First Look: OBLU SELECT at Sangeli, Maldives

The Maldives has a reputation. It’s the go-to hotspot for private celebrity getaways; the picture-perfect scene featuring a collection of private villas lapped by sparkling waters. It’s the place you go to get away from it all, and with the introduction of the brand new OBLU SELECT at Maldives, that escape just got even more luxurious. Read on to find out what we discovered on our first look.

Getting there

The most exciting thing about OBLU SELECT at Sangeli? It’s brand new, and it’s bringing even more luxury to the Maldives.

With flight options available from the likes of Etihad and Emirates, jetting across the Indian Ocean is a dream, averaging roughly eight hours direct. Both airlines provide delicious food options: expect the likes of three bean salad with tomato vinaigrette, fish kasba, mixed berry cheesecake in Etihad’s economy for example. (Or king prawn, Chicken biryani and amarena cherry pudding on first.)

The Maldives experience on an OBLU SELECT at Sangeli holiday begins as soon as you touchdown; you can immediately enjoy a free speedboat transfer to the resort, giving you some time to enjoy the sparkling seas before arriving at your destination. Now that’s quite an experience. And you’ve only just arrived.

The Rooms

It’s one of the most luxurious water villas in the Maldives, and the views are incredible

Let’s talk rooms. Rather, villas and suites. Choose from a beachfront paradise by the water’s edge, or go traditional-Maldives luxury in a Water Villa with Pool, featuring your very own 8m2 plunge pool to dip into. For the romantics amongst us, there’s even Honeymoon Pool Suites for couples only, which showcase the island’s stunning sunset views and extra special services.

Our personal favourite – the Beach Family Pool Suites. These exotic retreats stand as your personal Maldives holiday home with enough space for the whole family. That means two bedrooms, two open-air bathrooms, a living area and a colossal 13m2 private pool. This, alongside all the aforementioned amenities on offer makes for the ultimate luxury family holiday.

Then again, who needs a pool when you have direct lagoon access you get with the Water Villas. That’s what the Maldives is about, after all.

The Food

Just Grill restaurant treats its guests with succulent seafood, all backed by breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.

Dining options often stand as the make-it-or-break-it for many hotels, and in this case, OBLU Select at Sangeli does not disappoint. There’s a huge choice of dishes to savour, from vegetarian delights sampled from across the globe to freshly grilled seafood sourced from the Indian Ocean.

We’ll start with The Spice, an all-day dining treat boasting international buffet cuisine. And then for something more niche, there’s Simply Veg, serving gourmet vegetarian cuisine – and these dishes are some of the tastiest vegetarian servings you’ll ever get your teeth into – that goes for meat-eaters too. But if you’re really after something meaty, Just Grill may be what you’re seeking: this place treats its guests with fresh seafood and meat grills served for both lunch and dinner.

Of course, there’s something for lazy afternoons too. That’s The Sangs, a pool bar offering a range of drinks and snacks. And on the Serenity Plan™, guests can enjoy a selection of freshly prepared snacks. Pool cocktails? There’s simply nothing quite like it. 

The Vibe

OBLU SELECT at Sangeli is the perfect place to let your hair down. But it offers a lot of elegance too.

Upon first impression, you’ll understand OBLU SELECT at Sangeli is an elegant resort. And it is – but it’s so much more than that too. There’s no arguing that this is an island of paradise. Barefoot beach strolls, waterfront dining, and poolside-cocktails – this is the vibe holidaymakers seek when they want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And OBLU SELECT at Sangeli embraces this perfectly.

At the same time, the island-resort manages to appeal to more than just beach-seekers, as Serenity Plan™ guests can enjoy a selection of freshly prepared snacks. and choose to embark on a number of exciting excursions. Picture a sunset fusing cruise, or a guided snorkelling tour or a visit to a local island as part of the adventure excursions on offer. What makes this perfect is the fact that after a day of exploring the ocean, the islands or the seas, guests can be reassured that they will return to that aforementioned elegance. And honestly, that’s the kind of vibe we could get used to.  Take a look at the resort yourself here.