Inside the world's best luxury hotel - water villas, private pools and underwater dining
Tripadvisor has named the "best of the best" luxury hotel in the world, which guests have described as a "magical" experience.
Welcome to OBLU SELECT Lobigili, an idyllic tropical escape nestled in the Indian Ocean. This Maldives hotel has nature at its heart and is an adults-only haven complete with private pools, ocean views and the all-important water villas commonly associated with island escapes. The resort is part of the COLOURS OF OBLU collection by Atmosphere Core, which owns several properties in the Indian Ocean.
The hotel has received the prestigious first place position as the “best of the best” luxury hotel in the world as part of Tripadvisor’s Travellers Choice Awards for 2024 and has been described by previous guests as “magical”. The hotel has also received a five-star rating on Tripadvisor based on previous guest reviews.
Tripadvisor said: “These winning hotels take everything to the next level. Think: above-and-beyond service and amenities for days.”
Other Atmosphere properties in the Maldives include Atmosphere Kanifushi and OBLU NATURE Helengeli.
- You can read our full review of Atmosphere Kanifushi here
- You can read our full review of OBLU NATURE Helengeli here
OBLU SELECT Lobigili can be reached from Malé Valena International Airport in just 15 minutes by speedboat.
These transfers to and from the airport are included in the Resort's Lobby Plan which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus one premium dining experience, a selection of beverages, a spa treatment and a selection of watersports and excursions.
The resort also features a unique adults only ‘Island Of Love’, allowing guests to escape to a perfectly secluded castaway experience - perfect for a honeymoon or special milestone.
(Image: OBLU SELECT Lobigili / Atmosphere )
OBLU SELECT Lobigili is home to 68 villas across three categories, including SunNest Beach Pool Villas, Sun Nest Water Pool Villas and the Nest Water Villas.
SunNest Water Pool Villas and Nest Water Villas look out across incredible views of the turquoise ocean. There are 22 villas with their own private pool and 22 without a pool, however, all have access to the surrounding waters - perfect for taking a dip any time of the day.
Every detail lends a sophisticated, intimate ambience – from the warm wooden flooring to vibrant and contemporary décor.
(Image: OBLU SELECT Lobigili / Atmosphere)
SunNest Beach Pool Villas offer an elegant home-away-from-home with direct access to the beach and your own private swimming pool.
Each 62 square metre villa comes with a king bed, walk-in wardrobe, open-air bathroom and a cosy veranda. Guests also have access to their own private pool with a lagoon view, just a few steps from the sparkling ocean.
(Image: OBLU SELECT Lobigili / Atmosphere)
There are a selection of dining experiences and speciality dining experiences to enjoy at OBLU SELECT Lobigili. Dining experiences are included in the Lobi Plan, and speciality dining experiences must be pre-booked.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at Ylang-Ylang; a buffet-style restaurant with engaging, interactive elements, live cooking stations, and theme nights.
The Swing Bar serves up a selection of beverages plus freshly prepared local snacks between 4pm and 6pm.
When it comes to speciality dining, head down below the ocean surface to the unique under-ocean restaurant, which offers modern cuisine with amazing views.
Gaadiya 17 Food Truck is tucked away under the swaying palms, serving up a creative spin on traditional food truck meals. Dinners here are informal and indulgent.
(Image: OBLU SELECT Lobigili)
The Swing Bar is located by the hotel's main swimming pool, offering incredible views of the ocean. What better place to enjoy a cocktail than here, as you watch the sun dip below the horizon?
The bar regularly hosts DUO live band performances as entertainment.
You can also book a special photography session with the infinity pool and ocean views as your backdrop.
(Image: OBLU SELECT Lobigili / Atmosphere)