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The Small Maldive Island Co. launches Finolhu: a revival of classic beach chic

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Finolhu

Maldives.net.mv – A stylish and eclectic retreat with a buzzy bon-vivant vibe, Finolhu, opening in June 2016, will be a refreshing, retro-inspired burst of fun for the region, bringing toes-in-the-sand relaxation to fun-loving beach-erati alongside the best DJs, live acts and most fabulously chic parties in the Maldives.

Having shaken up the hospitality scene in the Maldives with the launch of Amilla Fushi, which into its second year is pulling in an elite cult following amongst the cognoscenti, the Small Maldives Island Co. are continuing to make waves with their second venture.

Taking an unexpected cue from the halcyon days of the classic glamorous getaway, Finolhu recalls the heady allure of vintage beach vacations with its classic design, retro touches and laid-back ambiance. Set within the UNESCO biosphere reserve of Baa Atoll (served by the new Baa Atoll airport or accessible via a 30-minutes seaplane ride from Malé) Finolhu has all the hallmarks of paradise. Translucent waters, 1.8km long whitesand bank and perma-clear skies aside, what really sets it apart from its Maldivian competitors is its effortlessly stylish surrounds and beach clubby-ness.

The ultimate island experience for chic couples, fun-loving families and groups of friends alike, Finolhu’s 125 villas come on the ocean, the lagoon or by the beach, with or without pool, and are outfitted with Instagramworthy interiors and vintage-style Marshall speakers, while bathrooms and spa facilities are stocked with all natural, organic products from Neal’s Yard Remedies.

Finolhu

SPLASH AND PLAY

For power junkies and action seekers, situated on Palm Beach, Thunderball is home to a variety of water sports, beach games and a cool teens hangout. The Oceaneers Club, close by BAA BAA Beach Club, is ideal for tots to teens, with activities specially created to suit the kids who are on island, rather than a proscribed menu. From sports and games, cooking classes and crafts, and activities in and on the water, Finolhu Oceaneers (kids) won’t be bored – meaning parents can confidently check out of childcare for a few hours. Finolhu’s Marine HUB (i.e. Home of the Underwater Biosphere) hosts epic water activities including diving, snorkeling trips and excursions under the watchful eye of the Marine bio team.

The Cove Club is a happening hub of pastel-coloured beach Divans and a mellow retro revival area where massage, movement and chilling is medicinal – just drop anchor and relax! 10 chandelier-lit treatment Divans – each celebrating an iconic diva of the 60s and 70s- are complimented by a fitness centre, movement pavilion and outdoor ‘Palm Beach gym’. The island’s natural environment is the inspiration for fitness activities at The Cove Club, from capoeira and paddle boarding to ballet and kickboxing, while the facilities will also include a relaxation area overlooking the beach, steam/sauna, wellness areas, salon and retail pavilion.

Finolhu

GRAZE AND GROOVE

Finolhu offers laid-back yet elegant dining options, with the chilled-out Baa Baa Beach Club at its heart. Made for lounging away afternoons, sipping and nibbling from a daybed, Baa Baa is the place to be, day or night. Whether poolside or on the beach, the day starts with a leisurely long breakfast, grazing from the live cooking stations; all day tunes are the backdrop for cocktails created by world-class mixologists behind the decks and the bar.

For those who like their food with a side of fun, the Fish & Crab Shack is an oasis of rustic chic deliciousness halfway along Finolhu’s stunning 1.8km sandbar, just a swim, stroll or Dhoni ride across the lagoon: lipsmacking buckets of prawns, stunning sharing platters of fresh crab, vegetables and local seafood are served under coconut trees, accompanied by crisp glasses of rosé or crafted cocktails from the beach bar.

Located on the tip of the island with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, Finolhu’s star dining venue Kanusan spans three areas: a vibrant overwater bar area; a relaxed indoor space and an al fresco lower deck for an archetypal Maldivian experience surrounded by the sights and sounds of the sea. An open kitchen puts the cuisine centre stage, embracing the theatricality of Kanusan’s Asian spirit.

