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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.
Featured
Amilla Maldives presents ‘Eid in Harmony’ island celebration
Amilla Maldives is inviting guests to mark Eid al-Fitr with a series of island celebrations under the theme Eid in Harmony, bringing together cultural experiences, family activities and festive dining.
Eid, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is widely celebrated across the Maldives as a time of gathering and shared moments. At Amilla Maldives, the occasion will be observed through a programme of relaxed events designed to reflect the atmosphere of island life and community.
During the celebrations, guests will be able to take part in cultural performances, family-friendly activities and island gatherings highlighting Maldivian traditions. These will include performances of Bodu Beru, interactive island games and creative workshops that offer visitors insight into local culture.
The resort will also present a range of culinary experiences for the occasion. Chefs will prepare festive dishes inspired by both regional and Maldivian flavours, with dining experiences ranging from relaxed daytime offerings by the beach to evening dinners served under the stars.
Set within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the celebrations are designed to offer guests an opportunity to experience the traditions and atmosphere of Eid in a natural island setting.
Guests interested in the full programme of celebrations can access the resort’s Eid 2026 brochure online.
Featured
SO/ Maldives unveils three-day Easter celebration
SO/ Maldives has announced a three-day Easter programme taking place from 3 to 5 April 2026, featuring dining experiences, sunset gatherings, beach cinema and family activities across the island.
Set against the backdrop of the Maldives’ lagoon waters, the programme is designed to combine culinary events, music and leisure activities, offering guests a variety of experiences over the Easter long weekend.
The celebrations begin on Good Friday, 3 April, with the Ocean Harvest & Wine Soirée at Citronelle Club. The event features a five-course seafood dinner inspired by South African cuisine, accompanied by a curated wine pairing hosted by a master sommelier. The experience will be limited to 20 guests.
Later in the evening, entertainment will continue at Lazuli Beach Club, where the Vintage Nights at Lazuli event will feature curated wines and DJ music in a beachfront setting.
On Saturday, 4 April, guests will be invited to a Golden Hour Sundowner at the Pavilion Bar, where cocktails will be served during sunset overlooking the lagoon.
The evening will continue with the Starlit Holy Saturday Feast at Lazuli Beach Club, featuring a three-course dinner served outdoors. The programme will conclude with an open-air beach cinema experience, where guests can watch a film on the beach accompanied by popcorn and refreshments.
The programme concludes on Easter Sunday, 5 April, with a series of events along the island’s shoreline. The evening begins with Easter Bloom Cocktail Hours, offering floral-inspired drinks prepared with fruit and botanical ingredients.
The highlight of the celebrations will be the Easter Grand Beach Barbecue at Citronelle Club, featuring grilled dishes served in a seaside setting. The event will also include live saxophone performances and music.
Throughout the weekend, children will have access to a dedicated programme at The Nest, where activities will include Easter crafts, egg decorating, dance sessions and an Easter egg hunt. Additional activities such as face painting, piñata games and creative workshops will also be available.
Through its Easter programme, SO/ Maldives aims to provide a mix of dining, entertainment and family-friendly activities, offering guests the opportunity to mark the holiday while enjoying the island setting.
Featured
Oaga Art Resort brings back Kula Kula Festival with global influences
Kula Kula Festival will return for its fourth edition at Oaga Art Resort from 20 to 25 March, bringing together cultural influences from the Maldives, Brazil and India in a programme centred on art, music and community.
The festival combines the traditions of Eid al-Fitr, the vibrant spirit of Brazilian Carnaval, and the colours of Holi, creating a multi-cultural celebration that highlights performance, heritage and shared experiences.
The programme begins with Eid-related traditions, inviting guests to take part in cultural rituals and performances inspired by Maldivian heritage. The festival continues its collaboration with Kiyavahi Culture Studio, which will present workshops, demonstrations and interactive installations showcasing traditional Maldivian crafts and storytelling.
Guests will have opportunities to explore cultural practices such as Fangi Viyun (thatch weaving), Roanu Veshun (coir rope making), Kasabu Gethun (lacquer work) and Thundu Kunaa Viyun (mat weaving). Through these sessions, participants will also learn about the history and cultural significance of these crafts.
The festival begins with Eid Malhi, a bonfire lit by Oaga’s Rahvehin on 19 March to mark the sighting of the new moon. This is followed by Eid prayers and Eid Sai, a traditional breakfast at Kaa Kada. Throughout the day, guests can take part in activities such as Eid Kulhivaru beach games and Fen Kulhi, which combines water and colour play. The Maali Parade, inspired by Maldivian folklore, will lead guests to a high tea gathering at Raa Baa Beach featuring live performances and traditional attire experiences.
Live entertainment forms a central part of the festival programme, with performances from local and international artists. Guests will experience Boduberu fusion performances by Nuff and Ciam, storytelling rhythms by the Harunulaa Boduberu Group, and electronic music performances by Digital Flock during the Kula Kula Rave.

Dhivehi music will also be featured through performances by solo artist Naffah, while storyteller Amney will share Maldivian folklore through music sessions at O’Fire.
Indian classical music will be represented by sitar player Kalyan, who will perform across multiple sessions during the festival. Brazilian performer Alikko will introduce elements of Brazilian culture through fire shows and performances accompanying dining experiences at Kaa Kada.
Dining experiences will also highlight cultural diversity, with lunch and dinner services featuring themed presentations such as Eid Jaafaiy and Indian-inspired cuisine prepared in collaboration with Kalyan.
Evening programmes will include live music, fire performances, communal barbecues and a collaborative live art and music showcase titled Unethical Projection, featuring both resident and guest artists.
For the first time at the festival, Brazilian Carnaval will be incorporated into the programme. The segment will feature a Brazilian-inspired buffet at Kaa Kada, performances by Alikko and a Kula Kula Rave hosted by Digital Flock.
The final days of the festival will bring together Maldivian, Indian and Brazilian cultural influences under the theme Made of Many, Felt as One. Activities will include music sessions, collaborative performances featuring the Rav drum with Nuff, and storytelling by Amney.
The festival will conclude with a Deserted Day Picnic at Hastheem Sandbank, where guests can enjoy watersports, snacks and DJ sets by Afruh.
Through its programme of performances, cultural workshops and shared experiences, the Kula Kula Festival continues to position itself as a platform for artistic expression and cultural exchange, reflecting the creative identity of Oaga Art Resort.
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