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Drug trafficking by sea remains a significant challenge for global law enforcement agencies. Large quantities of illicit drugs are transported via maritime routes, with major seizures occurring regularly. Efforts to combat this include coordinated international operations, advanced detection technologies, and stringent maritime laws. Understanding the scope and methods of maritime drug trafficking is crucial for enhancing interdiction efforts and disrupting the supply chains of drug cartels. Recent Posts. Flash News. Maritime Drug Trafficking News. This haul represents nearly a third of the total weight of drugs seized by the French military in In the waters of the Indian Ocean, a strategic zone often used by traffickers, the French Navy plays a key role in the fight against drug trafficking. These high-risk drug bust operations require meticulous coordination and preparation by the crew and specialized teams aboard military vessels. Identification and detection of the sailboat It all begins aboard the French Navy ship, where the operations center CO is responsible for monitoring the surroundings using radar and listening to radio communications. The investigation team : role division and preparation The intervention on a suspect dhow is carried out by a boarding team composed of fusiliers marins, numbering around ten and divided into three sub-teams with distinct missions : The command team, responsible for supervising the operation and managing administrative and communication aspects. The investigation team, which is the first to board the boutre. They are responsible for searching the ship for drugs and other illicit goods. Each sub-team includes a fusilier marin, ensuring armed protection at every stage of the intervention. The assault During the assault, two scenarios are possible : either the traffickers detect the approaching military and throw their cargo overboard to avoid seizure, or the teams approach undetected. In the latter case, the military can close in on the boutre and establish radio contact with its captain. The captain is ordered to state the number of people on board and to gather them at the front of the boat, visible to the military teams. A ladder is then placed between the two vessels to allow the military to board. Any discoveries are meticulously documented, photographed, and filmed using the portable cameras worn by the team members. What happens to the seized goods? Once the drugs are seized and identified by a specialized officer, they are transferred aboard the military vessel for weighing. The goods are then destroyed by incineration. July 16, The Gulf of Guinea is facing an increase in maritime and geopolitical threats, threatening the political-security and financial balance of the riparian countries. The Gulf of Guinea, a vast maritime expanse stretching from the West African coast to the South Atlantic islands, has become a hotspot for illicit maritime activities and environmental challenges. A hub for drug trafficking Senegal, in particular, has become a hub for cocaine trafficking from Latin America to Europe. Recent seizures of large quantities of cocaine indicate that the country is increasingly being targeted by international cartels. Last June, Senegalese customs officers intercepted two shipments totalling 63kg of cocaine, worth almost 7 billion CFA francs These major seizures, which are becoming more and more frequent, testify the determination of traffickers to use the countries of the Gulf of Guinea as transit platforms. Insecurity at sea Piracy remains a major issue in the Gulf. The area is now considered one of the most hostile in the world for seafarers. The plundering of fishery resources in African coastal waters by foreign, often unauthorized, fishing vessels threatens the livelihoods of about 5. Representing a huge economic scourge, IUU fishing costs West Africa around 10 billion dollars a year. It also contributes to the degradation of marine ecosystems and the depletion of fish stocks. The Gulf at the heart of a conflict of interests China has established a significant economic presence in the Gulf of Guinea through major investments in infrastructure projects, oil exploration and harbor development. The Gulf region also appealed to Russia. The Kremlin, striving to expand its military footprint and economic influence in the region, is taking particularadvantage of the current political and security instability in former G5 Sahel countries to gain ground. The presence of Russian private military companies, such as the Wagner Group and its successor Africa Corps, has played a key role in this expansion. For the Gulf States, this presence represents an additional threat. Worrying environmental challenges In addition to criminal and geopolitical threats, the riparian countries are facing worrying environmental challenges. Today, the Gulf of Guinea stands at a critical crossroads where political, security and environmental issues collide. As a focal point for natural resources as well as the nerve center of ongoing geopolitical issues, the area is a sensitive point that must be protected. The weakening of the region threatens the riparian countries in particular, who will be forced to adopt an integrated, joint approach to meet these challenges. But with the growing economic influence of China and Russia making the situation even more complex, will this be possible without a hitch? June 18, On June 13, Europol announced the dismantling of a major international drug trafficking network that operated between South America and Europe. This announcement marks the end of an investigation started by the Spanish Guardia Civil in , with further investigations carried out in Belgium, Brazil, Croatia, Germany, Italy, Serbia, and Turkey. The final phase of this operation culminated with the arrest of four individuals in Spain on June Key Seizures and Operations The operation kicked off with the seizure of one ton of