Game, Set & Match

Nestled in the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Seaside Finolhu Maldives is an upscale resort that doubles as a playground for tropical adventures.

IN DHIVEHI, ‘Finolhu’ means sandbank. It is a fitting moniker since the heavenly Seaside Finolhu Maldives features over two kilometres of pristine white-sand beaches spread across four isles. The sandy shores of the main island, Kanufushi, surround a reef-ringed lagoon. This means guests have easy access to sheltered, calm water ideal for water sports such as kite surfing, jet-skiing, stand-up paddling, wind-surfing, and catamaran sailing.

Launched in 2016, Seaside Finolhu Maldives was taken over by Seaside Collection in 2019. In 2020, the resort underwent a major transformation led by the awardwinning London-based design studio Muza Lab. Its new ‘Kaleidoscopic’ design strikes a delicate balance between Maldivian culture, ultra-luxury modernity, and a laidback resort vibe with ample pops of colour and playful patterns. The resort’s 125 villas come in two settings—on the alluring beachfront and over the water. While over half of the villas come with a private pool, each one offers a spacious living area. The pièce de résistance, however, is the Beach Bubble, a unique accommodation that has all the comforts of a hotel suite and a transparent bubble above that immerses you into your surreal surroundings. It lies secluded on a sandbank and can be reached on a traditional dhoni.

The resort’s four beachside restaurants make up a culinary adventure of their own. The fare ranges from traditional Maldivian dishes to modern Japanese cuisine and Middle Eastern flavours. If you’re looking to relax and recharge, the resort’s Fehi Spa, set amid lush gardens, offers a wide range of holistic therapies in its 10 treatment rooms, saunas, a steam room, and a plunge pool.

A recently announced partnership will see international tennis coaching brand LUX Tennis oversee all tennis-related activities at Finolhu. This means that guests can now join one-on-one or group sessions with a professional coach. LUX Tennis will also provide a choice of fun-filled clinics, games, exhibition events, and tournaments on Finolhu’s palm-fringed court. finolhu.com

Seaside Finolhu Maldives offers 125 villas.

Beach Kitchen is located right by the sea and serves themed specialities.

Enjoy cocktails by the pool at Beach Club.