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Seaside Finolhu rolls out new safety protocols ahead of Oct reopening
As the countdown to Seaside Finolhu’s much anticipated reopening begins, it is not just the luxury Maldives resort’s design, facilities and services that are undergoing an extensive upgrade.
The entire Finolhu team has been hard at work implementing new protocols and measures to ensure the wellbeing of both guests and islanders is fully protected when the resort begins welcoming guests again from October 1.
With every region of the world affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and many countries currently in various stages of recovery, the focus has been shifting to ensuring customer safety as businesses reopen.
Affecting almost every industry and facet of daily life, a number of new procedures are being introduced to reduce the risk of infection by changing people’s habits and behaviours.
In the tourism industry, managing these measures requires a balance between ensuring people’s safety and minimising their impact on how people go about their activities.
In updating its cleaning regimes to incorporate even more rigorous standards, Seaside Finolhu has partnered with Ecolab, a world leader in hygiene and cleaning technologies and services.
The resort’s enhanced and expanded cleaning procedures include additional Covid-19 protocols and best practices that meet the recommendations set by the World Health Organisation, the American Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and public health authorities in the Maldives.
Working with Ecolab, Seaside Finolhu began by conducting a thorough assessment of every point of guest contact and then developed a health and safety plan that works by minimising contact, ensuring thorough sanitisation where contact is inevitable, promoting social distancing measures, and educating both the resort’s staff and the guests on maintaining advanced hygiene practices that start before guests arrive at the resort and continue until they are on their way home again.
Even before they arrive at the resort, guests coming to Finolhu will travel on regularly sanitised planes, be provided with masks to wear during their flight, and be met by airport representatives and staff wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Upon arriving at Seaside Finolhu, guests will be able to avoid going through the usual check-in process and head straight to their villas. Touchless transactions are the new normal throughout the resort and even check-out is now a paperless process.
Inside the villas, frequently touched items such as key cards, glassware, upholstery and remote controls are sanitised regularly.
For their added protection and peace of mind during their stay, every guest will receive a “Care-4-Me” kit that includes face masks, hand sanitiser, and sanitisation wipes, while some non-essential items like note pads and service directories have been removed from the villas.
Air conditioning filters and ducting also undergo advanced cleaning and sanitisation before each guest arrival, and the new housekeeping measures incorporate amended laundry protocols and the use of additional anti-Covid approved disinfectants applied by electrostatic aerosol sprayers which enable touchless disinfection.
While Finolhu has always applied rigorous standards to its food and beverage hygiene, these have been enhanced and supplemented with extra measures.
All of the resort’s F&B staff undergo thorough training in safe food preparation and service practices and adhere to a strict self-inspection protocol that applies food safety standards as their guidelines, with compliance validated by independent audits.
All training, audits and verification inspections are conducted under the auspices of Nsure, a recognised leader and partner in food safety, health and safety, and sustainability in the Maldives.
Additional measures include full PPE worn by F&B staff, digital menus and display boards in place of menus, reduced capacity operations to enable social distancing, and contactless delivery for in-villa dining.
Under its new health and safety plan, all of the Seaside Finolhu’s public areas are now cleaned more frequently and with EPA-approved hospital-grade products, while signage placed around the resort remind guests of the importance of maintaining social distancing protocols and using the hand sanitiser gel which is placed near all entrances, fitness areas, and public meeting areas.
The resort’s wellness areas and spa treatment rooms are closed for cleaning and sanitising multiple times each day, while a reduced number of guests are allowed in these areas at any one time. Before receiving a spa treatment, guests must change their clothes in a changing room designated for their individual treatment room, while the spa’s therapists wear the necessary PPE.
Personal training sessions are now held in the privacy of the gym, and wellness activities such as yoga and pilates are available for individuals, couples, or small groups only, with safe distancing strictly applied.
The extensive cleaning applied at Oceaneers, Seaside Finolhu’s kid’s club, includes electro-static mist treatments that apply a hospital-grade disinfectant in the bathrooms, play rooms and other shared spaces. To minimise the sharing of toys and other items, some games and activities have been replaced with new alternatives.
While extensive research and preparation has gone into designing Seaside Finolhu’s new health and safety plan, the resort stresses that the key to its success is understanding and compliance of all related stakeholders, including both staff and guests. To this end, Seaside Finolhu has gone to great lengths to train its staff, not only on the new protocol being implemented but also the reasoning behind each and every measure.
“Our in-house medical doctor is working closely with a team of medical experts at the Health Protection Agency to ensure the resort team receive the guidance and resources they need on returning to work and keeping guests safe in this new environment,” General Manager Marc Reader was quoted in a statement, as saying.