cocaine off the Canary Islands in September The drugs were discovered on a Croatian-flagged sailing vessel, which had loaded the cargo from a freighter in the Gulf of Guinea. Another major seizure by the Guardia Civil in August involved a second sailing vessel carrying kilos of cocaine off the Canary Islands. This vessel was also linked to another shipment of kilos of cocaine from Brazil, underscoring the involvement of the same network. International Network and Arrests The network, with leaders operating out of Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, managed the trafficking of several tons of cocaine from Colombia, Brazil, and Ecuador to Europe, transiting through logistical hubs in West Africa and the Canary Islands. Overall, this investigation led to 40 arrests across multiple countries Brazil, Croatia, Germany, Serbia, Spain, and Turkey , the seizure of 8 tons of cocaine in Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands , and significant asset seizures They also revealed that nearly million euros had been laundered in Brazil in recent years. It also emphasizes the role of Balkan criminal networks in the global cocaine trade and the critical importance of international cooperation in fighting drug trafficking. May 28, Faced with the resurgence of drug trafficking in French waters, France intends to draw on the conclusions of a Senate inquiry commission report to effectively combat maritime crime. The report highlights three main recommendations for improving the fight against drug trafficking. In addition to these recommendations, 35 specific measures have been suggested, particularly in the maritime sector, which is the most vulnerable. Strengthening measures at sea and overseas The report highlights the need to improve intelligence sharing to better combat drug trafficking on the high seas, and to step up maritime controls in overseas territories, which are often used as gateways for narcotics. Modernization of the air and sea equipment used by law enforcement agencies in the French overseas territories is also advocated to meet the growing threat. France also intends to bolster the counter-narcotics capabilities of West African and Gulf of Guinea states, which are often involved in the transit of drugs to Europe Record seizures The recent increase in the number of seizures made during marine inspections alone justifies these measures. Following the interception, Customs seized 1, These actions bring to ten the number of cocaine seizures made by French authorities in , with a total of These convictions are the latest in a series of nine since concerning dockworkers in the Saint-Nazaire area, underlining the persistence of the problem in this sector. France determined to eradicate crime at sea France is showing increased determination to combat drug trafficking through reinforced measures and effective operations. However, many challenges remain, particularly in terms of equipment modernization, international cooperation and management of overseas areas. The consignment, bound for Taiwan, was confiscated from a carrier on the outskirts of Bangkok as it was about to embark on its maritime journey. This seizure follows a similar incident on March 12th, , when Australian authorities intercepted kg of methamphetamine concealed within a food processing machine imported from Thailand. Through collaborative efforts with Thai authorities, the sender was identified, and their attempt to make a new shipment was thwarted. Between and , Thai law enforcement agencies tackling drug trafficking in port areas have seized 4 tons of methamphetamine, over 2 tons of ketamine, and kilograms of heroin, primarily destined for Australia, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. The drugs are then loaded onto small vessels such as fishing boats, tugboats, or speedboats before being transferred onto commercial vessels offshore, in international waters where transshipments are challenging to monitor. April 9, Last month, 18 million Captagon tablets were seized by customs in the Libyan port of Benghazi. The three containers concerned were composed by fresh apples from the Syrian port of Latakia. The millions of Captagon tablets found inside were quickly destroyed by the security services of the port of Benghazi. First of all, the market covers all the Gulf States. Networks took charge of transporting shipments to the Arabian Peninsula, mainly from Lebanon. The rest of the world is also affected. It crosses seas and oceans. In , Malaysia found million tablets in its ports. In , Italy discovered 14 tonnes in the port of Salerno, south of Naples. This traffic is said to bring in more than 10 billion dollars a year. The Saudi market is the strongest. We used to go from here to Dubai. Or from Syria to Jordan, then to Saudi Arabia. In Syria, its parent country, the pill costs just one. As a powerful stimulant for the nervous system, it causes psychological and cardiovascular problems and intense hallucinations. This enables Damascus to stay afloat despite international sanctions and its isolation on the geopolitical chessboard. Elite unit accused of crimes against humanity, the Fourth Division partially controls the border with Lebanon, an essential trafficking territory. Around him, fifty barons, as well as terrorist groups, run the business, such as the Lebanese Hezbollah, supported by Iran. This wing protects smugglers in south-west Syria. The report highlighted a 4. Criminal organizations predominantly utilize maritime containers through ports like Valencia, Barcelona, Algeciras, Malaga, and Tenerife, with Valencia ranking as the third-largest entry point for cocaine into Europe. Notably, Ecuador has emerged as a primary source country for cocaine, underscoring the global nature of the illicit trade. Additionally, ships traversing the Atlantic from South America serve as another key smuggling route. The trafficking of cannabis resin, particularly in the Strait of Gibraltar, remains a major concern, with