Classic favourites of Mandarin roasted duck and Larb Gai are given a refreshing Kanusan twist, while newly created signature dishes include steamed snapper and lobster, black truffle roast duck and sliced blue abalone in Kanusan sauce.

Bringing magical Maghreb flavours to the Maldives, the boutique-style Baahaa Grill restaurant will celebrate the legendary spice blends of pre-Moorish North Africa, where a town’s finest spice sellers were as famous as its rulers. Starting with mezze, this is a spice odyssey of mixes, rubs and marinades from Ras el Hanout to Baharat and Adwiya, where select cuts are spiced and grilled to perfection.

Playtime starts as nightfall draws the crowds to the magnetic two-storey Beach Club Bar. Every night is an invitation to step back in time and discover new fun and games. Nightly foodie showcases are matched with world-class wines – at refreshingly quaffable prices – from the island’s Wine Vault. Cinema Retro screens classic movies and live international sports action; gamers can hit the bar’s old school arcade for classic Pinball or PacMan action; or soak up 180 degree views from the panoramic upstairs bar and viewing lounge. Baa Baa Beach Club keeps things fresh with a nightly, weekly and monthly entertainment and events programme, including the weekly Retro Pool Party, the monthly Full Moon Tribal sandbar party… and, just four times per year, vibe-defining “Finolhu Blhu” events – exclusive one-off extravaganzas featuring appearances from the world’s coolest performers and hottest DJs.

Finolhu’s old-school tuck shop, Milk Bar is tantalisingly located on the corner where The Cove Club, Thunderball on Palm Beach and the tennis courts meet. Treats range from guilt-free wraps, smashed avocado and acai bowls, smoothies, juices, and Bodyism Shakes to carefree ice creams and chocolates, amazing coffees, cool beers and wine by the glass. Milk Bar is also a godsend for holiday ‘essentials’, stocking a seemingly telepathic variety of bathroom amenities, nick nacks and reading material.

Entertainment

QUEENZ OF PIANO to perform at Reethi Faru Resort this festive season

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Reethi Faru Resort has announced that internationally recognised piano duo QUEENZ OF PIANO will perform at the resort as part of its Christmas and New Year celebrations for the 2026/27 festive season.

The duo will present three live performances on 29 December 2026, 31 December 2026 (New Year’s Eve) and 2 January 2027, offering guests a series of musical experiences during the holiday period.

QUEENZ OF PIANO are known for combining classical music with contemporary pop, performing arrangements that bring together compositions from different musical periods and genres.

Their performances reinterpret well-known classical pieces and modern hits, incorporating elements of both musical styles to appeal to audiences of different ages and musical preferences.

The duo’s approach focuses on showcasing the versatility of the piano through arrangements that blend traditional classical techniques with contemporary musical influences.

The performances will form part of Reethi Faru Resort’s festive entertainment programme, providing live musical experiences for guests celebrating Christmas and New Year in the Maldives.

The three scheduled performances will take place during the resort’s year-end celebrations, including a special appearance on New Year’s Eve.

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Featured

Kandooma Maldives unveils ‘Pirates’ Festive Adventure’ for Christmas and New Year

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Kandooma Maldives has announced its Christmas and New Year programme, titled Pirates’ Festive Adventure, featuring festive dining, family activities, marine excursions, live entertainment and wellness experiences.

The programme will run from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, offering a range of activities and celebrations for guests staying at the resort in South Malé Atoll.

The festive programme forms part of Kandooma Maldives’ experience-led all-inclusive offering, which combines dining, recreational activities and marine experiences.

The resort provides round-the-clock dining at Kandooma Café, with meals and snacks available to accommodate international arrival and departure schedules. Eligible certified divers staying for four nights or longer can also participate in daily diving activities as part of the all-inclusive offering.

