The Maldives — a tropical haven of powdery white beaches, crystal-clear lagoons and vibrant coral reefs — has long been a dream destination for travellers. On a recent trip to two of the Maldives’ premier resorts, Muna Yousef experienced the intimate, secluded elegance of boutique islands and vibrant luxury of all-inclusive five-star resorts.
With its idyllic setting and luxurious resorts, the Maldives is the perfect place for anyone seeking a tranquil escape, exhilarating adventures or an indulgent holiday. Here’s how two of Maldives’ resorts elevated my experience even further:
After a scenic 50-minute boat ride from Malé, I arrived at the OBLU Select Sangeli and was immediately greeted by the staff with refreshing drinks and cool towels. The setting was simply breathtaking: crystal-clear waters, powder-soft beaches and stunning villas set the scene for a luxurious stay.
THE STAY
OBLU Select Sangeli’s range of elegant villas and suites are designed with modern touches while preserving the island’s natural beauty. The resort features two main types of accommodations: Water and Beach Villas as well as exotic Honeymoon Villas. I stayed in an Overwater Villa with a private pool and could step right off the private deck into the ocean for a swim, snorkel or simply enjoy the tranquility of my surroundings.
The villa was spacious with large windows that offered panoramic views of the lagoon. For those who prefer to have their toes in the sand, the beachside villas are an excellent choice. These offer private gardens, outdoor terraces, direct access to the beach and the soothing sounds of the waves.
DINING
One of the standout features of OBLU Select Sangeli is its unique premium holiday plan — The Serenity Plan, which offers guests an all-inclusive package to enjoy a range of meals, beverages and activities without worrying about the additional costs.
Dining at OBLU is an experience in itself. The all-day dining restaurant, The Courtyard, offers a lively buffet with everything from fresh seafood to international comfort foods. And located on the adults-only island One Banyan are Just Grill, with fresh seafood and meat grills, as well as JustWok – a contemporary Pan Asian restaurant that blew my mind with its scrumptious wok-tossed delicacies, aromatic soups and handmade dim sums.
ACTIVITIES
With the resort located near some of the Maldives’ most pristine coral reefs, I thoroughly enjoyed guided snorkeling tours. The coast is teeming with marine life, including vibrant corals, tropical fish and even the occasional turtle. Other activities, like paddleboarding and island hopping, provide a golden opportunity to explore the surrounding waters. One of my most memorable moments was a sunset fishing cruise, where we ended up seeing some nursing sharks and, as we sailed along the island’s coastline, watched the sun dip below the horizon – truly breathtaking.
OBLU Select Sangeli’s stunning spa, ELE|NA Spa offers a range of rejuvenating treatments, from traditional Maldivian therapies to modern wellness rituals. I enjoyed a therapeutic massage that melted the jet lag away, all while listening to the gentle sound of the waves.
A Secluded Escape
The domestic flight from Malé to Raaya by Atmosphere was an exciting experience as I was treated to a bird’s eye view of the stunning colours of the Maldivian waters! The first thing that struck me about the resort was the sense of serenity; it’s an escape from the outside world.
Interestingly, the island is inspired by Seb, a shipwrecked adventurer and artist who discovered Raaya Island. This all-inclusive paradise centers on luxury, simplicity and a deep connection to the natural environment. The exclusive RAAYA Plan seamlessly blends the stay with the finest world cuisine, premium beverages, spa and wellness therapies and ocean experiences.
THE STAY
Raaya by Atmosphere offers a selection of chic and contemporary villas that embody the natural beauty and serenity of the Maldives. Designed with an emphasis on understated luxury and comfort, the resort features Beach and Overwater villas with direct access to the crystal — clear lagoon or beach. I stayed in one of the Overwater Villas with a private pool, sun deck, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean - the perfect place to unwind and soak in the vibe.
Raaya’s commitment to sustainability also stands out. The resort emphasises eco-friendly practices, from reducing plastic use to sourcing local produce sustainably, allowing guests to enjoy their stay while contributing to the preservation of the environment.
DINING
There is a feast for the palate with all day-dining at RAAYA Life overlooking the sandy beach and turquoise waters. Fine dining with Pan-Asian delectables at Ampers&nd – Bar & Restaurant offering majestic sunset views and the pool bar converting into an à la carte fine-dining restaurant, MIZAJ, in the evening brings the charm of a quaint Italian coastal village boasting favourites from pastas to gnocchi and risotto.
ACTIVITIES
For people like me, who enjoy an engaging island lifestyle, this island encourages outdoor fun, nature exploration and immersive experiences for all. I opted for a manta ray snorkeling trip and to my delight spotted a squadron of manta rays gliding through the water.
The resort’s water sports offerings, from kayaking to paddleboarding, provided the perfect way to explore the lagoon’s crystal-clear waters. I also took a delightful walk through the island’s mangrove forests and climbed up the watchtowers to get a view across stretches of the island. During a spot of rain, I built and decorated a model Dhoni – a traditional Maldivian boat. So much fun!
For those looking for a truly relaxing experience, the ELE|NA Spa offers indulgent treatments designed to rejuvenate body and mind. I experienced a deep tissue massage that left me in a divinely relaxed state.
A PERFECT MALDIVES GETAWAY
With its idyllic location, world-class facilities, and commitment to sustainability, OBLU Select Sangeli and Raaya by Atmosphere are the very definition of a Maldivian paradise. Both OBLU Select Sangeli and Raaya by Atmosphere offer unique, luxurious five-star experiences that cater to different types of travellers. These resorts deliver everything you could possibly want in a Maldives vacation whether you’re on a romantic getaway, family holiday or just connecting with nature – pure bliss!