authorities noting a shift in smuggling routes towards the coasts of Valencia, the Balearic Islands, and Catalonia due to increased law enforcement efforts. Furthermore, the report highlights the growing market for new psychoactive substances, with particular attention drawn to Fentanyl, a drug causing devastation in the United States. While there is currently no definitive evidence of its importation or production in Europe, Spanish authorities remain vigilant. Disguised within a shipment of bananas from Ecuador, this seizure underscores the ongoing efforts to combat transatlantic cocaine flows, particularly towards the Gulf of Guinea. March 21, On March 14th, the Commandant Bouan, a vessel of the French Navy, conducted a record seizure of cocaine aboard a fishing vessel flying the Brazilian flag measuring about twenty meters, approximately nautical miles south-southwest of Monrovia, Liberia. The seized narcotics were transferred aboard the vessel to be destroyed. This operation was carried out under the responsibility of the maritime prefect of the Atlantic and the public prosecutor of Brest. While Maritime Presence: Operation Corymbe Since , the French Navy has been permanently deploying one to two French vessels in the Gulf of Guinea as part of Operation Corymbe, to ensure maritime security. March 5, In a series of bold operations between February 20 and 29, French Navy dealt a serious blow to drug trafficking in the Caribbean waters. The crew members and narcotics were handed over to the appropriate authorities, marking a significant victory in the fight against drug trafficking. However, the fight against this scourge did not stop there. Then, on February 29, a new interception took place off the coast of Dominica, where the same patrol vessel intercepted a yacht with three occupants and seized over 1 ton of cocaine. These remarkable actions are the result of close international cooperation involving organizations such as MAOC-N, the British NCA, and the DEA, highlighting the importance of collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking. These massive seizures represent over a third of the cocaine quantities seized at sea by French means in , underscoring the scale of trafficking in the region. Indeed, the Caribbean continues to be a major hub for cocaine trafficking due to its proximity to production areas and the increasing demand for this drug on international markets. As coca leaf cultivation continues to increase, security forces remain vigilant in countering this threat to the security and stability of the region. The recent seizures are a clear reminder that traffickers cannot operate with impunity in Caribbean waters, and that authorities remain determined to pursue them with resolve. The aim of the exercise was to put into action the entire interministerial chain for combating drug trafficking at sea. Based on a fictitious scenario involving a suspicious sailboat, the surveillance frigate Prairial intercepted the sailboat offshore, deploying its inspection team supported by its onboard Dauphin helicopter. Since , the Pacific has become a veritable hub… sailing ships loaded with hundreds of kilos of ice and cocaine transit from the USA and Latin America to Australia. Major seizures in recent years Polynesia has seen several major seizures in recent years. On January 27, , kg of cocaine were discovered on a sailboat, the Mojito, boarded at the Arue yacht club. A few weeks later, kg were seized from a catamaran off the Marquesas Islands. A little later in the year, kg were found aboard a sailboat in Faaite, Tuamotu. On May 20, , nearly kg of cocaine were found aboard a sailboat on the small atoll of Apataki, in the Tuamotu archipelago. The 2 sailors, Swedish nationals, were sentenced to 7 years in prison and fined 1. These seizures appear to be the result of the establishment of a maritime route for drug traffickers from South America to Australia and New Zealand. November 8, In Europe, the explosion in containerized maritime trade has led to a surge in cocaine trafficking. National authorities are struggling to stem the tide. The increase of cocaine in Europe is not a new phenomenon. This has been a real issue since the s. Since last year, local consumption has been dangerously competing with that in South America. All these illegal flows are part of an expanding economy starting from Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador or Paraguay… Cocaine crosses the Atlantic before arriving in the major ports of the North Sea concealed in maritime containers carrying legal cargoes of fruit, tea, sugar, canned goods or livestock. The most gangrenous docks in recent years In , with tonnes intercepted, the biggest seizure of cocaine in Belgium was made at the port of Antwerp, unsurprisingly, the largest European port. The previous year, 70 tonnes were seized in Rotterdam, Netherlands. In France, over In Hamburg, Germany, 19 tonnes were seized in the same year. More recently, the largest cocaine seizure in Spanish history took place this August. Spanish authorities discovered the cargo in the port of Algeciras, in the south of the country. According to an official statement, the Spanish port of Vigo was also used by the same group of 30 criminal organizations. They were able to bring monthly 40 containers to the continent. In addition to that, the tonnes of the product discovered by the European authorities in , this is only the tip of the iceberg. Despite all the difficulties faced, the European Union is getting organized to deal with the urgency of growing traffic. According to its Drugs Action Plan — , huge steps are already being made internationally. These include disrupting and dismantling criminal organizations operating in the EU, stepping up detection of cocaine trafficking, and strengthening the fight in cooperation with South American countries. On a national scale, countries are facing the issue as well. On February 11, , the Douai Special Assize Court in France