Originally Posted by
vuittonsofstyle
I would rather eat my own head than return to Velaa - it is the devil's spawn of an overindulged Czech couple who are obsessed with images of turtles. In no way can you compare it with Cheval Blanc Randheli, which is a proper professionally run resort. I have no idea why everyone keeps talking about Velaa in the same vein as Cheval Blanc - they are worlds apart.
This describes it perfectly.
Interesting in this regard is the fact that the recently appointed, new GM of the resort is not a hotelier, or for that matter, has worked in the industry -- at all. While this doesn't necessarily have to be a problem (see history of Amanresorts), recent stays and reports conclude hotel keeping might not be one of his best abilities.
The resort is also the playground of the owner (as
vuittonsofstyle indicated) and frequently hosting friends of the couple, you get the idea.
A beach villa there can be comfortable, but service is not polished. But it seems to work, for the owner at least, for financial reasons..