Featured
OBLU Select at Sangeli turns one
Indian Ocean hospitality brand Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts has celebrated the first year anniversary of its fourth resort in Maldives, OBLU Select at Sangeli.
OBLU Select at Sangeli, the vibrant & contemporary hotel with a beautiful blend of Maldivian heritage and impeccable hospitality, began welcoming guests on July 1, 2018.
More than 19,369 guests from all over the world have called the stunning OBLU Select at Sangeli in North Male Atoll their heavenly temporary home over the last year.
“OBLU Select has experienced a fantastic first year, which is testament to our beautiful resort, generous Serenity Resort Plan and our staff living and breathing the Atmosphere brand ethos: The Joy of Giving,” Jorge Amaro, General Manager of OBLU Select at Sangeli, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
OBLU Select at Sangeli is located in North-West Male Atoll on Sangeli island, home to some of the most beautiful diving and snorkelling areas in the entire Male atoll, and is accessible by a 50-minute speedboat ride from the main Velana International Airport. The resort is positioned as a premium all-inclusive, four-star deluxe resort that comprises 137 detached villas in six categories — on the island and above the water.
From a culinary perspective, OBLU Select at Sangeli continues to offer the typical advantages of the mother brand, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts. Within the premium all-inclusive Serenity Plan, guests can look forward to extraordinary fine dining experiences, exotic food and drinks and various activities that are already included during their stay.
The resort has a main restaurant, The Courtyard; two fine dining restaurants, Just Grill and Simply Veg; and a stunning pool bar, The Sangs. In addition to various themed buffets at The Courtyard, discerning guests have an opportunity to snack at The Sangs as well as book themselves for an exotic fine dining experience — once each at Just Grill as well as at the Simply Veg — for every seven nights stay. Exotic dishes along with a variety of spirits, cocktail and wines, freshly grilled seafood and pure vegetarian dishes will surprise the visitors at various theme nights and interactive live cooking stations. The minibar will also refilled daily free of charge.
The premium Serenity Plan offers guests various activities that are included during their stay. Under the motto “Fun”, this includes trips by speedboat, sunset fishing, a selection of non-motorised water sports such as stand-up paddling, kayaking or pedalo, and the free rental of snorkelling equipment.
Another highlight of OBLU Select at Sangeli are the exclusive Overwater Honeymoon Pool Suites, which are ideal for an unforgettable honeymoon. These romantic suites are built adjacent to a second private island called One Banyan, and offer their very own sky-light view from a circular bed along with a direct view of the sunset over the sea.
In addition to the Overwater Honeymoon Pool Suites on One Banyan island, this exclusive private island is open only to adults from sunrise to sunset, with its very own adults-only pool along with an exotic bar.
Since the inception of Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts in 2013, the award-winning Indian Ocean hospitality brand has been rapidly expanding within different market segments: the four-star OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli, entry-level five-star Atmosphere Kanifushi, the luxury all-inclusive OZEN by Atmosphere at Maadhoo, and the four-star deluxe OBLU Select at Sangeli.
The fast-growing hospitality brand is gearing up for the October 2019 opening of its fifth resort in Maldives, VARU by Atmosphere, and four more properties that are set to open between 2020 and 2021.
Opening in 2020, OBLU X in the Male Atoll will be the largest of all Atmosphere properties, with 350 villas and suites. This three-star property will have a contemporary approach and positioning, bringing Atmosphere’s high levels of service and experiences to the three-star segment like never before.
A second four-star OBLU property with 220 villas and suites will open in 2020 in the hugely popular Baa atoll, incorporating contrasting elements of nature and a cast-away theme.
Meanwhile, Atmosphere will take its OZEN brand to Sri Lanka with the opening of OZEN by Atmosphere at Tangalle in 2021. Also coming in 2021 is OBLU Select at Tangalle – with 118 rooms and suites – offering its premium all-inclusive holiday plan, The Serenity Plan.
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
Featured
World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.
The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.
InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.
Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.
The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.
-
News1 week agoSt. Regis Maldives expands and upgrades Two-Bedroom Ocean Villa
-
News1 week agoCentara Hotels & Resorts Maldives marks Thai New Year across island portfolio
-
Featured6 days agoCoco Collection brings conservation and low-waste living into resort experience
-
News1 week agoShangri-La Circle offers dining benefits at JEN Maldives Malé
-
Awards5 days agoAtmosphere Core secures British Airways Holidays awards across five Maldives resorts
-
Featured5 days agoThe Standard, Maldives unveils new Premium All-Inclusive package
-
Drink5 days agoLily Beach announces guest bartender residency featuring Vyacheslav Kasitsyn
-
Celebration4 days agoCentara Maldives resorts to mark Songkran with Thai-inspired celebrations


