It is a triple celebration at COLOURS OF OBLU, as not one but three of its stunning sister resorts have been honoured with the prestigious British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award for 2024.

British Airways Holidays is one of the UK’s leading tour operators, and prides itself on taking its customers’ holidays seriously. It uses unbiased, independently verified customer feedback to carefully identify top-rated hotels as part of its commitment to provide high-quality holidays.

OBLU SELECT Lobigili has received a perfect score of 5 out of 5. Both OBLU SELECT Sangeli and OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO scored an impressive 4.7 out of 5, based purely on genuine guest reviews. This recognition puts them amongst the crème de la crème of British Airways Holidays partners worldwide – no small feat considering over 72,000 reviews were collected this year.

OBLU SELECT Lobigili is a romantic adults’ exclusive resort just a short 15-minute journey from Malé International Airport. Travellers can indulge in a palette of vibrant experiences, from colourful sunsets to exotic under ocean dining at Only BLU, from snorkelling at the marine-rich house reef to relaxing in the garden spa. “This recognition would not have been possible without the dedication and passion of our hardworking team, who continuously strive to deliver exceptional experiences to each guest,” said Christopher Baker, General Manager OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili.

Nestled in the pristine North Malé Atoll, OBLU SELECT Sangeli offers a chic and vibrant island escape with contemporary villas, a separate One Banyan adults-only island, and gourmet dine-around options. It is no wonder guests have fallen in love with this tropical haven. “Our team works tirelessly to ensure every guest has a magical, memorable holiday. Knowing that our guests have rated us so highly is the greatest compliment we could ask for,” said Jenni Hartatik, General Manager OBLU SELECT Sangeli.

Meanwhile, just a short speedboat ride from Malé, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO continues to impress with its unique island character, vibrant house reef, and down-to-earth, barefoot charm. Known for its incredible diving and snorkelling right off the beach, it’s a paradise for underwater enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Reflecting on the award, Alain Camille Trefois, General Manager OBLU NATURE Helengeli said, “this award is a reflection of our passionate team, the beauty of Helengeli island, and the unforgettable experiences we strive to deliver every single day”.

COLOURS OF OBLU, a lifestyle hospitality brand by Atmosphere Core, is an experience collective that creates Vibrant Destinations designed to awaken the senses, bring balance, and provide the gift of lifetime memories. Travellers can choose from four vivid and refreshing island resort experiences at OBLU SELECT Lobigili, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi.

Award-winning British actress Rosamund Pike recently traded the bustle of London for the serene turquoise waters of the Maldives, enjoying a picture-perfect escape at the luxurious Patina Maldives, Fari Islands. The “Gone Girl” star shared a dreamy video on social media, offering fans a glimpse into her idyllic tropical retreat—and it’s everything a Maldivian holiday should be.

In the video, Rosamund is seen immersing herself in the full island experience. From soaking up the sun at a private overwater villa to cruising on a dolphin-watching tour, biking along palm-lined paths, snorkeling with manta rays, and diving alongside sea turtles, it’s clear she embraced the magic of the Maldives. She even took to the waves on a water scooter, channeling her adventurous side in the most scenic setting imaginable.

Pike captioned her post with heartfelt reflection: “I left London on my very last ember and had a holiday of magical dimensions! The Maldives offer a glimpse of paradise, an escape from rush. @patinamaldives is a destination I have sought out three times; to practice doing nothing in preparation for playing Elspeth and this time to recover from doing too much. It is a heaven on your own terms— and I washed all my cares in salt and rinsed my soul in the sea. Here is a glimpse of bliss as I see it.”

Set in the pristine Fari Islands, Patina Maldives is a modern sanctuary that blends understated luxury with a deep connection to nature. Designed by renowned Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan, the resort offers minimalist aesthetics, eco-conscious living, and transformative experiences. Its overwater villas and beachfront retreats provide the ultimate in privacy and comfort, while curated wellness, art, and culinary journeys cater to mindful travelers seeking more than just a getaway.

Whether you’re looking to reconnect with nature, indulge in marine adventures, or simply float into a state of bliss, Rosamund’s Maldivian escape is all the inspiration you need.

Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston has revealed that the Maldives tops her travel bucket list — a destination she’s eager to explore as she works through a lifelong fear of flying.

In a recent interview with Travel + Leisure, the Emmy-winning actress said she dreams of visiting “white sandy beaches and clear, crystal blue water,” specifically naming the Maldives alongside Japan as two places she still hopes to visit. “I’ve never been to the Maldives,” she shared, expressing a deep desire to finally experience its tropical beauty.

However, Aniston’s travel aspirations have long been challenged by what she calls an “extreme fear of flying.” The 56-year-old Friends alum opened up about her decades-long battle with aviation anxiety, which once saw her follow pre-flight rituals like tapping the outside of the aircraft with her right palm and stepping onto the plane with her right foot.

But Aniston is determined to change that. “I have been doing some hypnosis lately, and one of the requirements is to remove all of those superstitions,” she told the outlet. “I have not been doing the right hand, right foot — and now it’s shockingly good!”

The actress also recommended meditative practices once onboard, including “plugging into a good meditation” to ease into the journey.

Despite her challenges, Aniston has enjoyed travel for both work and leisure. She fondly recalled Kauai, Hawaii — where she filmed Just Go With It — as her favourite filming location, with Lake Como coming in as a close second. Yet, the Maldives remains unexplored territory for her, and one she hopes to check off soon.

This isn’t the first time the actress has publicly addressed her fear of flying. In a 2019 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, she recounted a flight that had to return mid-air after suspected debris from the aircraft’s wheel was discovered on the runway — an experience that only deepened her aviation anxieties.

Still, Aniston is making progress. As she continues to face her fears with a mix of hypnosis and mindfulness, fans of the actress — and Maldivian tourism stakeholders — can remain hopeful that the sun-drenched shores of the Maldives will soon welcome yet another high-profile visitor.

And when that day comes, Aniston just might find what she’s been searching for all along: peace in paradise.