By Anirban Dasgupta
Some trips are memorable, some are adventurous while some are memories of romance and excitement…but then, there are also those exceptional travel experiences that transport you to a world of enchantment, leaving you uncertain whether it is reality or a fairy tale long after you come back to routine.
As the plane descended towards the vibrant city of Male, my heart fluttered with anticipation. As the kingdom of clouds slowly faded away, the window beside me revealed a breathtaking view of the azure ocean below, the waves crashing against the pristine white shores. It felt as though the plane was gliding on a path of dreams, leading us to a place where reality and fantasy intertwined.
Stepping off the plane, the warm tropical breeze caressed skin, carrying with it a hint of salt and excitement. I could feel the magic of Maldives coursing through my veins, urging me to venture deeper into its enchanting embrace.
A radiant smile greeted us at the cozy and busy Velana International Airport as if it knew the secret desires hidden within our hearts. The charming girl adorned in vibrant traditional attire, introduced herself as the representative of OBLUNaturehelegeli.
Together, we made our way towards the jetty, where the blue and white luxurious speed boat stood tall and proud, ready to whisk us away on an unforgettable journey. The sunlit waves danced and shimmered, beckoning us with their playful allure. It was as if the ocean itself was a stage, and we were the lucky audience, destined to witness a performance like no other.
A Dance of Colours
The boat gently glided across the surface of the cerulean Indian Ocean, its wake creating a symphony of ripples and splashes. I found myself sitting by the window, enthralled by the ever-changing scenery unfolding before my eyes. Like a painter’s brush on a canvas, nature unveiled her masterpiece, each stroke more breathtaking than the last.
The azure ocean stretched out as far as the eye could see, its crystal-clear waters inviting us to dive into their depths. Above, the sky donned a robe of deep blue, adorned with fluffy white clouds that seemed to dance with joy. It was a three-dimensional painting come to life; a living tapestry woven with threads of pure beauty.
My soul trembled in awe, for where else in the vast universe could such splendour exist? The elements of nature – water, sky, air – intertwined harmoniously, creating a symphony that not only resonated in my ears but also reverberated within my very being.
The speed boat carried us further into this mesmerizing wonderland, the journey becoming a dance of emotions and sensations. The occasional passing boats and ships added a sprinkle of excitement to the panorama as if reminding us that we were not the only ones witnessing this majesty.
Suddenly, a jolt reverberated through the boat, accompanied by cheers and laughter from my companions. I was brought back from my reverie, but the spell remained unbroken. Before me stood the island of Helengeli, as if plucked from the frames of those cherished childhood Hollywood movies.
Green pines swayed in the tropical breeze, their branches reaching out to touch the sapphire sky. The pure white sands embraced the shades of blue, kissing the shores with a tender caress. It was time to step onto this dreamland, to immerse ourselves in the world that lay before us.
The Setting Sun
The Sun was already touching the Indian Ocean, casting a warm golden hue over the horizon. As the evening approached, the air felt much cooler, a refreshing relief from the tropical heat of the day. We had just arrived at the resort, greeted by the friendly staff who welcomed us with refreshing drinks and a traditional rhythmic dance and music.
Eager not to miss the wonder of the setting sun, we made our way towards Helen’s Bar instead of the Villas. Like a painting by Picasso, with nature’s colors splashed across the canvas of the vast ocean and sky it was a welcome like none other. Shades of orange, pink, and purple danced on the water’s surface as if reflecting the artist’s playful strokes. The beauty of the moment was awe-inspiring, a perfect harmony between nature and human existence. Taking a moment to soak it all in, at Helen’s Bar, a gorgeous spot overlooking the beach. As we sat there, tired bodies from our journey were rejuvenated by the magnificent spectacle before us. It was as if nature had put on a show just for us, showcasing one of its most amazing charismas.
The Enchanting Villa
My accommodation for the next couple of days was a Lagoon Villa with Pool. As I stepped inside, I was instantly captivated by its charm. Perched half on land and half over the water, the villa offered breathtaking views of the lagoon. A private deck extended out, connecting us to the shimmering blue water below, while a private pool beckoned us to take a refreshing dip.