“The extensive training our islanders undergo is focused on educating and empowering them to deliver our enhanced health and safety program with complete understanding and confidence so that they are able to pass on this care to each and every guest. We place an especially strong focus on re-training programmes for our housekeeping teams to ensure they are kept up-to-date on all of the cleaning protocols which are being implemented across the resort.”
Aware that the immediate future at least requires everyone accepting the changes that will be introduced, Reader discussed how this would affect the resort’s operations.
“We also believe that our islanders should be grounded in their emotional intelligence. For this reason, they also receive behavioural training to ensure that empathetic and personalised care and connections remain despite the reduction of close contact and face-to-face interactions with which we have all become so accustomed,” he said.
With just weeks until it opens its doors once more, Seaside Finolhu is gearing up for its grand reopening driven by the resort’s health and safety promise that guests will receive peace of mind at Seaside Finolhu.
Famed for its long white sandy beaches and spread across four islands, Finolhu has 125 beachfront and overwater villas (more than half with private pool) and four restaurants.
While popular with honeymooners, the expansive resort is also very family-friendly, with a kids’ club and a wide choice of fun activities. Finolhu also includes world-class wellness facilities and is famous for its entertainment.
Owned and managed by Seaside Collection, a Europe-based hotel group with an exclusive portfolio of high-end resorts and city hotels, Finolhu embodies the Seaside Collection’s criteria of quality, style, and holistic hospitality concepts.
Finolhu, which is a direct translation of sandbank in the local Dhivehi language, is located in Baa atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives.
Atmosphere Core concluded 2025 with a strong industry showing, securing three major honours at the Layalina Editor’s Choice Awards 2025 for RAAYA by Atmosphere, Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi. The accolades underscore the group’s ability to deliver clearly differentiated resort concepts for diverse traveller profiles, while maintaining a consistent emphasis on quality, comfort and guest satisfaction across its portfolio.
At the awards, RAAYA by Atmosphere was named Best New Luxury Resort of the Year – Maldives. Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives received the title of Best All-Inclusive Luxury Resort, while OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi was recognised as Most Stylish Resort – Maldives. The honours are based on Layalina’s independent editorial assessment and established quality benchmarks, celebrating excellence across luxury hospitality, all-inclusive offerings and lifestyle-led design. Layalina is a leading Arab lifestyle publication under 7awi Media Group, with a strong readership and influence across the GCC and wider region.
Collectively, the awards highlight Atmosphere Core’s understanding of evolving travel expectations, delivering experiences that are thoughtful, well-crafted and easy to enjoy, whether guests are seeking tranquillity, variety or social energy.
Each of the recognised resorts brings a distinct identity to the group’s Maldivian portfolio. RAAYA by Atmosphere, located in the Raa Atoll, is defined by its serene environment and castaway-artist concept, encouraging guests to slow down and reconnect through nature, creativity and adventure. Atmosphere Kanifushi continues to stand out for its scale and consistency, offering a generous all-inclusive experience through the Kanifushi Plan™, expansive villas and a long, natural island setting that appeals to both families and couples. In contrast, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi delivers a more dynamic island escape, characterised by contemporary design and a lively social atmosphere that resonates with travellers drawn to shared spaces, movement and modern aesthetics. Together, the accolades reflect a carefully curated portfolio designed to cater to a wide spectrum of travel moods and preferences.
Commenting on the achievement, Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer of Atmosphere Core, said the group was honoured to receive the Layalina Editor’s Choice Awards 2025, recognising the three resorts across distinct categories. He noted that the recognition reflects the company’s carefully curated experiences, shaped by a strong sense of product, space and genuine care, and credited the passion and commitment of the teams, as well as the continued trust of guests, for the achievement.
Central to these successes is Atmosphere Core’s philosophy of the Joy of Giving, which positions hospitality around care, generosity and attention to detail. This approach informs destinations that feel closely connected to their natural surroundings and supports bespoke experiences that anticipate guest needs. The result, the group says, is a style of hospitality that is welcoming, effortless and personal, creating meaningful moments that endure beyond the stay itself.
The Standard, Maldives will mark the Lunar New Year this February with a week-long celebration that invites guests to swap urban festivities for the turquoise waters of the Raa Atoll. Taking place from 17 to 22 February, the programme will transform the island resort into a festive setting that blends time-honoured traditions with the brand’s playful and contemporary character.
Designed to move beyond a conventional island escape, the celebrations will open with lively visual touches, including jumping stilts and fortune cookies, setting the tone for a week where Maldivian tranquillity meets the spirit of East Asian culture. Throughout the programme, guests will be immersed in a series of experiences that combine culinary creativity, entertainment and cultural expression.
