Review: Seaside Finolhu promises an idyllic escape
This 125-villa resort is set in the pristine Baa Atoll and home to the largest sandbank in the Maldives
Location: In the heart of the pristine Baa Atoll – part of the Unesco World Network of Biosphere Reserves – about 30 minutes by seaplane from the Maldivian capital of Malé. Turtles, dolphins, manta rays and whale sharks all call this underwater jewel home, meaning there are abundant opportunities for wildlife encounters.
First impressions: My jaw hits the floor as we zip across the crystal-clear waters of Baa Atoll on Finolhu’s speedboat, the island stretching out before me almost as far as the eye can see. This idyllic place is home to the largest sandbank in the Maldives – and it is truly breathtaking to see it laid out before you. As our boat pulls into the jetty, beaming staff are lined up ready to greet us. My toddler is treated like a little prince as they whisk him away to ‘captain’ a golf buggy for a brief island tour. Kid friendly? Absolutely – and that’s only the start.
The facts: One of only two Maldivian members of Design Hotels (alongside Patina) and owned by German brand Seaside Collection, Finolhu has established itself as a firm favourite among British travellers. The hotel’s design is quirky, trendy and upbeat, with a vivid colour palette aiming to create a kaleidoscopic effect across the island.
Each of the 125 villas is set either directly on the beach or on stilts over the island’s lagoon, with almost 80 boasting private pools. The overwater villas, which account for the majority of Finolhu’s inventory, occupy a jetty almost half a mile long, and stingrays, brightly coloured parrotfish and baby sharks are often seen darting between the stilts. Five restaurants ensure there is plenty of choice on the food front.
Recommend that clients head to Asian fine-dining venue Kanusan for an excellent evening experience, while the delicious Crab Shack is best enjoyed during a long, leisurely lunch. The latter is located at the farthest end of the sandbank and guests are taken there in a traditional dhoni boat. My husband was keen to walk off his indulgence and it took him about 15 minutes to tread the sand in the baking heat back to base.
Other culinary options include Arabian Grill and Beach Club. All-day dining and buffet options are available at Beach Kitchen, while snacks, ice creams and frozen yoghurt (my personal favourite) are on offer at the fun Milk Lab. An Arts Lab, complete with a pottery kiln, and teens’ club opened in December. Nine private villas – offering two, three or five bedrooms – are also scheduled to be introduced in November and will be perfect for multigenerational families seeking a higher level of privacy and seclusion. The spa is perfection – as you’d expect in the Maldives.
Ideal for: Everyone will feel comfortable and fawned over at Finolhu. Whether you’re booking for a solo traveller, couple, family or larger group, this island is the perfect home from home. Those with little kids should make use of the brilliant Oceaneers Club – it will give families peace of mind that the island is made for them. The new Teens Hut will satisfy those between 12 and 17, with gaming zones, a movie lounge, outdoor games area and karaoke machine.
Explore: The range of activities on offer is where Finolhu really stands out. From art classes and tennis and padel courts to a golf simulator and inflatable overwater adventure course, there is something to keep every type of guest busy. But to not dive headfirst into the waters surrounding the island is a missed opportunity. Baa Atoll offers incredible diving and snorkelling, surrounded by turtles bobbing around the nearby reefs. Between May and November, manta rays swim majestically near Hanifaru Bay – the 30-minute speedboat journey to watch them is a must for your clients.
Wow: The sandbank blew my mind, as did the two Rockstar Villas, which are nothing short of epic. Each of these ginormous villas – which are situated next to one another at the end of the jetty – has two bedrooms, as well as a bar and disco ball that make them the perfect place for a party or gathering. Finolhu will always hold a special place in my heart as it was the first place my son went snorkelling. Staff ensured he felt safe and comfortable, and he was buzzing with happiness after seeing turtles in their natural habitat.
Book it: A Lagoon Villa leads in at £1,262 per night.
finolhu.com
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