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This December, the festive season takes on a whole new meaning at COLOURS OF OBLU, where four islands present four completely different ways to celebrate. For those yet to plan their year-end holiday, COLOURS OF OBLU offers something for every mood and moment, from the high-energy splash of OBLU SELECT Sangeli, to the romantic elegance of OBLU SELECT Lobigili, the exuberant family fun at OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, and the serene, soulful rhythms of OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO.

At OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, the holidays unfold like a video game come to life. Themed around Roblox, the resort transforms into an open-air playground filled with imaginative workshops, poolside foam parties, neon DJ nights, and family movie sessions under the stars. Children mix mocktails and join daily challenges, while New Year’s Eve builds up to a dazzling gala dinner and countdown that feels like one big family celebration.

Across the jetty, sister island OBLU SELECT Lobigili offers something more intimate. This adult exclusive sanctuary invites couples to step into a ‘Timeless Love, a Masquerade of Moments’ themed celebration. Blending indulgence with elegance, the days drift by in ocean exploration, wellness rituals, and decorating gingerbread houses, and nights sparkling with delicious cocktails, candlelit dinners, soft jazz or live saxophone. The highlight is a New Year’s Eve masquerade gala in white and gold, designed for whispered resolutions and slow dances in the sand.

OBLU SELECT Sangeli, meanwhile, is all about rhythm and energy. Its “Waves of Wonder New Year Splash” brings together poolside games, cocktail showdowns, live music, and beach carnivals, filling the island with non-stop festive cheer. Stroll barefoot along white sandy beaches, relish tuna by the waves, jam to merry melodies, and light the Christmas tree. On New Year’s Eve, a colourful gala dinner spills onto the sand with fireworks, DJ sets, and barefoot dancing until dawn.

And for ocean lovers there is OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, where the reef inspires a gentler kind of festivity. With its “Underwater Coral” theme, mornings begin with yoga and snorkelling, afternoons feature reef talks, art workshops, and conservation activities. Evenings come alive with themed culinary spreads ranging from Mekong flavours to Indonesian feasts, building to the “Ring of Fire” New Year’s Eve gala by the sea. It’s festive, but at your own pace — reflective, soulful, and beautifully enchanting.

As the year draws to a close, COLOURS OF OBLU invites travellers to celebrate the festive season in all its vibrant variety. If you haven’t yet decided where to ring in the New Year, now is the perfect time to book a stay at one of these resorts and welcome 2026 amidst the beauty and joy of the Maldives.

The cult-favourite Martín Codax wine gala is back for a second sun-soaked run at COLOURS OF OBLU resorts and it is set to be even more delicious than before. The celebrations begin at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO on 31 August and 1 September, followed by OBLU SELECT Sangeli on 3 and 4 September. The final stop will be the adults-only paradise of OBLU SELECT Lobigili, where the event will be held on 6 and 7 September.

We caught up with Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wines at Atmosphere Core, to get the inside scoop.

Q: Nicolas, tell us what makes the Martín Códax Wine Gala at COLOURS OF OBLU so special?

A: As travel becomes more experience-led, our guests are seeking moments that feel meaningful and one-of-a-kind and that’s exactly what our wine galas deliver. The OBLU Wine Galas are a total vibe. Think music, sun-kissed evenings, wine stories from Galicia, and an energy that’s just electric. Last year was such a hit, we just had to bring it back. These aren’t formal wine tastings; they’re vibrant, joy-filled evenings where laughter is as important as the pairings. It’s Spain’s soulful way of wining and dining – reimagined in paradise.

Q: What’s new for this year?

A: This time, we’re thrilled to be pouring the Martín Códax Organistrum Albariño, a premium white that’s taken home a host of awards in 2024. Crafted entirely from Albariño grapes, Organistrum is named after an ancient medieval string instrument known for its harmonious tones. The wine reflects that same balance – expressive, elegant, and absolutely divine with seafood. And Paula Lobato, the radiant ambassador of Bodegas Martín Códax, travels to our resorts to host the series. Her enthusiasm and knowledge will bring the entire experience to life – from grape to glass.

