Hotel review: Oblu Nature, Helengeli, Maldives

Daily Mail​

a day ago

I've always been insanely jealous of friends' and colleagues' trips to the Maldives. Something about the small idyllic islands, crystal-clear blue waters, white sand and little houses on stilts screams 'ultimate holiday'. And while previously I'd consoled myself that the reality can't live up to the dreamy snaps, after my own visit I can confirm it really, really does.
Arriving at the Oblu Nature by Sentido resort situated on Helengeli Island on the North Male Atoll (a 45-minute boat ride away from Male airport), I'm first blown away by the colour of the sea. It's completely breathtaking. The resort reopened in December 2023 after an extensive renovation and feels luxe yet relaxed. It's boutiquey, with a breezy, colourful décor that brings a vivid vibe to the entire island.
Rooms and Facilities
I stay in a little house on stilts where you can plop straight into the sea from the back deck. A lovely plunge pool (situated by the sea) is perfect for reading a book with a glass of fizz, gazing out onto those true-blue waters as the sun sets on the water.
The room itself is slightly smaller than expected but still very comfortable, with the bed looking out onto the ocean. The bathroom is open at the sides and looks directly down onto the sea as it laps up around the stilts, which provides a wonderful soundtrack to get ready to. It does, however, get quite hot, so best to do your hair and make-up inside the enclosed, air-conditioned main room.
As well as the stilt houses, guests can stay in one of the 153 villas, some along the beach. Family villas have adjoining rooms, perfect for keeping an eye on little ones.
The ELE|NA Ayur garden spa focuses on respecting nature and sustainable well-being, using locally sourced ingredients and fostering ethical partnerships with workers. It's also been refurbished with a new treatment room and it's a tranquil haven.
I had a full-body massage treatment inspired by natural elements with particular attention to my hands, feet and head, which I'd massively recommend. I then headed to the relaxation area – a hidden oasis surrounded by lush greeneries and adorned with serene fishponds – where I could have happily stayed all day.
Food and Drink
Oblu's culinary offering is a highlight. The hotel boasts a number of restaurants including the main buffet, The Spice, which true to its name focuses on flavoursome local dishes. I had variations of curry for every single meal: delicious dosa for breakfast, paneer curries and daal for lunch and outstanding fish curries for supper. There are many other options on offer for fussier eaters, and I'd say it's one of the best tasting all-inclusive buffets I've tried.
There's also a delightful Mediterranean style restaurant overlooking the sea called Just Grill (unsurprisingly the grilled fish is a winner).
My favourite – although open for supper only – was Raga Route, featuring a progressive Indian menu including kaffir lime chicken curry, Chettinad spiced prawns and an outstanding cumin-spiced carrot cake with cardamom cream cheese frosting. Not only is the food exciting and innovative, but the service is incredibly personal. It's not lost on me that when a waiter spots that I've spilt curry on my dress, he discreetly brings me a hot towel to wipe it with and no one bats an eyelid at the table. Bravo.
Hotel Highlights
The snorkelling in the waters surrounding the hotel is the best I've experienced anywhere. Natural channels on both sides of the island mean it attracts an abundance of tropical fish and diverse marine life. I wouldn't have even thought of the Maldives as a top snorkelling destinations, but we saw turtles, sharks, octopus, starfish and so many multicoloured fish I became blind to their dazzling colours by the fourth snorkel of my three-day stay.
The hotel bills itself as 4*, but with the draw of the unreal snorkelling, the wonderful food and the flawless service, I'm inclined to say it's worth more.
What to do nearby
Given the island location, the resort is basically it. Luckily, they offer plenty of activities, including a sunset traditional Dhoni boat ride where you sit on the top deck of the boat, chasing the sunset with the salty sea air blowing through your hair.
A week-long all-inclusive stay from around £2,000pp. More info at www.coloursofoblu.com