Finolhu

This cool island playground shakes things up with a fun and fresh spin on Maldivian luxury.
Finolhu doesn’t play by the traditional Maldivian-luxe rules. It takes the top-notch service and jaw-dropping desert-island setting – in the remote Baa Atoll, known for having the best marine life in the archipelago – and adds a playful twist. It’s quirky; think Instagrammable splashes of retro cool like VW campers parked on the beach, vintage phones for ordering Champagne, pastel-hued spa huts named after musical divas and, new for 2018, a unique ‘beach bubble’ tent on the sandbank. Make no mistake, though – Finolhu is ultra-luxurious, with sleek private villas and five-star dining.

Start your days with long leisurely breakfasts at Baa Baa Beach Diner, and choose from North African flavours at the Baahaa Grill and Asian fine dining at the overwater restaurant, Kanusan. Hands-down, our favourite place to eat on the island is the Fish & Crab Shack. Stroll to the far end of the powder-soft sandbank (the longest in the Maldives) and you’ll find a rustic hut where you can tuck into a bucket of prawns or fresh fish platter, washed down with a crisp glass of wine. At some islands in the Maldives you’ll barely hear a peep after dinner, but this is when Finolhu comes alive. Here, you can raise your voice above a whisper while being entertained by stilt walkers, acrobats and hot-right-now DJs. The island hosts weekly White Parties and there’s even a resident mermaid.

The main bar is the social hub of the resort, with a pool, beach cinema, gamers’ arcade and futuristic rooftop bar, and an extensive activity list includes yoga sessions alongside aquatic adventures from snorkelling to high-octane X Jet Blades. You can even learn how to surf with the help of the island’s expert instructors. Guests can also hop on a speedboat for a half-hour ride to Finolhu’s sister island; the A-list hideaway of Amilla Fushi. Thatched villas have opulent splashes of purple and gold, distressed wood and vintage touches like Marshall sound systems. Beach Villas lead out to a private stretch of sand, or upgrade to an Ocean Pool Villa for the iconic overwater experience – you can often spot dolphins from your deck. If you’re a family or group of friends travelling together, go all-out with the fun-filled Two Bedroom Rock Star Ocean Pool Villa.

All Inclusive

For Families

Honeymoons

Key information
In the unspoilt Baa AtollAirport transfer time:Approx. 30-minute seaplane transfer from Malé airport. Guests can also take a 20-minute domestic flight followed by a 25-minute speedboat ride Rooms:125
Good to know
Minimum stay: 7 nights 27 Dec-03 Jan; 4 nights 20-26 Dec and 04-10 Jan.

Accommodation information
125 beach, lagoon and ocean villas

Activities
• Unwind with free yoga sessions • Try and spot manta rays and whale sharks on a snorkelling safari to Hanifaru Bay* • Go thrillseeking on the lagoon with wakeboards, jet-skis and X Jet Blades* • Go glamping in style with the island’s ‘Eclipse Dream Eclipse’ experience and spend the night in the cool ‘Finolhu Beach Bubble’ tent*.

Dining
4 restaurants, 3 bars, retro tuck shop

What’s included
Breakfast at Baa Baa Beach Diner.

Meal upgrade options (per person per night)
Half Board from £86 • Breakfast and dinner at Baa Baa Beach Diner or Pizza Counter • Set credit at the speciality restaurants (opening times vary)

All Inclusive from £172 • Breakfast, lunch and dinner at Baa Baa Beach Diner or Pizza Counter • Selected drinks (excluding Milk Shake Lab) • 1 x Fish & Crab Shack lunch per stay • 1 x dinner at Kanusan and BaaHaa Grill per stay • Set credit at the speciality restaurants • Soft drinks from the minibar replenished daily

All Inclusive Premium from £215 • All meals at any restaurant • Selected drinks (including Milk Shake Lab) • In-villa minibar replenished daily.