“Breathe and look down!” bellows a calm voice as I nervously try to settle in the choppy ocean. It’s a bright Tuesday morning; the Maldivian sun is in its full glory, glistening over the sapphire waters, and my diving instructor has been patiently waiting for me to overcome my fear of water and witness the rich flow of marine life. Manoeuvring my snorkelling gear, I summon the courage to plunge into the azure depths of the island’s stunning house reef. Although we were told to expect the reef sharks, or ‘Henry and family’, as we fondly called them, I’m instead greeted by a kaleidoscope of parrotfish and breathtaking coral formations. It was a peek into another world for me which was breathtaking. My nerves finally settle in when I am back at my lagoon villa. Relaxing in the plunge pool overlooking the turquoise Indian Ocean and serenaded by the rhythmic waves, I find myself slipping into a state of tranquillity. Such is the range of emotions that OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO offers.
After a comfortable 50 mins speed boat ride from the Velana International Airport, the first thing that hits you square in the face when you arrive at OBLU is the breeze. Then your eyes adjust to the view—the dazzling ocean, the lush tropical landscape, the pearl white sand, and friendly smiles waiting to greet you with a traditional Maldivian dance.
Rooted in nature, OBLU at Helengeli is meticulously designed to immerse you in the abundant tropical environment, both above and below the water. From the genuine friendliness of the staff to delightful cuisine, top-notch accommodation, and exceptional spa, gym, and water sports facilities, every aspect exceeds expectations. Despite initially not being particularly fond of beaches, over the course of the following three days, the resort managed to sway my preferences effortlessly, and I was more than willing to relax and allow it to succeed in its efforts.
My Heavenly Abode
Across the four-star resort, 117 villa resorts have been expanded to include 153 accommodations in 8 categories, including stunning new water villas, the addition of new pools to the beach villas, and the addition of new family villas with pools. My choice of accommodation was the magnificent lagoon pool villa with fresh tropical interiors, giving me direct access to the lagoon, which doubled up as the most picturesque view to wake up to. The open-air bathroom and the list of luxurious amenities only made the experience better and more relaxing.
The Cuisine of the Coast
A haven for a foodie like me, the resort features one all-day dining outlet, two specialty restaurants, a bar and a Hedhikaa Hut serving sunset finger foods ideal for enjoying after a refreshing swim in the ocean or a leisurely afternoon at the beach. The main restaurant, The Spice, is a highlight with its overwater deck, live counters, and a bar offering stunning views of the crystal-clear lagoon. It presents an enticing buffet featuring a fusion of international dishes and local Maldivian delicacies. After dining at The Spice, the perfect spot to unwind is Helen’s Pool Bar, which offers a wide selection of liquors, including branded whisky, gin, vodka, and rum, along with signature cocktails, mocktails, and a diverse wine menu.
If you are fond of Indian cuisine, head to the Raga Route, a fine dining outlet where you can savour progressive Indian cuisine with a crafted a la carte menu and modern ethnic ambiance. I opted for the Tandoori Fish and the Chettinad Spiced Prawns and devoured a caramel chocolate cake topped with mango sauce—it was the perfect sweet ending.
Just Grill, the specialty beach grill, offers a romantic and casual dining experience right on the beach and specialises in steak and seafood. The seafood platter—a combination of tuna, calamari, prawns and fish served with a hot garlic sauce and pumpkin puree—is highly recommended.
A SPA-tacular Experience
Exploring the sprawling property on foot seemed like a good idea initially, but my urbanite sensibilities soon caught up with me, leading to exhaustion and achy muscles. From the moment I stepped into the ELE|NA Spa, it felt as though I had been transported far away from all the pain. Keeping the elements of nature in mind, the ELE|NA spa offers a selection of wellness, spa, and beauty treatments in inviting surroundings. The intimate spa includes 6 comfortable treatment rooms, a sauna, a steam room and a calming ambience that will make you feel better even before your treatment has begun. After filling out a lifestyle consultation form, my therapist suggested I take the 90 minute pain relief massage, and I was more than happy to oblige! As soft, therapeutic music played in the background and my therapist gently slathered my body with local Maldivian coconut oil, I dozed off to a state of complete bliss and emerged from the session feeling refreshed and ready for anything.
Diving Day
For someone who fears water, stepping into the ocean was a cathartic experience. But, since the island is known for its stunning house reef, which the staff tells us is one of the best in the Malé Atoll, snorkelling was a must do activity. We arrived at the diving centre at 8 Am and were given our diving equipment, which was complimentary throughout the stay. In an attempt to overcome my fear of water, we headed straight to the jetty, from where we would dive underwater. And then, for the first time, I went underwater and hung out with marine life. The island’s location, straddling a channel in the middle of one of the North Malé Atoll’s entrances, means that guests can witness a rich flow of marine life. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, water sports, or fitness centric pursuits, OBLU has something for everyone. Water adventures include stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, guided snorkelling tours, and diving courses.
The resort also has an overwater gymnasium for fitness enthusiasts, a kids’ club, an adult-only swimming pool, an ocean view, a quaint boutique boasting traditional Maldivian crafts and souvenirs, and island essentials.
I ended my three-day trip with a beautiful sunset dhoni ride and a wonderful farewell dinner at the Just Grill, immersing myself in the magic of the azure blue waters and making a promise to return to island life.
