Featured
OBLU Select at Sangeli turns one
Indian Ocean hospitality brand Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts has celebrated the first year anniversary of its fourth resort in Maldives, OBLU Select at Sangeli.
OBLU Select at Sangeli, the vibrant & contemporary hotel with a beautiful blend of Maldivian heritage and impeccable hospitality, began welcoming guests on July 1, 2018.
More than 19,369 guests from all over the world have called the stunning OBLU Select at Sangeli in North Male Atoll their heavenly temporary home over the last year.
“OBLU Select has experienced a fantastic first year, which is testament to our beautiful resort, generous Serenity Resort Plan and our staff living and breathing the Atmosphere brand ethos: The Joy of Giving,” Jorge Amaro, General Manager of OBLU Select at Sangeli, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
OBLU Select at Sangeli is located in North-West Male Atoll on Sangeli island, home to some of the most beautiful diving and snorkelling areas in the entire Male atoll, and is accessible by a 50-minute speedboat ride from the main Velana International Airport. The resort is positioned as a premium all-inclusive, four-star deluxe resort that comprises 137 detached villas in six categories — on the island and above the water.
From a culinary perspective, OBLU Select at Sangeli continues to offer the typical advantages of the mother brand, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts. Within the premium all-inclusive Serenity Plan, guests can look forward to extraordinary fine dining experiences, exotic food and drinks and various activities that are already included during their stay.
The resort has a main restaurant, The Courtyard; two fine dining restaurants, Just Grill and Simply Veg; and a stunning pool bar, The Sangs. In addition to various themed buffets at The Courtyard, discerning guests have an opportunity to snack at The Sangs as well as book themselves for an exotic fine dining experience — once each at Just Grill as well as at the Simply Veg — for every seven nights stay. Exotic dishes along with a variety of spirits, cocktail and wines, freshly grilled seafood and pure vegetarian dishes will surprise the visitors at various theme nights and interactive live cooking stations. The minibar will also refilled daily free of charge.
The premium Serenity Plan offers guests various activities that are included during their stay. Under the motto “Fun”, this includes trips by speedboat, sunset fishing, a selection of non-motorised water sports such as stand-up paddling, kayaking or pedalo, and the free rental of snorkelling equipment.
Another highlight of OBLU Select at Sangeli are the exclusive Overwater Honeymoon Pool Suites, which are ideal for an unforgettable honeymoon. These romantic suites are built adjacent to a second private island called One Banyan, and offer their very own sky-light view from a circular bed along with a direct view of the sunset over the sea.
In addition to the Overwater Honeymoon Pool Suites on One Banyan island, this exclusive private island is open only to adults from sunrise to sunset, with its very own adults-only pool along with an exotic bar.
Since the inception of Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts in 2013, the award-winning Indian Ocean hospitality brand has been rapidly expanding within different market segments: the four-star OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli, entry-level five-star Atmosphere Kanifushi, the luxury all-inclusive OZEN by Atmosphere at Maadhoo, and the four-star deluxe OBLU Select at Sangeli.
The fast-growing hospitality brand is gearing up for the October 2019 opening of its fifth resort in Maldives, VARU by Atmosphere, and four more properties that are set to open between 2020 and 2021.
Opening in 2020, OBLU X in the Male Atoll will be the largest of all Atmosphere properties, with 350 villas and suites. This three-star property will have a contemporary approach and positioning, bringing Atmosphere’s high levels of service and experiences to the three-star segment like never before.
A second four-star OBLU property with 220 villas and suites will open in 2020 in the hugely popular Baa atoll, incorporating contrasting elements of nature and a cast-away theme.
Meanwhile, Atmosphere will take its OZEN brand to Sri Lanka with the opening of OZEN by Atmosphere at Tangalle in 2021. Also coming in 2021 is OBLU Select at Tangalle – with 118 rooms and suites – offering its premium all-inclusive holiday plan, The Serenity Plan.
Awards
RAAYA by Atmosphere wins Best Family Resort in Maldives at Travel Time Awards 2025
RAAYA by Atmosphere has received its latest recognition at the Travel Time Awards, held in Moscow in August 2026, where the island resort was named “The Best Family Resort in the Maldives 2025”.
The award marks RAAYA’s second consecutive recognition from Travel Time, following its win as “Opening of the Year 2024”.
The recognition reflects the resort’s growing presence in the Russian travel market and its approach to family holidays in the Maldives, with a focus on shared experiences, exploration and activities designed for guests across generations.
Located on a private island in Raa Atoll, RAAYA is centred around the fictional story of Seb, a shipwrecked artist and adventurer whose narrative is incorporated throughout the resort experience. Guests can take part in island exploration, creative activities and ocean-based experiences, alongside family-oriented facilities and a range of dining options under The RAAYA Plan™.
The award was also presented during a visit to the resort by Russian film actress Katerina Shpitsa, known for productions including “Metro”, “The Crew” and “Poddubny”. During her stay, Shpitsa presented the Travel Time Awards 2025 accolade to RAAYA by Atmosphere General Manager Mario Stanic.
