The first thing one notices while approaching the brand new Oblu Select Lobigili, Maldives’ newest resort, is what appears to be a heart shaped island. A coincidental perfect little love nest? Turns out, it’s not by happenstance, but design. For the resort whose name – Lobigili – literally means island of love, it has a number of innovations too. Oblu Select Lobigili is a new adults-only ‘Island of love’, offering couples an incredible romantic getaway, reflecting the true essence of Maldives, says Jorge Amaro, General Manager Oblu Select Lobigili and Oblu Xperience Ailafushi, an adjacent resort that will ultimately get linked by with the former by a bridge. Note the words ‘adults only’. “In the Maldivian language of Dhivehi, ‘Loabi’ means love and ‘Gili’ means island,” explains Amaro. “Lobigili is, in essence, the island of love. Oblu Select Lobigili is an adults-only resort, with every aspect designed for couples to share carefree time together. The stylishly designed beach and water villas promise brilliant lagoon views and absolute privacy. Couples have the advantage of enjoying everything they want without any restrictions. It is a perfect getaway for two.” A huge advantage for the resort is its proximity to the national capital Malé. Indeed, visitors can see newer parts of the capital from the hotel itself. Which leads to another huge advantage – guests can access the resort via speedboat instead of the very expensive, and not so comfortable seaplanes, otherwise the lifeline of tourism in the country. Instead, a quick ten-minute speedboat ride gets you to the island. The resort, which has 44 water villas and 24 beach villas – offers all the usual delights of Maldivian resorts – multi-hued sunsets, white sandy beaches, clear as crystal waters, and of course water-based activities such snorkelling, dolphin/shark/other marine life spotting. The resorts share an overwater gym, and on the cards is an underwater restaurant and a food truck. The resort has a number of features, tangible and otherwise, that provide the luxury experience, such as on arrival, guests are serenaded with soulful music and a warm welcome by our ‘Island Hosts and Island Hostesses’. Yes, there is even an island chief! Don’t expect the uber luxe experience that some Maldivian resorts are known for.
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Island of love offers couples an incredible romantic getaway