Nestled in the Male Atoll of the Maldives, the Oblu Xperience Ailafushi resort offers visitors an opportunity to explore the country’s marine environment in a uniquely immersive way. While the Maldives is widely recognized as a premier honeymoon destination, this four-star resort highlights a wilder side of the island nation, blending luxury accommodation with close encounters of the underwater kind.
A standout feature is the Only Blu restaurant, Asia’s largest underwater dining establishment, situated 22 feet below sea level. Diners at Only Blu can enjoy close-up views of diverse marine species such as blue powder surgeonfish, humbug damselfish, and parrotfish while indulging in a five-course menu that includes pistachio scallops, tuna poke bowls, and rich chocolate desserts. The restaurant, not included in Ailafushi’s all-inclusive “Fushi” package, is accessible for an additional fee starting at £95 per person.
Ailafushi is conveniently located just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Male airport and is positioned as a more affordable option relative to other Maldives resorts, with all-inclusive rates beginning at approximately £160 per person per night, compared to the average £300 per night at other four-star properties. Despite its value pricing, the resort maintains high standards of luxury. Guests stay in overwater villas featuring private sundecks, outdoor showers, and direct access to the Indian Ocean. The experience includes the soothing sounds of ocean waves through floorboards and the ease of jumping from bed into the sea each morning.
For those seeking further luxury, the nearby Oblu Select at Sangeli, a five-star sister resort, offers enhanced features, including villas with viewing windows installed in the floor to observe marine life at any time. Both resorts also accommodate guests who prefer accommodations distanced from the shoreline, offering beach houses and family suites to ease concerns about nocturnal encounters with sharks or other sea creatures.
Snorkeling is a prominent activity, with guests provided complimentary gear throughout their stay. The surrounding reefs showcase reef sharks, unicorn fish, eagle rays, and turtles, despite some coral bleaching affecting the area. The vibrant marine life nevertheless provides a vivid spectacle akin to an underwater screensaver.
Beyond underwater exploration, the resorts offer various excursions such as local island visits, fishing trips, and moonlight cruises. Among these, the sunset dolphin cruise is especially popular, providing spectacular views of dolphins performing acrobatics alongside the boat, delighting guests with their natural displays.
Overall, the Oblu resorts present a combination of affordable luxury and rich opportunities to experience the Maldives’ marine ecosystem firsthand, appealing to travelers looking to engage with the environment while enjoying comfort and amenities.