Sangeli: The newly open Maldivian island where you wont have to lift a finger

Clear blue water, pure white sand (Picture: Rachel Sewell)

When I arrived on Sangeli island, I was more than a little shook up.

The seas were choppy on the speedboat journey, and despite the fact the driver and attendants were laughing all the way, I was looking a bit puce.

Hopping on to the jetty, however, thankfully the thought I might be about the throw up passed quickly.

I was handed a glass of blue bubbly (they love blue drinks in the Maldives) and my things were taken to my room. From that moment on during the trip, I wouldnt have to do anything else.

Oblu Select at Sangeli opened in July, and is run by the Atmosphere group, who already manage three other resorts in the Indian Ocean.

There are 137 villas at Oblu Select, with some over the water and some on the beach. You can also choose whether you go for one with a private pool or the sea is good enough for swimming in.

I parked myself in that pool and did not move for many, many hours(Picture: Jessica Lindsay)

Guests will be on their serenity plan which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner at their restaurant The Spice, unlimited drinks, and a meal each week at both of their premium a la carte restaurants Simply Veg and Just Grill.

You also get a sunset fishing trip and a complimentary excursion, use of all sorts of non-motorised watersports equipment, and a fully stocked mini-bar in your room thats refreshed every day.

The Maldives is a place for lovers, with some of the most incredible sunsets, and the beauty of nature everywhere you turn.

If you are going there on honeymoon, you can stay in one of Oblu Sangelis over-water honeymoon suites.

A huge, red bath dominates the bedroom, and theres an outdoor shower that you basically have to have sex in (sorry, I dont make the rules).

This private over water villa is book reading and relaxing central (Picture: Jessica Lindsay)

To go with that, you get a butler service – for those days where you cant even be bothered leaving your room at all – a couples massage, and dine-around at all the restaurants at the resort.

When I stayed, heres what I got up to:

Snorkelling

Our group went on a snorkelling trip at Oblu Selects house reef, which was honestly unreal.

We were taken out on a traditional Dhoni boat to see the local marine life, and it did not disappoint.

Although the coral is mostly bleached – as it is in large swathes of the world now, unfortunately – the sea is crystal clear, and there are tropical fish right underneath you.

Reef sharks and shoals of fish are never far away on Sangeli (Picture: Jessica Lindsay)

At one point a turtle swam by, which was a proper pinch-yourself moment for everyone there.

Since you have full use of the equipment for all of your stay you can take yourself snorkelling whenever you want, and other guests told us theyd seen rays on their beach-side swims.

Wildlife spotting

Even if you dont fancy donning a snorkel, you can see so many amazing animals.

Walking on the beach there are hermit crabs and herons, and if you go to the jetty you can see dozens of eels.

Over one one side of the island we enjoyed a glass of wine while watching reef sharks dart by, and the over water villas have a glass viewing pane in the floor for in-room marine life spots.

Breakfast time for this heron (Picture: Jessica Lindsay)

Instagramming

I cannot stress enough how beautiful the views are here, and itd be rude not to share them with everyone at home.

Watch the sun go down at the special Rock Bar that opens for just two hours a day. Its super romantic.

Even taking a bath in the room is so stunning, with the bathrooms (featuring a deep stone tub and rain shower) in the beach-side villas set outdoors – dont worry, there are walls – so you can watch the stars while you pamper.

Eating all the food

Youll have most of your meals at buffet restaurant The Spice. It tends to be catered to Asian tastes, although this is perfect for people who like Asian food aka me.

The service is incredible, and staff couldnt do enough for me, even making me a special healthy juice when I looked a bit worse for wear after a night of wine.

Then theres Just Grill that serves everything from lamb chops to huge grilled prawns and steaks.

When I say the sunsets are unreal, I really mean it (Picture: Jessica Lindsay)

The piece de resistance at Oblu, though, is Simply Veg. Trust me, although its completely veggie, you wont miss meat at all. The Maldivian curries and dahls are delicious.

There are snacks throughout the day too, just in case you didnt already feel like you were rolling around the place.

Organise something special

This holiday is all about unwinding, so we decided to get massages at Elena Spa on the island.

There are double treatment rooms for couples, and you come out feeling totally at peace, with Aromatherapy Associates oils softening your skin.

For afterwards, you can organise private dining on the beach, with a personal chef there cooking up tuna steaks, lobster, filet mignon and all sorts of fresh deliciousness.

When I say the staff go out of their way I really mean it. Theyd dug out the shape of a ray and a dolphin in the sand and put lights in there, and had special cocktails ready and waiting for us.

Key information

During peak season (starting from 1 Sep 2018) youre looking at around £2,499 per person based on two adults staying in a Water Villa or Beach Villa on Oblu Sangelis All Inclusive Serenity Plan for 7 nights, with return Etihad flights from LHR. This price includes return speedboat transfers.

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