Client Blog: Melissa and Colin’s special place - VARU by Atmosphere in the Maldives

Some people just find their place in the world – and for Melissa and Colin, that place is VARU by Atmosphere in the Maldives. They’ve recently returned from their fifth stay on the island, and as their travel planner (and friend!), it’s been a joy to watch their relationship with this very special resort grow.

VARU by Atmosphere doesn’t just welcome repeat guests – it celebrates them. From the moment they step off the boat, returning couples are treated like family, with thoughtful gestures and heartfelt hospitality at every turn.

As General Manager Mei P Pun said to me:

“At VARU by Atmosphere, we take great pride in welcoming back so many familiar faces. We put great thought and care into creating a genuine sense of belonging from the moment our guests arrive - curating a space where comfort, personal attention and tropical serenity come together to make every stay truly memorable. Guests like Melissa and Colin have become part of our extended family, and their frequent returns are a true testament to the connection they feel with us.”

Here’s what Melissa had to say about why they keep going back...

“Home from home” would be my three-word summary, even the staff say that to us!

We first visited VARU by Atmosphere in February 2020, just a few months after it opened. It was still really quiet back then, but we were made to feel incredibly welcome. We’ve stayed in some lovely places over the years, but there’s something about VARU by Atmosphere that keeps pulling us back. It’s relaxed, unpretentious and warm – not perfect (no hotel is), but it’s our little gem.

This time, we spent 10 nights in a Water Villa with Pool on the VARU Plan – and from the moment we touched down at Malé airport, we felt looked after.

They take your photo there and send it over to the island, so when you arrive, the staff greet you by name and say, “welcome home.” It’s such a thoughtful touch.

Our villa had a bottle of Champagne waiting, plus a fruit platter, canapés, a personal note from the general manager, Mei, and a lovely bed decoration.

Later in the trip, we were treated to a private beach BBQ – a real standout – and Shah, our waiter, even changed his days off to look after us.

We also got bubbles delivered to us by the pool to share with other guests – all of whom asked, “How did you manage that?!”

It’s things like that that make it feel so special.

We were also invited to a private meet-and-greet with canapés and cocktails, chatting with the managers like old friends.

And on our final morning, the head chef gave us a handmade chocolate box to take home. The whole experience is thoughtful without being over the top – they just genuinely care.

And that really comes through in the staff. Our housekeeper, Sami, looked after us on our first few visits and has since been promoted but still pops by to say hello and check we’re OK.

The spa team, the restaurant staff – they all remember us. It feels genuine and warm, not scripted.

We’ve asked for extra sun loungers, specific villa numbers – all sorted without fuss.

This year, our bed was beautifully decorated on our last night, and we were given a parting gift – just one of the many thoughtful touches.

And as bed specialists in our professional lives, we really notice the details: the comfort, the extras, the pillow menu – all brilliant. It’s the kind of personal attention that makes the difference between a great stay and an unforgettable one.

We always request Villa 411 – and have managed to stay in it three out of five times (and were placed just a couple of doors down on the other two). This year, it had a fresh coat of paint, newly refreshed decking, and a spruced-up pool – it looked fab.

Mei is also full of ideas. We trialled new afternoon tea and menu options last year – both now on the menu – and she’s planning a new overwater restaurant and an update to the Nu Bar.

We even mentioned another couple we’d overheard grumbling – the next day, they’d been moved to an overwater villa and were suddenly very happy!

Food-wise, Charcoal is our favourite restaurant – but honestly, they’re all great.

We fly BA Business Class – it’s pricey, but this is our big holiday, and we like to start as we mean to go on (with a glass of fizz in the airport lounge!).

We’ve already booked our sixth visit – New Year’s Eve – and honestly, we can’t wait.

VARU by Atmosphere isn’t trying to be something it’s not. It’s a place where you feel remembered, welcome and genuinely cared for – and that’s rare.

Jo, who’s also family, makes it all seamless; and even if she wasn’t, we’d recommend her to anyone.

Just... don’t tell too many people about our island – it’s nice being under the radar!

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Here’s a taste of what VARU by Atmosphere repeat guests can look forward to, with tiered benefits building the more you return. Melissa and Colin’s fifth stay unlocked some truly special extras, including:

• Exotic fruit platter

• Bed decoration with a “Welcome Back” greeting on arrival

• Bottle of Champagne

• Early check-in/ late check-out (subject to availability)

• Personal welcome note from the General Manager

• Bed decoration with a “See You Again” message on departure

• Canapés on arrival

• In-villa or floating breakfast once during your stay

• Welcome chocolate platter

• Additional speciality dining experience

• VIP arrival experience

• Private BBQ dinner on the beach