News
OBLU at Helengeli – the divers’ paradise!
Maldives.net.mv – Helengeli Island, located in North Male Atoll, renowned for its exotic house reef, gets a full makeover!
Opening on 01st November 2015, the island would be re-launched as OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengli and will showcase a trendy & vibrant four star superior resort! OBLU is a sub-brand of the up-and-coming Indian Ocean brand – Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts.
The living spaces at the fully refurbished OBLU at Helengeli, presents contemporary design aesthetics whilst maintaining the quaint and cozy feel of an authentic Maldivian island holiday experience! To make it a complete package holiday, the resort would be offering a best in class All-Inclusive experience too!
The unique feature of Helengeli house reef is that it lies right at a primary entrance to the Atoll, in the middle of a channel (channel on both sides of the island). Hence, fish life especially pelagic (predatory big fish like sharks, rays, barracudas, jackfish) are aplenty around the reef, year-around!
Helengeli house reef is probably one of the best locations in the Maldives for a perfect and exotic channel diving experience!
An absolute highlight of the Helengeli house reef is the lobster cave at about 12 meters in depth, wherein over 50 lobsters reside! During a night dive, you can observe them swimming along the reef, looking for food. The entire reef comes alive at night with shrimps, nudibranchs, snails and crabs.
In addition to the wonderful house reef dives, two of the top dive spots near Helengeli island, are the Helengeli Thila and Helengeli Corner – just a few minutes away by boat. There are over 30 other dive sites within a 30 minute – 1 hour range including three ship wrecks!
Operated by Atmosphere Aqua Club, the OBLU dive center would be a full-fledged PADI certified center, with multi-lingual experienced dive personnel and equipped with modern equipment, technology and dive gear.
Some legends just get better!
Family
Kuda Villingili to host family-focused Easter celebration with dining, wellness events
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has announced its Easter Celebration 2026 programme, inviting guests to experience a week of festivities inspired by the playful charm of Candy Land, reinterpreted through the resort’s signature approach to calm, space and understated luxury.
Located on a private island in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the resort features 75 villas and residences designed to offer privacy and connection to the surrounding natural environment. The Easter programme has been structured to combine dining, wellness, family activities and ocean-based experiences.
The Easter calendar includes a series of themed dining events intended to bring families and friends together throughout the week. Guests will be able to explore curated culinary journeys such as Caravan of Flavours, Pan-Asian Voyage and the Easter Grapevine Dinner, each designed to showcase diverse global cuisines in a convivial setting.
A key highlight will be the Kuda Villingili Grand Easter Gala Buffet on Easter Sunday, featuring festive dishes, live cooking stations and live band entertainment. The celebration aims to serve as the focal point of the week’s activities.
For guests seeking a more relaxed island-style experience, the Surfside Sunset BBQ at Raalhu Bar will present flame-grilled specialities and fresh seafood against the backdrop of the Chickens surf break, accompanied by sunset views and live music.
Younger guests will also have the opportunity to participate in the Little Chefs of Kuda: Easter Baking Workshop, a hands-on culinary session designed to introduce children to baking in a playful environment.
Wellbeing remains central to the resort’s Easter offering. A series of wellness experiences will be available throughout the week, including sound healing sessions, Ocean Breeze Yoga conducted over the open sea, and guided yoga flows focused on balance and mindfulness.
These activities are designed to provide space for families, couples and friends to reconnect and mark Easter as a period of renewal and shared experience.
For guests interested in marine activities, MSTS Dive & Water Sports will offer a range of Easter-themed experiences. Young guests can explore introductory diving through the Seal Team for Kids programme, while families can participate in an Easter Kayak Race across the lagoon.
A customised Big Game Fishing experience will also be available for those seeking a more private excursion on the Indian Ocean.
At Kuda Fiyo Kids Club, the Candy Land theme will be brought to life through Easter egg hunts, baking sessions, arts and crafts, themed movie nights and games. The programme has been designed to provide structured activities for children while allowing parents time to relax.
With a combination of festive dining, wellness programming and ocean-based experiences, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives’ Easter Celebration 2026 aims to offer a balanced island escape that blends seasonal celebration with tranquillity.
More information on the Candy Land Easter programme is available via the resort’s official brochure and website.
Awards
Constance Halaveli and Constance Moofushi earn top scores in 2026 Booking.com awards
Constance Hospitality has been recognised in the 2026 Traveller Review Awards by Booking.com, with its Maldivian resorts achieving some of the highest scores within the group’s portfolio.
In the Maldives, Constance Halaveli Maldives received an outstanding score of 9.8 out of 10, while Constance Moofushi Maldives achieved 9.7. The ratings, based on verified guest reviews, reflect consistently high levels of guest satisfaction and service delivery.
