Staying at the Oblu Select Sangeli in the Maldives – among modern villas, daytrips on board dhonis, snorkelling in the coral reef, and eco-friendly practices – makes luxury responsible and immersive
by Mariateresa Campolongo
We reached the island of Sangeli after a short speedboat transfer from Malé International Airport, and upon arrival, it was clear we had found a true haven of tranquillity. Oblu Select Sangeli resort welcomed us with its soft tropical light, palm trees swaying lazily in the breeze, and a lagoon of almost unreal turquoise hues. We stayed in a Beach Villa with a private pool, a secluded 103 m² refuge directly overlooking the beach. Spacious and filled with natural light, the villa combined elements of the Maldivian tradition with modern furniture and natural fabrics, striking a perfect balance between comfort and harmony with the surrounding landscape. The bathroom, surrounded by greenery and featuring an open-air shower and bathtub, became a private sanctuary for moments of pure relaxation.
The villas combine interiors with a tropical and modern style with bright and colourful furniture.
Oblu Select Sangeli offers a wide range of accommodation options: from classic Beach Villas to Water Villas suspended above the lagoon, some with private pools, up to Honeymoon suites and the spacious 2-Bedroom Beach Pool Suite, perfect for guests seeking a more intimate connection with the sea. That sense of closeness with the ocean is taken even further in the Honeymoon suites, which feature glass floor panels and a retractable rooftop that allows guests to gaze at the stars, just like on board a luxury yacht. Each villa is thoughtfully designed to deliver moments of absolute relaxation, while preserving an atmosphere of elegance and privacy.
The resort offers a complete experience, including diving, snorkelling, water sports, and sightseeing tours on dhonis, the traditional Maldivian boats, to experience the sea in all its wonder.
We chose to start our mornings with breakfast at The Courtyard, the resort’s main restaurant, where attention to diverse dietary needs is immediately evident: gluten-free dishes, vegetarian options, and personalised selections make each meal easy and enjoyable. The all-inclusive philosophy allows guests to fully embrace the experience without a single concern, indulging in fresh flavours and thoughtfully crafted dishes that highlight locally sourced ingredients.
One of the most memorable moments of our stay was a cruise aboard a dhoni, the traditional Maldivian boat, gliding gently across crystal clear waters as the sun painted the lagoon in shimmering shades of gold and turquoise. Guests can snorkel independently or join guided excursions to explore the coral reefs and the vibrant schools of fish that fill the lagoon – a marine ecosystem restored through the resort’s coral conservation programme. We also participated in an educational session led by biologists Samantha and Giorgia, who showed us how the large metal frames used in coral nurseries help regenerate seabeds damaged by bleaching. It was astonishing to see how, in just a few years, colour has returned to the reefs and marine life has once again flourished throughout the lagoon.
The island’s sand – fine, white, and subtly tinged with pink – captivated us from the very first step: a soft carpet reflecting the sunlight, it turns every stroll along the shore into a small sensory luxury. The resort’s layout was equally impressive: unlike other, more scattered designs, the villas are thoughtfully connected in a harmonious flow, with restaurants and activity areas gathered at the centre of the island. The result is a setting that feels intuitive and easy to navigate, offering both convenience and functionality, while preserving privacy and a deep sense of tranquillity.
There was no shortage of cultural experiences during our stay: we attended a typical evening of live Maldivian music, an authentic immersion in local traditions that deepened our connection to the island’s heritage. The ELE|NA Ayur spa was another unforgettable sanctuary. Inspired by the island’s natural elements, every treatment left us fully regenerated, with massages, aromatherapy and wellness rituals set amid lush tropical vegetation.
The prevailing sensation at Sangeli is lightness and serenity. Each day you can choose between diving, snorkelling in the lagoon, unwinding by the pool, or strolling along powder-white beaches, all accompanied by the discreet, attentive care of the resort’s staff.
In 2019, Oblu Select Sangeli launched a coral conservation programme, creating a coral nursery in the central lagoon with more than 150 metal structures holding 7,000 coral fragments. Oblu Select Sangeli is a Green Globe-certified resort, with a tangible commitment to environmental and social sustainability.
Located in the North Malé Atoll, Oblu Select Sangeli is a Green Globe-certified resort with a tangible commitment to environmental and social sustainability. Drinking water is produced on site through desalination and served in reusable glass bottles. Cleaning products are biodegradable, and waste is reduced to a minimum, carefully sorted, and recycled according to a strict “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” philosophy. Even treated wastewater is repurposed to irrigate the resort’s gardens and green areas. Thanks to its partnership with Swimsol, the resort has also embraced renewable energy solutions, reducing carbon emissions without compromising guest comfort.
As we leave the island, we carry with us the memory of a place where understated luxury, deep connection to nature, and a strong commitment to sustainability come together in perfect balance. Here, the rhythm of the sea shapes each day and every detail is designed for the pleasure of slowing down and enjoying the present. Oblu Select Sangeli is more than a resort: it is a small slice of paradise where natural beauty, respect for the environment, and local culture meet, providing an authentic and unforgettable experience.
(Oblu Select Sangeli – Sustainable luxury – Barchemagazine.com – Excerpted from Barche, March 2026)
