Dive into the Maldives from Manchester Airport: When you say the Maldives, what springs to mind? Picture-perfect beaches, paradise on earth, Bounty adverts? Well you’d be right and now you can dip your toe in the water and still stay in Maldives in style at the Oblu Select, Sangeli.

 

What’s more if you’re after a couples’ break, you get your very own island but don’t worry, there’s a family-friendly island too at this mid-price all-inclusive.

 

Serene and placid, the four-star deluxe resort sits on the western tip of North Malé and is just a 50-minute speed boat ride from the international airport, very James Bond and a fabulous start to your break.

 

 

The speedboat docks directly at the reception and you are made to feel very special with a personal welcome from the management team and an itinerary tailored to you. As welcomes go, they go all out. When we arrived, there were a group of drummers, Maldivian dancers and their signature blue cocktail was served as a nod to every shade of the colour blue that you will get to see during your stay at this picture postcard resort.

 

The main part of the resort sees palm trees, pretty beach-side villas and restaurant, flow into a long arc of white bungalows built near the jetty overlooking a lagoon that’s almost too blue, perfect for people watching.

 

The layout is one larger island with a smaller adults-only island called One Banyan, which are joined together via a sweeping wooden walkway. And for those seeking the ultimate privacy, there are overwater villas.

 

Your back garden for your visit wherever you stay is a coral reef, which creates a strikingly blue scene when there isn’t a cloud in sight and the sun shines down from the blue skies above. This little slice of ‘blue- heaven’ makes it feel like you’re in paradise.

 

You can watch and play with sea-life as stingrays, green turtles and reef sharks dot the pale aquamarine waters beneath the jetty and beyond.

 

 

Despite the relatively small size of the island, there’s beautiful, dense greenery where there isn’t sea but don’t get me wrong, this is not a rustic, or a traditional Maldivian resort, in fact it boasts a great contemporary and modern design.

 

There are two beautiful trails that provide shade and the island still retains a tropical feel. It never feels crowded even when everyone is out.

 

And with three beaches, three dining options (one buffet and two à la carte restaurants), three bars it’s true what they say about good things coming in threes while there’s also both a family and adults-only infinity pool, a fitness centre and a spa.

 

Luxury Beachside and Water Villas

 

 

The stand-alone villas are havens and boast private pools with spectacular views, giving guests a perfect slice pf paradise.

 

The lagoon-facing beach villas have direct beach access and open-air bathrooms while overwater villas have infinity pools, with steps down to the ocean.

 

Modern décor consists of pale wooden flooring (with a glass viewing panel in the water villas), vaulted ceilings, walk-in wardrobes and colourful, locally made fabrics.

 

Spacious mosaic tiled bathrooms all have a freestanding baths and monsoon showers. There’s soft drinks, beers and wines from the minibar and it’s restocked daily free of charge.

 

Food and Drink

 

 

The lagoon side of the resort faces the arrival jetty and the adult island. This is the heart of the island where the Courtyard is, a buffet restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, included within the ‘Serenity Plan’.

 

Guests can enjoy a selection of freshly prepared snacks at Sangs, with Mr. Fry serving up fried food in the afternoon. There are unlimited branded acholic and non-alcoholic drinks available, cocktails, beers, wines and more – it’s the perfect location to relax by the pool or watch the sunset while sipping on a handcrafted cocktail.

 

It’s entirely up to you whether you want to savour the spice of the mouth-watering buffet cuisine or choose one of the fine dining options included within the ‘Serenity Plan’. The Just Grill restaurant serves, as you’d expect, anything that can be grilled. There’s also a new Simply Veg gourmet vegetarian dining option. There’s catering for all tastes and you’re free to drink and dine whenever you please.

 

Adventure and Excursions

 

 

The deep blue depths around the island showcase wonderful hues of corals and a huge variety of native underwater environments in a relatively small space with a high biodiversity.

 

Guests on the ‘Serenity Plan’ may explore these wonders with specially made excursions. There’s guided snorkelling and diving, sunrise or sunset fishing, cruises to other islands where you can meet locals to glimpse the authentic life in the Maldives, as well as motorised and non-motorised water sports to keep you entertained.

 

There’s a beach volleyball area marked out alongside the pool and a water slide which is open a few hours each day at high tide. There’s plenty of sunbeds, swings, hammocks and large sofas to kick back and relax on. There’s also a kids’ club and a small shop for the essentials.

 

There are so many little added extras that make Oblu at Sangeli so special. All bikes are free to use, in rooms you get robes, flip flops and a beach bag and there’s beautiful amenities by the White Company. There’s no need to dress up – beach chic is the order of the day, so pack light. With the incredible sea life, you’ll spend most of our time in the ocean anyhow!

 

 

What does it cost?

 

Prices start from £550 per person per night in high season, dropping to £336 per person per night in low season.

 

All guests stay on the all-inclusive ‘Serenity Plan’. This includes villa accommodation, return speedboat transfers to and from Malé International airport, all food & beverages plus excursions. For more information on the resort visit the website here.

 

For further information on the Maldives, visit www.visitmaldives.com.