News
OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli installs sculptures representing ‘Nakaiy’

Maldives.net.mv – In line with the commitment from the OBLU Management to encourage local artisans and promote Maldivian architecture, OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli has just installed sculptures created by Maldivian artist, Umair Badheeu.
As per Mr. Rein van Zandvoort, General Manager – OBLU at Helengeli, the idea is to connect the foreign guests with the culture & traditions of Maldives. Mr.Rein said “Being creative is a way of life, at OBLU. We wish to showcase to our guests, the Maldivian way of life through arts & creativity”. He also added that “This platform offers the Maldivian artists a golden opportunity to express & showcase their creativity & designs to the foreign tourists. Unfortunately, there are not many forums available in the Maldives to showcase such creativity and we are proud to be part of this process.”
The sculpture installations at OBLU are based on the Maldivian weather calendar system, Nakaiy. The year is divided into 27 Nakaiys, wherein each Nakaiy is a 13-14 day period. Every Nakaiy has subtle changes in the weather. This system is derived from the Indian Nakshatra system.
For this series of installations, each sculpture derives qualities and designs based on the characteristics and meanings corresponding to the individual Nakaiy. For instance, the form of the first installation (Between 26.40°(in Mesha/Aries) and 10° (Vrishabha/Taurus)), is derived from the shape of the presiding deity according to Hindu astrology. The title refers to the space this Nakaiy takes in the sky.
Most of the pre-fabrication and design elements for these pieces, were created whilst living on an uninhabited island and all the materials used are locally acquired. For the first piece, Vaa Dhiggaa (wood of a Sea Hibiscus), coconut husk and a synthetic rope was used. The wood was treated in the sea for 10 days, which is a traditional method that is usually employed for protection against insects. The husks were initially burnt as a mosquito repellent, but when half-way burnt, the husks stay without decaying for a longer time. Eventually these husks were used as a material for the first piece to represent the Fire and Agricultural activity during Kethi Nakaiy.
Once prepared, all the materials were transported to Helengeli Island, where the installation began for the first time based on a previously scaled model. Each installation is done on site and environmental conditions on site with changes in design, for the formalization of the work.
Helengeli Island, located in North Male Atoll, renowned for its exotic house reef, was re-launched in November 2015 as OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli. As part of the core philosophy of Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, every resort within their portfolio, will always strive to create locally enriching experience whereby the discerning customer will always be able to enjoy & appreciate the Indian Ocean culture & artisanship.
News
COLOURS OF OBLU’s 3 resorts in Maldives win British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award

It is a triple celebration at COLOURS OF OBLU, as not one but three of its stunning sister resorts have been honoured with the prestigious British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award for 2024.
British Airways Holidays is one of the UK’s leading tour operators, and prides itself on taking its customers’ holidays seriously. It uses unbiased, independently verified customer feedback to carefully identify top-rated hotels as part of its commitment to provide high-quality holidays.
OBLU SELECT Lobigili has received a perfect score of 5 out of 5. Both OBLU SELECT Sangeli and OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO scored an impressive 4.7 out of 5, based purely on genuine guest reviews. This recognition puts them amongst the crème de la crème of British Airways Holidays partners worldwide – no small feat considering over 72,000 reviews were collected this year.
OBLU SELECT Lobigili is a romantic adults’ exclusive resort just a short 15-minute journey from Malé International Airport. Travellers can indulge in a palette of vibrant experiences, from colourful sunsets to exotic under ocean dining at Only BLU, from snorkelling at the marine-rich house reef to relaxing in the garden spa. “This recognition would not have been possible without the dedication and passion of our hardworking team, who continuously strive to deliver exceptional experiences to each guest,” said Christopher Baker, General Manager OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili.

