Featured
Atmosphere Hotels welcomes 2,000 guests post-lockdown
Atmosphere Hotels and Resorts has welcomed over 2,000 guests since the Maldives reopened its borders for global travellers in July.
The 2,000th guest — a couple — was given a royal welcome at OZEN by Atmosphere at Maadhoo last week.
They enjoyed a private boat transfer, followed by a grand surprise celebration on arrival featuring traditional Bodu Beru performance, sand art, cake cutting and Rosé Champagne. A private romantic barbecue dinner by the beach concluded the special day.
The couple were completely blown away and enthusiastically joined the OZEN team to celebrate this milestone.
Atmosphere Hotels has reacted quickly and adapted to the “new normal” since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
All the resorts in their portfolio remained open throughout the lockdown earlier this year. And, as soon as the Maldives reopened its borders on July 15, the resorts began welcoming guests to their shores. In just two months, they have hosted over 2,000 visitors!
The natural setting of the private island resorts lend itself to social distancing.
During the lockdown, all the resorts were carefully inspected and every aspect of operation was elevated to ensure service that aligns with international health and safety protocols. A partnership was also formed with Diversey, a global pioneer in cleaning and hygiene solutions.
Guests enjoy a ‘Pure and Serene’ stay with absolutely no compromises in their dream holiday experience, be it a rich food and beverage experiences or the warm and seamless service throughout their stay.
Atmosphere Hotels and Resorts is a dynamic and fast-growing Indian Ocean hospitality brand with extensive resort development and management experience.
Set in some of the most beautiful Maldivian islands, the group operates five best-in-class resorts ranging from luxury to classic properties in two sub-brands: White Label Set by Atmosphere, and The Selection of OBLU by Atmosphere.
Also included in their portfolio is the award-winning uber lux brand, The OZEN Collection. OZEN resorts offers ultimate privacy blended with signature luxury aesthetics, for blissfully immersive holidays in pristine, Indian Ocean locations.
Atmosphere Hotels’ first property, Atmosphere Kanifushi, opened its doors in December 2013, followed by four resorts: OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli, OZEN by Atmosphere at Maadhoo, OBLU SELECT at Sangeli, and the newest addition, VARU by Atmosphere.
The expansion continues with OBLU XPRience Loabigili and OBLU SELECT Loabigili, set to open in the Male Atoll in the summer of 2021.
OBLU SELECT at Tangalle, scheduled to open in 2023, will take the brand to the south coast of Sri Lanka.
Renowned for their impeccable service and world-class dining experiences, Atmosphere Hotels offers guest-centric holiday experiences through first-of-its-kind resort plans inspired by the brand’s core philosophy of the ‘Joy of Giving’.
From elegantly designed beach villas and overwater villas to a range of all-encompassing experiences – guests enjoy a truly relaxing and carefree holiday at each resort, elevated by warm and personalised hospitality.
Featured
Coco Collection brings conservation and low-waste living into resort experience
Coco Collection, a Maldivian-owned resort brand, has invited guests to experience a more conscious approach to luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi.
Across its two island resorts, Coco Collection has incorporated environmental responsibility into the guest experience through its Coco Cares philosophy. From nature-led experiences inspired by the islands’ ecosystems to culinary offerings based on fresh, locally grown ingredients, the resorts have been designed to reflect the natural setting of the Maldives while integrating sustainability into daily operations.
At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, this commitment is reflected in the Maldives’ veterinary-led Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, which is operated in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. As a founding partner of the facility, the resort provides care for injured sea turtles and supports marine conservation awareness. Since its establishment, the centre has treated and released 152 injured turtles, with a rehabilitation success rate of 60%. The resort also continues seagrass preservation efforts aimed at protecting marine habitats and supporting biodiversity in the surrounding waters.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu also applies low-waste practices, mindful sourcing, and resource-conscious operations across the resort. This approach extends to Coco Farm, where homegrown produce, handcrafted preserves, and garden-to-table dining experiences are used to bring local flavour and seasonality to the table.
At Coco Bodu Hithi, the same approach is reflected in its food and beverage offerings. To mark Earth Day, the resort has introduced a green-inspired cocktail experience focused on eco-conscious mixology, using fresh ingredients grown on the island.
The resort said its low-waste approach informs all aspects of the guest experience, with attention given to responsible resource use. From the choice of herbs and fruits to preparation and presentation, the offering is intended to reflect respect for the natural environment.
This approach also extends across the resort’s wider culinary programme, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients, house-made preserves, and dishes inspired by the Maldives’ natural produce. Through seasonal menus, conscious sourcing, and resource management, Coco Bodu Hithi aims to offer an experience that combines hospitality with environmental responsibility.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
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