My guide to some of the most Luxurious Resorts in the Maldives

OBLU Select Helengeli, OBLU Select Sangeli, Ozen Life Maadhoo, and Ozen Reserve Bolifushi
The Maldives has been on my wish list for a long time and to be able to experience these stunning islands myself and to see if the Maldives is a true escape to paradise! After all it is famous for its powder-white beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and vibrant marine life. Among the luxurious options for accommodation, the OBLU and Ozen resorts stood out for their exceptional service, modern amenities, and commitment to sustainability. The four resorts I visited were OBLU Select Helengeli, OBLU Select Sangeli, Ozen Life Maadhoo and Ozen Reserve Bolifushi. They all offer distinct experiences, each tailored to different preferences and styles of luxury. All are accessed by speedboat from Male.
1. OBLU Select Helengeli: A Nature-Focused Escape
Located in the North Malé Atoll, OBLU Select Helengeli is a stunning all-inclusive resort that epitomizes barefoot luxury. The island’s natural beauty is its biggest asset, with its lush greenery, serene beaches, and vibrant coral reefs that encircle the island.
Accommodations and Design
OBLU Select Helengeli offers a variety of accommodation options, from spacious beach villas to expansive water villas. The rooms are designed with a contemporary yet traditional Maldivian aesthetic, blending warm colors, elegant wood finishes, and large windows that offer panoramic views of the turquoise waters. The water villas are really popular due to their direct access to the ocean and private pools, imagine waking up to the beauty of the ocean every morning.
Dining Experience
The resort boasts several dining venues, each offering a unique culinary experience. The Spice restaurant is the main dining venue, offering international cuisine in an open-air setting with stunning ocean views. For a more casual experience, you can enjoy cocktails and snacks at the poolside bar, while the Sangu Beach Bar offers a laid-back vibe perfect for sundowners.
One of the standout features of OBLU Select Helengeli is its all-inclusive plan, which allows you to enjoy unlimited dining experiences.
Activities and Amenities
For those seeking adventure, OBLU Select Helengeli offers a host of exciting water-based activities, such as snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. The resort is famous for its house reef, which is easily accessible from the beach and offers a chance to explore the rich marine life, including turtles, sharks, and a colorful array of tropical fish.
The resort also features a fitness center, a spa, and a kid’s club, making it an ideal choice for families. The Euphoria Spa offers a range of rejuvenating treatments, including massages and facials, ensuring guests leave feeling refreshed and relaxed.
2. OBLU Select Sangeli: The Perfect Blend of Tranquility and Adventure
Situated in the Western part of the North Malé Atoll, OBLU Select Sangeli is an island paradise known for its vibrant house reef, stunning overwater villas, and incredible hospitality. With its commitment to offering a mix of relaxation and adventure, OBLU Select Sangeli is perfect for both couples and families.
Accommodation and Design
The accommodation at OBLU Select Sangeli is divided into two main categories: beach and water villas. The water villas, perched on stilts above the lagoon, offer a luxury experience with direct access to the water, private pools, and spacious decks. For those who prefer a beachfront experience, the beach villas offer easy access to the sand and lagoon.
The interiors of the villas are luxurious and modern, with elements of Maldivian design. The emphasis is on spaciousness and comfort, with large bathrooms, comfortable furniture, and state-of-the-art amenities that include flat-screen televisions and high-speed internet.
Culinary Delights
At OBLU Select Sangeli, the dining options are diverse, catering to all tastes. The resort features several restaurants that include the Element, a signature restaurant offering a buffet of international dishes, and the overwater dining option, TASTE, which specializes in seafood and fine dining. The resort also offers a unique experience at the tapas-style dining venue, where guests can enjoy small plates of international and regional delicacies.
One of the major attractions for guests is the exclusive IN-Ocean dining experience, where you can enjoy a private, candlelit dinner in the middle of the lagoon, surrounded by the mesmerizing ocean.
Activities and Experiences
OBLU Select Sangeli offers an exciting selection of activities. The resort’s house reef is perfect for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, providing access to colorful corals and diverse marine species. You can also enjoy water sports like paddleboarding, jet skiing, and fishing excursions. For those who prefer relaxation, the resort offers yoga classes and spa treatments at the ELENA Spa.
The resort is also known for its personalized service, ensuring that you feel truly special during your stay. Whether it’s a private picnic on a sandbank or a romantic sunset cruise, the resort offers unforgettable experiences.
