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With launch of 2 new OBLU resorts, Atmosphere creates COLOURS OF OBLU
Reimagining the Maldives hospitality scene yet again with a dazzling palette of guest experiences at OBLU SELECT Lobigili and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi.
The highly anticipated announcement of Atmosphere Hotels|Resorts’ new brand COLOURS OF OBLU comes with the opening of two resorts — OBLU SELECT Lobigili and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi. Located in North Malé Atoll, both resorts are convenient 15-minutes speedboat ride away from the Velana International Airport.
The COLOURS OF OBLU brand offers something truly special for everyone, be it families, couples, honeymooners or global nomads. Expect a heady mix of exotic corners, pristine beaches, turquoise lagoon views, stand-out culinary concepts and pure escapism. This impressive lifestyle offering reflects Atmosphere’s Joy Of Giving philosophy, meeting the dreams and expectations of guests in a spirit of true generosity.
Opening in February 2022, OBLU SELECT Lobigili is an adults-only haven. Lobigili translates from Dhivehi as ‘Island of Love.’ With 68 vibrant chic beach and overwater villas, Lobigili island is ideal for a chilled-out getaway. Romance permeates the air here. Idyllic tropical vistas complemented by stylishly designed spaces create a secluded, castaway feel.
Adding to the indulgence is the Only Blu Underwater Restaurant, opening in February 2022. The unique, multi-sensory culinary journey features gourmet cuisine with champagne set against a colourful backdrop of marine life.
Residents at OBLU SELECT Lobigili can also choose to stroll over to neighbouring Ailafushi island and mix it up with a different world of enchanting sights, sounds, and culture.
OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, opening in March 2022, is all about immersing in a free-spirited Maldivian vibe. In the local language of Dhivehi, ‘Aila’ means family and ‘Fushi’ means island. True to its name, this 268-villa resort brings a fresh, experiential environment where families, friends, couples, and global nomads can all enjoy a wonderful island escape.
A fun and chilled-out balance is at the heart of this tropical getaway. Guests can join a group Zumba class or book a 3D movie show at The Dome, a futuristic 15-meter entertainment centre available from July 2022. Or they can choose to socialise with like-minded souls at La Promenade that offers exhilarating retail and café hopping options. To conclude a wonderful day spent in paradise they can feast over an alfresco spread celebrating the finest seafood at The Copper Pot Truck.
Delivering this exciting line-up is Jorge Amaro, the General Manager of OBLU SELECT Lobigili and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi. With over 31 years of experience, Jorge brings significant expertise to elevate service, ensuring a smooth opening. He keeps the Joy of Giving spirit alive through an authentic and refreshingly friendly hospitality culture.
Stephane Laguette, the Chief Commercial Officer, Atmosphere Hotels and Resorts, says “We are delighted to announce the official launch of our COLOURS OF OBLU brand.”
“Through this brand, we bring to our guests rich and vivid alchemy of experiences. Each resort with its own personality and distinct story comes together to form the enchanting COLOURS OF OBLU. An experience collective that awakens the senses, brings balance and provides the gift of a lifetime of memories.”
Along with the two new resorts, COLOURS OF OBLU portfolio also features two rebranded resorts. OBLU SELECT Sangeli (earlier OBLU SELECT at Sangeli) and OBLU NATURE Helengeli (earlier OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli).
Atmosphere Hotels|Resorts is a dynamic and fast-growing hospitality company currently operating six resorts within the Maldives and is set to further expand in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Atmosphere has a portfolio of three distinguished brands: THE OZEN COLLECTION, COLOURS OF OBLU, and By Atmosphere, with a rich diversity of experiences within each of these brands.
Opening in early 2022, are two exciting COLOURS OF OBLU resorts: OBLU SELECT Lobigili and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
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