The Maldives is a destination that is on every luxury traveller’s bucket list, and with its powdery white sand beaches, crystalline waters and swaying palms, it’s not exactly difficult to understand why. Nestled in the Indian Ocean and comprising more than 1,000 low-lying islands spread across 26 atolls, resorts here are set on their own private islands, promising complete peace and tranquility away from the pressures of modern life – and are known for their spectacular coral reefs and upscale facilities.
Despite what you might think, coming here once doesn’t mean you’ve seen it all, and each resort exudes its own unique sense of identity so that no matter how many times you’ve been to the Maldives, it keeps on surprising you. Earlier this year, I made a return visit to check out the newly renovated OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO and see what this beautiful slice of tropical paradise had to offer, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
Unlike the many man-made islands that can be found in the Maldives, Helengeli is an entirely natural paradise that dates back thousands of years, and has been home to a resort since 2015. Nature is in abundance here, with trees, shrubs and birds at every turn. As a barefoot island, it’s best explored exactly like that – barefoot – and the feel of the silky soft sand beneath your feet from the moment you step into the open air reception area instantly infuses you with a sense of sheer bliss.
Resort
OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO is just a short 50-minute speedboat away from Malé International Airport, which frankly, is a godsend after a long and sleepless international overnight flight. The journey is an experience in itself, and first-timers to the Maldives will no doubt marvel at the sheer colour of the ocean along the way. I still do, even as a returnee. If you’ve only seen it on Instagram, then make no mistake – no filter is needed. It really is that turquoise, and that clear, and it’s quite simply breath-taking.
The resort is set on a lush island of powdery white-sand beaches lined with swaying palms and is home to its own vibrant house reef, which is teeming with marine life. You arrive to a warm welcome and slip off your shoes to enjoy a glass of blue-tinted sparkling wine and cool off with a cold towel as you check in in a relaxed fashion, feeling the stresses and strains of all that international travel quickly melt away.
The resort has undergone a significant renovation project this year, which has breathed new life into the resort with refreshed public spaces, updated facilities, and eco-friendly initiatives aimed at preserving the island’s natural beauty.
The resort’s architecture blends seamlessly with its surroundings, featuring traditional Maldivian design elements and modern touches.
Guests at the resort can take advantage of the OBLU Island Plan, which includes unlimited food and drinks from The Spice buffet restaurant and one dining experience per week of stay at the resort’s a la carte restaurants, the new Raga Route and enduring favourite Just Grill. You can also enjoy unlimited snacks and drinks from Helen’s Bar and beverages from various other spots on the island, as well as daily snorkelling tours and use of snorkelling equipment, non-motorised watersports, and one complimentary sunset fishing trip and local island excursion.
Often, holidays to the Maldives come with a large bill at the end, but even when money is no object, it’s nice not to have to worry about the numbers. The OBLU Island Plan means you can fully relax from the moment you arrive and leave your credit card in your wallet, which is a really nice bonus and in keeping with the essence of this stunning slice of paradise.
Villas
The resort offers a variety of accommodation options, with 153 villas to suit different preferences – including the brand new water villas, which were added as part of the recent renovation project. I had the pleasure of being the very first guest to stay in mine, and it was truly wonderful; relatively simplistic in design and exuding a rustic vibe with lots of raw wood, simple white bed linen was jazzed up with colourful Maldivian-inspired touches. There’s a huge comfortable bed, seating area, and a mini bar stocked with chilled drinks, with a bathroom and separate walk-in shower and toilet rooms off to the side.
The bedroom and living area opens out onto a private terrace with a plunge pool that overlooks the ocean, which is the perfect place to sunbathe or to cool off with a cocktail in hand from the intense Maldivian sun. The water villas are also within easy swimming distance of the house reef, but if you prefer to walk then it’s just a short stroll along the jetty from outside your front door.
What I really loved about these villas was the sense of complete privacy and seclusion they offered, which creates a really exclusive feel and makes it even easier to fully relax.
I also spent a night in a Sunset Villa, which was surrounded by greenery and opened out directly onto a powdery white sand beach, and as the name would suggest, offers the perfect spot from which to take in a colourful evening sunset from a sun lounger on your private veranda. There are matching Sunrise Villas on the other side of the island, so you can choose which you prefer or even opt to split your stay between the two.
Again, rooms are relatively minimalistic but contemporary, with brightly coloured cushions and accessories infusing a sense of fun and Maldivian charm. The semi-open-air bathroom, accessed through a door at the far end of the bedroom, was a real highlight, and taking a rainfall shower to the sound of morning bird song whilst feeling the gentle ocean breeze was a dreamy experience. There was a dual vanity, bathtub and toilet out there too, all in a huge open space. I did spot a gecko or two though, so if they bother you then be aware!
