Maldive's underwater paradise doesn't need to come with 5 star prices
The 5* standard is being eroded by eager 4* hotels offering a lot more for your budget; and without comprises. We spent 1 week on Helengeli island at 4* hotel, OBLU by Atmosphere.
The underwater utopia offered by almost all of the Maldive’s 1192 reef islands suggests the 5* hotel traveler is more interested in the hotel ‘Prestige’, than the majestic and vibrant reef island ecosystem. Is the 5* standard really what you are seeking?
When you come into land you see the investment. Construction everywhere with Chinese investment fueling the dredging of sand for forming new island hotels.
You are rushed through the small yet modest airport onto your hotels water taxi. Or, for those keen to take another plane you can take a 10-20 minute journey by sea plane - private or shared. If you are staying in one of the further atolls from the airport then you may consider the comfort of a short flight instead of a 2-4 hour boat ride.
Helengeli is just 45 minutes from Male international airport by boat. You are greeted by the hotel team, your bags taken and you embark with other guests. The considered safety briefing delivered by the well turned out staff in their Hawaiian shorts and bright white shorts, showcased confidence. A cold flannel and bottle of water was offered and after a short time you see your destination in the horizon.
The boat pulls into the little marina where you are greeted by staff playing local drums. Before you know it you are sipping a glass of sparkling wine and handed a key. A consciege takes you to a golf buggy where your bags are already loaded and they accompany you to the room. Your are taken along a sand path passing through the island and under a canopy of palms and tropical plants. Your host highlights the best snorkeling spots, the activities and dive centre, the main and adults only pool, spa and various eateries and bars.
A cold air conditioned room with fragrance of tropical flowers welcomes you as the door opens. A moderate room with clean white walls and furniture sets of the floor to ceiling double doors framing views to the sea. A personal welcome note and room explanation from the host settles you in.
After a long flight from Europe an exploratory snorkel was the first port of call. Past the dive centre to collect gear (free) and onto the pier; a suggestion to snorkel off the end and where the shallow reef meets deeper water. Where best to see the best marine life we were told.
After a mesmerizing 30 minutes observing the sea life we took to the main bar and debriefed over a cocktail. Whilst not a huge cocktail menu the staff did accommodate some requests and in most part delivered. Wrapped in a towel and now a couple of cocktails, we observed the sun go down and the hotel lamps come to life. A quick change and off to dinner.
The main restaurant is a grand room with floor to ceiling windows running end to end. A balcony offered outdoor options however the sand covered floor and panoramic windows brought the outside in. Staff greeted you at the main desk and took you to your table - which rotated day to day. Before you know yet another offer of a drink.
“I must try everything”
You take yourself off to the self service area and to an array of food stations and chefs await. The first night was a feast trying as much as there was to offer. Later reflection led to given up the “I must try everything” - there were so many options and they rotated day to day. Dinner was graced with live music from a guitar and singer duo from the Philippeans.
Waking up on day 2 and seeing the neon blue evoked a feeling of adventure. The first thought was what water based activity could I do today? A plan for the week was soon unearthed and started with a sunset fishing trip (complimentary) taking about an hour and then an early night to get up at 5:40am for a sunrise snorkeling off the pier. Back into the water and back into a transient state of amazement and delight seeing the abundance of marine life.
Back into the restaurant on day 3 for another indulgent breakfast with options competing that of dinner. For those wishing to drink alcohol first thing then sparkling wine is on offer. A lazy morning was spent by the pool with intermittent exposure to the sun. As midday approached and the direct sun became somewhat uncomfortable, we took ourselves to the main bar. Pool, darts, table tennis and a number of board games kept us occupied and out of the sun.
After a quick and late lunch we headed back to the room for a little siesta - catching up on the mornings missed sleep.
We planned the rest of the week around activities which included:
Paddle boarding (free)
Sunset boat trip looking for dolphins (Paid)
Scuba diving (Cost per dive/ per boat trip)
Water aerobics (free)
Intro to free diving (free)
Spa treatment (Full body massage)
The hotel also had a volley ball, badminton court and basket ball court, although we never saw them being used.
Music seemed to be present almost every moment of the day, with live music during meals and into the evening, plus a DJ one night of the week.
Food was available all throughout the day and from various locations. From the main restaurant, the coffee shop, the pool bar and the beach restaurant.
Staff were on hand at every step of the way, leading you to new foods, experiences and facts about the Maldives wildlife. At the end of the week it seemed normal to see fruit bats flying around (day and night), lizards at every corner, plus the dolphins dancing on the horizon during breakfast, the endless white and black small sharks which circled the island, plus the graceful turtles which made almost a daily appearance.
If you are seeking island life and an aquatic dream, coupled with lots of activities both solo or group, in private or with others, then you may look to overlook the named Prestige of some hotels and look to 4* stars hotels looking to impress. At the end of the week we had more from the Island then we could have imaged and didn’t feel we comprised.