Q: How are the wine gala evenings set up?

A: Each island resort offers its own unique twist. At Helengeli, we’re mixing things up with a progressive Indian feast at Raga Route one night, followed by a barefoot beachside dinner at Just Grill the next, both perfectly paired with Martín Códax’s finest vintages. At Sangeli, guests are invited to a golden-hour soirée on the stunning One Banyan Island, followed by a curated multi-course wine-paired dinner at our JustWok and Just Grill restaurants. The final leg of the tour lands at the adults-only Lobigili, also known as the island of love. Here, guests can savour a tantalising global menu at Ylang Ylang restaurant, expertly matched with exquisite wines, all in an intimate setting designed for romance and relaxation.

Q: Why Martín Códax?

A: At COLOURS OF OBLU, we choose our wine partners with great care – after years of research, tastings, and a deep dive into their stories. We look for authenticity, strong family values, and expressive terroir-driven wines that you simply can’t find anywhere else in the Maldives.

Founded in 1985, Bodegas Martín Códax takes its name from a medieval Galician troubadour who sang of love, the ocean, and coastal life. Today, the independently certified sustainable winery is a remarkable collaboration of over 600 families in the Rías Baixas region of Spain. They work in small plots, using the traditional emparrado trellising system of lifting the vines off the ground, helping them soak up the Atlantic breeze. It’s a beautiful blend of time-honoured techniques and modern innovation that results in vibrant, unmistakably Galician wines.

Q: Why is Martín Códax the perfect match for COLOURS OF OBLU?

A: Wine is a universal language. When combined with great food, storytelling, music, and meaningful conversation, it becomes something unforgettable. Our collaboration with Bodegas Martín Códax brings that magic to life in the Maldives in true COLOURS OF OBLU style: bright, bold, and full of heart.

The Martín Códax team share our passion for bringing people together. Hosting these Wine Galas is about making wine appreciation accessible for all travellers, from the wine curious to seasoned oenophiles, through informal shared celebrations. Our guests, our team, and our winemaking partners gather around the table with incredible food, wine stories, and laughter flowing just as freely as the vintages. It is island life, enriched.

Q: Final question, is this open to everyone?

A: Absolutely. It’s complimentary for in-resort guests under our all-inclusive Holiday Plans. Just book your seat early as these evenings fill up fast. We’ll bring the wine and the wonder, you bring your appetite and a love for new experiences.

Only BLU, the renowned under ocean restaurant at OBLU SELECT Lobigili, has been awarded the prestigious Editor’s Choice for Best Restaurant at the 2024 TTM Awards Gala. Known for its modern gourmet cuisine and breathtaking setting 6.8 meters beneath the Indian Ocean, Only BLU has set a new standard for luxury dining in the Maldives.

The TTM Awards & Gala 2024 is a highlight of TTM Maldives, the country’s premier travel trade show, which took place from 21st to 22nd August 2024. This prestigious event drew over 500 travel industry experts and more than 100 hotel representatives, facilitating upwards of 3,000 pre-arranged meetings.

As the largest under-ocean restaurant in the Maldives, Only BLU offers a captivating horseshoe-shaped design, providing each guest with a front-row view of vibrant coral reefs and stunning marine life. Included with the exclusive Lobi PlanTM at OBLU SELECT Lobigili, Only BLU curates exquisite multi-course menus for lunch and dinner, with choices of meat, seafood, vegan, and vegetarian dishes, as well as a special kids’ menu, ensuring a remarkable dining experience for all.

Christopher Baker, General Manager of OBLU SELECT Lobigili and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, shared, “We are thrilled to be recognised for our dedication to delivering a remarkable dining experience with impeccable service. Guests can relish delectable food while watching the colourful, lush coral gardens teeming with vibrant fish. When the sharks make an appearance, it’s a real showstopper—everyone grabs their cameras! It’s also a popular choice for celebrating special moments and romantic marriage proposals.”

