OBLU Select at Sangeli, Maldives

OBLU Select is a good value, all-round resort that appeals to a range of clientele. While we found the majority of guests to be young-to-middle-aged couples, there are also a few families and older guests too. As with Atmosphere’s other islands, there is a really good mix of global nationalities. There’s a buzz and warm vibe about the place and Sangs Bar appears to be a hit with the guests, as is One Banyan, an adults-only area during the day.

The resort has been constructed with sustainable plantation woods (teak, pine, oak) with a genuine feeling of quality. All villas are detached and spacious with splashes of colour in the soft furnishings to give a vibrant feel. Unsurprisingly the villas with pools are in high demand. As with many new resorts, some parts are a little sparse on vegetation, but that shouldn’t take long to fill out.

The Serenity (All Inclusive) Plan is excellent with 28 wines in total and selection of branded spirits. Dining is impressive at this level, enhanced by Just Grill (serving excellent fish, seafoods and meats), and Simply Veg, a superb vegetarian restaurant, both of which should be booked ahead with just 28 covers each. Everyone should try the Red Triangle at Just Veg! The main buffet restaurant (The Courtyard) has something for everyone with an open kitchen providing an array of goodies and including live cooking stations.

There’s some nice snorkelling on the inner reef with clearly marked, easy access from the beach by Sangs. All the best spots are marked around the resort. The outer reef can be accessed from stairs half way down the 580m water villa jetty (or directly from some of the Water Villas). Note that you need to take special care of currents and only follow the marked buoy ropes. Those same currents do move the sand around the island, which needs to be managed, like most resorts. Sangeli has needed to build some quite large groynes and a sea wall at the sunset end of the island, where you’ll find the Rock Bar.

The beach is quite coralline despite their beach-cleaning efforts so whilst it’s perfectly fine to be barefoot there are times when you need flip flops. There is also a sand pump barge moored off the north side at the moment and they will move it as and when they need to.

Overall, impressive and unmistakable value for money: another resounding success from Atmosphere.

Situated in the north-western tip of North Male atoll - 50 minutes by speedboat from the airport - OBLU Select is a brand new all-inclusive resort from Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts.

Comprised of two islands, linked by a water villa jetty, OBLU Select offers a variety of 137 detached villas and suites (some with private pool) catering for couples and families alike.