiacal surroundings, all guests lucky enough to have previewed the fabulous facilities agreed that Olazábal had succeeded in integrated the charm and character of the island into the golf course. The academy, too, was a hit, with guests commenting that it promised the perfect place to get into the swing of things – the optimum location to improve the long game.
A must for all private island travelers for a taste for golf, Velaa Private Island can be booked via Vladi Islands Travel – the world’s only travel agency dedicated exclusively to the private island sector.
