The Maldives is synonymous with romance: whether it’s a passionate experience with your partner, romance with nature: underwater world, palm-fringed beaches and clear starry skies, or whether it is flirting with unrivalled luxury. The Maldives remains a great choice for a holiday of a lifetime.
If you are looking to begin 2020 with a loved-up getaway that will set the tone for the decade to come, might we suggest an escapade to the UNESCO protected islands of Baa Atoll? A Maldivian paradise, the islands are surrounded by breathtaking corals, exotic marine life and azure waters for as far as the eye can see. Nestled in this sanctuary, amid the palm-fringed sandy beaches, is the Seaside Finolhu Resort.
Why Seaside Finolhu?
Built in 2016, the award-winning resort was taken over by the Seaside Hotels in May 2019. It became the first resort in the Maldives under German management guided by a uniquely European-style hotel philosophy. With unparalleled experiences in the lap of luxury, the resort is a modern and contemporary playground, rendering it one-of-a-kind in this spectacular region. Inspired by the surrounding shades of classic blue, tropical greens, sunset corals and sandy whites, the kaleidoscopic style of architecture and its endless offerings will stimulate and enchant each guest in a distinct way.
Seaside Finolhu
Seaside Finolhu in Dhivehi, the local language, means sandbank. Comprising of four islands, the resort spreads across 2.5 kilometres, giving you vast sandy spaces to explore. Whether it is a walk to watch the flaming sunset over the azure waters, savouring a cup of coffee while watching the sunrise to the sound of waves lapping the shore or leisurely lazing against the white sand as you watch the dolphins dance away, Seaside Finolhu is a paradise that will help you relax and unwind.
An aerial view of the island reveals a lagoon surrounded by the island’s sandy shores. The water enclosed is shallow and is the perfect playground for children and adults alike, to indulge in safe water sports such as kite surfing, jet skiing, stand-up paddling, windsurfing and catamaran sailing. You can also enjoy snorkelling for a glimpse of the lush underwater world. Child-friendly, you can rekindle the romance, with your children occupied and entertained.
Seaside Finolhu
The Luxury Villas
Seaside Finolhu
The resort comprises of a whopping 125 villas for you to choose from. These luxury villas are either by the beach, giving you direct access, while some have their own private pool for those sensual nighttime swims under the stars. While they all have special characteristics that set them apart, what they have in common is luxury: of comforts, of space and of privacy, for an unforgettable experience.
The water villas
Seaside Finolhu
The Water Pool Villas offer an expansive sun deck, an eight metre-long pool, and direct access to the lagoon. While the Lagoon Villas and Ocean Pool Villas are perfect for families or couples looking to escape, the Two-bedroom Water Villa and the Rockstar Villa equipped with a private wine cellar offers space for larger groups.
Beach villas
Seaside Finolhu
You can wake up to the views of a private garden with the turquoise waters just beyond it at the Beach Villas. The Beach Villa, Private Pool Villa, and Two-bedroom Beach Villa with pool are equipped with a bathtub opening onto an outdoor shower. The patio creates a sense of seclusion, ideal for lounging in the sun or stargazing after dusk.
The Highlight: Spend A Romantic Starry Night
For a unique, inimitable, one-of-a-kind, private and romantic experience, Seaside Finolhu introduces The Beach Bubble: a transparent inflatable bubble that offers the luxurious comfort of a hotel suite but with seclusion like none other. The first of its kind in the archipelago, it is located in a secluded spot along Finolhu’s famous Crab Shack sandbank, away from the buzz of the island’s social hub, Beach Club.
Incredibly romantic and super exclusive, the one-night-only ‘Dream Eclipse’ experience allows you to reconnect with each other and with nature. Here, you can enjoy unparalleled privacy under a blanket of stars, with the Milky Way painting a beautiful painting in the sky.
Seaside Finolhu
A short traditional Maldivian Dhoni ride will take you from the main island to the Crab Shack. Post a short sunset stroll, you will be escorted to their own private Beach Bubble hideaway. Here, you will be served a private BBQ with a Maldivian twist before retreating into the cosy private bubble for an unforgettable night under a blanket of endless stars. On waking from this dreamlike experience, you can witness an incredible sunrise, followed by breakfast on the beach.
Seaside Finolhu
Conceived and custom-designed by leading Spanish design firm Eye In the Sky, The Beach Bubble provides a UV-protected, fully waterproof, climate-controlled cocoon that offers a unique experience. The interiors feature custom-fitted wooden floors and bespoke furnishings, and a separate adjoining bubble bathroom.
Seaside Finolhu
Dining
Seaside Finolhu
Each restaurant at Seaside Finolhu offers a kaleidoscope of tastes and textures that takes foodies on a culinary journey. Choose from Baa Baa Beach Diner for regional specialities, Kanusan for a romantic Japanese meal with your partner, BaaHaa Grill for culinary delights from North Africa, and Crab Shack to enjoy the best of island life.
Giving Back
The resort is committed to protecting the reefs and marine life in the atoll, in line with UNESCO requirements. Their marine biologist works tirelessly on a coral restoration programme to assist the underwater life around the island thrive. They also actively partner with the live Ridley Project and Manta Trust to ensure the animals that make the Baa Atoll a biosphere reserve are celebrated and protected. The resort has also partnered with Parley for the Oceans to segregate and recycle all the plastic waste into useful items and safeguard the ocean.
Getting There
The resort is a 30-minute seaplane-flight from Male International Airport or you can take a domestic flight to Dharavandhoo Airport followed by a 20-minute boat ride.
Best Time To Visit
Between November and April.
Featured Image: Seaside Finolhu Resort
