Atmosphere Core Resorts Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards

The Maldives continues to dazzle the global travel scene, with some of its most luxurious island resorts earning top recognition in the 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards. Leading the charge, Atmosphere Core, a celebrated hospitality brand known for its immersive island experiences and heartfelt service, proudly claims accolades across its three distinct sub-brands: Colours of OBLU, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, and THE OZEN COLLECTION. These awards reaffirm the Maldives’ status as a premier destination for refined leisure, sustainable tourism, and authentic tropical charm.

COLOURS OF OBLU: Exceptional Experiences Meet Vibrant Island Life

OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO claimed one of the highest distinctions in the awards, the Best of the Best title, placing it among the top 1% of hotels worldwide. Nestled in the North Malé Atoll, this coral-fringed island captivates guests with its thriving house reef and top-tier diving and snorkelling. After a recent revamp, the resort introduced elegant overwater villas, family-friendly accommodations, and new culinary experiences, further elevating its barefoot luxury appeal.

In addition, OBLU SELECT Sangeli also strengthened the brand’s prestige by earning a place among the top 10% of global hotels. Located in the northwestern reaches of Malé Atoll, Sangeli has emerged as a go-to choice for both romantic retreats and lively family holidays. The resort offers separate zones for adults and families, dynamic poolside entertainment, and strong sustainability initiatives, including a coral conservation garden and a live underwater camera, all of which capture the energy of modern Maldivian hospitality with an eco-conscious soul.

Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts: Premium All-Inclusive Excellence

Under the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts banner, three resorts captured top accolades, showcasing the group’s consistent delivery of outstanding guest satisfaction and thoughtful innovation.

Firstly, VARU by Atmosphere, perched on the north-western edge of Malé Atoll, secured a Best of the Best award and earned its place among the top 1% of hotels globally. The resort distinguishes itself with a signature blend of contemporary architecture, tropical design, and seamless island living. It enhances the luxury escape with immersive cultural experiences and curated events, including an upcoming wine-tasting partnership with South Africa’s Glenelly Estate.

Similarly, Atmosphere Kanifushi earned equal prestige by also joining the world’s top 1%, further cementing its legacy as one of the Maldives’ first premium all-inclusive resorts. The property delights guests with expansive beachfront villas, the award-winning vegetarian fine-dining restaurant Just Veg, and a vibrant mix of water sports and relaxation. This island retreat embodies soulful indulgence alongside heartfelt hospitality.

Meanwhile, RAAYA by Atmosphere, the group’s newest gem, made a powerful debut by ranking among the top 10% of hotels worldwide. Located on an unspoiled island in Raa Atoll, RAAYA redefines modern escapism through nature-inspired design and carefully curated guest experiences. In August, the resort will host exclusive wine events, treating guests to a taste of Stellenbosch under the Maldivian stars, all included in the signature RAAYA Plan™.

THE OZEN COLLECTION: Elevated Indulgence and Sustainable Sophistication

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, located in South Malé Atoll, has earned a place among the top 1% of global hotels with a prestigious Best of the Best award for 2025. Showcasing the essence of modern Maldivian luxury, the resort’s all-encompassing INDULGENCE™ Plan features premium spirits, curated wine tastings, and world-class dining across seven restaurants, including the iconic underwater venue M6m. Its commitment to wellness and sustainability shines through overwater spa treatments at ELE|NA Elements of Nature, a pioneering hydroponic garden, coral conservation programmes, and guided diving expeditions led by certified marine biologists. With Michelin-level cuisine and personalised wellness experiences, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO continues to captivate both luxury travellers and eco-conscious guests.

Redefining the Future of Maldivian Travel

These multiple recognitions across the Atmosphere Core resorts portfolio highlight a consistent theme: the brand actively shapes excellence through guest-centric innovation, cultural immersion, and environmental care. From vibrant family getaways and oceanfront romance to gastronomic adventures and marine exploration, each resort tells a distinct story rooted in its location, concept, and values.

As traveller preferences shift toward authentic, personalised, and sustainable experiences, Atmosphere Core continues to lead the evolution of Maldivian hospitality. By blending traditional charm with contemporary luxury, the brand reimagines how the world experiences the Maldives.