This award cements Only BLU’s place as a premier destination for modern gourmet cuisine and unforgettable dining in the Maldives. The adults exclusive five-star resort, OBLU SELECT Lobigili was also crowned as No.1 Luxury Hotel globally AND No.2 Hotel in the coveted Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2024, outshining its own remarkable achievement last year as the world’s ‘Hottest New Hotel.’

In the Maldivian language of Dhivehi, ‘Lobi’ means love and ‘Gili’ means island. Located 15 minutes from Velana International Airport, Lobigili is a contemporary 5-Star resort designed for couples and adults. With transfers, accommodation, meals and experiences covered, guests can savour delectable meals at the all-day dining restaurant, unwind at The Swing Bar featuring an infinity pool and inviting hammocks, try fragrant seafood grills at Gaadiya 17 Food Truck, and experience the unparalleled ambiance of the Maldives’ largest under ocean restaurant, Only BLU – all features of the unique holiday plan, the Lobi PlanTM.

Guests staying at OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, the neighbouring resort within the COLOURS OF OBLU brand and connected to Lobigili island by a jetty, can also make reservations for Only BLU. The restaurant is additionally open to Maldivians, expats, and travellers not staying at the resort, and can be booked for private events and celebrations, making it an ideal setting for milestone moments and exclusive gatherings.

Travellers around the globe are in for a delightful experience as COLOURS OF OBLU, a lifestyle hospitality brand within Atmosphere Core, brings the Bodegas Martín Códax Wine Gala from Spain to three private island resorts in the Maldives.

The unforgettable wine extravaganzas will take place at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO on September 22nd and 23rd and OBLU SELECT Sangeli on September 25th and 26th. Concluding on September 28th and 29th at OBLU SELECT Lobigili, which has been awarded as No. 1 Luxury Hotel Worldwide in 2024 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards.

As a part of the Wine Gala, winery ambassadors from the 600 northern-Spain families which make up Bodegas Martín Códax will host exuberant multi-course wine experiences across two nights at each resort. Guests will be treated to a symphony of flavours with a special wine perfectly pairing each culinary creation. The Spanish-Way-of-Dinning will be in full fledge under the twinkling stars. Resort guests can also stop by for a sip and listen to the wonderous wine stories from Spain’s Galician coastline while basking in the Maldivian sunset, savouring colourful wines and delectable apéritifs.

Founded in 1985, Bodegas Martín Códax is named after a renowned Galician troubadour who sang about love, the ocean, and the enchanting coastline. Started as a dream project by a group of winegrowers in the Rías Baixas wine region, Martín Códax regroups over 600 local families to produce wines of the highest possible quality, while respecting the unique terroir of Galicia.

Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wines at Atmosphere Core, says “Wine is truly a global language, and Atmosphere Core is delighted to continue contributing to its story in the Indian Ocean. Bodegas Martín Códax wines have a natural synergy with our COLOURS OF OBLU brand – vibrant and joyful, and with a love for togetherness.

“We’re delighted to welcome Bodegas Martín Códax for the first time in the Maldives, and we’re grateful for the support they continue to show towards our main objective – to enhance and grow wine culture in the Maldives. Making such experiences a recurring reality is one of the best ways to achieve our objective as it brings together the winery, our resort guests and colleagues around delicious food, fine wine and laughter flowing across the table – it’s a refreshingly informal ambiance where everyone can relax for memorable wine moments.”

The COLOURS OF OBLU Wine Gala is a once-in-a-year chance to immerse in the world of Spanish wine and the culture that surrounds it, while indulging in the stunning views of aquamarine lagoons and pristine white beaches. Guests will be invited to pre-book and savour an exclusive multi-course wine experience, complimentary with the fully encompassing holiday plans – the Island PlanTM at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, the Serenity PlanTM at OBLU SELECT Sangeli, and the Lobi PlanTM at OBLU SELECT Lobigili. Bodegas Martín Códax wines are pouring exclusively at Atmosphere Core resorts in the Maldives.