Constance Halaveli Maldives, known for its spacious overwater and beachfront villas, personalised service and refined dining concepts, continues to perform strongly among travellers. Constance Moofushi Maldives, positioned as a barefoot chic resort with an all-inclusive concept, also maintains a high guest approval rating, supported by its diving experiences and relaxed island atmosphere.
While the wider Constance portfolio across the Indian Ocean was recognised, the Maldives properties stand out as the group’s highest-rated resorts in the 2026 awards cycle.
Commenting on the recognition, Jean-Jacques Vallet, Chief Executive Officer of Constance Hospitality, stated that the awards reflect the professionalism and commitment of the teams on the ground. He added that guest feedback remains central to maintaining service standards and delivering consistent experiences across the group’s destinations.
The recognition reinforces the position of Constance Halaveli Maldives and Constance Moofushi Maldives as leading performers within the Maldives’ competitive luxury hospitality sector.
Featured
Year of the Horse celebrations across Sun Siyam’s Luxury, Privé and Lifestyle resorts
Sun Siyam Resorts is marking the Lunar New Year across its Luxury, Privé and Lifestyle collections with a coordinated programme of cultural experiences, festive dining, music and family-focused activities from 15 to 20 February 2026. Celebrating the Year of the Horse, each resort’s programme reflects its individual character while embracing the spirit of renewal and togetherness associated with the season.
Siyam World – Lifestyle Collection
At Siyam World, Lunar New Year celebrations combine cultural heritage with contemporary island energy. A highlight of the programme is a live showcase featuring Chinese-inspired DJ sets paired with the traditional guzheng, creating a fusion of electronic rhythms and classical melody. Performances by the Chaozhou Shantou lion dance troupe add further cultural depth, with guests invited to observe, participate and learn traditional movements.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli – Lifestyle Collection
Sun Siyam Olhuveli is presenting a relaxed Lunar New Year programme shaped by traditional symbolism and island living. Throughout the week, the resort will host family-friendly cultural activities, traditional performances and live music. Red-themed décor and festive elements will set the tone, while dragon displays and cultural showcases bring movement to the island’s central spaces. The celebrations peak on 16 and 17 February with performances by DJ Slim Belghith, whose international sound will accompany evening festivities.
Sun Siyam Iru Veli – Privé Collection
At Sun Siyam Iru Veli, the Year of the Horse will be marked through a programme that combines cultural traditions with family-oriented experiences. The Kids Club will host themed activities including red envelope crafting, lantern making, zodiac-inspired art and traditional games. The Fire Horse Pool Party at Chemistry will bring families together with music and refreshments. Dining highlights include hot pot lunches and dinners, along with a dedicated Chinese section titled “Flavours of Fortune” at the Aqua Orange buffet. Guests may also enjoy seasonal spa treatments at Ocean Spa designed to promote balance and renewal.
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef – Privé Collection
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef will conclude its celebrations with a Grand Spring Gala Dinner featuring international cuisine alongside Chinese specialities. The evening includes a traditional lion dance performance, filling the island with movement and symbolic gestures intended to welcome prosperity and good fortune.
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi – Luxury Collection
At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Lunar New Year celebrations will blend Chinese traditions with Maldivian island experiences. Dining features include beachfront seafood platters, Blue Lobster barbecues and traditional hot pot dinners, complemented by chocolate, cheese and champagne tastings.
Younger guests may take part in dragon dance workshops and lantern painting sessions, while signature resort experiences such as Sunset Jet Car rides, Cinema by Moonlight on a private boat and floating breakfasts add further variety. Evening turndown moments incorporate local Maldivian touches, reflecting the resort’s approach to cultural exchange. With 15 dining venues, family-oriented villas and dedicated adults-only spaces, the resort’s programme is designed to accommodate a broad range of guests.
Commenting on the celebrations, Ahmed Naufal, Group Director of Business Development, noted that China remains an important market for Sun Siyam. He stated that the Lunar New Year celebrations provide an opportunity to honour Chinese traditions while delivering experiences consistent with the group’s standards of hospitality.
Across its Maldivian portfolio, Sun Siyam Resorts presents Lunar New Year as a season of cultural appreciation, shared celebration and renewal by the sea.
-
Awards1 week agoFuvahmulah receives Tiger Shark Dive Award at DRT Expo KL
-
News1 week agoThe Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands to mark International Women’s Day with ‘Give to Gain’ programme
-
Featured1 week agoTen years of turtle conservation: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Olive Ridley Project milestone
-
Excursions1 week agoManta season experience returns as InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau announces 2026 retreat
-
Featured1 week agoBanyan Tree Vabbinfaru blends romance and wellbeing in February Valentine’s programme
-
Action1 week agoSimply summer at Milaidhoo: Invitation to slow living in the Baa Atoll
-
Featured1 week agoLove loud and laid-back: Valentine’s Day across CROSSROADS Maldives
-
Featured1 week agoFour Seasons Maldives brings Fire Horse energy to Lunar New Year celebrations






