OBLU Nature Helengeli by SENTIDO
OBLU Nature Helengeli by SENTIDO
OBLU Nature Helengeli by SENTIDO, the traditional dive resort of Helengeli reopened in November 2015 after a complete transformation into the new all inclusive, 4 star Atmosphere resort. “Genuine Value” is the key brand essence of OBLU by Atmosphere. All of its portfolio will deliver value for the cost conscious traveller without compromising the characteristics familiar with the Atmosphere Hotels and Resorts’ top class service and quality. While this is branded as superior 4*, it presents so much more than you could expect, offering an amazing experience.
The refurbished resort features contemporary Maldivian architecture in a trendy fresh vibrant colour palette.
Helengeli is famed for its exotic house reef (we rate it as one of the best for snorkelling in the Maldives) and being located in the eastern rim of the North Male Atoll, unparalleled dive locations are within the vicinity of the island. Having stayed at Helengeli both pre and post takeover by Atmosphere, we are delighted that the house reef remains are rewarding as ever.
On arrival at Male airport, meet the team and check in using the APP while waiting in an airconditioned room, until it is time to hop on your air conditioned speedboat. On arrival meet the staff and get checked into your property, while sipping your welcome drink and enjoying the natural beauty of your surroundings.
Helengeli was always a fantastic resort with possibly the best house reef for snorkelling we have experienced. However, the resort infrastructure has now been totally upgraded so that it matches the great beaches and outstanding underwater experience.
We originally stayed here for 2 weeks with our boys Mathew 13 and Thomas 11. We immediately warmed to the natural simplicity of the island. It took just a little while longer for the caring personality of the island to shine through and by then we were hooked. Our first snorkelling trip ‘wowed’ us all. No where else have we seen so many fish, squid, reef sharks on top of the usual suspects were all sighted on that first trip. This is as good as it gets iin the Maldives.
We returned to the resort for another holiday after being taken over by the Atmosphere group. We were relieved that the house reef was as good as we remembered from our first stay and appreciated the improvements to accommodation and food standards. OBLU Helengeli is hard to beat for a great value, all inclusive resort with one of the best house reefs in the Maldives.
Just recently Jo, one of our travel consultants had the opportunity to visit the resort (July 2024). Thankfully it lived up to previous standards, being a top resort with amazing opportunities and fantastic experiences. The snorkelling was incredible, and combining that with sensational food, in a luxurious environment just created the perfect experience.
Deluxe Beach Villas (38) and Deluxe Beach Villas with Pool (26): These cosy villas with vibrant decore have a fresh, modern feel, and with the beach just steps away this is a great option for everyone. Its also a great option for those who wish to snorkel directly from the beach. (can sleep 2 adults 1 child)
2 Bedroom Family Villa with Pool (19): These villas are great for families – with one large master bedroom and an additional twin room for the children, these spacious villas can sleep up to 5 people. Wake up to gorgeous sunrise views, from your private veranda, hop into your own private plunge pool surrounded by your own natural greenery then head directly out onto the beach.
2 Bedroom Beach Suite with Pool (3): These exclusive spacious 2 bedroom suites, with their own private pool and outdoor garden area, are just steps away from the beach.(can sleep 4 people)
Lagoon Villa with Plunge Pool (28): These dreamy lagoon villas offer fantastic sunset views. Half of the deck is perched out over the water, offering you direct access down into the lagoon. The plunge pool offers a great spot to sit and overlook the Indian Ocean. (can sleep 2 adults 1 child)
Sunrise Water Villa with Pool (18) and Sunset Water Villa with Pool (20): All water villas are larger and positioned over the water offering direct lagoon access. Each villa has its own private plunge pool, with veranda to sit back and enjoy the views. (can sleep 2 adults 1 child)
Water Suite with Pool (1): This spectacular over water setup, offers not only your own spacious bedroom, but also your own living area which opens out onto your vast decking area with sunbeds and comfy seating areas. Step down with your snorkel and head to the house reef or sit back and relax. With your own 20m2 private pool, this suite just oozes ultimate luxury. (can sleep 2 adults 1 child)
All villas have a mini bar that will is replenished daily with water, soft drinks and beer.
Our preferred room category is the Deluxe Beach Villa with Pool: Most are located along the sunset side of the island and have easy access to the house reef. Being newly built, they are also a higher standard than the renovated beach villas. For families the 2 Bedroom family villa with pool is the perfect choice.