OBLU Xperience Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili organized a memorable under ocean marine tour on 23 February 2023 for 14 students from Jamaluddin School. The students along with four teachers arrived at Ailafushi island at 15:30. After a warm welcome by the resort management, they were escorted to Only BLU Under Ocean Restaurant where they refreshed themselves with a cold face towel and a delicious beverage.

In-house Marine Biologist, Giorgia Maggioni conducted the Marine Tour. She started with a presentation about the different types of fish and coral found in the Maldives. After the presentation, students spotted fish through the windows of the restaurant and marked them in their Educational Marine Booklet. This booklet is a specially crafted workbook created for the Educational Marine Tour.

After the fascinating tour, students played and enjoyed snacks and drinks at KIDSX CAMP – the kids club at OBLU Xperience Ailafushi before departure from the resort.

The Educational Marine Tour sensitises school children between the ages of 5 to 12 years about marine life. They identify fish and corals, connecting with the country’s fragile ecosystem. This initiative attempts to educate future generations who may decide to have a career in hospitality. Every month the resort will invite students from different schools in Malé for the program.

Looking for an easy to organise, last-minute escape from Dubai for the upcoming Eid holiday? It’s not too late. Prep yourself for a summer to remember in the Indian Ocean where luxury islands in the Maldives are wooing travellers with nights in paradise, open air cinemas and fun-filled adventures for families.

Conveniently accessible with just a four-hour flight from Dubai, Maldives has an impressive record for an isolated island nation. With in-resort PCR testing offered across the islands, the Maldives is leading the way in offering visitors a smooth, ‘mask-free’ safe travel experience, in the ultimate paradise setting.

With each luxury resort set on its own private island, the Maldives is an otherworldly retreat from the buzz of daily life. Such a private resort group is Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, offering all-in-one ultimate island escape, in renowned, luxurious accommodation surrounded by some of the world’s most beautiful natural settings. The signature of these gorgeous resorts is their levels of privacy. Set within lush vegetation, guests staying at Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts can indulge in total seclusion.

Here, travellers can rediscover its unique features from its iconic over-water villas, to its selection of incredible water sports and world-class dining. There’s nowhere else quite like it. Nothing compares to the pristine white beaches, azure ocean, five-star hospitality, diverse cuisines and – most importantly – the tranquillity that Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts offers families and adventure lovers alike.

Being a paradise for divers, surfers and sailors, here you can enjoy snorkelling, diving, relaxing in lagoons teeming marine life and spot dolphins while sipping a cool beverage during sunset cruise. Or, you can chill out and relax with a good book, or pamper yourself with a blissful spa treatment at ELENA Spa.

There are wide range of four-star, five star, and luxury holiday experiences under Atmosphere Group where you can book your stay this Eid. The resort options are –

OBLU SELECT Sangeli, Sangeli Island

Meanwhile, OBLU SELECT at Sangeli takes you on an exclusive romantic journey with its honeymoon water suites, providing you the ideal setting for some of your life’s most unforgettable memories. Situated at the North-Western tip of Malé Atoll, the island of Sangeli, home to OBLU Select, is a five-star resort.

Offering the discerning traveller a ‘best-in-class’ 5-Star holiday with an upgraded plan – THE SERENITY Plan, the resort has a variety of ‘contemporary designed’ stand-alone villas and suites, including the very exclusive Honeymoon Water Suites with Private Pool. To keep your appetite duly sated, the resort has a variety of restaurants to match every taste. The Courtyard is the main restaurant, which provides a combination of sumptuous buffet, live cooking stations, and theme nights. Other offered services include Fine Dining experiences at two specialty restaurants – JUST GRILL & SIMPLY VEG as well as In-Villa Mini Bar replenishments with no extra charge!

OBLU by Atmosphere, Helengeli Island

OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli, a four-star superior resort, offers guests a unique all-encompassing holiday plan. Situated in the North Atoll and just 50-minutes away by speedboat from Male’ International Airport, the resort comprises of 136 villas in 4 categories, on a premium plan – Island Plan, with high quality world cuisine, combined with a range of activities including snorkelling and Channel Diving along with a serene Garden Spa.