convicted six men, following the seizure of a ton and a half of cocaine in the port of Le Havre. In recent weeks, Belgian customs and police have intercepted a total of more than 23 tons of cocaine at the port of Antwerp, with an estimated street value of more than 2 billion euros, thanks to the deployment of more personnel and an increased number of container scanners. Several thousand kilos of cocaine were also seized in the Netherlands as a result of cooperation between Dutch and Belgian services. Investigations also led the Belgian Federal Police, in cooperation with the French police, to arrest a major drug trafficker from Marseille in Brussels on October 24, who had been on the run in Belgium and the Netherlands. In addition to implementing new procedures, the authorities face another challenge. As with the drug trafficking, the violence and corruption of South American cartels is being imported to European docks. October 30, Situated as a critical transit point for drug trafficking from South America to Europe, The Gambia has grappled with the pervasive issue of maritime drug smuggling for several years. A combination of its extensive coastline and limited resources has made it an attractive location for transnational criminal groups. Despite historical challenges, recent efforts by the government have displayed a resolute commitment to combatting this issue. This article delves into the challenges faced by The Gambia in curbing maritime drug trafficking and highlights the significant progress made through strategic partnerships and policy implementations. A tumultuous political history, marked by inadequate law enforcement and corruption, has further facilitated criminal activities, with reports implicating former leaders and institutions in drug-related crimes. The cumulative impact of these challenges has rendered The Gambia susceptible to exploitation by international drug cartels, exacerbating the issue of maritime drug smuggling. Progress and Collaborative Initiatives In recent years, The Gambia has demonstrated a proactive approach in addressing maritime drug trafficking. Prioritizing information sharing, intelligence gathering, and joint operations between various security agencies, including the police, navy, and customs, will be instrumental in strengthening enforcement measures. By emphasizing collaborative efforts and regional partnerships, The Gambia can fortify its maritime security and significantly reduce the influx of drug smuggling activities through its borders and waters. By strengthening its enforcement capacities, fostering regional cooperation, and actively engaging in international agreements, The Gambia can significantly enhance its ability to combat the pervasive threat of maritime drug trafficking, ensuring a safer and more secure maritime environment for the region and beyond. February 25, For many decades, the Caribbean Sea has been the primary maritime route for smuggling illicit drugs into the USA. The principal drug to be smuggled across the Caribbean continues to be cocaine. The leading destination, as indicated above, is the USA, mainly from the top three producers of Bolivia, Peru and Columbia. The primary routes are via Jamaica, where large criminal gangs regulate the flow of cocaine, and the Dominican Republic. It is estimated that around MT of cocaine cross the Caribbean each year. Another drug commonly trafficked across the Caribbean is cannabis. The primary producer for this is Jamaica. However, with the drug being decriminalized in many states of the USA, this trade is declining as legal farms in the USA have begun to cut into demand from overseas. Other drugs shipped using the Caribbean Sea maritime route include fentanyl, heroin and other opioids. As stated earlier, maritime routes are constantly being altered to avoid law enforcement detection, making it exceptionally difficult to police. In addition, the small island nations in the Caribbean have few resources to combat international crime, so it is mainly left to the bigger players in the region. The Mexican authorities work with Interpol to control drug trafficking. US authorities do the bulk of maritime drug policing in the Caribbean. To accomplish this, the Joint Interagency Task Force South, headquartered in Key West, Florida, brings together a range of governmental organizations under the direction of the Coast Guard. The task force works with agencies from over 20 other nations across the Caribbean, Latin America and even Europe. It uses coast guard and navy ships, submarines and small boats to patrol the Caribbean Sea and conduct intelligence-led ship seizures. One of the most active partners remains the French Navy, leading operation in its Economic Exclusive Zone, which recently realized several record drug seizures with the warship Germinal. For many decades, the main transportation methods used ultra-highspeed small boats that could travel mostly undetected in the busy Caribbean maritime routes. However, in recent years the volume of drugs moved has increased, and smugglers have adopted other modes of transportation. Larger ships are now being used to carry drugs and even some of the largest container ships. Summing Up The drug trade across maritime routes in the Caribbean Sea has shown no signs of falling off over recent decades. Rather, it is larger than ever. Massive amounts of cocaine continue to cross from Latin America, and it seems that the War on Drugs is no closer to victory than it was at its beginning. Although vast amounts of cash and effort are used in efforts aimed at reducing supply and policing smuggling routes, it seems that addressing the demand end of the chain is the only way to end this illegal and destructive trade. December 21, Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea is the focus of media attention. However, this area is also home to many other threats with equally high human and economic costs. Illegal fishing, drug trafficking, pollution, illegal immigration… there is no shortage of issues that weaken the region, but they do not all receive the same media attention. However, the majority of articles on this event only consider it through the prism of piracy, whether it be Radio France internationale Gulf of Guinea: the chiefs of staff of the navies debate maritime piracy , France-Info-AFP The Gulf of Guinea, the area most exposed to maritime piracy and kidnappings in the world or Mediapart Africa: the Gulf of Guinea is increasingly exposed to maritime piracy. Thus, drug trafficking has taken on a worrying scale in recent years. Indeed, drug seizures are multiplying, as illustrated by the recent seizure made by the Senegalese navy with the assistance of the French national navy in October or the record seizure made by the landing helicopter deck Dixmude last March. However, it is also moving from a transit area to a consumption zone. This explosion in consumption has obvious health consequences in countries whose hospital organization is often already fragile. Moreover, the profits generated by this trafficking fuel crime and corruption, further weakening local institutions. Finally, this traffic also supports criminal organizations whose influence extends as far as Europe, an influence that has already justified an international operation in which does not seem to have been sufficient to reduce their presence in France or — above all — in Italy. For example, drug trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea poses challenges that are on a par with piracy and whose multiple impacts are felt both locally and in Europe. Maritime security in the Gulf therefore requires a global approach without focusing on any particular threat. After initiating the boarding procedures, the boarding team of the frigate Languedoc discovered several canvas bags containing numerous suspicious packages in one of the holds. A chemical test confirmed that the shipment was narcotics. This operation was conducted under the aegis of the Combined Task Force CTF which is based on a multinational coalition of which France is a member. Finally, Drug-related seizures have prevented millions of dollars from falling into the hands of terrorist organisations and other groups that would have used the money to harm others. May 17, Drugs, broken labour laws or expired contracts: purgatory seems endless for the crew of the Indonesian-flagged container ship Meratus Jayakarta. It started on March 19 , with the seizure of 2. Furthermore, due to the COVI pandemic, the ship remained in quarantaine during the investigation. Interrogation of the 22 sailors revealed other offenses that the authorities did not suspect. Serious breaches of international maritime law were noted. Thus, legally, the maximum boarding time is set at 11 months and can only be exceeded with the prior consent of the seafarer concerned. Here, 13 sailors had been on board for over a year and 2 sailors had been on board for over two years. The employment contracts having expired; these sailors demanded a quick return to their homes with their families. This legal problem seals the container ship at the dock for an indefinite period despite the end of the judicial investigation. Finally, the ship went back at sea on April 26 The seamen concerned signed an amendment covering the period at sea until the stopover in Port des Galets Reunion Island scheduled for May 18, Hopefully, they will be able to go back home after all these misfortunes. April 28, Narco-Submarine Because of huge profits generated by drug trafficking, traffickers have financial means to invest in advanced technology, such as submersibles. These submarines have different design,discretion and cargo capacities: sometimes they are just small boats right above the surface, and so escape to naval radars, but they also can be more elaborate with watertight compartments and ballast. Traffickers can use them to transport drug, but also to smuggle a wide range of goods. This is the first time that this kind of boat was seen in Europe, presuming it was used to offload drugs from an offshore vessel to the coast. On November 23th , an international police operation off the coast of Galicia revealed the existence of a cocaine transport network. During the operation, a homemade semi-submersible from Latin America was found. It was loaded with 3 tons of cocaine. The boat was meant to be used for drug trafficking in the coastal city of Malaga but was barely finished and not yet launched. According to the investigators, the boat should join a mother ship offshore to transfer drug cargo. Furthermore, the Spanish Police arrested 52 people and found a sophisticated laboratory able to produce kg of drugs per month. This operation show an evolution of the drug market in Europe and a dramatically growth of demand. April 20, Drug seizure in Indian ocean. French frigate FS Nivose, deployed into the combined Task Force a global coalition to fight against terrorism , seized once again drug this month. The 14th of April,the frigate found drug on a fishing boat sailing off Somalian coast. This the seventh time this month. The french boarding team, while investigating the boat, discovered 9 packets containing kgs of heroin. In all, kgs of heroin, kgs of methamphetamine and kgs of cannabis that have been seized by the French frigate. The 3,8 tons of illegal product represent hundred of million of euros. These success hit badly criminal and terrorism organization, which main source of funding in the area is drug trafficking. April 6, The smuggling of illicit goods, in particular fish the Totoaba that is as lucrative and much less dangerous in terms of penal sanction than the traffic of cocaine. In , according to an article published in The Guardian, the Mexico City police found swim bladders in the suitcases of a Chinese tourist. The Totoaba is a protected endemic species. According to a study made by ADM Capital Foundation, a philanthropic group, three quarters of sales of products from endangered