OBLU By Atmosphere At Helengeli Island, Maldives

rooms

Choose from 116 villas in four categories, all of them decked out with elegant yet colourful interiors. Beach Villas have a sunrise view, while Deluxe Beach Villas, Lagoon Villas and Beach Suites boast sunset views. All have direct beach access, with the more luxurious having plunge pools or overwater decks, with the sea lapping against them.

Bright and comfortable, rooms have all the mod cons you’d expect, such as TVs and wifi, as well as outside showers. Villas can take two adults and one child, but larger families should book one of two, two-roomed Beach Suites, which cater for two adults and up to four children. These come with a private swimming pool and are perfect for families.

facilities & activities

A central family pool is set on the beach and features a lap section, ideal for a pre-breakfast fitness hit. Plans are afoot for the construction of a new adults-only pool, for when parents want a little down-time. Children and adults will both enjoy the bar’s relaxation areas, complete with table tennis, pool and board games.

A PADI certified dive school and watersports centre offers trips suited to everyone from those looking to take their first breath underwater to seasoned pros. And with more than 20 dive sites nearby, you’re sure to spot something different every time.

There’s plenty of other sports to keep guests of all ages occupied. Complimentary activities include snorkelling, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, sunset fishing and an excursion to a nearby island. Diving, parasailing and waterskiing ara available at an additional cost.

The Elena Spa offers a range of treatments - including Maldivian sand massage, a ‘jet lag cure’, reiki and reflexology - and yoga and meditation are also on offer. There’s also a well-equipped gym and a 24-7 island shop.

dining

The Spice is the main restaurant, where food is available throughout the day. Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner are available here, as well as afternoon finger food, as part of the all-inclusive package. Unlimited spirits, beers, cocktails and wines - including a good house wine - are available at Helen’s Pool Bar, which is open from 9am until 1am.

To add some variety to your meals, it’s worth making a couple of trips to Just Grill, available at a supplement. Open for lunch and dinner, its fine-dining menu includes seafood and meat dishes, served in a lovely beachfront setting.

family

Though OBLU is family-friendly, it is geared toward families with older children (typically aged eight or over). There is no dedicated children’s club or babysitting service, but families are encouraged to share their holiday experiences together. Children must be aged at least 14, or accompanied by an adult, to take part in non-motorised watersports such as paddle boarding and canoeing. A minimum age of eight is required for diving.

Youngsters will love spotting dolphins, turtles and fish while snorkelling with parents, and there’s a relaxed atmosphere in the restaurant that works well for families. Flexible accommodation options means there should be a variety of different room types to suit you and your family’s needs.

location

OBLU is located on Helengeli Island, in the North Malé Atoll. It is accessed via a 50-minute journey by speedboat from Malé International Airport. The crossing takes place on a variety of boats and is an exhilarating - if a little choppy - way to reach the island. Helengeli is known for its exotic house reef and boasts superb diving just metres from its shoreline. Thanks to its position on the middle of a channel, there are fish aplenty - ideal for guests looking to explore the underwater world.

rates & specials

For the latest offers at this hotel and others in the Indian Ocean please click here.