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
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives introduces summer offer across four island resorts
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has introduced a summer offer aimed at travellers seeking longer stays across its four island resorts.
Guests booking stays of seven nights or more will receive complimentary return transfers for two people, while shorter stays will include complimentary one-way transfers. At participating resorts, up to two children under the age of 12 can also stay and dine free.
The offer includes savings on selected excursions and activities and is available for bookings and stays until 31 October 2026.
Guests who book directly through Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives will have access to additional benefits, including options to personalise their stays with beach dining, spa treatments and island activities. Members of the brand’s loyalty programme will receive further savings and earn double Discovery Dollars during the promotional period.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers beachfront accommodation, a range of activities and speedboat transfers from Malé. Its accommodation and family-focused programmes are designed for guests seeking a combination of recreation and time together.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives provides accommodation, dining options, wellness services and water-based activities within an island setting. The resort caters to couples, families and travellers visiting the Maldives for the first time.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, located across two islands in Meemu Atoll, is positioned for couples and honeymooners. Guest experiences include sunset dining, spa treatments and access to the surrounding lagoon.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon caters to divers and snorkellers through its house reef, marine life and access to dive sites. The resort provides direct access to underwater experiences in the Indian Ocean.
The summer offer provides savings of up to 65% across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives’ four properties.
Awards
JOALI Maldives wins two honours at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia
JOALI Maldives has been recognised in two categories at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia 2026, receiving honours among the Best Resorts in the Maldives and for the Most Outrageous Villa.
The recognition reflects the resort’s Creative Living philosophy, which brings together art, nature, wellbeing, sustainability and hospitality within the guest experience.
Located in Raa Atoll, approximately 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé, JOALI Maldives opened as the Maldives’ first art-immersive luxury resort. Art installations, dining experiences, wellbeing programmes and accommodation are integrated across the island as part of its approach to resort living.
The property features 73 beach and overwater villas and residences, positioned across the island and above the Indian Ocean. The accommodation has been designed to provide privacy, space and access to views of the surrounding environment.
Each villa combines contemporary design with materials including timber, marble, bamboo and terrazzo, as well as handcrafted finishes. Floor-to-ceiling glass provides views of the ocean, while private pools connect the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Artworks and design pieces are also incorporated into each villa, reflecting the resort’s Creative Living concept and extending the art experience into the accommodation.
Guests can choose from Beach Villas, Water Villas and multi-bedroom Residences, with options designed for couples, families and groups. The larger residences provide additional living areas, pools and facilities for guests seeking more space and privacy.
Each villa is supported by a dedicated Jadugar, a term used by the resort to describe its butler service. The Jadugar assists guests throughout their stay by arranging dining experiences, island activities, celebrations and other personalised services.
Guests are also provided with bicycles to explore the island’s pathways, gardens and viewpoints.
JOALI Maldives said the awards reflected the work of its team and the support of its guests, partners and wider community. The resort also said it would continue developing experiences focused on creativity, wellbeing and connection.
The recognition adds to JOALI Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury resort sector, where its art-led design and Creative Living philosophy form the basis of its guest experience.
Cooking
Michelin-Starred Chef Grégoire Berger to host dining experience at Lily Beach Resort & Spa
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced a culinary collaboration with Chef Grégoire Berger, chef and co-owner of the Dubai restaurant Kraken.
Known for progressive French cuisine influenced by the ocean, Berger has received a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Dubai from 2022 to 2024. His restaurant has also been included among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, while his work has received recognition through several international culinary awards.
Berger’s approach draws on the sea as a source of ingredients, ideas and presentation. His menus combine French culinary techniques with marine influences, with each dish developed around a narrative connected to the ocean.
As part of his visit to Lily Beach in August 2026, Berger will host a fine-dining dinner for a limited number of guests. He will also introduce a signature dish at AQVA Bar & Restaurant during the collaboration.

The programme forms part of Lily Beach’s efforts to expand its culinary offering and introduce visiting chefs and dining concepts to guests in the Maldives.
Located in South Ari Atoll, the resort will provide guests with an opportunity to experience Berger’s cuisine within its all-inclusive hospitality concept. The collaboration will combine his Michelin-recognised approach with the resort’s existing food and beverage programme.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has established its hospitality offering around its premium all-inclusive model, supported by a range of dining venues. Its restaurants offer overwater dining, international buffet selections, seafood and Asian-inspired dishes.
The resort’s culinary programme is supported by the Platinum Plan, an all-inclusive package that includes dining experiences, a selection of wines and spirits, excursions and personalised services.
Through the collaboration with Berger, Lily Beach aims to add another dining experience to its guest programme while continuing to develop its position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality market.
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