Inside an Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts Honeymoon Package in the Maldives

Few destinations capture romance quite like the Maldives. Thanks to sugar-white sandbanks, impossibly turquoise lagoons and overwater villas, it’s the ultimate escape for couples on a honeymoon, anniversary or even a babymoon. 

This was my first time on the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, but on any extended trip on a faraway island, I always prefer a mix of bases. That’s why I selected two of Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts’ properties for the short week: OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO and RAAYA By Atmosphere. Each offers a distinct private island experience with all-inclusive packages and, of course, warm Maldivian hospitality. That same hospitality has won the brand a slew of awards.

In 2025, five of Atmosphere Core Maldives resorts received a prestigious British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award, recognising the top 8% of hotels worldwide for outstanding guest satisfaction, service and facilities. If it’s got British Airways’ seal of approval, then it will surely have mine. I flew direct on BA from London Heathrow (LHR) to Malé-Velana International Airport (MLE) for a slice of that award-winning romance.

While this stay was hosted, all thoughts and opinions are our own

Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts Maldives Honeymoon review

Hotel Snapshot: OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO

Hotel name: OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO
Location: Helengeli Island, Maldives
Address: Helengeli Island, North Malé Atoll, Republic of Maldives
Number of rooms and suites: 153 villas and suites across eight categories, including Water Villas and a Two-Bedroom Water Suite
Brand: Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts (COLOURS OF OBLU, in partnership with SENTIDO)
Date opened: 2015, reopened after extensive renovations in 2023
Design style: Vibrant, nature-inspired interiors with a laid-back island feel
Family amenities: Family Beach Pool Villas, kids’ club
Wellness facilities: ELE|NA Spa, overwater fitness centre, group classes
Prices from: Approximately £350 per night (all-inclusive), depending on season

Day One: Arriving in the Maldives and checking into the four-star OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, famous for its thriving house reef

Whenever I fly British Airways long-haul, the holiday begins the moment we take off. I settle in on my direct route from Heathrow to Malé with a Charli XCX film to intersperse naps, zooming through 10.5 hours in the air. Malé International Airport is simple to navigate, and after a meet-and-greet arrival, a 50-minute speedboat transfer (part of the all-inclusive) to OBLU NATURE Helengeli took me through numerous shades of blue ocean, to where a team awaited with a traditional performance welcome.

Helengeli Island is renowned for its house reef, sitting just metres from the shore, where natural channels on either side draw in a dazzling amount of tropical fish and marine life. Even before check-in at the open-air reception was finished, I’d already spotted my first reef fish darting about in the shallows.

My room for the stay was a Deluxe Beach Villa. Bright, colourful interiors ran through the whole space, with an open-air bathroom that let the ocean breeze drift straight through while I got ready to make the most of day one. I don’t usually like outdoor bathrooms, but thankfully, there were no mosquitoes in mine. A bathtub was absent, and I didn’t have a private pool, so instead of initial water immersion, I took a moment to wake up with a drink from the complimentary minibar out on the private outdoor veranda. Here was direct access onto the beach, so within a few steps out of the villa, my feet were already in the sand. 

Before dinner, I wandered over for a little peck of tradition at their Hedikka Hut station to check out the local snacks, but refrained from anything more than a bite of the Butter Cake before dinner at Just Grill. Here, I enjoyed a four-course meal, selecting the grilled catches of the day with a glass of wine from the included section, as the sun disappeared into the ocean.

Day Two: House reef snorkelling, the ELE|NA Ayur Spa, and a breezy sunset cruise

The next day began with one of the experiences I’d been most looking forward to: snorkelling the house reef with the resident marine biologist. Helengeli’s reef is just a few metres from the shore, and there’s a very constant stream of tropical fish and marine life. Mila and I drifted over thick coral gardens, spotting so many reef fish weaving in and out of the rocks that I lost count of the varieties, except the unforgettable large Eagle Ray. It really is no wonder the island has such a reputation among divers.

After that adventure, a 45-minute treatment at ELE|NA Ayur Spa gave me a chance to unwind. The spa draws on a range of holistic treatments inspired by natural elements, and I left feeling thoroughly rejuvenated on my express visit. 

Next up was the sunset cruise. Now, this is an included activity, so don’t expect a private yacht (I’m sure there are private excursions you can book). I shared a boat with families of guests, and it was lovely to see the island in another light. Despite the whole boat snapping away on their phones throughout, I felt the camera roll didn’t do these views justice, so I sat watching instead. 

Dinner followed at Raga Route, the resort’s progressive Indian restaurant, where I couldn’t resist another fresh catch and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc to round off a stellar full day.

Day Three: Checking into RAAYA by Atmosphere, a Dhoni painting experience, and dinner at Mizāj.