The Spice: This is your all day-dining restaurant. Serves Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner as a buffet with live food stations offering food from around the world. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with stunning natural views. Friday nights are Indian Ocean nights at the property, when all other restaurants on the Island are closed, and you get an amazing buffet experience.
Just Grill: A fine dining specialty restaurant, situated on the beach, offering an a la carte menu. Open for dinner, this fabulous restaurant serves a selection of grilled seafoods and meats. The restaurant has a great ambience and is the perfect spot to relax, with your feet in the sand at the end of the day.
Ragu Route: This incredible Indian fusion a la carte restaurant is open for dinner serving a lovely selection of speciality progressive Indian dishes. It is not one to be missed.
Helens Bar: The bar offers a selection of cocktails and house pour Wines & Beers, as well as daily snacks (4-6pm). Why not sit in a hammock, over the ocean, with a snack in one hand and cocktail in the other to watch the amazing sunset. Live music and entertainment here on an evening will just add to your holiday experience, especially on a Friday night when you can watch a speciality Boduberu performance (Maldivian drums).
Top Tip: Download the Resort app to check out the menus and pre-book your tables.
Swimming: The main swimming pool is located next to Helens bar. In addition there is a separate adults only pool, which is in the perfect spot to watch a fabulous sunrise.
House Reef: The house reef is excellent and close to the shore all the way round the island. There can be a current but our experience is that providing your snorkelling gear is in the same direction as the current, there is no problem. The array and quality of fish is unmatched in anywhere else else we have been (100+ islands so far!). Snorkelling equipment is included for all guests free of charge, just pop to the water sports centre to collect it. Guests can join organised snorkelling excursions or simply pop to the end of the Jetty (manned by a life guard) and jump right in. You can also snorkel out directly from the beach. From personal experience early morning was the best time to go out and immerse yourself into the most amazing marine life.
Diving: The PDI certified dive school and water sports centre operates a full programme of course and boat dives to local sites. This is very much a dive island you won’t be disappointed with. The lobster cave on the house reef is a particular highlight.
Due to Helengeli’s location on the outer reef the unspoiled house reef is just off the beach, easily accessible for snorkelling and divers. Some of the best dive sites, such as the Helengeli Thila, are also found near Helengeli. The dive school is professionally run and equipped with the best modern equipment. Experienced, multilingual European diving instructors teach PADI courses up to internationally accepted diving certificates of different levels. Twice a day diving excursions to some of the 36 dive sites near Helengeli are arranged, some as close as 5 minutes from the island.
Water Sports: Snorkelling equipment, excursions and lessons are available as are motorised and non-motorisied watersports. None motorised watersports are included as standard in your all inclusive package.
Included Excursions:
- One traditional line fishing trip
- One sunset Dhoni trip
Gym and fitness: All guests have complimentary access to the fully equipped overwater gym, and can participate in weekly activities such as yoga and aerobics.
Spa: For those who want to be pampered, ‘Elena by Atmosphere’ offers a range of traditional and innovative treatments and massages. While this is not included in the Oblu plan, the treatment options are incredible and great value for money. Within the SPA there are 4 twin indoor treatment rooms with aircon and 2 fan conditioned outdoor rooms. On arrival for your treatment receive a welcome drink, sit back and enjoy the tranquil music and the natural surroundings. If you wish, take your time and sit in the steam room for a few minutes, then head to your treatment room, where your therapist will explain everything to you and then just relax and enjoy the experience.
Kids Nature Centre: This kids club (age 4-11) offers full day services or can just be used for an hour here or there when needed. There is plenty of activities available to keep your children happy and it is an interactive natural learning experience. Older children can also use the facilities around the resort such as the pool table or table tennis.
Diving: Due to Helengeli’s location on the outer reef the unspoiled house reef is just off the beach, easily accessible for snorkelling and divers. Some of the best dive sites, such as the Helengeli Thila, are also found near Helengeli. The dive school is professionally run and equipped wit the best modern equipment. Experienced, multilingual European diving instructors teach PADI courses up to internationally acctepted diving certificates of different levels. Twice a day diving excursionsto some of the 36 dive sites near Helengeli are arranged, some as close as 5 minutes from the island.
Excursions:
- One sunset fishing during stay
- One shopping excursion to a nearby inhabited island during stay.
Price Range: ££
Speedboat Transfer (50mins)
Excellent House Reef
Good for divers
All inclusive only: Oblu island plan
Wow Factor: Great value, paradise for snorkelling & diving
Atoll: North male Atoll
Get in touch to include OBLU Nature Helengeli by SENTIDO in your tailor-made holiday to the Maldives:
