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Finolhu takes fitness in Maldives to next level with UFC GYM partnership
Finolhu Maldives has partnered with the renowned UFC GYM, the elite fitness concept from global phenomenon Ultimate Fighting Championship.
In an announcement, the retro-cool contender Finolhu said a UFC GYM Master Trainer is based at The Cove Club, offering a blend of traditional workout facilities and mixed martial arts to enhance the fitness levels of guests with a variety of personal training and group classes.
According to Finolhu, Geneviève Soszynski, a UFC GYM Master Trainer with over 20 years’ experience in the fitness industry, will be based at Finolhu for six months from October 1 to offer a diversity of personal training and group classes, including Daily Ultimate Trainings (DUT), Fight Fit, UFC Fit, Boxing and Striking Conditioning, MMATRX and TRX, and Triggerpoint Movement.
Soszynski is an experienced MMA practitioner, including Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu and Wrestling as well as a former coach and student at Team Quest under MMA and UFC fight veteran Dan Henderson and at Reign Training Centre under UFC fighter Mark Munoz. She has helped hundreds of individuals, including MMA athletes, achieve their fitness goals in weight loss and muscle gain with specialised training in rehabilitative and preventative care as an experienced remedial message therapist and therapy aide.
Finolhu’s retro revival hub, The Cove Club, features indoor and outdoor gym areas with the latest state-of-the-art gym equipment overlooking both ‘Palm Beach’ and the island’s beautiful lagoon. Guests can meet with either the resident fitness instructor or the UFC GYM Master Trainer who will provide expert fitness and wellness advice to guide them through achieving their fitness goals and help them to train differently.
Harnessing the island’s natural environment is the inspiration for fitness activities at The Cove Club, from yoga and paddle boarding to ballet and kickboxing, while the facilities also include a movement pavilion, a relaxation area overlooking the sunset, steam/sauna, a wellness areas, a salon and retail pavilion.
UFC, the popular mixed martial arts association, launched its first chain of gyms in 2009, offering a range of workout classes and training programs for all ages. UFC GYM is a community of people focused on bettering themselves through disciplined training and a variety of classes that get results. The UFC GYM team aspires to instil confidence in members so that they can accomplish their goals in and outside of the octagon. Whether someone is looking to train like a champion or learn a new skill, UFC GYM is a safe community where everyone can come together to sweat, achieve goals and train different.
Just 30 minutes by speedboat from sister resort Amilla Fushi, Finolhu is a stylish and eclectic retreat with a buzzy bon-vivant vibe and 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. Finolhu’s 125 villas come on the ocean, the lagoon or by the beach, with or without pool in either one or two bedroom options being the ultimate island experience for chic couples, fun-loving families and gatherings of friends alike.
Located in the UNESCO world biosphere of Baa Atoll, both resorts can be reached by either seaplane in just 30 minutes from the main Velana International Airport or by a 20-minute flight to Dharavandhoo Domestic Airport in Baa Atoll followed by a short speedboat ride.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
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