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Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts announces expansion plans
Maldives-based Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts is all set for expansion with two new resorts, OBLU XPErience Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili, set to open in November 2021, in the Malé Atoll.
OBLU XPErience Ailafushi is the company’s first four-star resort with an aim to attract budget travellers.
OBLU SELECT Lobigili is a contemporary five-star boutique resort, exclusively for couples, with a similar positioning and ‘Serenity Plan’ as its popular sister property OBLU SELECT Sangeli.
“Once we retain our volumes and occupancy to pre-pandemic levels, we will plan to strengthen and position our uber-luxe brand, THE OZEN COLLECTION on a worldwide basis. In the new normal, there has been an increase in the average duration of stay of guests,” Salil Panigrahi, Founder & Managing Director at Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, said.
“We hope to attract high profile guests with the unique experience of working and living in paradise. Our long stay offer for extended stays and workcations at THE OZEN COLLECTION is soon to be introduced in all our markets.”
A visionary hotelier par excellence, Panigrahi has built a reputation for hospitality based on the ethos of ‘Joy of Giving.’ He conceptualised Atmosphere in 2013, as a resort management brand with a unique philosophy. His objective was to operate value-driven resorts focused on the leisure segment in the Indian Ocean region.
In just seven years, under Panigrahi’s leadership, the group has launched six resorts in the Maldives, with the latest addition being OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI in South Malé Atoll which launched in December 2020.
“We launched OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI on December 3, 2020, along with our flagship uber-luxe brand THE OZEN COLLECTION,” Panigrahi said, in an interaction with ETHospitalityWorld.
“Our rebranding and redesign of the resort started during summer 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic had stalled many businesses and activities across the world. Within a few months, we launched the resort to a resounding success.”
The Maldives was the first Asian destination to reopen for tourism since the global shutdown. And, when the country’s borders reopened on July 15, 2020, all the six resorts under the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts group resumed operations with immediate effect.
After a successful festive season with occupancy surging to strong levels, the current occupancy rate has stabilised.
“However, our occupancy rates are still extremely encouraging, considering that we have been receiving a significant share of the tourists coming to the Maldives especially from the Indian market,” Panigrahi added.
While India was not the top volume generator for Maldives historically, there was massive growth seen in Q3 2019 with unprecedented year-over-year growth of 105 per cent.
Because many of the major source markets are closed due to travel restrictions, there has been a visible upsurge in Indian tourists visiting the Maldives, especially with the air travel bubble and newly introduced flights enabling swifter travel between the two countries.
“Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Ahmedabad are some of the key cities from where we have been receiving guests,” Panigrahi informed.
“This has been seen across economic segments and buying capacities, right from the budget traveller seeking a relaxing time at entry-level resorts to the very nuanced and seasoned traveller. The latter category, including Bollywood celebrities, have been flocking to the destination, working both as a promoter of Maldives as a hot destination and inspiring and influencing the other traveller segments to put the Maldives on their wishlist.”
Panigrahi is optimistic about the ongoing vaccinations in the Maldives and globally. Looking at the current pattern, he is hoping that a significant upswing in volumes will help achieve pre-pandemic numbers by late 2021 or early 2022. Spreading out the wings beyond the Maldives, Panigrahi also has plans for Sri Lanka.
Note: The above article has been reproduced from its original source, ETHospitalityWorld. Please follow this link to reach original article.
Coco Bodu Hithi, a renowned boutique resort in the Maldives celebrated for its Maldivian-inspired elegance, has received recognition at the 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.
This prestigious accolade honours outstanding quality across recommended properties worldwide and serves as a trusted benchmark for travellers and industry professionals alike. Coco Bodu Hithi was awarded the title of ‘Best Service’ by Condé Nast Johansens for its exceptional hospitality, which seamlessly blends serene surroundings with meticulous, personalised service.
