The sandbank that gives the resort its name ('Veligandu' means just that) is a serious tanner's dream. A long tongue of the softest sand extends out from the main body of the island. Open to the sun all day but dotted with thatched umbrellas, it is never more than a few steps to the sparkling lagoon on either side.

Every land room has some degree of beach, with the Superior Bungalows on the west side (130-149) enjoying the largest and ever growing bulge. These would be just preferable to the Superiors facing the rising sun, on the other side of this narrow north/south directed island.

The 8 Deluxe Bungalows used to be water bungalows, which just shows how much the beach has been growing. They are built in pairs, one of which (128/9) is not in a great position behind bushes and a little shore wall. The other 3 pairs are in a quiet corner on the east side away from the other rooms, though they do look out to the only built sea walls (mostly covered at high tide).

The Deluxe Rooms are larger and have a private wooden deck, plus a tea and coffee and espresso maker. Otherwise, both room types are equally light, clean and well appointed, with full minibar, CD player and a third bed as standard.

All the facilities are included in the water bungalows, which are split between 10 original Water Villas and 12 new Deluxe Water Villas. The Deluxe are longer and wider, have a partly open bathroom and a larger wooden deck with greater privacy than the original Water Villas, but, on the other hand, they are less 'of a piece'. They are darker, with a dark varnished floor (conflicting with the light pine walls) and daylight coming from only one side. Only one narrow door is usually open to the deck (though the whole thing can be opened) in comparison to the double doors of the regular Water Villas. Both bathrooms are good, with double basins and a great massage shower – where, here again, the Deluxe Rooms are slightly less good with one not two lumber sprays because of their glass wall design.

The Serena Spa is another new addition that fits right in with the relaxed and relaxing Veligandu concept. Built in the Indian style, there's Indian classical music and patchouli or sandalwood incense in the air. The massage strokes are based on the Indian tradition, with ayurveda and aromatherapy options as well as a selection of body scrubs, wraps and polishes. An unsurprisingly popular therapy is one called The Sunlovers’ Package, which is developed around a coconut oil rehydration. The Adam and Eve Serenity is another favourite in the dual therapy room.

The food has always been a strength of the resort; it still is and now the setting is even more pleasant. The handsome thatched roof curves over the restaurant and bar, white sand covers the floor and the solid tables are complimented by good-looking modern chairs. Breakfasts are up there with the best, lunches are buffets and dinners are either a changing menu of theme buffets or à la carte. There is always the option of eating outside on the wide deck that sweeps around the restaurant and bar.

The resort is a fine diving location. With just one other resort, Kurumathi, in this small atoll and many good spots, the boat trips are mostly within 25 minutes and you're mostly alone. A good manta point is just to the north (usually December to May), but the highlight is certainly the hammerhead shark point. It's a 6am start but the dive base leader Ole almost shudders as he says he never fails to get excited. It's something about the way they move. A two-tank dive is a regular option down to north Ari Atoll, to Maya Thila, one of the top spots in the country. With 4 other types of sharks not infrequently noted on these trips it’s unsurprising a shark specialty course is offered back at base.

Snorkelling is not possible from the rooms but is pretty good from the main jetty and the jetty at the end of sand spit. It is very good on the ocean side but this is only accessible from the dive boat or resort snorkel excursion. One excursion is of particular note. Hoodoo is an inhabited island on its own tiny atoll some kilometres north of Veligandu. For this reason it is rarely visited but it's a special place: traditional, friendly, a rare agricultural island and the site of equally rare ancient Buddhist remains.

All in all what you have here is a smart yet informal island under good management; a place that looks good, feels good and does you good.