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Atmosphere Hotels welcomes guests to ‘Pure & Serene’ havens of uncompromising experiences
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts’ properties were among the few Maldivian hotels that remained open during the extensive lockdown imposed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
The young and successful Indian Ocean hospitality group offered one of its luxury resorts, VARU by Atmosphere, to the Maldivian government to be used an isolation facility. All other Atmosphere Hotels’ properties remained open throughout the nearly four-month-long lockdown.
With the Maldives having reopened its borders to international visitors last week, Atmosphere Hotels is now welcoming guests with enhanced protocols and measures to ensure the wellbeing of both guests and employees.
Over the last few months, the team of dedicated employees at Atmosphere Hotels has worked relentlessly to ensure all of their resorts are safe. They have inspected and elevated all aspects of resort operations to deliver uncompromising service that aligns with guidance provided by World Health Organisation and the American Centres for Disease Control (CDC).
In line with these endeavours, Atmosphere Hotels partnered with Diversey, a global pioneer in cleaning and hygiene solutions.
“Safety and wellbeing of our guests and colleagues has always been our priority here at Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts. In the present times, we are proud to say with conviction that safety has become our second nature,” an announcement read.
Arrive safe
All boats are thoroughly sanitised and physical distancing is maintained throughout the journey.
Temperature check through infrared thermometer is conducted upon arrival in the resort.
Contactless payment facility and secure check-in is provided.
Rest easy
Villas are kept vacant for a minimum of 24 hours before every arrival.
Room cleaning is performed in the absence of guests in order to minimise face-to face contact. Villas are cleaned using hospital-grade disinfectants and electrostatic spray.
All high contact areas are carefully cleaned and sanitised, while linens are laundered at high temperature using recommended disinfectants.
A Safe Care Amenity Kit, which includes a face mask, hand sanitiser and anti-bacterial wet wipes, is provided.
Explore freely
All public spaces are cleaned frequently using recommended cleaning products, while highly frequented areas are cleaned and sanitised on an hourly basis.
Hand sanitisers are placed in all the public areas.
In addition to testing pool water every four hours for pH and chlorine saturation, pool beds are placed 1.5-2 metres apart to ensure a safe distance is maintained.
Guests using gym, kids club and the recreation centre will have to undergo a mandatory temperature check at the entrance.
Kids club is completely disinfected thrice a day, while gym equipment is sanitised after every use.
Experience island pleasures
Dive centre equipment is disinfected, sanitised and and kept out of use for 72 hours.
Mandatory temperature checks are conducted before and after dive centre activities, as well as after spa treatments.
At the spa, treatment rooms are deep cleaned daily. All spa therapists wear a protective shield while performing the treatment.
Dine well
Restaurant seating capacity is capped at 50 per cent, ensuring a distance of at least two metres between tables.
Menus are equipped with barcode technology, while assisted buffet service with cloche are provided in all the restaurants. Food handlers are required to use gloves and face masks to prevent cross contamination.
Guests also have easy access to hand sanitiser in all the restaurants.
For safe in-villa dining, disposable boxes are used, while enhanced table laying and clearance norms are practised.
In addition to the food safety measures, Atmosphere Hotels has also introduced a series of natural immunity-boosting food and beverages to help guests stay healthy.
Meanwhile, strict safety guidelines are also implemented in the kitchen operations.
Food is prepared in small quantities to ensure fresh food is served to the guests.
Enhanced cleaning protocols using Diversey products are in place, with all dishes, cookware and crockery being washed at 80 °C.
Fresh consumables are stored between 0 to 4 °C, and frozen consumables are stored under -18 to -22 °C.
Rigorous training on food hygiene and cross contamination is given to all food handlers.
Health first
At each Atmosphere Hotels’ resort, a specialised doctor is available 24/7 for any medical emergencies. For conditions that require advanced care, round-the-clock boat service is provided to local medical facilities.
Medical rooms equipped with Automated External Defibrillator well-equipped isolation areas have been established at the resorts.
A certified Disaster Management Team is available to handle any exigency.
“Driven by our core philosophy of ‘The Joy of Giving’ we strive to create simple, delightful, and memorable holiday experiences with heartfelt generosity and care,” the announcement said.
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts offers guest-centric resort experiences through unique resort plans, offering guests a range of all-encompassing experiences, with varieties of dining options as well as a number of complimentary amenities and activities that ensure a relaxed, hassle-free holiday experience at each resort, all the while staying true to the brand’s core philosophy: ‘The Joy of Giving’.
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts’ first property, Atmosphere Kanifushi, opened its doors in December 2013. The group opened its second property, OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli, in November 2015; followed by their flagship ‘Lifestyle Luxury’ sub-brand, OZEN by Atmosphere, in July 2016; OBLU Select at Sangeli in July 2018; and VARU by Atmosphere in October 2019.
The group recently launched its sixth hotel, OZEN Reserve Vittaveli in South Male Atoll; establishing its uber-luxe brand – The OZEN Collection.
Atmosphere Core concluded 2025 with a strong industry showing, securing three major honours at the Layalina Editor’s Choice Awards 2025 for RAAYA by Atmosphere, Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi. The accolades underscore the group’s ability to deliver clearly differentiated resort concepts for diverse traveller profiles, while maintaining a consistent emphasis on quality, comfort and guest satisfaction across its portfolio.
At the awards, RAAYA by Atmosphere was named Best New Luxury Resort of the Year – Maldives. Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives received the title of Best All-Inclusive Luxury Resort, while OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi was recognised as Most Stylish Resort – Maldives. The honours are based on Layalina’s independent editorial assessment and established quality benchmarks, celebrating excellence across luxury hospitality, all-inclusive offerings and lifestyle-led design. Layalina is a leading Arab lifestyle publication under 7awi Media Group, with a strong readership and influence across the GCC and wider region.
Collectively, the awards highlight Atmosphere Core’s understanding of evolving travel expectations, delivering experiences that are thoughtful, well-crafted and easy to enjoy, whether guests are seeking tranquillity, variety or social energy.
Each of the recognised resorts brings a distinct identity to the group’s Maldivian portfolio. RAAYA by Atmosphere, located in the Raa Atoll, is defined by its serene environment and castaway-artist concept, encouraging guests to slow down and reconnect through nature, creativity and adventure. Atmosphere Kanifushi continues to stand out for its scale and consistency, offering a generous all-inclusive experience through the Kanifushi Plan™, expansive villas and a long, natural island setting that appeals to both families and couples. In contrast, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi delivers a more dynamic island escape, characterised by contemporary design and a lively social atmosphere that resonates with travellers drawn to shared spaces, movement and modern aesthetics. Together, the accolades reflect a carefully curated portfolio designed to cater to a wide spectrum of travel moods and preferences.
Commenting on the achievement, Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer of Atmosphere Core, said the group was honoured to receive the Layalina Editor’s Choice Awards 2025, recognising the three resorts across distinct categories. He noted that the recognition reflects the company’s carefully curated experiences, shaped by a strong sense of product, space and genuine care, and credited the passion and commitment of the teams, as well as the continued trust of guests, for the achievement.
Central to these successes is Atmosphere Core’s philosophy of the Joy of Giving, which positions hospitality around care, generosity and attention to detail. This approach informs destinations that feel closely connected to their natural surroundings and supports bespoke experiences that anticipate guest needs. The result, the group says, is a style of hospitality that is welcoming, effortless and personal, creating meaningful moments that endure beyond the stay itself.
The Standard, Maldives will mark the Lunar New Year this February with a week-long celebration that invites guests to swap urban festivities for the turquoise waters of the Raa Atoll. Taking place from 17 to 22 February, the programme will transform the island resort into a festive setting that blends time-honoured traditions with the brand’s playful and contemporary character.
Designed to move beyond a conventional island escape, the celebrations will open with lively visual touches, including jumping stilts and fortune cookies, setting the tone for a week where Maldivian tranquillity meets the spirit of East Asian culture. Throughout the programme, guests will be immersed in a series of experiences that combine culinary creativity, entertainment and cultural expression.
Food takes centre stage in the Lunar New Year offering, with a diverse line-up of dining events curated to engage all the senses. Highlights include an Asian Street Food buffet inspired by classic Chinese motifs, alongside more refined beachfront experiences such as five-course Crab Night and Lobster Night dinners at Kula Beach. Interactive elements are also woven into the programme, with Tangyuan Time at Joos Café inviting families to prepare traditional sweet glutinous rice balls together, while younger guests can participate in a dedicated mocktail-making masterclass.
Evenings at the resort will be defined by high-energy entertainment and cultural performances. Todis Beach will host LED and fire shows, complemented by special Chinese dance performances that illuminate the shoreline after dark. Adding a local dimension to the celebrations, Maldivian Boduberu drumming will feature prominently, creating a rhythmic fusion of regional and international traditions. For guests seeking a more relaxed pace, the programme also includes a Lunar New Year Movie Night at the main pool and a Bingo Night at Todis Bar.
Commenting on the celebrations, Sonika Adlakha, Commercial Director of The Standard, Maldives, said the aim was to create a Lunar New Year experience that feels both authentic and adventurous. She noted that by combining the dynamic energy of street food markets and fire shows with the calm luxury of a Maldivian retreat, the resort is offering guests a distinctive way to welcome the Year of the Horse.
To complement the festivities, the resort is offering a Premium All-Inclusive Package, designed to provide seamless access to the week’s dining and entertainment programme. The package includes the full range of culinary experiences, from Asian Street Food stalls to themed buffets at Kula, as well as a selection of premium spirits, cocktails and refreshments. This offering allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the celebrations while enjoying the freedom to experience the Lunar New Year at The Standard, Maldives without limits.
Four Seasons Resorts Maldives will welcome the Year of the Fire Horse with a week of Lunar New Year celebrations across Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa. Taking place from 16 to 24 February 2026, the programme will see both islands animated by the vibrant energy associated with this rare zodiac year.
Bold and spirited, the Fire Horse symbolises momentum, confidence and fresh beginnings. The celebrations are designed to reflect these qualities through a blend of cultural tradition, island elegance and family-focused experiences, positioning the Maldives as a fitting setting for the festive season.
Marking a first for the Maldives, the resorts will host an exclusive pop-up by Beijing’s Michelin-recognised Baiweiyuan Dumpling Restaurant, operating concurrently at both islands. Long celebrated in Beijing for its handmade dumplings and comforting soups, Baiweiyuan will present a menu featuring signature pork and chive dumplings, beef and onion fillings, and vegetarian options such as egg and tomato. Cold starters, including soy-braised pork trotter, will complement the experience.
Prepared fresh to order, the dumplings introduce an authentic taste of Beijing to the Indian Ocean, offering a culinary highlight that reflects the warmth and generosity associated with the Fire Horse.
Lunar New Year at Kuda Huraa
16–24 February 2026
At Kuda Huraa, Lunar New Year celebrations will unfold throughout the week in a lively, festival-style programme. Events begin with a Reunion Dinner at Café Huraa, followed by themed dining evenings, outdoor cinema screenings, a Pool Party and a Pop-Up Asian Market.
Evenings will include experiences such as a Secret Beach BBQ under the stars, a Mediterranean Market at Reef Club and an Asian Buffet at Café Huraa. Baiweiyuan’s dumpling pop-up will be available daily, allowing guests to enjoy the flavours of Beijing throughout the celebrations.
Kuda Huraa highlights include:
- Reunion Dinner on 16 February
- Family Feast Lunch, Seafood Night and Asian Buffet
- Secret Beach BBQ and Mediterranean Market
- Pool Party with DJ on 18 February
- Pop-Up Asian Market and outdoor movie nights
- Daily Baiweiyuan Dumpling pop-up
The Kuda Mas Kids Club will also host a two-week Fire Horse–inspired festival for younger guests, featuring activities such as lantern painting, snorkelling adventures, arts and crafts, dumpling making, tie-dye workshops, karaoke evenings and beach games. The programme is designed to encourage creativity, confidence and fun.
Lunar New Year at Landaa Giraavaru
16 February 2026
Landaa Giraavaru will welcome the New Year with a poolside celebration from 7.00pm to 10.30pm, featuring a Dragon Dance, live DJ and lantern-lit setting around the main pool. A Yu Sheng prosperity toss will symbolise abundance and good fortune, while live cooking stations will showcase celebratory flavours prepared by the resort’s culinary team.
Landaa Giraavaru highlights include:
- Poolside Lunar New Year celebration
- Dragon Dance performance
- Live DJ and festive ambience
- Yu Sheng prosperity toss
- Culture-inspired welcome drinks
- Baiweiyuan Dumpling pop-up available throughout the week
Across both islands, Lunar New Year at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives is designed to bring families and friends together in the spirit of prosperity, connection and shared celebration. Guests are invited to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse through traditions that honour luck, abundance and meaningful togetherness.
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