3. Ozen Life Maadhoo: A Premium All-Inclusive Retreat
Ozen Life Maadhoo is one of the premium resorts in the Ozen collection, offering an all-inclusive experience that caters to those seeking luxury, comfort, and a world-class service. Located in the South Malé Atoll, this resort provides a truly indulgent experience with its combination of luxury, privacy, and stunning natural surroundings.
Accommodation and Design
Ozen Life Maadhoo offers several accommodation categories, including stunning overwater villas and beachfront villas. The water villas at Ozen Life Maadhoo are exceptional, with spacious rooms, glass floors to view the underwater world, and private infinity pools. The beach villas are equally impressive, offering direct access to the pristine beach and luxurious outdoor spaces for relaxation.
The villas are designed with an eco-friendly mindset, incorporating natural materials such as wood and stone while maintaining a modern, elegant aesthetic. The interiors are spacious, with plush furnishings, sleek bathrooms, and a range of high-tech amenities to enhance the guest experience.
Dining Options
The dining experience at Ozen Life Maadhoo is nothing short of extraordinary. The resort’s ‘The Traditions’ buffet-style restaurant serves a variety of international cuisines, and the overwater restaurant, ‘Tandoor Mahal,’ offers Indian and Asian delicacies. The ‘Just Grill’ is the perfect venue for those who appreciate grilled seafood and meats, with views of the lagoon as the backdrop.
The all-inclusive plan at Ozen Life Maadhoo includes a wide variety of beverages and food options, so you can enjoy unlimited meals, snacks, and drinks during your stay.
Recreational Activities
The resort is a haven for adventure lovers, with opportunities to dive, snorkel, and engage in various water sports activities. The house reef is teeming with marine life, making it an excellent location for snorkeling. For those who want a more relaxed experience, the resort offers a fantastic spa and wellness center, where you can enjoy soothing massages and beauty treatments.
A key feature of Ozen Life Maadhoo is its dedication to environmental sustainability. The resort employs eco-friendly practices, such as minimizing plastic use and conserving marine life, and offers guests the chance to participate in various eco-activities.
4. Ozen Reserve Bolifushi: Ultimate Luxury and Privacy
Located on a private island in the South Malé Atoll, Ozen Reserve Bolifushi offers the pinnacle of luxury. This ultra-luxurious resort redefines the Maldivian experience by offering exclusive accommodations, world-class amenities, and unparalleled service.
Accommodations and Design
Ozen Reserve Bolifushi is renowned for its lavish accommodations, which include expansive villas that offer ultimate privacy and direct access to the beach or the lagoon. The overwater villas, complete with private pools and glass floors, allow you to enjoy the underwater world in absolute luxury. The beach villas are equally remarkable, offering vast outdoor spaces and private beach areas.
The resort's architecture is a mix of modern luxury with a touch of traditional Maldivian design. The interiors are furnished with high-end materials, creating an elegant, yet comfortable ambiance.
Gastronomic Experience
One of the highlights of Ozen Reserve Bolifushi is its diverse range of gourmet dining options. The resort has several restaurants, including ‘The Reef,’ a fine-dining venue offering international dishes, and ‘Tandoor Mahal,’ which specializes in Indian cuisine. There is also a seafood-focused restaurant, ‘Tribal,’ which serves fresh catches of the day in an idyllic setting. The dining experience is elevated with wine pairings, ensuring that each meal is perfectly complemented.
You also have the opportunity to enjoy private dining experiences, whether on the beach, on a private sandbank, or in their own villa.
Wellness and Recreation
Ozen Reserve Bolifushi’s expansive wellness offerings are designed to restore both mind and body. The resort’s spa, ‘THE LIME,’ offers an array of rejuvenating treatments in a serene setting, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure.
The resort also offers a wealth of activities, including diving, water sports, fishing, and cultural experiences. For those seeking to relax, the island’s natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for long walks along the beach, yoga sessions, or simply lounging by the infinity pool.
Conclusion: Unparalleled Luxury in the Maldives
Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or a combination of both, OBLU Select Helengeli, OBLU Select Sangeli, Ozen Life Maadhoo, and Ozen Reserve Bolifushi offer unparalleled luxury experiences. Each resort offers something unique, for all budgets from nature-focused experiences at OBLU Select Helengeli to the ultra-exclusive Ozen Reserve Bolifushi. No matter which one you choose, you are guaranteed an unforgettable stay in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, the Maldives.