Housed within an architectural Marvel inspired by a butterfly cocoon
May 28, 2025 — Beneath the striking ivory-white Tavaru Tower on Velaa Private Island lies a sanctuary for wine aficionados: an extraordinary cellar home to one of the Maldives’ most distinguished collections of fine wines.
As the tallest architectural structure found at any Maldivian island resort, Tavaru is both a visual landmark and an engineering marvel inspired by a butterfly cocoon. Inside, a spiraling cantilevered staircase winds around the central core, guiding guests through multiple levels and over 1,000 meticulously curated labels. This remarkable assemblage spans continents and centuries, featuring rare treasures like the 1956 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti “Romanée-Conti,” vintage Salon Champagne, and the centuries-old 1870 Blandy’s “Verdelho Solera.” More than just a collection, the Tavaru Wine Cellar offers an immersive journey; The elegantly appointed tasting room provides an intimate setting where guests can participate in guided tastings led by expert sommeliers, discover perfect wine pairings for with bespoke Japanese dishes that showcase extraordinary skill on the Teppanyaki grill plate, and explore rare vintages and winemaking traditions from around the world.Whether a seasoned connoisseur or a curious enthusiast, each experience is tailored to guest preferences for personalized memories amid the splendor of Velaa Private Island. This subterranean masterpiece not only elevates the island’s wine program but also reflects Velaa’s dedication to innovative design, thoughtful functionality, and exceptional guest experiences.Situated in the pristine Noonu Atoll, Velaa Private Island stands as the Maldives’ most exclusive retreat. Conceived in 2013 by visionary Czech entrepreneurs Radka and Jiří Šmejc, Velaa transcends conventional notions of luxury, creating an experience that truly “goes beyond” expectations. With a pioneering Wellbeing Village, the only ‘Snow Room’ in the Maldives, the first Maldives restaurant to feature in Asia’s 50 Best honors (Aragu), and exciting developments to the Kids Club expected in 2025, it’s no surprise Velaa Private Island is often heralded as the ‘world’s best.’
Rates at Velaa Private Island start from 3150 USD per night on a B&B basis. www.velaaprivateisland.com.