“Receiving this recognition for a second consecutive year is a proud moment for everyone at RAAYA,” Stanic said. “Winning the Travel Time Award 2025 for Best Family Resort is a wonderful recognition of what we stand for — bringing families together through shared experiences and lasting memories within a backdrop of a tropical island paradise.
“We are proud to create experiences that resonate with Russian families and families from around the world, offering a place to connect, discover and create memories together. We thank the awards team, our partners and our guests for their continued trust and support.”
The award adds to the international recognition received by RAAYA by Atmosphere since the resort opened in July 2024. The property has positioned its offering around experiential hospitality, design, family-focused programming and its castaway-inspired narrative.
RAAYA features 167 beach and overwater villas, a collection of dining venues and a range of land and ocean activities within its Raa Atoll setting.
With two Travel Time Awards in consecutive years, the resort continues to develop its position within the family travel segment in the Maldives.
Cooking
International Chefs’ Day: Kabita Singh to cook live at Sun Siyam Olhuveli
Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives will welcome award-winning food creator Kabita Singh, the personality behind Kabita’s Kitchen, for a special culinary residency in October to mark International Chefs’ Day on 20 October 2026.
Known for making everyday Indian cooking accessible to a wide audience, Singh will move from her digital kitchen to the Maldives, joining the resort’s culinary team for a live cooking experience created for guests.
The collaboration will bring together Singh’s approach to Indian cuisine — centred on familiar flavours, accessible recipes and an increasing focus on wholesome cooking — with Sun Siyam’s Plant Based Bliss philosophy, which promotes the nutritional and holistic benefits of plant-forward dining.
As part of the International Chefs’ Day celebrations, Singh will cook alongside Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s culinary team during a live session in front of resort guests. The experience will feature a specially curated selection of vegetarian, vegan and health-conscious dishes developed in collaboration with the resort’s chefs and inspired by Singh’s own cooking philosophy.
Guests will have the opportunity to watch Singh prepare the dishes, learn about the techniques and stories behind them, and sample her interpretation of plant-forward Indian cuisine in a Maldivian island setting.
Kabita’s Kitchen has grown from a home-cooking channel into one of India’s most widely followed food platforms, with approximately 14.6 million subscribers on YouTube alone. Singh has built her audience through content ranging from regional favourites and vegetarian staples to festive dishes, street-food classics and everyday family recipes.
Her influence within India’s food and digital content sector was recognised at the inaugural National Creators Award in 2024, where she received the Best Creator in Food Category award, presented by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“We are really excited to welcome Kabita to Olhuveli and bring a taste of Kabita’s Kitchen to the Maldives,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.
“Food is such an important part of the way people connect, and this is about bringing our guests closer to the experience, watching Kabita cook, discovering the flavours and stories behind her dishes, and of course tasting them together. Her fresh, approachable style is a great match for our Plant Based Bliss philosophy, and celebrating International Chefs’ Day together with our own culinary team makes it even more special. We want dining at Olhuveli to be fun, social and full of moments that guests remember long after they leave the island.”
Located in South Malé Atoll, Sun Siyam Olhuveli is part of Sun Siyam’s Lifestyle Collection. The resort combines beach experiences, dining, entertainment, wellness and other activities within its broader island offering.
Awards
TTM Awards 2026 names You & Me Maldives Best Adults-Only Resort
You & Me Maldives has been named Best Adults-Only Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2026, recognising the resort’s positioning, guest experiences and continued focus on adults-only hospitality in the Maldives.
The award was presented during the TTM Awards & Gala 2026, held at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 August 2026, marking the conclusion of the 10th edition of TTM Maldives. The annual awards recognise achievements, innovation and contributions across the Maldivian tourism industry.
Located in Raa Atoll, You & Me Maldives has established itself as an adults-only retreat catering to couples, honeymooners, friends and solo travellers seeking privacy and tranquillity.
The resort combines its island setting with accommodation, personalised service and experiences centred on romance, wellness, gastronomy and exploration, creating an intimate environment designed specifically for adult travellers.
The recognition comes as You & Me Maldives marks seven years of operations and welcoming guests from around the world.
“As we celebrate this important milestone, we are deeply grateful to our loyal guests, partners, and dedicated team members who have been part of this journey,” said Mohamed Imthiyaz, General Manager of You & Me Maldives.
“These seven years represent not only growth and success, but countless love stories, memories, and unforgettable experiences created on our island. Receiving the ‘Best Adults-Only Resort’ award at the TTM Awards is a tremendous honour and a reflection of the passion and dedication of our entire team.”
The Best Adults-Only Resort award further strengthens You & Me Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality sector, recognising its focus on combining an adults-only concept with personalised service and island experiences.
Looking ahead, You & Me Maldives plans to continue developing its concept and guest experience through new activities, offerings and services, while maintaining its focus on the adults-only luxury segment in the Maldives.
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