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OBLU SELECT Sangeli wins British Airways Customer Excellence Award

OBLU SELECT at Sangeli has received the British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award 2020.
The award is given based on unbiased customer reviews designed to showcase the hotels that impress guests the most.
Each year, British Airways Holidays, which is one of the UK’s leading tour operators, gathers independent hotel reviews and awards Customer Excellence Awards across the globe to recognise their top-rated hotels.
Reviews are only collected from genuine British Airways Holidays customers, who are asked to score hotels based on location, service, cleanliness, and sleep quality.
With an overall score of 9.7 out of 10, OBLU SELECT Sangeli is in in the third position.
“A remarkable achievement considering that only eight Maldivian resorts scored above 9. It is a testimonial to the passion, hard work, and diligence of all our colleagues at Sangeli,” an announcement by the resort read.
“We are deeply grateful to you, for writing about your blissful tropical stays with us. Our team cannot wait to welcome you back to our serene shores for more unforgettable experiences!”

Part of Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, OBLU Select at Sangeli is located in North-West Male Atoll on Sangeli island, home to some of the most beautiful diving and snorkelling areas in the entire Male atoll. It is accessible by a 50-minute speedboat ride from the main Velana International Airport.
The resort is positioned as a premium all-inclusive, four-star deluxe resort that comprises 137 detached villas in six categories — on the island and above the water.
From a culinary perspective, Sangeli continues to offer the typical advantages of Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts’ core brand philosophy. Within the premium all-inclusive Serenity Plan, guests can look forward to extraordinary fine dining experiences, exotic food and drinks and various activities that are already included during their stay.
The resort has a main restaurant, The Courtyard; two fine dining restaurants, Just Grill and Simply Veg; and a stunning pool bar, The Sangs.
In addition to various themed buffets at The Courtyard, discerning guests have an opportunity to snack at The Sangs as well as book themselves for an exotic fine dining experience — once each at Just Grill as well as at the Simply Veg — for every seven nights stay. Exotic dishes along with a variety of spirits, cocktail and wines, freshly grilled seafood and pure vegetarian dishes will surprise the visitors at various theme nights and interactive live cooking stations.
The minibar will also refilled daily free of charge.
The premium Serenity Plan offers guests various activities that are included during their stay. Under the motto “Fun”, this includes trips by speedboat, sunset fishing, a selection of non-motorised water sports such as stand-up paddling, kayaking or pedalo, and the free rental of snorkelling equipment.
Another highlight of OBLU Select at Sangeli are the exclusive Overwater Honeymoon Pool Suites, which are ideal for an unforgettable honeymoon. These romantic suites are built adjacent to a second private island called One Banyan, and offer their very own sky-light view from a circular bed along with a direct view of the sunset over the sea.
In addition to the Overwater Honeymoon Pool Suites on One Banyan island, this exclusive private island is open only to adults from sunrise to sunset, with its very own adults-only pool along with an exotic bar.
Excursions
Marine encounters: spinner dolphins at Canareef Resort Maldives

At Canareef Resort Maldives, one of the most popular experiences for guests is the dolphin tour. The abundant presence of dolphins in the surrounding waters ensures that each cruise offers a remarkable encounter with these marine creatures, creating lasting memories for visitors.
Every dolphin tour at Canareef provides an opportunity to observe pods of dolphins gliding and leaping across the waves. Guests often describe the sight of spinner dolphins darting through the clear ocean as a defining image of the Maldives’ natural marine beauty.
Morning cruises and sunset tours alike are guided by experienced staff, who share insights as dolphins appear in their natural environment. Many guests recount moments when dolphins swim alongside the boat, a spectacle that creates a unique sense of connection.
The activity is regarded as more than just an excursion; it is considered a celebration of nature and a highlight of a stay at Canareef. It allows guests to experience the Maldives in a way that underlines why dolphins are seen as ambassadors of the islands.
For travellers seeking encounters with dolphins amid turquoise waters, Canareef presents an ideal opportunity. The resort also offers seasonal promotions, including early booking discounts for the remainder of this summer, next winter, and summer 2026.
Featured
Maldives beaches rated among world’s best for rest and rejuvenation

