An Island Experience at OBlu Ailafushi, Maldives

"Like you can't forget your first love, neither you can forget your first visit to Maldives. If there is a paradise on earth, 'Maldives' must be one of them." - Quote about Maldives - Sachin Kumar Gupta

I was extremely delighted to have connected with H2C (Holidays2Cherish) for a trip to Maldives. Very well planned, smooth and amazing trip! Special mention to Richa for her quick responses and support throughout. With little bit of exploration, we finalized 'OBlu XPErience Ailafushi' island property (NORTH MALÉ ATOLL) by 'Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts'. This was one of our best holidays, and truly one to remember. (Map courtesy : https://www.coloursofoblu.com/oblu-xperience-ailafushi ) 

One significant advantage of 'OBlu Ailafushi' island resort is its proximity to Velana International airport in Male. A complimentary speed boat drive takes you to the island in just 15 to 20 minutes. For the rest of the resorts, we have to spent out dollars for speed boat/seaplane transfers, and also additional time to reach distant islands. You save around 500-1000 USD in transfers for booking this resort. Another big advantage of this island resort, it was recently built around six months back only, so everything was super fresh, neat & clean all around. 

A small tip: make sure to take 'all inclusive package' because the food & drinks here are super super super expensive. You will also get complimentary wifi access across the island, but try not to be online. Just relax & adore the place, we did the same except taking photographs :) 

Everything was organized very well, OBlu staff welcoming at airport, speed boat transfer from airport to OBlu, a very warm welcoming by OBlu staff, and taking us directly to lunch before even check-in (even though there was only 5 mins left for lunch closing). We opted in for 2 nights beach villa & 2 nights water villa, which is a must do experience in Maldives. We got breathtaking view of the ocean at both places. Once we checked in to the room, we got full festive season schedule (day, hour wise) of planned activities, as it was Christmas week. Few key events to call out for: 

Santa Coming Ceremony at Beach

Beach/Pool Games

Vollyball on the beach

Live Band and Dance Floor 

DJ's Best tunes at sunset & night. 

Bollybeats Dance sessions

Boduberu Cultural Dance

Xmas Eve Party & Live Christmas Songs

Kahun, Saxophone & Xmas Carols

Festive Gala dinner

Live Band, Salsa Dancing, etc. 

Belly Dancing : It was simply amazing. 

Beach villas are amazing, which have direct access & views to ocean. We also stayed in an over-water villa, which was out of the world experience. You could climb down stairs from the villa directly into the pristine ocean water and snorkel & swim from there. My snorkeling practice was magnificent. I did it multiple times, as we personally purchased snorkeling kit in advance, and used it at the pool and ocean. We also did kayaking there. If you like more adventure water sports, opt for wind surfing, banana boat ride, jet skying. One should also book in advance for Scuba diving, Island hopping tour, etc. We were looking for Submarine tour, but team didn't get sufficient number of people to move ahead with it. 

We have observed many people were also taking photos and videos with drone at different places to get top views. I captured breathtaking views of OBlu Ailafushi island from airplane while returning back from Male to Mumbai. 

There was plenty of amazing food options starting from Indian, Asian, Western & Continental, and delicious sweets and cakes at 'Element X - main restaurant'. The place is quite huge with multiple sections, fresh ambiance, contemporary decor with comfortable seating overlooking the ocean. There is another 'Underwater restaurant', which you need to prebook at reception.  (additional changes at special dining) 

I suggest to take 'All Inclusive' package (FUSHI Plan) for this property, as you will get:

UNLIMITED orders of regular spirits and beers and house pour wines from the grab and go counter at X360 Bar.

ONE signature cocktail at X360 Bar

Soft Drinks, mineral water, packet juices, and assortment of tea & coffee available at all outlets. 

Daily evening entertainment with in-house DJ or live band and dance floor. 

Part of the package, Access to non-motorized water sports equipment provided, like Canoe and Stand-up Paddle Board (Once a day for 15-20 mins per person).

One can also opt in for optional (chargeable) Spa and wellness therapy sessions. 

There were plenty of activities planned for kids, and a dedicated multi-level kids club area. Pathik also stayed and enjoyed there for couple of hours, and actively participated in many kids activities like - Christmas tree decoration, cake making, movie time, etc. There was Santa photo-booth at Beach, where we clicked few pictures. Santa gave gifts to all kids, and danced with them, which every kid loved. One of the amazing traits of all staff members irrespective of their jobs - they smile and greet you as you explore the island at any place or time. 

Thank you H2C team once again for making our trip memorable. We will definitely travel with Holidays2Cherish again in future, and recommend others too. At the same time, Maldives is without doubt a must visit place atleast once in life time. We also recommend to chose 'OBlu Xperience Ailafushi' based on our experience. I find this place kids friendly being exclusive kids club. At the same time, this island resort is a great place for any traveller - be it families, couples or friends. Though you can chose any other island resort based on your choice, budget & preferences. 

If you are looking for what to pack for a visit to Maldives, and other must preparation documents, Check out my next post. 

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Paradise in Maldives

"Like you can't forget your first love, neither you can forget your first visit to Maldives. If there is a paradise on earth, 'Maldives' must be one of them." - Quote about Maldives - Sachin Kumar Gupta

Dear Maldives, I will never get over you. There is a saying that - 'Money can't buy happiness', but it can buy a ticket to Maldives, and once you land in Maldives, nothing can be compared to that. Finally, I can tick 'Maldives' from my places to visit around the world bucket list, rather than keep saying : 'I will visit Maldives one day'. The place where I lose my mind and find my soul. 

Best time to visit Maldives: 

Dec & Jan are the best months to visit, otherwise, It is anyways 'Maldives', whenever you can plan, you will love it. 

There is no secret that Maldives is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Maldives has a concept of 'One Island - One resort'. It has around 1200+ such small islands. Maldives, a 26-atoll chain of islands with powdery beaches, turquoise waters, and dreamy over-water villa/bungalow & resorts. It is dreamland for everyone, that's why it is the hottest travel destination. The white sand beaches and crystal clear water are an incredible backdrop for any beach vacation, but especially a romantic honeymoon or a relaxing gateway with your friends or family. 

The best part is, Maldives offers Visa free on arrival for Indian passport holder, and to many other nationals. You only need to fill Traveler declaration (within 96 hours) at IMUGA (imuga.immigration.gov.mv) before arrival & departure from Maldives. 

If you are visiting Maldives, then you are bound to capture hundreds of stunning shots that you want to post on social media. The ocean breeze and while sand puts my mind at ease. Even the photographs can't justify this beautiful place. We also captured many joyful moments here. There are so many beautiful shades of blue and green. You must do good shopping in advance, if planning to have good photo-shoot. We also taught Pathik, how to click photos for us, and we got quite a few good surprise clicks. 

Once you check-in to your room, enjoy your days relaxing while admiring the white sand beaches with blue shades of water. I witness amazing sunrise and sunset, every single day in Maldives. We took lot of souvenirs from Maldives. Later I realize that while being in the Maldives, never knowing what day of the week it was. 

We opted in for 2 nights beach villa & 2 nights water villa, which is a must do experience, If you are planning for Maldives. We got breathtaking view of the ocean at both places. In next post, I will share my stay-cation experience at 'OBlu XPerience Ailafushi' in Maldives. 

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