The resort first opened in December 1998 and featured 84 bungalows and dining, spa and watersport facilities but was recently acquired by Banyan Tree for for US$20m (£11m, 16m euros).

It has since been upgraded by Architrave Design and Planning, Banyan Tree’s design division, to comprise 48 Beach Bungalows, 16 Island Bungalows and 20 Deluxe Beach Bungalows.

The unbranded resort will boast a spa facility called The Spa, which will feature a different menu to the company’s Angsana spa and Banyan Tree spa concepts.

The Velavaru Island Resort joins Banyan Tree’s existing Maldives properties – Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru and Angsana Maldives Ihuru – and Maldives area manager, Shahul Hameed, has been appointed acting general manager.

Velavru Island is just 500m in length by 200m wide. Details: www.banyantree.com

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