Food takes centre stage in the Lunar New Year offering, with a diverse line-up of dining events curated to engage all the senses. Highlights include an Asian Street Food buffet inspired by classic Chinese motifs, alongside more refined beachfront experiences such as five-course Crab Night and Lobster Night dinners at Kula Beach. Interactive elements are also woven into the programme, with Tangyuan Time at Joos Café inviting families to prepare traditional sweet glutinous rice balls together, while younger guests can participate in a dedicated mocktail-making masterclass.
Evenings at the resort will be defined by high-energy entertainment and cultural performances. Todis Beach will host LED and fire shows, complemented by special Chinese dance performances that illuminate the shoreline after dark. Adding a local dimension to the celebrations, Maldivian Boduberu drumming will feature prominently, creating a rhythmic fusion of regional and international traditions. For guests seeking a more relaxed pace, the programme also includes a Lunar New Year Movie Night at the main pool and a Bingo Night at Todis Bar.
Commenting on the celebrations, Sonika Adlakha, Commercial Director of The Standard, Maldives, said the aim was to create a Lunar New Year experience that feels both authentic and adventurous. She noted that by combining the dynamic energy of street food markets and fire shows with the calm luxury of a Maldivian retreat, the resort is offering guests a distinctive way to welcome the Year of the Horse.
To complement the festivities, the resort is offering a Premium All-Inclusive Package, designed to provide seamless access to the week’s dining and entertainment programme. The package includes the full range of culinary experiences, from Asian Street Food stalls to themed buffets at Kula, as well as a selection of premium spirits, cocktails and refreshments. This offering allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the celebrations while enjoying the freedom to experience the Lunar New Year at The Standard, Maldives without limits.
Four Seasons Resorts Maldives will welcome the Year of the Fire Horse with a week of Lunar New Year celebrations across Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa. Taking place from 16 to 24 February 2026, the programme will see both islands animated by the vibrant energy associated with this rare zodiac year.
Bold and spirited, the Fire Horse symbolises momentum, confidence and fresh beginnings. The celebrations are designed to reflect these qualities through a blend of cultural tradition, island elegance and family-focused experiences, positioning the Maldives as a fitting setting for the festive season.
Marking a first for the Maldives, the resorts will host an exclusive pop-up by Beijing’s Michelin-recognised Baiweiyuan Dumpling Restaurant, operating concurrently at both islands. Long celebrated in Beijing for its handmade dumplings and comforting soups, Baiweiyuan will present a menu featuring signature pork and chive dumplings, beef and onion fillings, and vegetarian options such as egg and tomato. Cold starters, including soy-braised pork trotter, will complement the experience.
Prepared fresh to order, the dumplings introduce an authentic taste of Beijing to the Indian Ocean, offering a culinary highlight that reflects the warmth and generosity associated with the Fire Horse.
Lunar New Year at Kuda Huraa
16–24 February 2026
At Kuda Huraa, Lunar New Year celebrations will unfold throughout the week in a lively, festival-style programme. Events begin with a Reunion Dinner at Café Huraa, followed by themed dining evenings, outdoor cinema screenings, a Pool Party and a Pop-Up Asian Market.
Evenings will include experiences such as a Secret Beach BBQ under the stars, a Mediterranean Market at Reef Club and an Asian Buffet at Café Huraa. Baiweiyuan’s dumpling pop-up will be available daily, allowing guests to enjoy the flavours of Beijing throughout the celebrations.
Kuda Huraa highlights include:
- Reunion Dinner on 16 February
- Family Feast Lunch, Seafood Night and Asian Buffet
- Secret Beach BBQ and Mediterranean Market
- Pool Party with DJ on 18 February
- Pop-Up Asian Market and outdoor movie nights
- Daily Baiweiyuan Dumpling pop-up
The Kuda Mas Kids Club will also host a two-week Fire Horse–inspired festival for younger guests, featuring activities such as lantern painting, snorkelling adventures, arts and crafts, dumpling making, tie-dye workshops, karaoke evenings and beach games. The programme is designed to encourage creativity, confidence and fun.
Lunar New Year at Landaa Giraavaru
16 February 2026
Landaa Giraavaru will welcome the New Year with a poolside celebration from 7.00pm to 10.30pm, featuring a Dragon Dance, live DJ and lantern-lit setting around the main pool. A Yu Sheng prosperity toss will symbolise abundance and good fortune, while live cooking stations will showcase celebratory flavours prepared by the resort’s culinary team.
Landaa Giraavaru highlights include:
- Poolside Lunar New Year celebration
- Dragon Dance performance
- Live DJ and festive ambience
- Yu Sheng prosperity toss
- Culture-inspired welcome drinks
- Baiweiyuan Dumpling pop-up available throughout the week
Across both islands, Lunar New Year at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives is designed to bring families and friends together in the spirit of prosperity, connection and shared celebration. Guests are invited to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse through traditions that honour luck, abundance and meaningful togetherness.
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