Maldives July 2025

I visited five amazing Islands 🏝️

OBLU Xperience Ailafushi & OBLU Select Lobigili:

Our first stay was at OBLU Ailafushi, where I checked into a beach villa, just steps from the warm sea. The weather stayed around 32 °C. We had occasional showers, but they passed quickly.

Ailafushi is a vibrant 4-star island, full of energy. There’s karaoke, beach music, foam parties, and tons of activities—ideal for families, especially those with teens, or younger couples seeking a lively vibe. Its sister island, OBLU Lobigili, is adults-only and connected by a small bridge. Guests at Lobigili can use Ailafushi’s facilities, though not the other way around.

We dined at BLU—the Maldives’ largest underwater restaurant—an incredible culinary experience paired with wine, priced at $125 per person (plus tax). If you stay at Lobigili, dining here once every four nights is included. Snorkelling gear and boat trips cost extra at Ailafushi, but 15 minutes of non-motorised watersports, like paddleboarding, are included each day.

The buffet is the main dining option, with special nights like lobster night ($79 per person). The resort also has a serene spa with eight treatment rooms and a thermal area, including a jacuzzi, sauna, and relaxation space.

Rooms are either ocean view studios in small two-story blocks or larger family suites with two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

There’s a fantastic kids’ club (ages 4+, free of charge), and babysitting is available at $25/hour. For children under 4, parents can accompany them, and there’s a small shaded pool. Teens can enjoy the games room and a movie space.

OBLU Lobigili, a peaceful retreat perfect for couples. It‘s quiet, intimate, and adult-only. The island features an overwater gym, and accommodation includes sunrise and sunset-facing water villas, some with private pools, as well as beachfront options. If you’re staying eight nights, you’ll enjoy two complimentary spa treatments and two dinners at BLU.

OBLU Nature Helengeli :

Our second stay was about 55 minutes by boat. Unlike many manmade islands, Helengeli is all natural. With its earthy charm, sandy paths, and lush greenery, it feels intimate yet never crowded. The focus here is on sustainability and marine life.

The island is positioned at a channel intersection, creating a haven for marine diversity. You can snorkel right from the beach on either side of the island. Two house reefs attract rays, turtles, reef sharks, and colourful fish, making this a snorkeler’s paradise—especially great for beginners. Snorkel hire is free for the duration of your stay.

Their all-inclusive “Island Plan” offers buffet dining, drinks (some premium brands excluded), non-motorised watersports without time limits, and two free excursions—usually a sunset cruise and a fishing trip. Every four nights includes a fine dining experience, so eight nights gives you two!

The resort is very relaxed, with low-key evening entertainment—a local band or themed buffet with Maldivian dancers. There’s a kids’ club for ages 4–12, and even an adult-only pool with a self-service bar.

Atmosphere Kanifushi :

Our third stay, a larger island reached via a scenic seaplane flight. With 168 villas stretched over 2.8km of tropical landscape, it feels spacious and well-appointed. You can cycle around (bikes are available upon request) or hop on a buggy.

We stayed in a beach villa, more spacious than our previous stays. All accommodations are located on the calm side of the island, with rougher waters on the opposite shore. The Sunset Bar, with sand underfoot, serves à la carte lunches and dinners with a relaxed, beachy vibe. There’s also a rustic Sri Lankan street food restaurant right on the beach—swing seats, wooden tables, and delicious small plates.

Guests receive one complimentary spa treatment per four-night stay, and the sauna, steam, and jacuzzi facilities are free with just 45 minutes‘ notice. If you're staying in a water villa, you can enjoy à la carte breakfast at Pier 9. Families are well catered for, with a kids’ club (ages 4–12), interconnecting rooms, and The Grand Residence, which sleeps up to 10.

VARU by Atmosphere:

Our final stop was VARU by Atmosphere. After a quick seaplane flight back to Malé, we took a 45-minute speedboat to this lush, green island. With just 108 villas, VARU has an authentic, intimate atmosphere. No straight paths, just sandy trails winding through jungle-like foliage—it truly feels like an escape.

We received a warm welcome, followed by a buffet lunch with something for every palate. After a brief tour, we checked into our stunning water villa with a private pool on Turtle Jetty, facing the sunset.

VARU offers three à la carte restaurants—Charcoal, Kaage, and Nu. We participated in a cooking experience at Kaage, followed by a tasting lunch. The restaurant includes a short cultural video to introduce guests to Maldivian cuisine and its history. Guests staying 3, 5, or 7 nights receive 1, 2, or 3 speciality dining experiences, respectively.

We also experienced a wine tasting in VARU’s new wine cellar—over 40 varieties included in the plan, paired with curated platters.

Watersports and snorkelling excursions are included, with boat trips running twice a day to explore the reef.

I loved the Maldives and I’m sure you would too ❤️