Featured
Green Globe re-certifies OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli for second year
OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli is a luxury all-inclusive tropical island resort comprised of 116 villas complete with spacious open air bathrooms.
The resort is situated in a world renowned dive location on Helengeli Island in the North Male’ Atoll in the Maldives.
Green Globe recently re-certified OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli for the second consecutive year.
According to The OBLU Helengeli Vision, “Green Globe Certification offers the world’s most recognised and longest running program allowing us, as one of the green leaders in the travel and tourism industry, to confidently promote our environmental credentials along with our commitment to the people and prosperity of our location.”
Both management and staff are committed to the property’s Sustainability Management Plan which guides the property’s daily operations in a sustainable manner and takes into consideration environmental, socio-cultural, quality and health & safety issues.
Environmental protection
OBLU Helengeli works in collaboration with TGI Maldives to protect and maintain the marine environment, primarily its house reef, which is rated as one of the best snorkelling and diving spots in the Maldives.
Yearly checks of the health of the reef are conducted confirming that biodiversity is maintained at a high level.
The resort has also started a programme to catalogue all the marine species found in surrounding waters to aid conservation and education efforts.
Design, construction
Minimising environmental impacts is at the forefront of planning in this pristine location.
Renovations and repairs completed at the property include sustainable and energy-saving methods that will be durable over a long period.
Refurbishments re-use as much of the original structure as possible and incorporate local design and architecture such as kajan roofing and dhoani shaped masts along with environmentally friendly materials like coir, wood and bamboo.
Regional development
OBLU Helengeli actively contributes to community development in line with Atmosphere Hotels and Resorts’ CSR policy.
The resort provides educational opportunities for interns from local educational establishments to undertake vocational training and skill development in tourism and hospitality.
In addition, OBLU Helengeli supports health initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of local community members.
The property also purchases food from local producers and local fishermen to stimulate regional economic activity.
New tourism market
The Maldives reopened its borders on July 15, 2020, the first Asian destination to reopen for tourism since the start of the pandemic lockdowns.
Massive growth was seen in the number of tourists visiting the Maldives from India, an unprecedented year-over-year growth of 105 per cent as compared to other global businesses that have experienced a downturn in overall visitor numbers.
Historically, India is not a top volume generator for Maldivian resorts however, travel restrictions impeding traditional tourism markets contributed to this turnaround.
Featured
Dhigali Maldives closes festive season with dynamic New Year’s Eve party
The festive season at Dhigali Maldives concluded on a vibrant and memorable note, offering guests a series of celebrations that blended tradition, creativity, and island spirit. From a uniquely Maldivian take on Santa’s arrival to thematic experiences inspired by the elements, the resort transformed into a setting designed for joy and togetherness.
Christmas Eve brought guests to Capers, where a traditional buffet featuring a wide range of global flavours was accompanied by live music that set the festive tone. On Christmas Day, Santa Claus made his entrance not by sleigh but aboard a traditional bokkura, a gesture that delighted families gathered along the shoreline.
In the days leading up to New Year’s Eve, Dhigali Maldives presented a programme themed around “The Four Elements of Nature.” The series began on 27 December with Earth, featuring a jungle trail, grounded yoga sessions, and spa treatments. On 28 December, the celebrations moved to East for Water, highlighted by a floating bar and zorb ball acrobats performing across the pool. Air followed on 29 December with an aerial silk performance on the beach, and Fire brought the energy to a peak on 30 December with traditional Bodu Beru drumming and a fire dance illuminating the night sky.
The festivities culminated on New Year’s Eve at East Beach, where all four elements converged for an immersive celebration. Fire dancers, live performers, and a pyrotechnic display lit up the sky in vibrant colours. Hungarian DJ Regán Lili headlined the night with a set described as electric, her soundscapes resonating across the island and drawing guests to the dance floor as they welcomed the new year. It marked a striking finale to a season of celebration at Dhigali Maldives.
Featured
Kuramathi Maldives announces private wellness programmes with Imron Zulfikar
Kuramathi Maldives has announced the arrival of esteemed holistic wellness practitioner Imron Zulfikar, who will undertake an exclusive residency at the resort from 15 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. During this period, guests will have the opportunity to participate in bespoke wellness experiences crafted by a recognised expert in integrative health.
Throughout his residency, Imron will conduct a series of private wellness sessions designed to restore balance, promote renewal, and enhance long-term wellbeing. His practice brings together ancient therapeutic traditions and contemporary fitness science, resulting in personalised programmes that support harmony, mobility, and emotional resilience. Signature offerings include:
- Watsu Water Healing Journey: A restorative treatment conducted in warm water, combining elements of shiatsu, massage, and gentle movement to release deep tension, soothe the nervous system, and foster a sense of tranquillity.
- Chakra Balance Therapy: A holistic session that aligns mind and body through crystal healing, guided meditation, and calming massage techniques.
- Meridian Deep Release Massage: A therapeutic blend of deep tissue massage and acupressure aimed at easing chronic tension, improving flexibility, and stimulating energy flow.
- Accu Glow Facial: A rejuvenating facial incorporating acupuncture and customised skincare to activate collagen production, detoxify the skin, and enhance natural luminosity.
- Oriental Slim Detox Massage: A treatment grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine, combining acupuncture and massage to promote lymphatic drainage and support detoxification.
Imron is an accomplished wellness lifestyle coach and holistic fitness specialist with more than ten years of experience in acupuncture, tension release therapies, yoga, Pilates, and personal training. His integrative methodology nurtures physical alignment, emotional balance, and overall vitality.
He has worked with numerous luxury resorts and an impressive roster of high-profile clients, including Serena Williams, Emma Watson, Richard Branson, and members of the UAE Royal Family. Celebrated for his intuitive approach and refined technique, Richard Branson has previously referred to Imron as having “golden hands.”
Kuramathi Maldives looks forward to offering guests this exceptional opportunity to engage in transformative, individually tailored wellness experiences during Imron’s residency.
Drink
Felice Capasso brings award-winning mixology to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli this February
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will host World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, Felice Capasso, for an exclusive Tastemaker Series collaboration from 4–5 February. The partnership further strengthens the resort’s position as a destination for discerning travellers seeking craftsmanship, cultural depth, and refined experiences.
Located on a private island in the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives has established a contemporary interpretation of island glamour. Its signature villas include some of the most coveted accommodations in the Indian Ocean, notably the John Jacob Astor Estate—one of the Maldives’ largest overwater residences—and the tranquil, beachfront Caroline Astor Estate. Each estate offers generous living spaces, expansive pools, and panoramic views, reflecting the resort’s dedication to elevated, residential-style luxury.
Within this sophisticated environment, The Whale Bar—an iconic overwater structure—will serve as the setting for Capasso’s arrival. As evening falls, the venue will adopt a vibrant Latin-inspired ambience, where guests will enjoy family-style small plates, bespoke cocktails, and rare vintages on tap while the sunset illuminates the lagoon. In this atmospheric setting, Capasso will unveil an exclusive cocktail menu for his bar takeover, blending classical technique with modern creativity.
On the following day, the resort will host an intimate Masterclass led by Capasso, centred on rum. The session will explore the spirit’s history, its regional expressions, and the narrative approach that distinguishes exceptional mixology. His expertise—rooted in precision, intuition, and storytelling—offers guests a rare opportunity to engage with a leading figure in the global bar industry.
This collaboration forms part of the resort’s ongoing Tastemaker Series, which brings influential creators and innovators to the island. By welcoming talents such as Felice Capasso, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to craft immersive, evocative experiences that embody the distinctive spirit of St. Regis.
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