Inside the World’s Hottest New Hotel: Photos Show Tripadvisor No. 1 in the Maldives is a shipwrecked paradise

One of the world’s most popular holiday destinations is now positively buzzing with temptation – thanks to a sensational new hotel.

As we recently reported, Oblu Select Lobigili in the Maldives, adults only, was crowned No. 1 in the ‘Hottest New Hotels’ category in the 2023 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, analyzing reviews from 1.5 million properties.

Tripadvisor says the 68-villa resort has a “secluded, forlorn feel,” and these eye-catching photos certainly show that this is just the ticket for a Robinson Crusoe-style paradise getaway.

Wanderlust-inducing visuals reveal dreamy villas perched above turquoise waters, grand elegant rooms with panoramic views, private pools that look directly out onto the ocean, pristine white-sand beaches, and hammocks swinging under the shade of palm trees.

If that wasn’t enough, the five-star resort tempts guests with romantic scenarios that include floating breakfasts, private beachfront movie nights with champagne, and dinners at the archipelago’s largest underwater restaurant.

Tripadvisor says the 68-villa resort has a “secluded, castaway feel,” and these striking photos certainly show us why

The five-star resort tempts guests with romantic scenarios, including dinners at the country’s largest underwater ocean restaurant

Other scenarios include floating breakfasts and private beachside movie nights with champagne

Features and facilities also include a cocktail bar with live band performances, a spa, gym, and a one-of-a-kind food truck restaurant – ‘a feel-good under-the-sky, casual beachside experience’.

In the Maldivian language of Dhivehi, ‘lobi’ means love and ‘gili’ means island – and so far guests have fallen in love with this ‘island of love’.

Since opening on March 24, 2022, it has accumulated nearly 1,000 five-star reviews, with guests describing it as “absolutely spectacular” and “the best vacation ever.”

‘From the moment we set foot on the beautiful ‘island of love’ we were given the ‘royal treatment’. We were made to feel so welcome and looked after by the wonderful staff with friendly smiles all around,’ one reviewer noted.

The resort benefits from pristine white sand beaches where hammocks swing in the shade of palm trees

Water Treat: Guests can also relax by pools that directly overlook the ocean

Features and facilities include a cocktail bar with live band performances, spa, gym and unique food truck restaurant – ‘a feel-good under-the-sky, casual beachfront experience’

In the Maldivian language of Dhivehi, ‘lobi’ means love and ‘gili’ means island

So far, guests have fallen in love with this ‘love island’

Since opening on March 24, 2022, the hotel has received nearly 1,000 five-star reviews

Another said: ‘Incredible. Simply unbelievable. Accommodation and resort are like a postcard.’

The island resortof hospitality company Atmosphere Core, is just a 15-minute free speedboat ride from Malé International Airport.

Room prices in 2023 start from around £600 and go up to around £1,200 for a top villa.

Wanderlust-inducing images reveal dreamy villas perched above turquoise waters and grand elegant rooms with panoramic views

Guests describe it as ‘absolutely spectacular’ and ‘the best vacation ever’

A Tripadvisor user said, “Incredible. Simply unbelievable. Accommodation and resort are like a postcard’

The island resort is just a 15-minute free speedboat ride from Male International Airport

‘From the moment we set foot on the beautiful ‘island of love’ we were given the ‘royal treatment’. We felt so welcome and cared for by the wonderful staff with friendly smiles everywhere,’ commented one reviewer