For Dr. Klein, a general practitioner from Lucerne, Switzerland, the Maldives isn’t just a vacation-it’s a part of his life. Since his first visit in 1991, he and his wife Corina have returned to Velassaru Maldives more than 50 times. What started as a getaway has grown into something much more-a ritual, a retreat, and in many ways, a second home.
Over three decades of visits, the couple has built a relationship with the island that goes far beyond the typical travel experience. “At home, I spend my days looking after people,” Dr. Klein says. “Here, I’m the one being looked after.”
That feeling of care starts the moment they land. This year, celebrating their 50th visit, they were welcomed with open arms-literally. From a warm greeting at the airport to thoughtful surprises like a custom sun hat and shirt with Dhivehi messages, every little touch reminded them why they keep coming back. Even their own golf buggy was waiting, ready to take them around the island at their own pace.
Finding Peace in the Everyday Moments
Dr. Klein’s mornings are now slower, more intentional. He often begins the day snorkelling in clear waters or walking the island’s shoreline-moments that have taken the place of his earlier, more adventurous diving routines. Afternoons are for enjoying his favourite Maldivian dishes, and when the day winds down, you’ll likely find him at Chill Bar with a Schweppes tonic and a cigar, watching the sky melt into the sea.
It’s the kind of ease that comes from being somewhere you know deeply. The restaurant team remembers how he likes his juice. The barista knows he takes espresso. These aren’t grand gestures, but to Dr. Klein, they’re everything.
More Than a Resort
What makes Velassaru so special for the Kleins isn’t just the scenery-it’s the people. This year especially stood out, thanks in large part to General Manager Denys Hordiienko, whose attention to detail and presence around the island haven’t gone unnoticed. “There’s a quiet smoothness in how everything runs,” Dr. Klein explains. “It’s the familiarity, the warmth-it just feels right.”
Ask him to describe Velassaru to someone who hasn’t been, and he doesn’t hesitate: “It’s the most beautiful place in the world.”
For him and Corina, it’s a place where they’ve shared decades of memories, reconnected time and again, and left each visit feeling not only relaxed-but restored.
And next year? Of course they’ll be back.
Ready to discover your own island tradition?
Head to the offer page and book your stay with Lets Go Maldives.
Because sometimes, you don’t just visit a place-you return to it.