The anticipation and excitement of staying in such a beautiful villa was overwhelming. This was going to be our nest, our sanctuary, for the duration of our visit. It was a place where we could unwind and indulge in the luxury and tranquillity that surrounded us.
One of my most cherished memories from my stay was my favourite midnight swim in the private pool. The sky was a tapestry of stars, shining brightly against the black ocean. The sound of waves crashing on the shore created a soothing symphony, and the stillness of the night was magical. Above, the brightest moon smiled down on us, as if amused by our tiny existence, yet blessing us with a taste of the ambrosia of the Universe.
The resort offered other types of villas as well, each boasting its own unique design, luxury, and ambience. From the Deluxe Beach Villas with Pool to the Sunrise Water Villas with Pool, and the spacious Two-Bedroom Family Villas with Pool, there was a villa to suit every preference. With a total of 153 villas on the island, the resort catered to the diverse needs and desires of its guests, ensuring a memorable and comfortable stay.
Walking around the resort, it was impossible not to be enveloped by the embrace of raw nature. The island exuded an organic charm, with lush greenery adorning its every corner. The air was filled with the melodious calls of birds and the gentle hum of insects. Despite the care taken to maintain clean pathways and manicured landscapes, the resort never sacrificed the natural ambiance that made it so special.
One of the most unforgettable experiences during our stay was the snorkelling excursion in the crystal blue of Colors of Oblu. As I submerged myself into the mesmerizing underwater world, it felt as if I had stepped into my real-life version of Disney’s underwater realm. The sight of a family of Blacktip Reef Sharks playfully navigating the coral reefs, while a pair of Sting Rays gracefully rested nearby, left us in awe of the island’s wonders. Indeed, my time at the resort was filled with moments of awe, wonder, and serenity. From witnessing the magic of the sunrise early in the morning to immersing ourselves in the beauty of nature, each experience left an indelible mark on my heart.
The Culinary Paradise
The island of Helengeli was a culinary paradise, with restaurants that offered a combination of good food, great ambience, and amazing company. Raga Route, located at one of the most exotic corners of the island was a progressive Indian restaurant, where the Indian Chef from Himachal Pradesh curated a theme that merged the essence of Indian culture with Western flavours.
Entering Raga Route felt like stepping into a different world. The dishes were not just delicious, but they were carefully presented to showcase the artistry of the culinary team. Each plate was a visual feast, with intricately arranged vegetable medleys and delicately stacked skewers. The plating choices were thoughtfully designed to highlight the unique combination of ingredients and spices, taking guests on a sensory journey through the rich tapestry of Indian flavours.
But it wasn’t just Raga Route that delighted the taste buds on the island. SPICE and Helen’s bar situated at the heart of the property, were also popular spots where I would spend most of my time during my stay. Spice offered tantalizing flavours and unforgettable moments, taking dining experiences to new heights. The sound of water and the bright reflection of the coral sea created a dreamy atmosphere around the place.
At Spice, guests could indulge in an exquisite selection of freshly prepared local snacks, breakfast spreads, delightful lunches, and decadent dinners. The culinary artisans behind each dish crafted a symphony of international delights and authentic Maldivian dishes, brought together in perfect harmony. The live cooking stations added an extra element of excitement, as sizzling sensations and aromatic spices danced before our eyes, creating a sensory delight like no other.
As the sun set, the atmosphere at SPICE became even more magical. Traditional Bodu Beru performances would ignite the dance floor with infectious rhythms and jubilant festivities. It was an extraordinary culinary journey that left us spellbound.
Farewell
The last evening on the island of Helengeli had arrived, and we gathered together at Just Grill for our last dinner. The intimate beach dining experience created a dreamy ambiance, with soft candlelight, warm romantic decors, and endless chat filling the air.
