Choosing the ultimate Maldives resort to suit your holiday style.
The Maldives is an incredible archipelagic destination, made up of over one thousand small islands in the Indian Ocean, and loved by travellers from all over the world. The Ministry of Tourism for the Maldives revealed that so far in 2023 there have been over one million tourists from around the world to the destination, with Brits making up over 100 thousand of them*. Accessibility for Brits to the Maldives is also on the rise, with British Airways and soon Virgin Atlantic offering direct flights three times a week. But with over 160 resorts to choose from, the question is: how do you to choose the right one for you?
Do you love being active on holiday? Or do you prefer a fly-and-flop scenario? Do you need a child-friendly resort, or prefer an adults-only experience? The Maldives, known for its white sandy beaches and overwater villas, provides a popular choice for those looking for a bucket list holiday. Of the thousands of islands and hundreds of resorts, there’s something to meet every travellers’ expectations and requirements – for example, if you want to stay in a fully-private villa only accessible by boat, you can; or if you want to go coral reef diving twice a day every day, there will be a resort that offers that too.
A key consideration ahead of travelling to the Maldives, is whether to choose a resort with an all-inclusive, half-board, or pay as you go offering. This can have a significant impact on the total cost of your holiday, and with most stays at an average of seven nights, it is definitely something to think about if you are trying to stick to a budget.
What sets Atmosphere Core and its brands apart from other resorts, is that all its properties have dedicated all-inclusive Resort Plans that go above and beyond the typical all-inclusive expectations. With airport transfers, villa accommodation, food & beverages, spa treatments, snorkelling excursions and activities in one price, there is little to no need to carry your wallet around. This enables a relaxed, hassle-free holiday experience, where you are encouraged to enjoy every moment, without worrying about the bill.
Another important element to consider is that the resorts located in the far north or far south Atolls will likely require a seaplane transfer from Male, and due to safety reasons, these only fly during day light hours and may have to drop other guests off along the way. Therefore, while some guests enjoy sea planes for both the incredible aerial views and experience, speedboat transfers are generally preferred, as they can take you directly to your resort from the airport at almost any time of the day.
Going solo or with a group
The Maldives isn’t all about couples and can be the perfect getaway for solo travel, or for a group of friends or family in need of some quality time and relaxation.
OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi is ideal for those looking to experience the Maldives on their own or in a group. One of COLOUR OF OBLU’s more sociable islands, it features La Promenade, a walkway with cosy seating corners alongside a wine boutique, souvenir shop and café, where guests can relax and socialise with like-minded travellers.
In addition to this, guests can expect bustling nightlife at the resort’s X360 Bar, one of the largest multi-level bars in the Maldives with live DJ performances every night.
Carefree family luxury
Those who prefer a more hands off, luxury experience while in the Maldives, aren’t alone. While there are many high-end resorts to choose from and this choice can be overwhelming, it’s important to do your research and ensure that the resort you go for offers everything you need for your stay.
Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives provides a five-star resort experience with its luxurious all-inclusive holiday plan. Known for its laid-back ‘island vibe’ feel, guests can benefit from 2km of beach and plenty of activities for the active traveller, including a fantastic sports and recreation centre housing a floodlit tennis court, fully equipped gym and a number of organised indoor and outdoor recreational activities. While there’s plenty for the whole family to do, Atmosphere Kanifushi also offers the perfect place to families to relax, such as the Kanifushi Residence. This tropical haven is big enough for the whole family, with a private pool, direct beach access, multiple bedrooms, an entertainment room, and shared spaces.
Honeymooners & couples
The Maldives is hugely popular with honeymooners and many resorts offer exclusive couples offerings and honeymoon packages. To make your stay really special, select a resort that offers private dining experiences on the beach, romantic in-villa pool floating breakfasts and couples’ spa treatments.
OBLU SELECT Lobigili, TripAdvisor’s #1 Hottest Hotel in the World 2023, is an adults-only escape that showcases the natural beauty of the Maldives, where you can lounge on a sunbed or enjoy a romantic underwater dinner without the hustle and bustle of children.
The resort, specifically designed for couples, has a variety of experiences and restaurants on offer, such as ONLY BLU, the Maldives’ largest under-ocean restaurant. While this resort provides the perfect honeymoon away from kids, sister property OBLU SELECT Sangeli, is great for anyone, from families to couples, for celebrations to chill holidays, with children of all ages welcome. Six exclusive Honeymoon Suites complete with outdoor bathrooms, a curved infinity pool with direct lagoon access, and dedicated butler offer honeymooners a tranquil, romantic experience.
Across both OBLU SELECT Lobigili and OBLU SELECT Sangeli, guests cap choose a Vow Renewal package for a special additional experience. Ideal for couples wishing to renew their love for one another, these packages include a private beach dinner with a bottle of champagne, wedding photoshoot, and tropical decorations, bringing the atmosphere alive for those romantic moments.
Culturally curious travellers
Those seeking an authentic experience while in the Maldives should look for a resort that offers traditional Maldivian cuisine, rooms inspired by Maldivian design, and experiences of the unique Maldivian culture.
VARU by Atmosphere, meaning ‘strength, resilience and life in abundance’ in Dhivehi (the Maldivian language), is known as the most ‘Naturally Maldivian’ of the Atmosphere properties and is ideal for the culturally curious traveller. Villas with elegant wooden interiors, daily trips on board the traditional Dhoni boats, and excursions to nearby local islands, makes for a truly enjoyable, authentic stay. VARU is also home to Kaagé Restaurant, serving traditional Maldivian cuisine and voted in the top 1% of restaurants worldwide by travellers as well as the second-best date night restaurant in the world.
A stay in the Maldives is a truly special experience, and it’s important to choose the right resort for you. Research the variety of properties on offer and look for an all-inclusive resort for added peace of mind.
Atmosphere Core’s resorts offer a truly exceptional hospitality experience that is unparalleled in the Maldives. For more information visit https://www.atmospherecore.com
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Notes to Editors:
*The Maldives Ministry of Tourism visitor statistics.
About Atmosphere Core
Atmosphere Core, representing Atmosphere Core Private Limited, offers world-class hospitality inspired by the ‘Joy Of Giving’ philosophy. Atmosphere Core operates eight resorts in the Maldives within a powerful brand portfolio comprising THE OZEN COLLECTION, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, and COLOURS OF OBLU.
The company is poised for strong growth in South Asia, with three THE OZEN COLLECTION properties in the pipeline. OZEN MANSION KOLKATA opening in Q2 2024 in India, OZEN PRIVÉ ATHIRI GILI set for Q4 2024 in the Maldives, and OZEN SECLUDED TANGALLE in Sri Lanka.
Atmosphere Core Brand Websites:
ATMOSPHERE | THE OZEN COLLECTION | COLOURS OF OBLU
Media Contacts:
Ireland & United Kingdom: Charlotte Wright | Sarah Geppert | Olivia Hazelden-Kingdon | Braden Cantalope | Rooster
E-Mail: [email protected]
