OBLU SELECT by Atmosphere at Sangeli Maldives Resort is the perfect antidote to everyday stress, says Sree Bhat
JUST about three hours flight away from the Gulf awaits a tranquil paradise in the Indian Ocean – the Maldives.
Tucked away some 50km into the sea from Maldives’ Male airport is OBLU SELECT by Atmosphere at Sangeli resort. TTN was recently invited by OBLU SELECT to experience the sun-kissed island resort and its superior facilities, including the all-inclusive, hassle-free Serenity Plan. As the boat speeds into the horizon from the jetty near the airport, you begin to conjure up a holiday where time ticks leisurely; devices don’t distract and you are not pushed to take the beaten track; the only things that matter here are the sun, sea and sleep. About 50 minutes’ ride later, in the yonder, a green patch emerges from the turquoise water. Pristine white sandy beaches; swaying coconut palms and shimmering waves join the drumbeats of OBLU SELECT staff in welcoming you. You are already in love with the island. The resort is situated amidst some of the most exotic dive and snorkelling locations in the Male Atoll. The main island is about a km long and from one end of it begins the boardwalk, on either side of which are a string of water villas and at the farther end of the walk is the adults-only Banyan island. The property offers 137 villas made up of water and beach villas (the deluxe versions of both come with pools), family suites with a separate bedroom and living area and six Honeymoon villas where couples can enjoy the night gazing the moon and stars. I am ushered into one of the water villas – the awe-inspiring accommodation you see in pictures, jetting out of the islands into the seas. The villa is spacious and modern with a bathroom that will take your breath away with its floor-ceiling window facing the ocean. One of the first things that caught my eyes was the see-through glass ‘window’ on the floor, which allows guests to view the sea life under the villa. From the villa balcony, you can climb down into the Indian Ocean. The resort offers many activities: Wake up to the sunrise yoga or workout in the superbly equipped gym; go kayaking in the lagoon; enjoy the relaxing treatments at the Spa; wait for the fish to catch your bait on the fishing expedition; or watch the sky and the sea turn golden as the sun sets. In the interval, fill yourself with the choicest beverages and food at the various bars and restaurants. Leave the evenings for a bit of vibrant dance with the Maldivian troupe by the pool side. Guests can watch an abundance of sealife moving in myriad colours among the coral formations from the villas or other areas of the island. For an enhanced experience they can take the free snorkelling session or scuba diving (extra charges apply) arranged by the resort. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is served at The Courtyard, the resort's main restaurant, where you will find a combination of sumptuous buffet, live cooking stations, and theme nights. Guests can also have a la carte fine dining experience at the specialty restaurants Just Grill and Simply Veg. Beverages flow all day at The Sangs. Ocean watching during sunset with a glass in your hand at The Rock is an experience not to be missed. One of the USPs of the resort is the friendly connection that’s established in no time between the resort staff and the guests, and this makes all the difference, says Jorge Amaro, general manager. “Of course, our Serenity Plan is very interesting too – it’s more than the usual all inclusive. You can arrive and enjoy most of our facilities without having to sign for any bills. Only a few watersports are excluded,” he explains. Though Maldives in known as a couples’ destination, OBLU SELECT has enough facilities for families too.