OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi is The Final Stop For The First Traveller To Visit Every Nation Without Flying

OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi 

OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi was chosen as the final destination for Torbjorn C. Pedersen (Thor), a Danish traveller and explorer who has become the first individual to visit every single country in the globe without using air travel – and in a single, uninterrupted journey that has spanned 10 years.

Thor's Once Upon A Saga endeavour began in 2013 in Denmark and has since carried him by vehicle, bus, train, ferry, and even on foot throughout Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific. He arrived in Male, the capital of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean, aboard a container ship in order to reach his final country of 203, after which he will return to Denmark without travelling.

"Once Upon A Saga has been the greatest adventure. In spite of this, I am elated that it has been effectively concluded, and I am also completely fatigued. Because no one had ever done it before, I set out to travel to every country in the world without flying. I previously worked in logistics and figured it would be an enjoyable opportunity to utilise my experience. I enjoy a challenge, but I can confidently say that this has been the greatest logistical obstacle I've ever encountered." says Thor.

Due to visa issues, political unrest, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which kept him in Hong Kong for two years when there were only a few countries left to visit, Thor's journey ended up lasting much longer than he had anticipated.

He wed his long-term fiancée Le, who has visited the project 26 times, in Hong Kong; she is now in the Maldives to greet him.

OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, a resort operated by the hospitality company Atmosphere Core, hosted the Danish traveller and his closest supporters for the occasion. OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi is an easily accessible, vibrant island retreat with energising activities, whimsical design, and the ultimate Fushi PlanTM that creates a free-spirited Maldivian vacation experience for the modern traveller – whether they are families, couples, or companions.

"I am extremely grateful to everyone who has helped me in any way throughout this journey, including my family, friends, strangers who became friends, contributors, and companies like OBLU XPERIENCE. The final destination is Ailafushi, and most importantly, my wife Le."

Thor intends to use the initiative to promote international harmony, understanding, and cultural exchange and to display the world's grandeur and diversity.

Through his work with the international Red Cross, he has also worked to raise awareness of global issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.Once Upon a Saga was funded through a combination of Thor's personal funds, sponsorship from energy companies Ross Energy and GEOOP, and crowdfunding. A.P. Moller-Maersk, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Swire Shipping, Blue Water Shipping, Neptune Shipping Agency, Pacific International Lines, Royal Arctic Line, and Columbia Ship management have supported him.

Regarding COLOURS OF OBLU

Atmosphere Core's brand COLOURS OF OBLU is an experience collective that reawakens the senses, restores equilibrium, and bestows a lifetime of memories. The brand curates diverse and bountiful experiences suitable for groups, couples, and families alike. 

Four vibrant resorts are available to visitors: OBLU SELECT Lobigili, an adults-only five-star resort, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, a serene five-star resort, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by Sentido, a divers' sanctuary, and OBLU Xperience Ailafushi, a freewheeling four-star resort.

Regarding Atmosphere Core

Atmosphere Core, on behalf of Atmosphere Core Private Limited, provides world-class hospitality influenced by the 'Joy Of Giving' philosophy. Atmosphere Core operates eight resorts in the Maldives under a portfolio of strong brands that includes THE OZEN COLLECTION, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, and COLOURS OF OBLU. 

With three THE OZEN COLLECTION properties in the pipeline, the company is poised for significant growth in South Asia.

In India, OZEN MANSION KOLKATA will open in the first quarter of 2024, followed by OZEN PRIVÉ ATHIRI GILI in the fourth quarter of 2024 and OZEN SECLUDED TANGALLE in Sri Lanka.