wildlife are destined for the traditional Chinese medicine industry. Because of this Chinese market, the Totoaba is on the verge of extinction, with only a few specimens left in the waters of the Gulf of California. In its downfall, the Totoaba is bringing with it the disappearance of the smallest harbour porpoise, also known as the little cow of the Pacific Vaquitas. In fact, this could be seen as collateral damage, taking into account the entrapment in the illegal fishing nets used by Totoaba fishermen in the Sea of Cortes. Factfile on the Totoaba and Vaquitas The international community and important personalities such as Leonardo Dicaprio are standing up to try to save what can still be saved, even if today the hope of avoiding the extinction of these two species seems very complicated. Finally, If this decline continues, it is likely to be extinguished in This seizure is the largest one this year in the area. Addressing the challenges of maritime drug trafficking Drug trafficking by sea remains a significant challenge for global law enforcement agencies.

MAOC-N supports French seizure of 2.4 tonnes off the coast of West Africa

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Velaa Private Island. There was some wide-scale patriotic bias being whispered in my ear. You cannot think of one without the other, just like Ant and Dec. They even opened around the same time, are within a minute boat ride from each other, and went for the top end of an already high-end market. Like North Island and Fregate in the Seychelles and cocaine and bankers, you are unlikely to consider one without at least looking at the other. During my first visit to North Island I got to learn a valuable lesson regarding the art of timing; I was told prior to heading to Fregate that it would only disappoint. I felt that no matter what Velaa does, I am already going to suffer that fate — Cheval Blanc was just that good. Cheval Blanc sent through a detailed questionnaire to personalise your preferences between temperature, allergies, robe and slipper sizes, activities and spa treatments. Velaa sent through an email telling us how much they were looking forward to seeing us. Cheval Blanc has one, if not the best, private airport lounges in the world, although the list of those who offer one can be counted on one hand. Still, it is a beauty. As of this year, Velaa now matches Cheval Blanc in offering its own custom designed private plane, although the difference is that they do not charge you extra to use it. They are both within the same atoll and approximately 45 minutes from Male. It is not a fair comparison that we flew to CBR, whilst taking a boat transfer to Velaa. But were I marking it, a 20 minute comfortable boat ride with WiFi against a 45 minute flight gets my vote. On arrival we had management greet us with champagne and juices, and not even a whiff of a credit card form to fill in — Velaa actually do not ask for one until the night before your departure. We immediately heard birds and other creatures that were alive — a truly terrifying experience. What is this wizardry? Cheval Blanc had none of this. CBR had the exact Tempur pillows I wanted. It was going to be hard for Velaa to beat that. And so it proved. The room setup, amenities and thoughtfulness of Cheval Blanc was superb, whereas Velaa provided welcome champagne, fruit, and a welcome card with the butlers name tipexed out and replaced with someone else. Not a single mosquito bite from either property. Whereas The Brando talks up their mosquito eradication program yet ultimately failed, Cheval Blanc and Velaa have found a way to murder them and murder them good, without any bravado. Cheval Blanc managed this by turning every day into a glorified fox hunt, where staff must be financially rewarded for killing anything they see, whereas at Velaa I am at a complete loss as to their magic. Perhaps all that money really can buy you happiness. Whilst I can debate the pros and cons of the spa at Cheval Blanc being on its own island, there is nothing else that I would favour it for. Velaa has a more beautiful beach — one you can walk around the entire island on; Velaa has wildlife, not just in the trees, or the unnatural amount of stone turtles everywhere, but within the waters and sand. We missed watching turtles hatch by just a few days on either side of our stay. The beach was superb, even comparable to North Island: super soft sand, white beaches and perfectly maintained. Ironman competition, here we come. This is not to say Cheval Blanc is some kind of monster; it is a beautiful island, but it does not lend itself to explore in the same way Velaa does, nor does it have the beach to properly contend. Velaa is built within a single island, with facilities such as the spa being overwater, whereas Cheval Blanc consists of multiple islands. They both suffer from the same issue of the noise of the seaplane on its regular excursions to the mainland. They both suffered days of horror weather, followed by sheer perfect blue skies. For such a luxurious resort that clearly cared little about money during development and proves it by putting all their profits back into improvements every year , Velaa could have done so much better. Ours, a 2 bedroom because the Deluxe Beach were all under maintenance, was the same as a 1 bedroom Deluxe, just with a double pool, gazebo, and unsurprisingly a second bedroom. Yet even then, it was not on the same level as Cheval Blanc. The amount of space Cheval offers is incomparable. Then you throw in the layout, natural light, colours, style, technology, bed, plus added kitchen area, guest toilet, private outdoor dining area and of course my favourite: free minibar. I saw a lot of talk that whilst at Cheval you should take room 46 or 47 due to the extra privacy, but perhaps it was due to low reason and therefore low occupancy, I never had any issue with it — we swapped rooms, so tried both an Island Villa and Water Garden Villa. In Cheval Blanc