Hotel Snapshot: RAAYA By Atmosphere

Hotel name: RAAYA By Atmosphere
Location: Raa Atoll, Maldives
Address: Kudakurathu Island, Raa Atoll, Republic of Maldives
Number of rooms and suites: 167 beach and overwater villas
Brand: Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts (Atmosphere Core)
Date opened: 2024
Design style: Contemporary island luxury inspired by castaway adventure and Maldivian nature
Family amenities: Kids’ club, family villas, art zones
Wellness facilities: ELE|NA Ayur Spa, fitness centre, yoga pavilion and holistic wellness treatments
Prices from: Approximately £450 per night (all-inclusive), depending on season

I was feeling rather settled by now and didn’t want to leave Helengeli in the morning, but the journey to RAAYA by Atmosphere helped me move on. This island getaway sits in the azure waters of Raa Atoll, and getting there is something to look forward to, thanks to a scenic 45-minute seaplane ride from Malé-Velana International Airport. I enjoyed watching turquoise arches, despite the extreme heat and humidity of my seaplane ride. As the legend goes, the island’s spirit is built around Seb, an artistic sailor who once found himself stranded here…in paradise! The team were waiting for our group at the pier, and I was quickly driven away by buggy for a tour of the island and a drop-off at room 114.

My room was a modern Beach Villa, again with direct beach access. I had a quick dip in the sea, and the water was beautifully warm, though somehow I didn’t realise I could still get sunburned under grey cloud. Lesson learned! The bathroom, once again, was outdoors, and now there were mosquitoes present, which I didn’t have at the last resort (RAAYA is a jungle island, after all – great for wildlife spotting!). Thankfully, the cupboards were stocked with plenty of repellent, which I took with me each time I pedalled on the guest bicycles outside.  

In the afternoon, I tried my hand at a Dhoni painting experience in their artist zone, creating my own mini Dhoni inspired by the traditional wooden boats of the Maldives. It was an unexpectedly meditative activity, and a nice nod to Seb’s own seafaring story. Guests can take their creations out to a RAAYA Ritual at The Village Square, but I opted instead for an early dinner, a spread of mezze and chargrilled seafood, at Mizāj, the resort’s Middle Eastern fine dining venue in wonderful company. 

Day Four: At last, a water villa, then an ELE|NA Ayur spa treatment, and farewell dinner at Ampers&nd

Sunrise yoga was on the agenda this morning, though I’ll admit the early start got the better of me. I enjoyed a lie-in with a coffee in my king bed. Once I’d properly surfaced, I joined a shared house reef snorkelling trip with other guests. RAAYA’s reef is a proper underwater playground with vibrant corals and plenty of fish. We took a boat out, just five minutes, and folks in my group were lucky enough to spot a sea turtle. I, sadly, swam in the wrong direction.

After lunch at The Village Italian restaurant, where I indulged in a creamy Tiramisu, my dreams were realised…a Water Villa had become available for the night, and I was dutifully upgraded. I had to pull myself away for an express 45-minute back massage at ELE|NA Ayur, where the therapist soothed my pesky sunburns with coconut oils. 

Did I spend most of it plotting all the photos and videos I would be taking back on my water villa? You bet I did. In fact, I stayed in and lounged on my daybed, then water hammock, right the way through to dinner, which was at Ampers&nd, the resort’s Pan-Asian bar and restaurant. A live DJ serenaded the outdoor venue, reminiscent of a Bali beach club, as we tucked into a farewell feast of fresh sushi, sashimi, and juicy prawn tempura. I was glad to have saved this for last; otherwise, I wouldn’t have eaten anywhere else.

Day Five: One last RAAYA Life lunch, and the journey home

My final morning at RAAYA involved a painfully early departure…but the universe had other ideas. My flight was delayed 12 hours, so I was able to have a lie-in and savour the last of those blue lagoon views before a re-scheduled seaplane flight to the airport. 

The team kindly asked said seaplane folk to let me write this article up in their guest lounge, where I can verify the Wi-Fi is fast, and the seats are comfy. And, whilst I’d had a light RAAYA Life lunch before check-out, I took full advantage of the lounge snack station. 

My British Airways flight pulled out at 23:30, and the direct journey home was nice and comfortable, so I’d completely forgotten the inconvenience of the delay. The journey gave me plenty of time to scroll through photos (including my 500 at RAAYA’s water villa) and plot a return trip back, next time, with my partner. 

From Terminal 5, I took the Heathrow Express back to Paddington. I always book this transfer in advance to get tickets for £10 (cheaper than the Elizabeth line, which, for me, always seems to have delays!). Instead of delays, Heathrow Express speeds me through to Paddy in 15 minutes. And, for a bit of a star bonus, RuPaul was in the seat opposite me. What a way to sashay off a trip!

Frequently asked questions: Atmosphere Maldives Hotels & Resorts