Awards
OBLU NATURE Helengeli and OBLU SELECT Sangeli earn top honours in Tripadvisor’s 2025 rankings
Lifestyle hospitality brand COLOURS OF OBLU has received global recognition as two of its standout resorts earn prestigious accolades in the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2025.
OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO has been awarded the coveted Best of the Best title, placing it among the top 1% of hotels worldwide, as rated by travellers on Tripadvisor. Another of the brand’s resorts, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, has also achieved distinction, securing a place among the top 10% of hotels globally. These honours are based on authentic, first-hand guest reviews over the past 12 months, underscoring COLOURS OF OBLU’s steadfast commitment to heartfelt hospitality and exceptional guest experiences.
Alain Trefois, General Manager of OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, commented on the achievement, noting that “there’s a special kind of magic in Helengeli’s coral-rich waters, vibrant house reef, and soulful island life – a sense of wonder that guests connect with deeply.” Trefois emphasised that the award is a celebration of the passion, care, and genuine warmth the team brings to every guest’s journey, blending marine adventure with relaxed Maldivian charm.
Renowned as one of the best dive spots in North Malé Atoll, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO invites guests to dive and snorkel in its spectacular house reef, conveniently accessible from the island’s shores. A recent transformation of the resort introduced overwater villas, family-friendly accommodations, new culinary experiences, and a refreshed design that seamlessly combines barefoot luxury with a sense of exploration.
The resort’s team continually enhances the guest experience with fresh ideas. Upcoming highlights include Bodegas Martín Códax wine events this August and pioneering collaborations with TGI Maldives, PADI, and ELE|NA Ayur for the inaugural Women’s Dive Month this July, which blends ocean exploration with wellness and relaxation. Throughout July, all travellers can enjoy 20% off stays, along with exclusive savings of up to 20% on dives and selected healing treatments at ELE|NA Ayur spa for women.
At OBLU SELECT Sangeli, General Manager Jenni Hartatik reflected on the recognition, saying, “Sangeli has always been about balancing serenity with lively experiences – from island-chic private villas to pool parties and a delectable dine-around experience. What makes this recognition so meaningful is that it comes straight from our guests. It tells us we’re getting it right – that the Sangeli spirit, brought to life by our dedicated team, leaves a lasting impression.”
Situated on the North-Western tip of Malé Atoll, OBLU SELECT Sangeli is an all-inclusive haven catering to both couples and families. With distinct zones for adults-only and family-friendly experiences, the resort offers vibrant dining options, an overwater spa, and curated experiences that celebrate island life. The resort’s lively atmosphere, contemporary design, and focus on joyful moments make it a favourite for those seeking a stylish yet laid-back escape.
In line with its eco-conscious ethos, OBLU SELECT Sangeli is Green Globe Gold certified and home to a thriving coral conservation garden. The resort recently unveiled a state-of-the-art underwater camera that streams live footage of the reef directly to guest villas, bringing the marine world closer for all visitors, including those who may not snorkel or dive. Looking ahead, Sangeli is set to elevate its culinary offering with a curated selection of exclusive dining concepts and an exciting global wine brand partnership – a first for the Maldives – promising to impress even the most discerning palates.
Awards
Condé Nast Traveler names .Here Baa Atoll among Indian Ocean’s top resorts
.Here Baa Atoll, a private island retreat in the Maldives, has been named the No. 6 Resort in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.
The annual Readers’ Choice Awards recognise hotels, resorts, destinations, airlines and other travel experiences based on votes submitted by Condé Nast Traveler readers.
The recognition places .Here Baa Atoll among the highest-ranked resorts in the Indian Ocean and comes during a milestone year for the property.
Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll comprises nine residences spread across two natural islands, Somewhere and Nowhere.
Somewhere features seven three- and four-bedroom residences extending from the beach towards the lagoon and designed for families and groups travelling together. Each residence offers indoor and outdoor living spaces, multiple pools, private dining and personalised Roohu service. Guests are transferred directly to their residence by private speedboat, avoiding a conventional lobby and check-in process.
Condé Nast Traveler has previously highlighted the resort for its emphasis on privacy, its beach-to-lagoon residences and its discreet approach to luxury.
The resort experience also includes Nowhere Private Island, which is reserved exclusively for a single group at a time. The island features a five-bedroom Presidential Residence and a three-bedroom Lagoon Residence, providing eight bedrooms and 3,329 square metres of private living space, supported by dedicated service and individually curated experiences.
The Readers’ Choice Award follows several other recognitions received by .Here Baa Atoll during 2026. The resort was included in the Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2026, with the publication highlighting its residences and design. It has also received international recognition for its architecture and design, alongside creative collaborators Kulör Group, Muza Lab and Topo Design Studio.
Elina Adiyan, Resident Manager of .Here Baa Atoll, said: “To be recognised by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler so early in our journey is incredibly meaningful. .Here was created around a simple idea: to give guests extraordinary space, genuine privacy and the freedom to experience the Maldives entirely on their own terms. This recognition belongs equally to our team, whose care and dedication bring that vision to life every day. We are deeply grateful to everyone who voted for us.”
The latest recognition adds to .Here Baa Atoll’s growing international profile within the luxury travel sector, with the resort positioning privacy, spacious accommodation, design and personalised service at the centre of its guest experience.
Awards
Reethi Faru Resort celebrates culinary team’s success at Hotel Asia and FHAM
Reethi Faru Resort has announced three medal wins by members of its culinary team at the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge and the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge.
At the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge, Chef Rohit Kabdal received a Gold Medal in the Decorated Cake category, recognising his work in cake design, presentation and technical execution.
Chef Abhishek Sharma also represented Reethi Faru Resort at the competition, earning a Bronze Medal in the Hot Cooking Fish category.
At the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge, Chef Mayank Bijalwan secured a Silver Medal in the Dress the Cake category, adding a third medal to the resort’s recent culinary achievements.
The results highlight the range of skills within Reethi Faru Resort’s culinary team, spanning pastry, cake presentation and hot kitchen techniques.
According to the resort, participation in professional culinary competitions provides its chefs with opportunities to develop their skills, exchange knowledge and test their abilities alongside other industry professionals.
The achievements also form part of Reethi Faru Resort’s wider focus on dining and guest experience, with its culinary team involved across the resort’s restaurants and food and beverage offerings.
Reethi Faru Resort congratulated Kabdal, Bijalwan and Sharma on their respective achievements, describing the results as recognition of their commitment, technical ability and creativity.
The three medals add to the resort’s recent culinary accolades and reflect its continued emphasis on professional development within its kitchen team.
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.
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