Featured
Seaside Finolhu Maldives kicks off exciting transformation project
Maldives’ luxury island resort Seaside Finolhu on Tuesday announced its temporary closure to bring forward its anticipated transformation project.
The resort is set to complete its major upgrade and begin welcoming guests in July.
This keenly anticipated transformation will cover guest villas, restaurants, public areas and a state-of-the-art indoor golf studio. Aiming to modernise the property and its facilities, Finolhu will be developing a distinctive barefoot chic atmosphere that combines Maldivian-inspired touches with ultra-luxury modernity.
“Our passion and cordiality as hosts is to bring the finest guest experience. We see the importance of offering spaces that make people feel elegant and cherished, along with providing exceptional hospitality,” Marc Reader, Seaside Finolhu’s General Manager, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
“This transformation project is perfectly in line with our vision to be a design-driven resort that appeals to international high-end affluent travellers. We’re excited to see the anticipated innovative developments during the first half of the year.”

Finolhu recently earned it place as the first and only resort in the Maldives to be included in Design Hotels’ prestigious international portfolio. The transformation is a key milestone for the resort as it successfully meets the Design Hotels’ criteria of embodying quality, style, and holistic hospitality concepts.
With award-winning London-based design studio Muza Lab in charge of the resort’s redesign, Finolhu’s new look will embody a mesmerising mélange of colours and symmetrical patterns that complement the luxury island resort’s pristine natural beauty in a stunning representation of joy, wonder and a feeling of escaping time.
Muza Lab’s co-founder Nathan Hutchins shared their vision of the resort’s new concept: “Our new design direction focuses on the lens of the ‘Kaleidoscope’; the changing colours, patterns and textures representing moments of discovery, wonder and delight”.
Throughout the resort, vibrant pops of colour are incorporated and distinct areas are assigned to a unique colour spectrum.
Further elaborating the planned improvements, Muza Lab’s co-founder Inge Moore explained: “This playful alternation of patterns, geometry and colours is what guests will now experience when they visit Finolhu. They will be surprised and will marvel at what they see. Artisans from all over the world have created special works for the resort. Artistic tiles from Turkey, chandeliers and wickerwork from South Africa and wooden craftwork from Java transform the villas, bars & restaurants, the fitness room and, last but not least, the Oceaneers kids club into an exotic playground.”

In line with the resort upgrades, Finolhu will also introduce the new names and concepts for its four restaurants and spa.
Operated by the German luxury hotel chain Seaside Collection, the resort’s new developments in design, architecture and branding are set to align with the Seaside Collections’ brand introducing Finolhu as a new market leader in the Maldives.
Further updates on the resort’s transformation will be posted on Seaside Finolhu’s official Facebook page. The resort also encourages its valued guests to continue sharing their memorable #SeasideFinolhu stories on social media.
Translated as “sandbank”, Finolhu is one of the finest island resorts located in the UNESCO-protected Baa atoll, comprising of 125 stylish beach and overwater villas, four beachside restaurants, fully-equipped spa and wellness facilities, and the first Beach Bubble in the Maldives.
Featured
Reethi Faru Resort reveals festive line-up of dining, entertainment and island experiences
Reethi Faru Resort has welcomed the festive season with its annual Fruit Mixing Ceremony, marking the beginning of a programme of celebrations, activities and experiences for guests visiting the resort during the Christmas and New Year period.
The resort has prepared a series of festive events and activities catering to guests of different ages and interests. Families will have the opportunity to participate in Christmas tree decorating, creative workshops and gingerbread house making, while couples can enjoy evening walks along beaches decorated with festive lights.
The festive programme will include a Christmas dinner and a New Year’s Eve gala, followed by a DJ party to welcome 2027. Guests will also be able to participate in coral planting activities alongside a marine biologist, providing an opportunity to learn about the island’s marine ecosystem and contribute to conservation efforts.
For guests seeking relaxation, the resort will offer yoga sessions and spa treatments, while those interested in outdoor activities can participate in water sports, island excursions, sports challenges and PADI diving experiences conducted by certified instructors.
