Whether honeymooning, renewing vows, celebrating an anniversary or simply seeking a getaway from it all break with a partner, there cannot be many more perfect destinations for romance than the secluded islands of the Maldives.
Made up of around 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean and home to beautiful accommodation options, including overwater bungalows and suites, it's accessible by direct flights from the UK and has a welcoming climate all-year round, although the very best time to travel is between November and April.
The magnificent, modern, all-inclusive OBLU SELECT at Sangeli, opened in 2018 and is situated just over 30 miles north (50 minutes by speedboat transfer) of Male International Airport, on the north-western tip of North Male (or Kaafu) Atoll.
The resort has a variety of ‘contemporary designed’ beach and water villas and suites, including exotic honeymoon options with private pools, splendid dining facilities, and, with an outer and inner (lagoon) coral reef, there's an abundance of sea life and a great chance of spotting it whether scuba diving or simply snorkelling.
Non-motorised watersports including stand-up paddle boards, kayaks and pedalos along with snorkelling equipment are complimentary and scuba diving equipment can be hired from the dive centre, where SSI and PADI courses are also available.
There are three beaches - one with a spiral water slide into the sea, three restaurants and bars, an adults-only infinity pool, an overwater fitness centre and an Elena spa offering specially crafted wellness experiences, therapies and massages using a range of natural and organic products.
The sunrise yoga and pilates sessions also come highly recommended.
On the main section of the resort, the Courtyard buffet restaurant offers a wide selection of western cuisine, Indian curries, noodles and Maldivian dishes such as Garudhiya, a fish broth served with rice, lime, chilli and onions.
Whilst on the adults-only Banyan Island, delicious gourmet vegetarian cuisine is served at Simply Veg and fresh seafood and meat grills at Just Grill. Both are à la carte and open for lunch and dinner.
Delicious deep-fried traditional Maldivian snacks made from local ingredients such as coconut, onion, chili, lime, fish, and vegetables are available each afternoon at the Hedhikaa Hut. You can enjoy them with sundowner cocktails at Sangeli's most picturesque spot, feeling the gentle ocean breeze and viewing the stunning panoramic sunset. That place is The Rock, a standalone bar built on stilts in a shallow lagoon at the western end of the island with comfy bean bags scattered around the bar and a traditional wooden swing.
The main resort itself flows into a long arc of white bungalows built on a jetty that leads to Banyan Island, where the villas and 6 Honeymoon suites, encircled by a coral reef provide mesmeric views and the ultimate setting for a dream holiday.
My client Sian’s blog about her honeymoon experience will provide a better insight than I could ever do. She stayed in one of the gorgeous water villas on Sangeli’s uniquely formulated premium all-inclusive Serenity Plan in which accommodation, amenities, a variety of dining options, a selection of activities including sunset fishing and an excursion are included in one price.
The six honeymoon water suites on Banyan Island come with their own private pool and spacious sundeck, chic interior, a luxurious round bed overlooking the lagoon and a bright red circular bathtub below retracting mirrored skylights.
Guests staying here can dine inclusively at all three restaurants throughout their stay, be pampered with two complimentary couples’ massages, a dedicated butler service and one breakfast in bed experience during their stay.
Additional activities and upgrades can be purchased and friends and family of my Honeymoon booking clients can contribute towards these by utilising our fabulous gift list service.
There is a very distinct danger that when staying at OBLU SELECT at Sangeli that you may never want to leave. I can’t unfortunately resolve that one but can assure that moments collected here will stay with you forever.
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