The Private Island Playground: The New-look Finolhu returns as the Maldives' Freshest Design Address

Date: 27 October 2020

Following a showstopping kaleidoscope-inspired transformation, five-star Finolhu will reopen on November 1, 2020, as the first member of the Design Hotels in the Maldives. Already known for its playful spirit, the fully refreshed resort will offer casual beach club vibes and an exceptional entertainment programme in one of the Indian Ocean's most stylish settings.

Its name translating as “sandbank”, the naturally beautiful private island of Finolhu was acquired by Germany's Seaside Collection in 2019, and is guided by a distinctively European-style hotel philosophy that embraces the types of carefree, beachside get-togethers that we know from the likes of Ibiza and Mykonos. Pairing European hotspot nostalgia with cool contemporary surroundings on a paradise island, Finolhu is the ultimate hangout for groups of friends as well as couples. Tried, tested and much-loved by the likes of Cara Delevingne and Rita Ora, it provides the perfect setting for once-in-a-lifetime celebrations as well as more relaxing breaks.

For those seeking a more intimate getaway, Finolhu's unique Beach Bubble Tent provides a social-distancing-friendly stay in a fully-furnished transparent dome, located at the end of a one-kilometre-long stretch of beach, which comes with its own Bubble Butler.

Gregor Gerlach, owner and Managing Partner of Seaside Collection says “Each Seaside Collection property celebrates individuality, and Finolhu is no exception. Finolhu's fun and engaging atmosphere is what sets it apart from other resorts and we look forward to welcoming friends, families and couples, to relax, let go and enjoy Finolhu's new and stylish setting, as the first and only member of Member of Design Hotels in the Maldives.”

The transformation was overseen by award-winning London-based design studio, Muza Lab, which has previously designed interiors for brands like Belmond and Ritz Carlton. Founder Inge Moore created a kaleidoscope design concept for Finolhu, taking inspiration from the fragmentation of light on the blue-toned water and the many purple, pink and apricot colours of the sunset,

“In translation, the word 'kaleidoscope' means 'seeing beautiful forms'. This playful alternation of patterns, geometry and colours is what guests will now experience when they visit Finolhu.” says Moore.

Each of the 125 guest villas have been redesigned, embracing the kaleidoscope concept that is featured throughout the resort, characterised by a mesmerising blend of colours and symmetrical patterns that complement the island's natural beauty.

The two spacious two-bedroom Rockstar Villas, which are the most sought-after villas on the island, are bright and colourful, and are perfect for large families or groups of friends. They come equipped with their own private wine cellar, bar and a guest experience host.

The Beach Villas and the new Beach Pool Villas are a great option for those seeking more space and privacy; all of the villas have their own beautifully landscaped gardens, and many have now been upgraded to feature their own private swimming pools.

The newly designed Fehi Spa (Fehi meaning green), consists of 10 treatment rooms, each surrounded by the lush greenery of the island.  Journey back to nature with treatments that use local ingredients, such as coconut oil and coconut milk, which can be found on the spa menu, including Fehi's signature Maldivian Healing Treatment, that involves a coconut oil massage, a warm sand poultice and a coconut milk polish.

Fehi's east-meets-west approach includes a range of holistic treatments, like crystal chakra balancing, Ayurveda treatments and singing bowl massages, which can be found alongside more traditional restorative treatments.

Finolhu's newly appointed Michelin-trained chef, Memo V. Hernandez, will lead Finolhu's culinary experiences across each of the resort's four restaurants, where every table comes with a spectacular view. The culinary team brings an exquisite mix of artisanship, individuality and international flair with fresh produce and ingredients being a key focus behind the cuisine.

Guests are taken on a gastronomic journey with modern Japanese and Asian cuisine at Kanusan; flavours of the Middle East and North Africa at the Arabian Grill; Italian, Asian, Maldivian and fresh seafood dishes at Beach Kitchen; and fresh seafood platters at Crab Shack.

For special occasions, Finolhu offers Destination Dining, a service that allows guests to choose a themed menu, which can be enjoyed in a private setting on the beach.

Finolhu's entertainment and energy is what sets it apart from other resorts, with nightly displays of fire dancing, contortionists and aerial silk acrobatics, as well as regular appearances of world-class DJs.

The Beach Bar is the heart of the resort, bringing European beach club vibes, where laid-back beats and exotic cocktails can be enjoyed throughout the day and late into the evening, and weekly white parties, DJ sets and monthly full-moon parties take place along the sandbank at the Crab Shack. 

Golf-lovers missing the fairway can still practice their swing at the new high-tech Golf Studio. Practice teeing-off or virtually play a full game of golf on more than 50 golf courses from around the world.

The new activity schedule at the Oceaneers Club has been redesigned to ensure activities can be enjoyed whilst keeping mini-guests socially distanced from their island playmates.

Book now: Stay at Finolhu in an overwater Lagoon Villa on a B&B basis from £364 per night. Book online at Finolhu.com.

 OR

Stay six nights at 5* Finolhu, Baa Atoll, Maldives from £2,070pp. Price based on two adults travelling 11-17 December 2020 sharing an overwater Lagoon Villa on a bed & breakfast basis and includes return flights and transfers. virginholidays.co.uk 

Images available to download here.

ENDS