you will be more than satisfied regardless of what room category you have, whereas the entry-level category at Velaa should be avoided due to the lack of real indoor living space. Do not think being in the Maldives will mean you always want to be outside, particularly if your skin is allergic to more than 3 hours of sunlight a year like mine. Damn you, pasty parents. Cheval and Velaa have 46 and 47 rooms respectively, but that is about all they share in common with room facilities. Anytime I find a TV in the bedroom that is in an unwatchable position, I know things were as carefully planned as a funeral outside a day care centre. It shows afterthought and dedication to design, rather than focus on the guest. The fact that they offer free movies shows that they expect people to use it, but only those who will need a chiropractor afterwards. The TV even became unworkable as it overheated, as if to emphasis this. Whereas Cheval Blanc has AirPlay in every room, Velaa has just started to upgrade it and instead offers you a portal Bluetooth speaker, just so you can be really annoying on the beach. I even had to open the curtains myself in the morning — surely a breach of my human rights? They implemented a night light that automatically comes on, but even if a mouse farts it triggers it. The WiFi asks you to login with your name and room number, like nearby pirates are somehow stealing the bandwidth. The rooms feel small and cramped, not helped by the dark woods that flood the interiors. The minibar not being free is just another reason to be outside. There is absolutely no competition between the two properties, right up until you venture outside or relieve yourself — just ignore the plastic flowers. It makes you really appreciate being in the Maldives. The rooms are easily the biggest disappointment at Velaa. It took me a few hours of being grumpy before I went outside and then realised how amazing the private area is, so got over it. Probably best doing Velaa first, so Cheval wows even more. Velaa has a very similar feel to Huvafen Fushi. Unsurprising, when you know the owner had stayed there over many, many years and took a large percentage of staff with him to Velaa. Yet Velaa is Huvafen Fushi on steroids — it is so clearly in another league that the comparisons end there. Both properties have kids clubs so good, I could have chopped off my legs, impersonated a child and spent the week there. They both have their main pool and bar, although my preference would be towards Velaa for the extended and private dining areas, and being able to watch the sunset whilst sat on a seat in the pool. They both did their best to put on a show for the World Cup, with Cheval adding a TV within their bar, and Velaa not taking any prisoners by adding a massive projector in their games room. Ladies and gentleman, take a deep breath and breathe it in: I went to the gym. It was hard not to. It was so big that it was inevitable I would end up there eventually, even if by mistake. All those monkeys with typewriters have found their ultimate destination. Some of it felt like showing off, such as a snow room or their phalic-shaped, vibrating structure called Cloud 9, which gave none of the expected pleasure and served as a disappointment to me, but an expected disappointment to all women. Other facilities are pure class: a sauna and steam room with views out across the ocean; a jacuzzi sadly not heated next to it; their supremely comfortable loungers offer an excellent respite from the stress of choosing which treatment to have next. During treatments, you face down onto glass, allowing you to peer into the ocean. Mine was superb, something I rarely write, whereas Lucie disliked hers — something else I rarely write. This was the opposite case at Cheval Blanc, with I sharing no love for my therapist, and Lucie baptising her a saint. It does not require much of a description to explain how different the spas are, when you know that Cheval Blanc has an entire island dedicated to theirs, whilst Velaa is a man made structure over the water. The serenity of Cheval is unsurpassed, but ultimately I want to get in there, use some facilities and leave. The only area that Cheval once again wins in is their human focus: the splendid materials they use, the face mask to stop your head going numb, the story behind choosing your fragrance for the massage. Velaa goes big and bold, whilst Cheval apply the small touches. And I include that night with a walrus, a pint of butter and a lumberjack. The in-room iPad gives a daily list of recommended activities, varying from nature walks, piano lessons, watching football, stingray feeding, all the way up to flyboards and jet packs. They even have another deserted island they rent for private events. You do need to take a moment to appreciate exactly what is on offer here. It is a plaything by billionaires for millionaires. All the equipment is either new or soon to be. Just imagine the cost of an air-conditioned squash court, or maintaining a 9 hole golf course. Alternatively, if you want to never see them again, prod this fella with a stick for free. Price wise, CBR and Velaa are very similar, but the main difference is the lack of group activities at Velaa. I like dolphins, but not that much. Perhaps better we leave them alone, I say. Just look at that stupid grin on his stupid face, having the time of his life. Velaa was not happy having yet another Teppanyaki, so they decided to build it in the tallest island structure in the Maldives. How dare they not serve up 3 hour meals in 30C heat. But luckily they fixed that. Strangely it is Velaa that enforces a dress code at Aragu, whilst is far more relaxed. Polo shirt and trousers — it was not my lucky day. I survived, but the scars will live on. A shame that Cru, their champagne bar within the same building as Aragu, is also only only 4 days a week. It offers the perfect environment to watch the sunset, but apparently too much of a good thing and all that. There