Other events scheduled during the festive period include Reethi Faru Resort’s anniversary celebration, a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the arrival of Santa Claus. The programme will also feature live music, Maldivian cultural performances, outdoor movie nights and a selection of dining experiences.
According to the resort, the festive programme has been designed to bring together traditional Christmas and New Year celebrations with activities that highlight the Maldives’ natural environment and cultural heritage.
Through its combination of festive events, recreational activities, marine conservation initiatives and dining experiences, Reethi Faru Resort aims to provide guests with opportunities to celebrate the holiday season while experiencing island life in the Maldives.
Awards
Condé Nast Traveler names .Here Baa Atoll among Indian Ocean’s top resorts
.Here Baa Atoll, a private island retreat in the Maldives, has been named the No. 6 Resort in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.
The annual Readers’ Choice Awards recognise hotels, resorts, destinations, airlines and other travel experiences based on votes submitted by Condé Nast Traveler readers.
The recognition places .Here Baa Atoll among the highest-ranked resorts in the Indian Ocean and comes during a milestone year for the property.
Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll comprises nine residences spread across two natural islands, Somewhere and Nowhere.
Somewhere features seven three- and four-bedroom residences extending from the beach towards the lagoon and designed for families and groups travelling together. Each residence offers indoor and outdoor living spaces, multiple pools, private dining and personalised Roohu service. Guests are transferred directly to their residence by private speedboat, avoiding a conventional lobby and check-in process.
Condé Nast Traveler has previously highlighted the resort for its emphasis on privacy, its beach-to-lagoon residences and its discreet approach to luxury.
The resort experience also includes Nowhere Private Island, which is reserved exclusively for a single group at a time. The island features a five-bedroom Presidential Residence and a three-bedroom Lagoon Residence, providing eight bedrooms and 3,329 square metres of private living space, supported by dedicated service and individually curated experiences.
The Readers’ Choice Award follows several other recognitions received by .Here Baa Atoll during 2026. The resort was included in the Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2026, with the publication highlighting its residences and design. It has also received international recognition for its architecture and design, alongside creative collaborators Kulör Group, Muza Lab and Topo Design Studio.
Elina Adiyan, Resident Manager of .Here Baa Atoll, said: “To be recognised by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler so early in our journey is incredibly meaningful. .Here was created around a simple idea: to give guests extraordinary space, genuine privacy and the freedom to experience the Maldives entirely on their own terms. This recognition belongs equally to our team, whose care and dedication bring that vision to life every day. We are deeply grateful to everyone who voted for us.”
The latest recognition adds to .Here Baa Atoll’s growing international profile within the luxury travel sector, with the resort positioning privacy, spacious accommodation, design and personalised service at the centre of its guest experience.
Awards
Reethi Faru Resort celebrates culinary team’s success at Hotel Asia and FHAM
Reethi Faru Resort has announced three medal wins by members of its culinary team at the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge and the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge.
At the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge, Chef Rohit Kabdal received a Gold Medal in the Decorated Cake category, recognising his work in cake design, presentation and technical execution.
Chef Abhishek Sharma also represented Reethi Faru Resort at the competition, earning a Bronze Medal in the Hot Cooking Fish category.
At the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge, Chef Mayank Bijalwan secured a Silver Medal in the Dress the Cake category, adding a third medal to the resort’s recent culinary achievements.
The results highlight the range of skills within Reethi Faru Resort’s culinary team, spanning pastry, cake presentation and hot kitchen techniques.
According to the resort, participation in professional culinary competitions provides its chefs with opportunities to develop their skills, exchange knowledge and test their abilities alongside other industry professionals.
The achievements also form part of Reethi Faru Resort’s wider focus on dining and guest experience, with its culinary team involved across the resort’s restaurants and food and beverage offerings.
Reethi Faru Resort congratulated Kabdal, Bijalwan and Sharma on their respective achievements, describing the results as recognition of their commitment, technical ability and creativity.
The three medals add to the resort’s recent culinary accolades and reflect its continued emphasis on professional development within its kitchen team.
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