Additionally, the resort was recently recognised in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, cementing its position as a leader in luxury travel. Offering a thoughtfully curated guest experience, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to set itself apart within the industry.
The resort also excels in culinary innovation, boasting four exceptional restaurants. Renowned Michelin-starred chefs frequently collaborate with Group Culinary Director and Michelin-starred chef Martin Cahill to craft exquisite dining experiences, reflecting Coco Bodu Hithi’s unwavering commitment to service excellence and world-class gastronomy.
Oaga Art Resort has transformed its Sobi Bar into a Mixology Garden, showcasing a collaboration with internationally acclaimed Beverage Artist and Netflix’s ‘Drink Masters’ finalist, Tao Zrafi.
Far from the typical poolside bar, the revamped Sobi Bar offers a unique experience where artistic cocktails take centre stage. Standard drinks are replaced with Tao Zrafi’s creations, which expertly blend local Maldivian flavours with surprising twists, providing a sensory journey for visitors.
Each cocktail at Sobi Bar is a testament to Tao Zrafi’s creativity. His exclusive menu combines stunning visual presentation with complex, delightful flavours, elevating the drink experience into an art form.
The Mixology Garden caters to diverse tastes. In addition to Tao Zrafi’s signature creations, Sobi Bar offers a curated selection of international gins and artisanal beers, ensuring every guest finds the perfect beverage to suit their preferences.
To commemorate the launch of the Mixology Garden, Oaga Art Resort is hosting several special events:
- Cocktail Masterclasses (November 29 and December 6): Guests can learn from Tao Zrafi himself, discovering the secrets behind his innovative cocktails.
- The Grand Unveiling (December 5): This evening celebration features Tao’s signature cocktails, a buffet, live music, interactive mural painting, and spectacular fire shows. Guests can enjoy a sunset soiree combining art, music, and unforgettable flavours.
Sneak peeks of Tao Zrafi’s creations are available on Oaga Art Resort’s social media platforms, offering a teaser of the enchanting cocktails awaiting guests at Sobi Bar.
Whether seeking relaxation, artistic inspiration, or an elevated cocktail experience, the Mixology Garden at Sobi Bar promises something extraordinary. With its blend of stunning flavors, unique atmosphere, and unforgettable events, Oaga Art Resort ensures every visitor leaves with cherished memories of paradise.
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, a luxury destination located in the pristine Haa Alifu Atoll of the Maldives, has announced its exclusive partnership with Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, for all seaplane and domestic flight transfers. Starting from November 1st, 2024, this collaboration aims to provide guests with unparalleled convenience and seamless travel to the resort, ensuring daily service, with additional transfers available depending on the season.
The resort is known for its spacious villas, exceptional privacy, a wide array of experiences, world-class amenities, and personalised service, all set in a lush, natural island paradise. With Maldivian as its exclusive seaplane transfer partner, guests can enjoy a direct, swift, and scenic journey from Velana International Airport to the resort’s doorstep.
Ahmed Hafeez, Managing Director of Lily Hotels, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Maldivian to elevate our guests’ arrival and departure experience. This collaboration ensures a smooth and luxurious transition, allowing guests to begin their unforgettable holiday the moment they step off the plane.”
Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, guests are welcomed by the resort’s dedicated airport representatives, who escort them to the exclusive Lily Hotels Lounge at the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal. Here, they can relax and enjoy panoramic views, complimentary refreshments, and Wi-Fi while awaiting their transfer.
In addition to seaplane transfers, Maldivian will also manage domestic flight transfers for guests who prefer this alternative. This comprehensive approach highlights Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa’s commitment to providing flexible and convenient travel solutions.
The partnership with Maldivian also positions the resort for future growth, particularly with the upcoming upgrade of Hanimaadhoo International Airport. This development is expected to enhance accessibility and offer more travel options for the resort’s clientele. The collaboration is anticipated to generate increased interest in the less-explored northern Maldives, an area known for its untouched natural beauty and more tranquil, underwater experiences.
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