Here again, there is no shortfall for adventure. Helengeli Island has a very renowned reputation for its incomparably exotic house-reef, snorkelling, water sports and superb channel diving, just meters from the shoreline. Thus, a significant part of the OBLU at Helengeli holiday experience lies under the azure blue waters, ideal for snorkelling, diving, and sighting predatory deep-sea fish. This little island paradise has over 30 exotic dive spots in the nearby vicinity.

Sun-kissed mornings at the beach, afternoons spent braving the ocean tides, and day ending with the orange sun setting in the sky. What more can we dream of in a perfect tropical haven? So yes, Maldives is safe and a perfect option for travel right now!

Conveniently accessible with just a four-hour flight from Dubai, Maldives has an impressive record for an isolated island nation. With in-resort PCR testing offered across the islands, the Maldives is leading the way in offering visitors a smooth, safe travel experience, in the ultimate paradise setting.

With each luxury resort set on its own private island, the Maldives is an otherworldly retreat from the buzz of daily life. Such a private resort group is Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, offering all-in-one ultimate island escape, in renowned, luxurious accommodation surrounded by some of the world’s most beautiful natural settings.

Nothing compares to the pristine white beaches, azure ocean, five-star hospitality and – most importantly – the tranquillity that Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts offers families and adventure lovers alike. Here, travellers can rediscover its unique features from its iconic over-water villas, to its selection of incredible water sports and world-class dining. There’s nowhere else quite like it.OBLU Select Sangeli, Sangeli Island

Meanwhile, OBLU Select at Sangeli takes you on an exclusive romantic journey with its honeymoon water suites, providing you the ideal setting for some of your life’s most unforgettable memories. Situated at the North-Western tip of Malé Atoll, the island of Sangeli, home to OBLU Select, is a five-star resort.

Offering the discerning traveller a hassle-free ‘best-in-class’ 5-Star holiday with an upgraded All-Inclusive plan – THE SERENITY Plan, the resort has a variety of ‘contemporary designed’ stand-alone villas and suites, including the very exclusive Honeymoon Water Suites with Private Pool.

OBLU by Atmosphere, Helengeli Island

OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli, a four-star superior resort, offers guests a unique all-encompassing holiday plan. Situated in the North Atoll and just 50-minutes away by speedboat from Male’ International Airport, the resort comprises of 136 villas in 4 categories, on an All-Inclusive plan – ISLAND Plan, with high quality world cuisine, combined with a range of activities including snorkelling and Channel Diving along with a serene Garden Spa.

All of these resorts from Atmosphere are the ideal destination for the whole family to relax, keeping their minds at rest that they are in the safest of surroundings while creating exceptional memories to last a lifetime. So, are you booking your all-inclusive next trip to Maldives?

These island resorts go above and beyond the typical all-inclusive cliches to offer a la carte dining, premium beverages and even experiences as part of the packages

The Maldives’ endless list of luxury resorts means travellers are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing where to stay in the Maldives. Pretty much all resorts across the island archipelago guarantee ivory white sands, azure waters and blissful relaxation, but with an increasing array of all-inclusive resorts and packages, some now with all meals, premium drinks and even excursions included.

Here are 10 of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives.

OBLU SELECT Sangeli

Distance from airport: 50-minutes by speedboat

In the north-west tip of the Malé Atoll, OBLU SELECT Sangeli has a variety of villa accommodations, including beach and water villas (with or without private pools), as well as villas aimed specifically at families and honeymooners. Restaurants include Simply Veg, a cool and unique gourmet vegetarian spot; Just Grill for fresh seafood and meat; and The Courtyard, which hosts theme nights and live cooking stations in addition to a buffet. Sunsets are best viewed from The Rock bar, the island’s idyllic sundowner stop, and while the resort is geared to be family-friendly, adults can escape to One Banyan, a grownups-only island that also includes a separate pool. The all-inclusive feature means guests can holiday without worrying about an unexpectedly large bill on check out, and the upgraded Serenity Plan also includes two fine-dining experiences, an excursion, complimentary transfers and complimentary daily replenishing of the minibar.