are 14 International cuisines available, each managed by a chef from that country. But their real show was when I mentioned how there was no sliced fruit and the next day a new table was put out with just that. Food was always prompt, and always of a high standard. Their Greek salad was a particular highlight, along with the delights from their pizza oven. As luck would have it, we got to try chefs take on black cod and steak at both properties and Velaa easily came ahead. Athiri serves as the main restaurant, with it or room service being your only choices for lunch. Its beach setting makes it suitable to spend the entire day, were it not for the open environment sans air conditioning. Not to matter, you can just dip your feet in the water whilst eating dinner. The only disappointment at Velaa was Tavaru, where the teppanyaki came with quite the performance, but it was not enough to hide how expensive and disappointing it was. It makes this quite the riddle. I absolutely loved the GM of Cheval Blanc. He treated us as if he personally was hosting us, as if the entire experience was just for us. I really appreciated him spending the time to talk to us, although I much preferred his company as we rushed around on jet skies. There are times where you just appreciate life, and this was one; I was laughing like a manic as we rushed through the water at 35mph to another island. Both properties offer butlers, with my preference being towards Velaa; he was easier to understand, was on top of everything and never made any mistakes. The same applied with the staff elsewhere: it was exemplary. Cheval had their fair number of mistake orders, but at Velaa you ask, you get, they smile, you high five. You also get a line asking for a tip, which was pleasantly absent at CBR. I particularly liked the desire for anyone to provide you with a cold towel at every venue, sometimes even going as far as running after me to give me one. Even dropping by to visit the spa, an ice tea awaited. They are far more relaxed about signing the bill than Cheval Blanc, with few really caring if we did at all. They do not offer my beloved minibar, but they are very generous with daily fruit replenishments that were absent from Cheval Blanc, plus a series of evening snacks. Cheval felt like being on rations. It can be very hard to provide feedback — not because the owners do not want to hear it, but because this is clearly so personal to them. The GM at Velaa is the brother of the owner, who also has no experience in the industry, but I never had any issue with any service to complain. In fact, the way they tailored things for me is quite incredible, so clearly there is a good team. A warm farewell at the end of the pier, as Soneva Fushi came to take us on the worst journey of my life, to one of the most disappointing hotels of my life. They stocked us with earplugs, water and mints, knowing they are the only resemblance of luxury we would see for a while. Got a late checkout? No problemo. Velaa have a day use villa for guests who are stranded without a room on their final day. Ultimately, I prefer Cheval Blanc, but Velaa is an absolutely brilliant option, proved by us extending our stay at Velaa for an additional night. Both GMs talked fondly of each other, yet tried to differentiate their properties by describing the type of guest most likely to visit their neighbour, but both assumed the same of each other, that is, they both believe the type of person that would go to the other property was someone different to who actually stays in their property. So let me tell you how they separate. Cheval Blanc is like your elegant, successful Aunt that everyone looks up to and admires; Velaa is your mental Uncle that has been sectioned twice and gave you a venomous pet snake for your 8th birthday. Sure, we all love Aunt Mildred, but really our fond memories are with Uncle Cletus. I can absolutely see why Cheval Blanc and Velaa are so closely compared as the best within the Maldives. It seems almost like they counter each other in every area: where one excels, the other falters. It goes on and on, even down to the teppanyaki at Cheval being great, whereas the fine dining at Velaa was better; Velaa is better at black cod, but Cheval is better at beef carpaccio; I preferred my massage at Velaa, but Lucie preferred hers at Cheval. The spa, activities and setting are unequivocally better than Cheval Blanc, and I suppose the rest is up for discussion. Velaa is not perfect; Cheval Blanc is not perfect, but I think overall you would find less fault with Cheval Blanc, and more fun at Velaa. As members of the same privileged communities we serve, we know what it takes to deliver extraordinary experiences. We deliver expert recommendations and guidance with unwavering honesty so you can enjoy the best experience with your friends and family. Given the proximity of the two, it sounds as if the travel strategy would be 5 days at Cheval Blanc and 5 days at Velaa. We are at the Four Seasons Landaa Givrau and knew we could count on a review from you to help us decide where to extend to. Sadly CBR fully booked so Velaa it is. Your Reply Cancel reply. Your email address will not be published. Save my details in this browser for the next time I comment. Submit Comment. Dorsia Travel, based in Cambridge, England. Cheval Blanc Randheli vs Velaa. Maldivian equivalent of tumbleweed. Me happier than you will ever be. At the top of Tavaru, no one can hear you scream. Why Travel With Us? We Get You As members of the same privileged communities we serve, we know what it takes to deliver extraordinary experiences. Hands-on and Honest We deliver expert recommendations and guidance with unwavering honesty so you can enjoy the best experience with your friends and family. Contact Us. More About Tom. Comments 3 Robert Boyd says:. Tom C says:. Tiffany says:. Your Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. As Featured On.

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