OBLU SELECT Lobigili
A private island where 'Lobigili' means Love Island — and the dining is underground.
An island resort on Malé
OBLU SELECT Lobigili opened in March 2022 on a small private island about 15 minutes northwest of Velana International Airport by speedboat. The 68-villa property is adults-only and couples-focused — 'Lobigili' translates as Love Island in Dhivehi — with every villa designed for two. The headline draw is Only BLU, billed as the largest underwater restaurant in the Maldives, sitting 6.8 metres below sea level. A house reef runs off the eastern shore, a PADI- and SSI-certified dive school handles everything from introductory courses to guided dives, and the ELE|NA Ayur Spa rounds out the on-island options. The resort holds a 4.8/5 Google rating across 365 reviews.
The honest verdict
A compact, couples-only island where the all-inclusive package, underwater dining, and proximity to the airport are the main selling points — not seclusion for its own sake.
Best for
- Couples and honeymoons
- All-inclusive dining with fine-dining access
- Divers and snorkellers wanting a house reef
- Travellers who want a short transfer from Velana Airport
Maybe not ideal for
- Families or solo travellers
- Guests seeking a remote, far-flung atoll
- Those wanting a beach villa without a pool premium
Only BLU: dining below the surface
The resort's signature restaurant sits 6.8 metres below sea level, in a horseshoe-shaped space where reef-view windows run the length of every table. It is described as the largest underwater restaurant in the Maldives — a genuinely unusual setting for fine dining.
House reef and on-site dive school
A house reef lies just off the eastern shore. The on-site PADI- and SSI-certified dive school runs courses and guided dives with a multilingual team, and the watersports centre covers motorised and non-motorised activities from the same base.
Overwater and beachfront villas
All 68 villas sleep two adults with a single king bed. The 22 Nest Water Villas sit overwater at 75 m². SunNest Water Pool Villas add an 8 m² private pool above the lagoon. SunNest Beach Pool Villas place the pool on the sand with an open-air bathroom and walk-in wardrobe.
ELE|NA Ayur Spa
The ELE|NA Ayur Spa is the resort's wellness facility. Under the Lobi Plan all-inclusive, certain spa treatments are included. Review data shows wellness as one of the most consistently positive topics among recent guests.
Four distinct food and drink venues
Ylang Ylang handles all-day dining with interactive food counters and a courtyard bar. Gaadiya 17 is a beach food truck focusing on farm-raised and wild proteins — Kobe tataki, wild Maldivian lobster, Angus striploin. The Swing Bar faces the lagoon with hammocks, swings, and afternoon snacks.
Adults-only private island
The island has no access for day visitors from other properties. With 68 villas and an adults-only policy, the feel is deliberately contained. The speedboat from Velana Airport takes roughly 15 minutes, so the sense of arrival is quick without being abrupt.
Rooms & suites
Beach Vill with Pool
62 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Entire villa
- Private pool
- Sea view
- Pool view
- Pool with a view
Water Villa
75 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
- Terrace
Water Villa with Pool
75 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Entire villa
- Private pool
- Sea view
- Pool with a view
- Air conditioning
Experiences on & off the island
Inside OBLU SELECT Lobigili
Amenities at OBLU SELECT Lobigili
Great for your stay
- 3 restaurants
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Spa and wellness centre
- Bath
- View
- Free WiFi
- Adults only
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bidet
- Bath or shower
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
Bedroom
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
- Alarm clock
View
- Sea view
- View
Outdoors
- Sun terrace
- Terrace
- Garden
Kitchen
- Coffee machine
- Electric kettle
Getting there
OBLU SELECT Lobigili is roughly 13 km from Velana International Airport, reached by a speedboat transfer of approximately 15 minutes. The transfer is complimentary under the Lobi Plan all-inclusive; otherwise it is available at extra charge. No domestic flight or seaplane connection is required.
Resort speedboat transfers typically run $100–250 per person round trip, booked through the resort. Confirm the fare when booking.
Service is the standout theme: all 72 service mentions in the review data were positive. Dining scored 42 out of 44 positive mentions — the three restaurants and bar are clearly a strength. The property itself drew 36 positive mentions from 38. Couples and wellness topics both skew strongly positive, consistent with the resort's adults-only positioning.
- Things to do3.8
- Restaurants2.7
- Airport access1.6
Share of positive mentions per theme, from Google reviews.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to OBLU SELECT Lobigili from the airport?
The resort is about 15 minutes northwest of Velana International Airport by speedboat. Under the Lobi Plan all-inclusive, the speedboat transfer is complimentary. A standard airport shuttle is also available at extra charge.
Is the speedboat transfer included in the room rate?
Complimentary transfers are included with the Lobi Plan premium all-inclusive. If you book a room-only or other rate, the airport shuttle is available at an extra charge.
What types of villas are available?
There are three villa types: the SunNest Beach Pool Villa (62 m², beachfront with private pool), the Nest Water Villa (75 m², overwater without pool), and the SunNest Water Pool Villa (75 m², overwater with private pool). All sleep two adults.
What does the all-inclusive Lobi Plan include?
The Lobi Plan covers gourmet dining across all venues including Only BLU, premium beverages, a daily-replenished minibar, inclusions at the ELE|NA Ayur Spa, complimentary snorkelling and watersports, and curated excursions such as sunset cruises and snorkel trips.
What restaurants are on the island?
There are three restaurants and one bar: Only BLU (underwater fine dining, 6.8 m below sea level), Ylang Ylang (all-day world cuisine), Gaadiya 17 (beach food truck with game meats and seafood), and The Swing Bar (lagoon-facing beach bar).
Is there a house reef for snorkelling?
Yes. A house reef sits just off the eastern shore. Snorkelling equipment is available, and under the Lobi Plan, snorkelling is complimentary. The on-site team also runs guided snorkel trips to North Malé Atoll sites.
Can I learn to dive here?
The resort has a PADI- and SSI-certified dive school on site with a multilingual team. It runs introductory and certification courses as well as guided dives. Motorised and non-motorised watersports are also available from the same centre.
Is the resort suitable for families or children?
OBLU SELECT Lobigili is adults-only. All 68 villas are designed for two adults, and the property does not accommodate children.
What spa facilities are available?
The ELE|NA Ayur Spa is the on-island wellness facility. Certain treatments are included under the Lobi Plan all-inclusive. Wellness is one of the most positively reviewed topics among recent guests.
What dietary options does the resort cater for?
Ylang Ylang and the wider dining programme cover continental, American, vegetarian, halal, gluten-free, and buffet formats. Themed dinner nights and live entertainment are also part of the on-island programme.
When did the resort open?
OBLU SELECT Lobigili opened on 24 March 2022, making it one of the newer properties in the North Malé Atoll area.
What are the room rates?
Rates start from USD 764.50 per night for the SunNest Beach Pool Villa and from USD 786.50 for the Nest Water Villa. The SunNest Water Pool Villa starts from USD 1,001 per night. Prices vary by season and rate plan.