Featured
OBLU NATURE Helengeli by Sentido to reopen with vibrant all-new look
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts partners with Sentido, a hospitality brand by DER Touristik, for a complete renovation including new overwater villas.
COLOURS OF OBLU, one of the brands of the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts portfolio, reveals plans to relaunch ‘OBLU NATURE Helengeli by Sentido.’ Guests can expect a fresh, new look that will also blend in signature luxury lifestyle elements of Sentido, a DER Touristik hospitality brand.
The four-star resort will close on 7 May 2023 for a comprehensive renovation, with a grand unveiling in December 2023. Rooted in nature, the renovations will focus on bringing nature lovers and divers close to the abundant tropical environment, above and below the water.


New spaces include 37 Water Villas and a Two-Bedroom Water Suite, all with private pools and overwater decks that allow easy and direct access to the lagoon and world-renowned house reef. The existing offering of 117 villas and suites will be expanded to 153 accommodations with 7 categories. Beach villas will be transformed into 20 Family Beach Pool Villas featuring two bedrooms and a 15 sqm pool. The existing pool villas on the lagoon and the beach suites will all be refurbished with appealing interiors.


Alongside updates to the villas, the project will include a new progressive Indian restaurant. The fine dining restaurant will enhance its ‘Just Grill’ culinary concept with an ‘Italian Twist’, allowing guests to also savour flavourful pizzas and pastas. The all-day restaurant will be redone with additional live counters and a gorgeous overwater bar, so food syncs harmoniously with the views of nature.


Nestled among soothing greenery, the existing main bar will be transformed into a vibrant hangout spot, complete with a refurbished family pool, an expanded deck area, and a brand-new bar.
A kids club, built with materials such as bamboo, will offer an all-nature programme focusing on learning through the tropical surroundings. ELE | NA The Spa will also be refurbished with new salon facilities. A new overwater gym and a scenic La Promenade with a boutique will round up the island experience. Guests will continue to enjoy a carefree holiday with the Island Plan which blends the stay with all the elements of a memorable tropical holiday.
Salil Panigrahi, Managing Director of Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, says “We are excited to relaunch our first COLOURS OF OBLU property as a fresh, nature-oriented retreat, bringing the Sentido touch to the Maldives. The two brands come together seamlessly, with a shared focus on awakening the senses, bringing balance, and providing the gift of lifetime memories.”

Sentido is a brand of DER Touristik Hotels & Resorts with a very strong presence in the Mediterranean region and Canary Islands. Sentido properties are characterised by modern architecture combined with local design elements, healthy cuisine complemented by spa and wellness offers. OBLU NATURE Helengeli by Sentido will be the brand’s first resort in Asia.
Featured
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives aligns festive events with World of Care commitments
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives will mark the festive season with a programme that combines charitable initiatives with its sustainability commitments. Guests will be invited to donate, run, paddle and plant in support of local community and environmental projects, alongside dining experiences that highlight Maldivian produce.
Under its World of Care commitments, the resort has adopted initiatives to improve the school experience for children at R. Maduvvari School on the neighbouring island and to protect the surrounding marine ecosystem. Participation in the season’s activities will contribute directly to these programmes.
From 25 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, guests may purchase wrapped gifts from a Christmas Charity Surprise Tree, with all proceeds directed to the resort’s charitable causes.
On 27 December 2025, Euro Divers will lead a coral-planting session within the house reef. The activity forms part of an ongoing conservation effort to strengthen reef resilience by increasing coral diversity through the careful planting of hardy coral fragments.
Seasalt restaurant will host a “Boat to Table” beachfront barbecue on 28 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. The buffet will feature seafood such as giant tuna sashimi, ceviche and grilled fish prepared from the day’s catch supplied by local fishermen, reflecting the resort’s focus on local sourcing and support for the Raa Atoll community.
A Charity Kayak Race will take place on 30 December 2025 and 5 January 2026. Entry will be by voluntary donation, with funds supporting enhancements at the R. Maduvvari pre-school.
On 2 January 2026, the programme will conclude with a Charity Island Fun Run around the island. Branded t-shirts will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the resort’s community initiatives.
Awards
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo wins triple honours at World Luxury Awards 2025
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has received three titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, named Luxury Adults Only Resort, Luxury Island Resort, and Luxury Cultural Resort in the Indian Ocean.
The awards highlight the brand’s focus on locally rooted hospitality, with stays shaped by place, service and community. The resort presents Maldivian culture through curated experiences, pairing contemporary comforts with island traditions.
Positioned as an adults-only retreat, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo integrates culinary influences and cultural programming to offer guests a stay informed by the rhythm of local life and delivered with consistent service standards.
“These awards are a true reflection of our team’s passion for creating experiences that feel both local and memorable. Every detail, from the design to the service, is guided by the authenticity that defines Mercure. We are grateful to our guests for being part of this journey,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, honouring properties that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and celebrate diversity across the travel sector.
Awards
Hat-trick for Pullman Maldives Maamutaa at 2025 World Luxury Awards
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has received three honours at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, securing titles for Best Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel, Best Luxury Wellness Hotel, and Best Luxury Family Hotel in the Indian Ocean.
The awards underscore the resort’s approach to experience-led hospitality, combining design, wellbeing and guest engagement. The recognition also reflects Pullman’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, which sit at the centre of the brand’s strategy.
Since opening, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has developed an all-inclusive offering that brings together adventure, wellness and a close connection to the natural environment. Its portfolio includes an underwater villa, wellness concepts and family-oriented experiences.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition at the 2025 World Luxury Awards. These awards celebrate the heart of what we do—creating inspiring moments for every guest, whether they come to reconnect, recharge, or simply play. This achievement belongs to our incredible team, whose passion and dedication make Pullman Maldives Maamutaa what it is today,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, highlighting hotels that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and demonstrate innovation in service and design.
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