Nestled at the southern edge of the Maldives, where the turquoise waters of Addu Atoll stretch deep into the Indian Ocean, Canareef Resort Maldives quietly evolves. This change doesn’t come from flashy renovations or new facilities. It’s driven by people. Those shaping the resort from the inside out. Meet Deepak Kannan and Shirhaan Sodig. Deepak, focusing on people and culture, and Shirhaan, managing technology and systems, play key roles in defining what it means to run a modern resort in the Maldives.

Deepak Kannan: The People-First Leader Building Culture from the Inside Out

He began his hospitality career in 2000 at the front desk of Radisson Hotels. Over 25 years, he built an impressive resume across the Middle East, including the iconic Burj Al Arab by Jumeirah and several IHG Crowne Plaza properties in the UAE and Oman.

He rose from Front Office Shift Leader to Front Office Manager with IHG, sharpening his skills in operations and guest relations. Later, Deepak stepped into leadership roles as Hotel Manager and General Manager at well-known hotels such as Bin Majid Hotels and Resorts in Ras Al Khaimah, Excelsior Downtown Dubai, and Platinum Coast Hotel in Fujairah.

Moreover, In 2021, Deepak expanded his expertise by consulting for a major convention center in Chennai, India, where he set up their rooms division and operational systems. This experience highlights his versatile and strategic approach.

At Canareef, where he serves as Assistant General Manager, Deepak focuses on more than management. He builds a culture centered on teamwork and empowerment. He explains it simply:
“To achieve a one vision, one team spirit and a strong people-centric culture that will empower the talent we have into shaping Canareef to be the most desired resort destination in the region.“

His leadership already makes a difference. The team works closely together, supporting each other to deliver guest experiences that linger long after the stay. For Deepak, hospitality means focusing on people first.

Shirhaan Sodig: The Tech Expert Keeping Things Running Smoothly

Behind the scenes at Canareef, few guests know the name Shirhaan Sodig, but his work touches nearly every part of their stay. From reliable Wi-Fi to IPTV entertainment, Shirhaan’s IT expertise ensures the resort’s technology runs flawlessly.

With over 15 years in IT, Shirhaan’s background includes fiber optic networks, IPTV, CCTV, telephone systems, and vital hospitality software like Opera PMS and Micros POS. He started his career as an Assistant Computer Technician at the Secretariat of Addu City Council, where he built a solid foundation managing complex networks.

For Shirhaan, technology goes beyond hardware — it reflects a mindset. He shares:
“I believe there’s no such thing as impossible when you combine the right mindset with the right technology. In hospitality, every challenge is an opportunity to innovate, and that’s what drives me —using technology to quietly enhance guest experiences and empower teams to perform at their best.”

Before joining Canareef as IT Manager, Shirhaan developed his skills at South Palm Resort Maldives, serving as Assistant IT Manager and IT Manager. At Canareef, he led a major upgrade by implementing a resort-wide Fiber To The Home (FTTH) network, dramatically improving internet speed and reliability. He also created a custom IPTV app to enhance guest entertainment options.

Beyond Canareef, Shirhaan contributes as a visiting lecturer at Maldives National University, training future IT professionals. His qualifications include certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, CCENT, and a degree in Information Technology, blending academic knowledge with practical expertise.

Where Vision Meets Technology and Hospitality Flourishes

Canareef Resort Maldives offers a picture-perfect destination, but in today’s competitive market, beauty alone does not suffice. Travelers expect more: seamless technology, thoughtful service, and genuine hospitality.

That is exactly what Deepak and Shirhaan provide. Deepak shapes the resort’s culture and people, while Shirhaan ensures the technology supports that vision behind the scenes. Their combined efforts might not look flashy, but they build a foundation designed to last.

So when guests visit Canareef Resort, they get more than just palm trees and ocean views. They experience a resort powered by purpose, a team committed to making every stay truly memorable.

Atmosphere Core Resorts Celebrate Top Honours in 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards

COLOURS OF OBLU: Exceptional Experiences Meet Vibrant Island Life

Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts: Premium All-Inclusive Excellence

THE OZEN COLLECTION: Elevated Indulgence and Sustainable Sophistication

Redefining the Future of Maldivian Travel

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