Nestled in the pristine North Malé Atoll, OBLU SELECT Sangeli offers a chic and vibrant island escape with contemporary villas, a separate One Banyan adults-only island, and gourmet dine-around options. It is no wonder guests have fallen in love with this tropical haven. “Our team works tirelessly to ensure every guest has a magical, memorable holiday. Knowing that our guests have rated us so highly is the greatest compliment we could ask for,” said Jenni Hartatik, General Manager OBLU SELECT Sangeli.
Meanwhile, just a short speedboat ride from Malé, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO continues to impress with its unique island character, vibrant house reef, and down-to-earth, barefoot charm. Known for its incredible diving and snorkelling right off the beach, it’s a paradise for underwater enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Reflecting on the award, Alain Camille Trefois, General Manager OBLU NATURE Helengeli said, “this award is a reflection of our passionate team, the beauty of Helengeli island, and the unforgettable experiences we strive to deliver every single day”.

COLOURS OF OBLU, a lifestyle hospitality brand by Atmosphere Core, is an experience collective that creates Vibrant Destinations designed to awaken the senses, bring balance, and provide the gift of lifetime memories. Travellers can choose from four vivid and refreshing island resort experiences at OBLU SELECT Lobigili, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi.
News
Maldives island featured on Google Earth Day doodle

Google marked Earth Day on Tuesday with a special doodle highlighting selected natural landscapes from around the world, including a site from the Maldives.
The doodle used satellite images to form the letters of the word “Google,” with each letter represented by a distinct geographical location. The capital “G” was illustrated using the uninhabited island of Eriyadhoo in Shaviyani Atoll, Maldives.
The image chosen for Eriyadhoo shows the island surrounded by white sand and turquoise waters, forming a shape resembling the first letter of Google’s name.
Other locations featured in the doodle included an O-shaped river in the French mountains for the first “O” and a section of the wilderness area in Quebec, Canada, for the second “O.” The second “G” was shaped by a mountain river in Argentina. The “L” depicted part of the mountainous terrain in the US state of Utah, while the final “E” was represented by a remote area in New South Wales, Australia.

Lifestyle
Rosamund Pike escapes to paradise at Patina Maldives

Award-winning British actress Rosamund Pike recently traded the bustle of London for the serene turquoise waters of the Maldives, enjoying a picture-perfect escape at the luxurious Patina Maldives, Fari Islands. The “Gone Girl” star shared a dreamy video on social media, offering fans a glimpse into her idyllic tropical retreat—and it’s everything a Maldivian holiday should be.
In the video, Rosamund is seen immersing herself in the full island experience. From soaking up the sun at a private overwater villa to cruising on a dolphin-watching tour, biking along palm-lined paths, snorkeling with manta rays, and diving alongside sea turtles, it’s clear she embraced the magic of the Maldives. She even took to the waves on a water scooter, channeling her adventurous side in the most scenic setting imaginable.
Pike captioned her post with heartfelt reflection: “I left London on my very last ember and had a holiday of magical dimensions! The Maldives offer a glimpse of paradise, an escape from rush. @patinamaldives is a destination I have sought out three times; to practice doing nothing in preparation for playing Elspeth and this time to recover from doing too much. It is a heaven on your own terms— and I washed all my cares in salt and rinsed my soul in the sea. Here is a glimpse of bliss as I see it.”
Rosamund Pike is no stranger to immersive roles and demanding projects. Known for her powerful performances in films like Pride & Prejudice, Gone Girl, and the fantasy series The Wheel of Time, her career has spanned decades and earned critical acclaim. With such a busy professional life, it’s no wonder she finds solace and renewal at Patina Maldives.Set in the pristine Fari Islands, Patina Maldives is a modern sanctuary that blends understated luxury with a deep connection to nature. Designed by renowned Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan, the resort offers minimalist aesthetics, eco-conscious living, and transformative experiences. Its overwater villas and beachfront retreats provide the ultimate in privacy and comfort, while curated wellness, art, and culinary journeys cater to mindful travelers seeking more than just a getaway.
For Rosamund Pike, Patina Maldives isn’t just a destination—it’s a refuge. Her third visit to the resort speaks volumes of its allure, where moments of stillness are as treasured as moments of adventure. As she puts it, it’s “a heaven on your own terms.”Whether you’re looking to reconnect with nature, indulge in marine adventures, or simply float into a state of bliss, Rosamund’s Maldivian escape is all the inspiration you need.
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