It was bittersweet, knowing that this would be our final dinner together for the trip. But there could not have been a better venue to bid farewell than Just Grill. The aroma of grilled seafood and meats filled the air, adding to the already enchanting atmosphere. We sat around the table, enjoying the delicious food and cherishing the moments we had shared on this beautiful island.
As the night went on, we laughed, reminisced, and made plans to return to this paradise shortly. The staff at Just Grill, like the rest of the OBLu resort, were attentive and lively, making our farewell even more memorable. The twinkling stars above and the gentle breeze from the ocean seemed to join us in saying goodbye.
Eventually, the time came for us to leave. With moist eyes, we boarded the speed boat that would take us away. Looking out the window, we saw the wonderful staff of the OBLU bidding us farewell with traditional gestures. It was a melancholic moment, knowing that our fairy tale vacation had come to its concluding chapter.
But as the speedboat slowly gained speed on the ocean highway, we knew that it wasn’t really the end. The memories we created on this trip will forever be cherished, and the magic of the Maldives will continue to stay in our hearts.
JOY OF GIVING
Ali Shakir, General Manager at the OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO shared his insights on the property and tourism in Maldives in general.
Managing and marketing a property in a competitive market like the Maldives must be a very different experience. If you could share your thoughts on that?
In this industry, everyone strives for success and maximizing revenue, but what sets us apart is our philosophy of “The Joy of Giving.” We ensure that every guest feels welcome, and taken care of, and leaves with the desire to return. This philosophy is ingrained in our corporate culture and is reflected in every aspect of our property. Our marketing efforts and product launches focus on delivering an experience that guests will never regret. We have made the property accessible to a wider target group, including families, while still maintaining the high standards of quality and luxury that the Maldives is known for.
With the expansion of your target audience to include families, how do you address the common perception among Indians that the Maldives is a highly premium destination?
Our strategy has evolved to cater to a diverse range of travellers. While our island, Helegeli, has long been a favorite among European couples, we have now made it more affordable for the younger generation. We offer a variety of accommodations, including water villas and beach villas with pools, providing a five-star experience at a four-star price. Our packages include unlimited beverages, meals, and additional experiences such as fine dining, snorkeling trips, sunset cruises, and fishing trips. The overall pricing is attractive, making it accessible to those who want to stay for 3 to 5 nights.
Can you elaborate on the experiential options available at your property?
We understand that guests seek more than just a comfortable stay and good food. We offer two types of private dining experiences: Raga Route, a modern fusion restaurant combining Western and Indian flavors, and Just Grill, a beachside dining experience with a Maldivian ambiance. Additionally, we provide a range of excursions and activities, such as morning fishing, sunset experiences, scuba diving, snorkeling with dolphins, and turtle spotting, to cater to different interests and adventurous spirits.
As a property surrounded by nature, what steps are you taking to ensure sustainability?
Sustainability is a priority for us. We are certified by Green Globe, an international organization that evaluates and audits our sustainability practices. Installed solar panels are in process to reduce carbon footprint and have initiatives in place, such as no-waste days in our canteen and water filtration systems. We are also working towards using biogas for cooking. Additionally, we have stopped using plastic water bottles by implementing a bottling plant that serves water in glass bottles. Recycling programs are also in place, and we continuously educate guests and staff on energy conservation and responsible waste management.
How do you plan to maintain a balance between tourism and preserving the environment in the face of potential issues like over-tourism?
Educating tourists about the value of nature and the sensitivity of the destination is crucial. We have educational programs in our Nature Center, where we teach children about agriculture, mariculture, and recycling. Travel agents and operators need to emphasize sustainability and the importance of respecting nature to all travellers. By instilling this knowledge at a young age, visitors will also understand the basics like the fragility of coral reefs and the need to preserve the environment.
Author: Jaun Shahi
Journalist, Sub-Editor, Travellers’ World Jaun is a soft-spoken and gentle soul who thrives as a Journalist with his exceptional observation skills and an eye for intricate details. He is a true multitasker who efficiently handles various tasks and always brings a professional approach to everything he does. His genuine team spirit makes him an integral part of the TW family, as he consistently collaborates and supports his colleagues.
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