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
The Standard, Maldives unveils new Premium All-Inclusive package
The Standard, Maldives has announced the launch of a new Premium All-Inclusive experience from May 2026, introducing an enhanced offering aimed at travellers seeking a seamless island holiday in Raa Atoll.
The resort said the new package was designed to combine dining, experiences and entertainment with the natural setting of the Maldives. It added that the offering had been curated with Indian travellers in mind, as India continues to grow as a source market for Maldivian tourism.
The package begins with champagne on arrival and includes access to dining across the resort’s outlets. Guests will be able to choose from three restaurants for lunch and five restaurants for dinner with prior reservation. The resort said the dining programme would range from Mediterranean dishes at Onda to Maldivian cuisine at Guduguda, offering guests a varied culinary experience throughout their stay.
The package also includes a beverage programme featuring premium spirits, wines, cocktails and beers, as well as a fully stocked minibar in each villa.
The culinary programme is led by Director of Culinary Nandakumar Dharuman. The resort said his Indian background adds familiarity for Indian travellers, with Indian breakfast options available alongside international selections. Vegetarian and Jain meals can also be prepared on request.
The Standard, Maldives said the resort would continue to offer a lively atmosphere through activities held during the week, including DJ nights, fire dance performances, bingo evenings and other social events. Breakfast DJ sessions are also part of the programme. In addition, guests booking the Premium All-Inclusive package will receive one complimentary 30-minute spa treatment and one island excursion.
Sonika Adlakha, commercial director of The Standard, Maldives, said India remained an important and growing market for the resort. She said the new Premium All-Inclusive experience was intended to offer Indian travellers a stay that combined dining, entertainment and the natural appeal of the Maldives.
Alongside its social spaces, the resort said it also offers quieter areas for guests seeking a more relaxed experience. All villas at the property include private pools and spacious living areas, allowing guests to stay close to the resort’s dining and entertainment facilities while also enjoying privacy.
Cooking
Kandolhu Maldives announces culinary collaboration with Chef Fabrizio Zanetti
Following a season of culinary collaborations, Kandolhu Maldives has announced that Executive Chef Fabrizio Zanetti will visit the resort this October for a series of dining events.
The resort said the programme would offer guests an opportunity to experience Zanetti’s cuisine through a number of exclusive dining experiences.
Originally from St Moritz, Zanetti has led the kitchens at Hotel Suvretta House in St Moritz for more than a decade. The five-star Suvretta House, built in 1912 by Swiss hotelier Anton Bon, recently opened a new 4,670-square metre spa for the 2025-2026 winter season.
Zanetti has also worked at Michelin-starred establishments including Baur au Lac in Zurich and Savoy Grill in London. His work has been recognised with 17 points in the Gault-Millau Guide 2025 and the Mérite Culinaire Suisse award. In 2024, he was also named Gault-Millau Rising Star of the Year.
The collaboration at Kandolhu Maldives will begin on Wednesday, 14 October, with a three-course à la carte lunch at The Market.
A four-course dinner will follow on Saturday, 17 October, at Olive Restaurant. The evening will begin with a meet-and-greet with Chef Zanetti before dinner is served.
On Wednesday, 21 October, Olive Restaurant will also host a five-course Wine and Dine event, which will include a personal introduction from the chef.
Kandolhu Maldives said each evening event at Olive Restaurant would be limited to 22 guests, offering an intimate dining setting overlooking the Indian Ocean. The resort has encouraged guests to reserve early for the programme.
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.
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