As soon as you set foot on the soft white sands of OBLU NATURE Helengeli by Sentido, an island 50 minutes by speedboat from the Maldives capital Malé, you might sense it could be life-changing. The scenery is unreal, while the world-class snorkelling, opulent overwater villas and exquisite cuisine combine to create an unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever. 

Read on as we reveal 10 reasons why this special island needs to be on your bucket list…

Ensuring your holiday goes smoothly, the OBLU Island Plan includes all-day dining at The Spice international buffet, where you can indulge in multiple cuisines, plus unlimited drinks at The Spice (pictured), Just Grill, Adult’s Pool and Raa Bandhi bar. You have complimentary use of snorkelling equipment and non-motorised watersports, including stand-up paddle boards and kayaks. The plan also includes access to the gym and weekly group activities such as yoga, plus two excursions: traditional line fishing and a sunset dhoni cruise.

A minimum four-night stay entitles guests to a fine dining meal at either Mediterranean-style Just Grill or Indian-fusion restaurant Raga Route. An eight-night stay allows for one meal in both.

We recommend choosing an overwater villa (there are also beach villas and family suites), where wooden walkways scattered around the island lead to little lodges on stilts, where baby black tip reef sharks swim in the shallows, oblivious to your arrival. Inside, opulence abounds, with a huge king-size bed and living area with sofa, desk and chairs, mini fridge, coffee machine and walk-in closet. There's also a beautiful bathroom with individual corners for your drench shower, plus a stunning shell-shaped marble sink.

You’ll hear the subtle sounds of the water beneath as you walk from room to room. Outside, a private plunge pool and access to the house reef await.

Raga Route, an Indian restaurant with a western twist, offers a stylish setting and exquisite dishes. Curried coconut and lentil soup with bread made from local coconuts, plus corn and beetroot risotto, are the ultimate starters. Follow that with kefir lime chicken curry (pictured) or chicken tikka and you’ll be in heaven.

Just Grill specialises in grilled meats and seafood, where the chicken Souvlaki skewers will not disappoint. The wine selection is impressive here too. Our choice was Vinatigo Maramajuelo from the Canary Islands. Choose a table where the sand is underfoot to really feel like you’re in paradise.

Every time you look out to sea, you’ll spot the traditional dhoni boats bobbing around, so it feels only fitting to sail on one during your stay. Included in the Island Plan, take a complimentary sunset cruise where you can relax on the roof of a traditional Maldivian boat and, cameras at the ready, watch the sun melt into the ocean.

You’ll head out towards the ocean, around 30 minutes from the house reef, before heading back just before night falls.

Straight off the dhoni and into Raa Bandhi, where you can order cocktails while perched over the edge of the ocean. Giving off a relaxed, bohemian vibe, this tranquil bar is the place to chill. There are even overwater hammocks to enjoy your drinks on.

Or, if you’d prefer to keep moving, there’s an indoor games area and dance floor, should those margaritas give you that extra Dutch courage to throw some shapes.

There are not enough superlatives to describe the scene underneath the surface of this sensational house reef. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned snorkeller, Helengeli will deliver. It’s renowned worldwide for its mesmerising array of creatures you can spot just metres from the shoreline (or your villa). We’re talking blue fin trivelli, black tip reef sharks, trigger fish, turtles, octopus and more.

As a fellow snorkeller said during the activity: “Snorkelling is a form of meditation – you’re focused on your breathing and it calms your body.” 

Sure, you might’ve attempted kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding before, but have you done it in such an idyllic setting? The calm, warm waters of Helengeli’s crystal-clear lagoon make you want to test your balance and steering skills, knowing that if you fall out or off your vessel, you’ll be fine.

Even in the deeper parts, the waters here are so inviting that you might seek out your inner thrillseeker by opting for the motorised watersports (at a cost) such as waterskiing, parasailing and wakeboarding. Members of the dive team are happy to offer guidance and encouragement too.

You’re probably already feeling relaxed on such a heavenly island, but a visit to ELE|NA Ayur will leave you feeling rejuvenated like never before. Hidden in a lush tropical garden in the centre of Helengeli, Heidi Grimwood’s award-winning spa uses both traditional and modern therapies, as well as techniques inspired by nature.

You can choose from a wide range of signature treatments, all focused on putting your body at ease. We opted for the Maldivian Restorative Treatment which combines full-body, facial and scalp massages using island-grown coconut.

Little ones are equally catered for on this paradisal island, thanks to an array of activities and a kids club like no other. Open from 9am-6pm daily, the kids club is also an interactive learning centre where youngsters aged four to 12 can learn all about marine life and nature. There are rooms full of colourful toys, while outside they have access to their own private garden and sand pit, complete with deckchairs and towels.

Each day follows a timetable filled with activities such as coconut painting, water polo in the kids' pool, tree planting, musical games, nature quizzes, treasure hunts, mocktail making and more.

Once you’ve enjoyed your complimentary line fishing and dhoni cruises, it’s worth splashing out a little extra for the exciting excursions Helengeli offers. If you love snorkelling (and who doesn’t here?), try your hand at UV night snorkelling to see what creatures you can spot. There are turtle and manta snorkelling sessions too.

If a private boat is more your thing, opt for the dolphin, turtle, manta or reef cruises.

Virgin Atlantic flies direct from London Heathrow to Velana International in Malé, once a day. From Malé, you can get a complimentary speedboat to Helengeli, as part of the Island Plan.

Lynne Maxwell visited Helengeli in March 2025, as a guest of OBLU NATURE Helengeli By SENTIDO.