For families, Kandoo Kids’ Club will organise a series of themed activities throughout the festive period. These will include pirate-themed crafts, treasure-inspired games, creative challenges, festive card-making, gingerbread making and Christmas celebrations.

Younger guests will also have opportunities to participate in Christmas cookie decorating and other seasonal activities, while Santa Claus is scheduled to make an appearance as part of the festivities.

Marine excursions and watersports will feature throughout the programme, with activities including shark snorkelling, shipwreck safaris, turtle-point snorkelling, sunset cruises and night fishing.

Guests will also have opportunities to participate in surfing lessons, guided Jet Ski tours and other watersports activities around the island.

Festive dining will form a central part of the celebrations, with the resort organising a Maldivian-themed buffet dinner accompanied by traditional Bodu Beru drumming and a fire dance performance.

Other dining experiences will include a multi-course Christmas Eve gala dinner, Christmas dining events and special New Year celebrations. The menus will feature a combination of Maldivian cuisine, international dishes and traditional festive offerings.

For guests seeking wellness experiences, Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala will offer a range of treatments, including couples’ spa experiences, a three-day wellness programme and recovery treatments designed for surfers.

The festive programme will continue into January with additional activities at Kandoo Kids’ Club, marine excursions and recreational experiences.

The celebrations will conclude on 7 January 2027 with Orthodox Christmas activities for guests observing the occasion.

Andrew Drummond, General Manager of Kandooma Maldives, said the programme was designed to bring together different aspects of the resort’s guest experience during the festive season.

“Festive holidays are about spending meaningful time together, discovering something new and creating memories that last long after the journey home,” he said.

“Our programme brings together the experiences that make an island holiday special, whether that means an ocean adventure, a celebration around the table, time to relax or a little festive magic for the family.”

Located on a private island in South Malé Atoll, Kandooma Maldives offers accommodation, dining, marine activities and recreational facilities for families, couples and groups of friends.

Guests are advised to review the festive programme for activity schedules, package inclusions and advance-booking requirements. Additional charges apply to selected excursions, watersports and spa treatments.

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Awards

Secret Paradise Maldives Co-Founder recognised for regenerative tourism efforts

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Ruth Franklin, Co-Founder of Secret Paradise Maldives, has received the Regenerative Travel Pioneer Award at the 2026 Inspiring Women in Travel Asia (IWTA) Awards, held at the Conrad Bangkok on 14 October 2026.

The IWTA Awards recognise women contributing to environmental, social and regenerative initiatives across Asia’s travel and tourism industry. The Regenerative Travel Pioneer Award honours individuals whose work places local communities, cultural preservation and environmental conservation at the centre of tourism development.

Franklin co-founded Secret Paradise Maldives in 2012, establishing a tourism business focused on providing visitors with experiences beyond traditional resort holidays. The company promotes interactions between travellers, local communities and the natural environment through locally led tourism activities.

Secret Paradise Maldives works with local businesses, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community groups to support responsible tourism practices and ensure that a greater share of tourism revenue benefits local communities.

Its activities focus on marine conservation, cultural awareness and creating opportunities for Maldivians to share their knowledge, traditions and way of life with international visitors.

Commenting on the recognition, Franklin acknowledged the contributions of the company’s employees, local partners and community organisations.

“I’m incredibly honoured to receive this recognition. While the award may have my name on it, it represents the collective efforts of the entire Secret Paradise team, our local partners and the many NGOs and community members we work alongside.

“Since establishing Secret Paradise, our aim has always been to demonstrate that travel can be a force for good, creating meaningful experiences for visitors while supporting local livelihoods, celebrating Maldivian culture and helping protect the incredible natural environment we are so fortunate to call home. This award is recognition of everyone’s contribution to that journey,” she said.

The award recognises Franklin’s work in promoting community-based tourism in the Maldives and Secret Paradise Maldives’ efforts to integrate environmental conservation, cultural preservation and local economic participation into its tourism operations.

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