Following a rise in searches for ‘calmcations’, long-haul travel specialists Travelbag have revealed the best destinations for a tranquil escape in 2025, with the Maldives named among the world’s most serene beachside getaways.
According to Travelbag, 72 per cent of British travellers go on holiday to relax and recharge, while 47 per cent seek experiences that help them feel more grounded and mindful. Searches for the term ‘calmcation’ – holidays focused on peace, quiet, and switching off – have doubled in the past three months, reflecting a growing shift away from busy itineraries towards more restorative travel.
To identify the most relaxing destinations, Travelbag analysed 36 global locations and ranked them against key serenity indicators, including noise and light pollution, cleanliness, the quality of green spaces, and local travel congestion.
Queenstown, New Zealand, secured first place as the world’s ultimate destination for tranquillity. Framed by the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu, the town recorded exceptionally high scores for cleanliness (91.7) and quality of green spaces (94.4), alongside low levels of travel congestion and minimal noise and light pollution.
The Seychelles followed in second position, celebrated for its unspoiled natural beauty and exceptionally low noise and light pollution score of 16.7. Its islands, including La Digue, Praslin and Silhouette, remain havens of peace and natural charm.
Cairns, Australia, rounded out the top three, combining tropical serenity with well-maintained green spaces and an impressive cleanliness score of 69.6.
Also ranking among the top global destinations is the Maldives, long regarded as one of the world’s premier escapes for those seeking peace and seclusion. With its iconic turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and private island resorts, the country continues to attract travellers in search of restorative experiences.
According to Travelbag’s analysis, the Maldives achieved an impressive average beach rating of 4.63, placing it alongside the world’s leading beachside destinations. Beaches such as Bikini Beach, Baros Beach, and Reethi Beach were highlighted as examples of the country’s serene appeal.
Danny Hugill, Destination Executive for the Maldives at Travelbag, commented: “The Maldives is one of our most cherished destinations – an idyllic collection of tiny islands that offer unmatched opportunities to unwind. Long celebrated as a top honeymoon destination, it remains the ultimate place to escape, slow down, and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.”
The findings underline the Maldives’ continued appeal in a market increasingly shaped by wellness, mindfulness, and relaxation. While destinations such as New Zealand and the Seychelles excel in specific indicators of serenity, the Maldives’ unique combination of luxurious seclusion, natural beauty, and consistently high-rated beaches ensures its position as a global ‘calmcation’ favourite for 2025.
Featured
October at Soneva: culinary journeys, wellness retreats and world-class guests

As the golden light softens the edges of the day and autumn arrives in the Maldives, Soneva’s resorts are inviting families to embrace a slower pace. Surrounded by settings where jungle meets shoreline and barefoot living is part of everyday life, October brings immersive experiences, diverse dining and guest appearances designed to create memorable moments.
Soneva is renowned for its sense of space – and this October, that space is offered as a place to connect, explore and dream. Guests are accommodated in expansive villas, whether set above the water or nestled within the forest, with each generation free to follow their own rhythm. Younger visitors are welcomed at The Den, where activities include chocolate-making, coral reef discovery and storytelling beneath the stars. Adults are offered opportunities such as sailing excursions, wine tastings by the beach and relaxed days defined by a tropical tempo.
The Soneva Stars programme in October features a notable guest line-up. Tennis player Andy Murray will lead sessions on the courts, Olympic swimmer Therese Alshammar will conduct family swimming classes, and British astronaut Tim Peake will introduce guests to stargazing alongside stories from his career in space. The atmosphere is intended to remain relaxed, with experiences that are both engaging and uncommon.
Culinary experiences remain central to the Soneva offering. October’s highlights include Michelin-starred chefs joining the Soneva Stars programme: Tim Siadatan of Trullo and Padella will appear at Soneva Fushi for the first time, while Chet Sharma of Bibi will prepare a Diwali dinner at both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani. Dining venues range from Flying Sauces, a treetop experience reached by zipline, to So Hands On by Chef Akira, an intimate six-seat sushi counter crafted in sake-finished pine. At Soneva Secret, each villa includes a private chef, offering a personalised dining experience.
For guests seeking tranquillity, October also marks the return of the SOUL Festival at Soneva Fushi, taking place from 9 to 13 October. This retreat gathers global figures in wellness, movement and transformation, offering barefoot rituals, sunrise breathwork and reflective discussions.
October at Soneva is framed by golden hours and starlit nights, with experiences designed to be shared across generations.
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