Featured
Seaside Finolhu to reopen on Oct 1 after major upgrade

Seaside Finolhu is set to reopen its doors to visitors on October 1 after completing its highly anticipated transformation project.
Finolhu suspended its operations in late March due to travel restrictions imposed by the Maldives and countries around the world in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
To make the best use of the downtime, the luxury resort also brought forward its anticipated transformation project.
This keenly anticipated transformation covers guest villas, restaurants, public areas and a state-of-the-art indoor golf studio. Aiming to modernise the property and its facilities, Finolhu is developing a distinctive barefoot chic atmosphere that combines Maldivian-inspired touches with ultra-luxury modernity.
“Seaside Finolhu will reopen to welcome guests from 01 October 2020 onward to continue our ongoing resort transformation, which will feature new aesthetic and functional upgrades in our villas, restaurants, spa and more,” an announcement read.
“We can’t wait to show you the exciting changes of the new #VibrantFinolhu! In the meantime, we invite you to make your bookings from October onward by contacting our reservations team at stay@finolhu.mv.”

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.
“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,” Marc Reader, Seaside Finolhu’s General Manager, had previously said.
With award-winning London-based design studio Muza Lab in charge of the resort’s redesign, Finolhu’s new look embodies 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 align with the Seaside Collections’ brand introducing Finolhu as a new market leader in the Maldives.
Regular updates on the resort’s transformation are being 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
Celebrate love and life in Maldives with Villa Resorts’ summer offer

This summer, Villa Resorts presents an irresistible invitation to the Maldives with its exclusive Summer Indulgence Offer, featuring savings of up to 20% on a luxurious island getaway. From the sleek, nautical charm of Villa Nautica to the adventurous vibe of Villa Park, and the secluded serenity of Royal Island, each resort encapsulates the essence of a perfect tropical escape.
Villa Nautica, just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Malé, captures the elegance of yacht-inspired living with a modern touch. Beachfront and overwater villas—some featuring private plunge pools—open onto expansive ocean vistas, seamlessly blending luxury and nature. Adventure seekers can engage in thrilling water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, or guided coral reef explorations with PADI-certified divers. At sunset, the Araamu Spa offers a tranquil sanctuary with treatments rooted in ancient wellness traditions designed to rejuvenate both body and mind.
Further south in the South Ari Atoll, Villa Park celebrates eco-conscious living alongside a spirit of discovery. The resort encourages immersive marine adventures, including the rare opportunity to swim with whale sharks. Sustainability is at the heart of the experience, with unique features such as treetop dining at the ZERO restaurant and coconut crafting workshops. Fresh ingredients sourced from the resort’s own gardens enhance a dining experience deeply connected to the island’s natural bounty. Whether it’s time spent on the water or quiet moments under the stars, every experience at Villa Park is vibrant and intentional.
Nestled in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Royal Island offers a more intimate escape. Surrounded by lush tropical greenery and crystal-clear lagoons, the resort provides a tranquil haven for those looking to reconnect with nature. The Araamu Spa specializes in Ayurvedic therapies, offering a peaceful space for deep relaxation. For adventure enthusiasts, the on-site dive center provides access to the rich marine life of the atoll. Guests can also enjoy leisurely afternoons by the pool and serene strolls along the beach, all while basking in the resort’s refined, barefoot luxury.
Villa Resorts complements each stay with thoughtful touches aimed at enhancing the guest experience. Beach Pool and Overwater Villa guests are welcomed with a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine, while those staying in Residences and Suites receive a half bottle of Champagne to mark the beginning of their getaway. Celebratory occasions are made extra special with personalised cakes and sparkling wine for anniversaries, and birthday cakes accompanied by wine for birthdays. Honeymooners, families, and long-stay guests are treated to additional perks, further enhancing the spirit of celebration and care.
Valid for stays until October 31, 2025, the Summer Indulgence Offer invites travellers to bask in the sun and savor life’s most beautiful moments in the Maldives. Whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or a perfect blend of both, Villa Nautica, Villa Park, and Royal Island deliver unforgettable experiences marked by comfort, style, and indulgence that lingers long after the journey ends.
Awards
Ifuru Island Maldives wins Best Premium All-Inclusive Resort at Golden Travel Awards 2025

Ifuru Island Maldives has been officially named Best Premium All-Inclusive Resort Maldives 2025 by the prestigious Golden Travel Award, recognising the resort’s exceptional guest experience and innovative all-inclusive offering. The resort distinguished itself through its commitment to redefining the premium all-inclusive concept with a bold combination of curated adventures, gourmet dining, and a true sense of luxury.
Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives, expressed pride in the recognition, noting that it celebrates the dedication and passion the team invests in creating unforgettable moments for every guest. He emphasised that the resort’s experience is designed to offer guests the freedom to relax, explore, and feel truly at home, all within the comforts of a premium all-inclusive package.
Ifuru Island Maldives has quickly established a strong reputation with its thoughtfully crafted ‘Exclusively Yours’ Premium All-Inclusive package. With a fresh approach to luxury and authenticity, the resort continues to resonate with modern travellers who seek both comfort and meaningful connections.
This acknowledgment from the Golden Travel Award further solidifies Ifuru Island’s growing reputation as one of the Maldives’ most distinctive and experience-driven destinations.
Featured
Float & Flow Yoga debuts at Holiday Inn Kandooma Maldives

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives now offers guests a unique wellness activity: Float & Flow Yoga. Set amidst the picturesque surroundings of crystal-clear waters, this innovative session blends balance, movement, and mindfulness on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), fostering a joyful connection with nature.
Designed to accommodate both experienced yogis and beginners, Float & Flow Yoga provides a 60-minute session on the resort’s SUP Yoga Dock. This specially designed floating platform, shaped like a flower, features eight “petals,” each securing a SUP board around a central space designated for the instructor. Participants are guided through gentle yoga sequences that emphasise balance, breath, and flow.
Courtney Chambers, the resident Yoga Instructor at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, describes the activity as a joyful and liberating experience. She notes that SUP yoga encourages participants to embrace the playful side of the practice while reconnecting with nature.
Classes take place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10:00 am, with a maximum of eight participants per session to maintain an intimate and supportive atmosphere. A minimum of three guests is required for each session. The class fee is priced at US$45 per person, inclusive of taxes and service charges.
Additionally, a professional drone photo and video package is available for US$25 per person, providing guests with a memorable keepsake of their experience.
Participants are advised to wear comfortable swimwear or yoga attire and to arrive 10 minutes early at the Perfect Wave Surf Shop for a pre-session briefing.
Whether the goal is mindfulness, gentle movement, or simply a splash of fun, Float & Flow Yoga at Kandooma offers an unforgettable opportunity to reconnect with both self and sea.
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