Oblu Select Sangeli review: Luxury villas and honeymoon suites in the Maldives

In a nutshell: The relaxed all-inclusive resort in the Indian Ocean offers a range of complimentary activities, excursions and spa treatments, providing an oasis for couples and fun for families.

The location

Located in the north of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean, Oblu Select Sangeli is a tropical island reached by a complimentary 50-minute speedboat journey from the international airport (British Airways offers direct flights from London). Situated on a house reef, there are ample opportunities to snorkel and spot sea life – the staff even pointed out the resident octopus outside our room.

The look

The resort has a luxe yet understated décor consisting of a neutral colour palette and wooden accents that draw your eyes to the surrounding sea and sky. A sandy walkway, lined with greenery and palm trees, guides you down to the main restaurant, beach villas and family lodgings, and bisects the main island. Turn the other way and the path seamlessly blends into a long arc of overwater villas and into the adults-only island, a small yet refined space. It’s an Instagrammer’s heaven, with a photo opportunity everywhere you turn, be that at the swings in the sea, the large infinity swimming pool, or one of the three bars at sunset.

The vibe

The staff could not have been more lovely to us and other guests. Every request was met with a smile and they loved talking about the resort and its special features. Catering for families and couples (the adults-only Banyan Island is connected to the main resort by a jetty lined with water villas), the vibe is relaxed and easygoing.

Things are simple at Banyan Island – home to the spa, two à la carte restaurants and a medium-sized pool – and, much to our relief, the bar doesn’t play music. It’s an oasis that serves as a great place to switch off and unwind.

Bed and bath

The resort’s 137 rooms and suites are made up of 39 beach villas, 14 beach villas with pool, seven two-bedroom beach pool suites, 26 water villas with pool, 45 water villas, and six honeymoon ocean villas.

While the honeymoon suite – which comes complete with a private butler – is the hotel’s showstopper, it’s a little gaudy and dated compared to the water villas, featuring a pink circle bed and a mirror on the ceiling. But the large crescent-shaped swimming…