Aside from the water villas and the Sunset and Sunrise villas, the resort also offers Deluxe Beach Villas and Lagoon Villas which look out onto the ocean and are half on land, with a private six-metres-squared plunge pool. And for families, there are two-bedroom villas that offer additional space and allow you to all stay together in the utmost of comfort.
Food and drink
Dining at OBLU Nature Helengeli is a rich and varied experience, with something for every palate. The resort’s dining options were revamped as part of the resort’s renovation project to enhance the culinary experience for guests and exude a fresh and modern look and feel.
The new Raga Route restaurant is a highlight, and serves up mouth-watering progressive Indian cuisine in an authentic yet contemporary setting. As the vibrant beats of tabla and the soul-stirring strains of the sitar play in the background, sitting down at your table whisks you instantly away, and every dish that arrives thereafter is beautifully presented and features bold and complex Indian-inspired flavour combinations. From curries to skewers and small plates that are perfect for sharing, prepare to be spoilt for choice and leave feeling rather full.
The Spice is the resort’s main restaurant, and offers a buffet-style dining experience with live cooking stations. Guests can choose from an array of international dishes, from fresh seafood to Asian delicacies, all prepared with the finest ingredients. Allergens are clearly highlighted on labels placed beside each dish, which is great if you have any specific dietary requirements. As someone who has to avoid gluten, it is always welcome and meant that I didn’t have to hunt down a chef to walk me through the ingredients in everything, which can make holidays more stressful than they need to be.
The restaurant’s open-air design means you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner whilst taking in some incredible ocean views. There are drinks stations where you can help yourself to soft beverages, and waiting staff come round quickly and efficiently to take orders and top you up if you fancy something a little stronger.
Helen’s Bar is located just beside The Spice, and is the perfect spot to relax with a refreshing drink in hand. It’s just beside the pool and offers a wide selection of cocktails, wines, and spirits, as well as light snacks and afternoon tea – so you can stock up on refreshments whenever you like and take them back to your sun lounger to enjoy at leisure.
The Just Grill restaurant offers a more intimate dining experience and serves up delectable grilled seafood and meats in a beachfront setting. The à la carte menu features freshly caught fish, succulent steaks, and a variety of sides, all cooked to perfection, with the sound of the waves and the gentle sea breeze both adding to the restaurant’s charm.
If you happen to be staying in a Lagoon villa, the Lagoon Bar is an exclusive spot for drinks and light bites and offers personalised service in a tranquil setting.
To do
The OBLU Nature Helengeli by Sentido offers a host of activities and experiences to throw yourself into during your stay, so if you’re keen to do more than simply relax, then you’ll have no trouble finding something to do.
The resort’s house reef is an obvious must and a major draw for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. There are daily group snorkelling tours you can join and on ours, we saw a diverse array of marine life – we’re talking everything from clownfish and unicorn fish to eagle rays, turtles and black-tip reef sharks. It’s honestly stunning, and something you won’t want to miss if you’re confident in the water. If it’s your first time snorkelling or you’re a little afraid but keen to give it a try then let your tour guide know – he’s very friendly and will do his best to put you at ease and help you out along the way.
The PADI-certified dive center offers courses for all levels, from beginners to advanced divers. And there’s also a range of other watersports to take part in if the mood strikes, including kayaking, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. There’s also a fully equipped fitness centre, yoga classes, beach volleyball, and guided nature walks available if you’re keen to stay active throughout your stay.
If you’d like to get out and explore a little further afield then there are various excursions organised by the resort. Sunset cruises, dolphin watching trips, and visits to local fishing villages are all available to book and offer unique opportunities to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Maldives.
If, on the other hand, you do intend to spend your time here solely unwinding and enjoying some much-needed rest and relaxation, then be sure to book in for a treatment at the ELENA Spa. Set in a tranquil and beautiful spa garden close to the house reef, it offers a range of treatments including massages, facials, and body therapies, all designed to soothe the mind, body and soul, with treatment rooms overlooking the ocean.
In a nutshell
A barefoot, all-natural palace that promises a relaxing and rejuvenating stay, OBLU Nature Helengeli by Sentido is a veritable slice of paradise that’s perfect for nature lovers. Its recent renovation has breathed new life into numerous areas of the resort, and from couples to families, it has something for everyone.
Factbox
Guests can travel to OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO for seven nights from £3,177.00 per person including flights with Kenwood Travel. Includes transfers, staying in a Deluxe Beach Villa and with all the benefits of the OBLU Island Plan. Departing 28 February 2025. Package is ABTA protected.
Address: Helengeli Island, North Malé Atoll, Maldives
Phone: +960 662-0909
Email: info@oblu-helengeli.com
Website: oblu-helengeli.com
