DESTINATIONS WINTER SUN | MALDIVES
exper expert ASK THE
Chris Crampton, chairman of
Pata UK & Ireland
“The Maldives continues to be one of Pacific Asia’s most popular holiday destinations, proven in a recent poll of our Pata agents. Almost a fifth
(19.6%) of bookings made are to the Maldives and 51% are for winter 2022-23. Agents
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Aerial view of Oblu Select Lobigili; island hostesses; underwater restaurant Only Blu PICTURES: Hammi; Ismail Niyaz; Sarah Lucy Brown
the ‘island of love’ – is built with romance in mind. It’s a 20-minute speedboat journey from Malé in the North Malé Atoll, and on arrival we’re serenaded by a saxophone performance over drinks by the infinity pool.
Oblu Select Lobigili prides itself on its smaller size and peaceful ambience, and guests can walk across the island in 15 minutes (tip: shoes are very much optional). The resort’s 44 overwater villas come with glass floors and hammocks suspended above the sea, while the 24 beach villas are surrounded by palm trees and lush tropical gardens, opening out onto the Indian Ocean.
My beach villa is elegantly furnished, with a classy beige and amber colour palette. The enormous windows look out over my private plunge pool, which is surrounded
42 1 SEPTEMBER 2022 Staff are attentive and happy to take care
of every tiny detail with a smile, which was this castaway’s favourite part of the experience
by leafy green plants – the ideal setting for an intimate sunset dip. There are locally made Forisca
skincare products in the room, including a signature sunscreen and a blueberry lip balm – plus all the usual amenities, provided by The White Company.
TOP TABLES There are three main dining options at Oblu Select Lobigili: food trucks under the palms at Gaadiya 17; the Maldives’ largest under- ocean dining experience Only Blu; and Ylang Ylang, with open walls that overlook the ocean, meaning dinners come with a side
of stargazing after sundown. Ylang Ylang caters to every taste, with options spanning Mediterranean, Italian, Indian, Japanese and Maldivian. For a truly standout experience, ask talented chef Rahul for his ultra-fresh signature seafood pasta. And for drinks, there’s the Swing Bar. At every venue, staff are attentive and happy to take care of every tiny detail with a smile, which was this castaway’s favourite part of the experience.
OCEAN ADVENTURES There’s never a dull moment on the island, with all kinds of active adventures available for every
also reported that 42% of their clients are willing to spend more on travel and upgrade their holidays, which is why luxury beach holidays are thriving.
While the Maldives remains an incredibly popular honeymoon destination, and it’s boom is partly due to postponed
wedding and honeymoon plans finally taking place, post-Covid travellers are also seizing the moment and spending pent-up holiday budget on blow-out
trips. With several new resorts, from affordable to uber-lux, the islands have never been more accessible to couples seeking a romantic getaway.”
Oblu Select Lobigili jetty
²
travelweekly.co.uk
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