Experience ballet like you have never done before… under the stars and on the beach at Velaa Private Island.
Spend a full week in paradise with some of the greatest ballet stars globally. Engage in personal conversations, listen to the wonders of ballet history, take a personal ballet stretching class or send the children to private ballet classes taught by masters.
Join Velaa for an unforgettable week in the Maldives with two world-class ballet performances curated by Julian MacKay and Xander Parish.
Julian MacKay left rural Montana at the young age of 11 to train at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow, Russia. Upon graduating he became the first American to receive a full Russian Diploma, having completed both the upper and lower school. While in school he medalled in five consecutive International Ballet Competitions, including the Prix de Laussane and gold medals at the Istanbul IBC and YAGP along with bronze at Sochi Young Ballet of the World and the Beijing International Ballet Competition.
Xander Parish is an Englishman born in East Yorkshire. He began dancing in Kingston upon Hull at an early age. At 11 he moved to London and trained at the Royal Ballet School, and at 19 he joined The Royal Ballet in Covent Garden. In 2010, Xander made history by joining The Mariinsky Ballet in St. Petersburg as its first and only British dancer. He became the first Western Principal Dancer of the Mariinsky Theatre in July 2017. His awards include the Positano Premia La Danza Léonide Massine emerging dancer, Taglioni European Ballet Award, UK Critics Circle National Dance Award. Xander was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list for services to ballet and UK-Russia Cultural Relations in January 2019.
Curated by Julian MacKay and Xander Parish, the ballet performances will be joined by other renowned stars Alena Kovaleva, Christine Shevchenko, Katja Khaniukova, Boris Zhurilov and pianist Jorge Viladoms.
During the ballet performances on the 10th and 12th February, a dinner in celebration of ballet will be served. With three impeccable restaurants, Velaa Private Island also boasts of a food lovers paradise. Choose between Tavaru’s Teppanyaki grill or Aragu’s clever twist on European and Asian cuisine. In addition, guests will find two bars and an extensive wine cellar with over 1,000 labels.
Tavaru Restaurant
Indulge in Kagoshima A5 Tenderloin whilst admiring the breath-taking views over the turquoise waters. Experience the various Japanese tasting menus from the highest architectural building on a resort island in the Maldives.
Aragu Signature Restaurant
Presenting contemporary European cuisine with an Asian twist, Aragu has taken the dining experience to the next level, combining passion for culinary art with awareness and sustainability.
Athiri Restaurant
All-day beach front dining where guests can taste the finest foods crafted by chefs from 14 different nationalities. The homemade pizzas are a signature.
Located in Noonu Atoll, and with a short 45-minute seaplane flight from Malé, or a 6-minute seaplane flight from Maafaru International Airport, guests will arrive at their hidden retreat.
The name of the private resort translates to “turtle” in the local Dhivehi language. It stems from generations of turtles flocking to the island to nest and hatch. Guests will see inspiration of this turtle theme throughout the resort. With a conservation plan, the resort still ensures a safe place for its little visitors. The private hideaway includes 47 private villas, houses and residences. Ranging from beach waterfront villas to over water villas. The Romantic Pool Residence can only be reached by private boat, guaranteeing the utmost privacy and exclusivity.
Guests can explore the long list of activities and luxurious amenities the resort has to offer. Golf players will find a 7-hole course designed by José María Olazábal and diving aficionados can dive into the dazzling waters with PADI-certified instructors.
For reservations contact Reservations@velaaisland.com or call +960 6565 000
