Featured
Seaside Finolhu ready to reopen after exciting transformation
After undergoing an extensive upgrade of its facilities, one of the Maldives’ most luxurious resorts is now ready to welcome guests once more!
When Seaside Finolhu opens for business again on November 1, guests will be treated to a whole new barefoot chic experience with the self-styled island playground having completed its elaborate transition from luxury island resort to proud member of the exclusive Design Hotels portfolio.
While the Covid-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption to the tourism industry, Seaside Finolhu has seized on the unique opportunity presented by the global shutdown to complete both aesthetic and functional upgrades right across the resort.
Overseen by the award-winning Muza Lab design studio, the transformation of Seaside Finolhu extends to its villas, restaurants, wellness facilities, public areas, and sport and fitness activities, including a state-of-the-art indoor golf studio.
Throughout the resort, the bold new design concept unleashes a kaleidoscope of colours inspired by the vibrant natural hues of the island’s stunning flora, fauna, sunsets and seascapes.

Muza Lab’s co-founder Nathan Hutchins describes how “the changing colours, patterns and textures represent moments of discovery, wonder and delight.”
The transformation is a key milestone for Finolhu as it successfully fulfils the requirements of embodying quality, style, and holistic hospitality concepts to earn its place as the first resort in the Maldives included in the prestigious Design Hotel’s international portfolio.
Combining dashes of traditional Maldivian culture with contemporary lifestyle convenience, the overall ambiance of the new Seaside Finolhu is described as “barefoot chic” by Marc Reader, the resort’s General Manager.
“It’s a design-driven balance between style and escapism,” he explains.
“Here you can unwind in sublime comfort, with the pristine beauty of our secluded Maldivian paradise perfectly complemented by ultra-luxurious modernity.”

Every aspect of the guest experience at Seaside Finolhu has been transformed to reflect this philosophy.
From the style and comfort of the resort’s 125 villas — 76 of which have their own pool — and the culinary journey served up by the eclectic selection of international dining options, to the sheer indulgence of the spa and the sense of tropical island adventure provided by the many water sports on offer, every detail has been carefully crafted to create a lifestyle resort that caters to the discerning affluent traveller of today.
Muza Lab’s co-founder Inge Moore explained the lengths that they have gone to in order to bring the design concept to life: “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 and restaurants, the fitness room and, last but not least, the Oceaneers Kids Club into an exotic playground.”

Operated by the German luxury hotel chain Seaside Collection, the resort recently changed its official name from simply Finolhu, which translates as ‘sandbank’ in the local language, to Seaside Finolhu. Now, as part of the resort’s holistic transformation, Seaside Finolhu has also introduced new names and concepts for its dining and spa facilities.
While the resort’s fine-dining restaurant has retained not only the name Kanusan but also its sophisticated ambiance, Seaside Finolhu’s all-day dining restaurant now goes by the name of Beach Kitchen. Serving international fare during the day, Beach Kitchen also brings the resort’s culinary journey concept to life with destination-themed dining experiences each evening.
The Arabian Grill serves up an exotic mélange of flavours, aromas and decor from across the Middle East in a relaxed atmosphere, while Crab Shack is a rustic seafood grill that offers a real toes-in-the-sand dining experience on a secluded stretch of beach.
For guests looking to grab a drink, the new Milk LAB serves a selection of refreshing milkshakes, protein drinks and fresh coffee.
Fehi Spa takes its name from the local word for ‘green’ and it fully embraces the green concepts of nature, purity, healing, and harmony in a tranquil setting amidst lush gardens. With treatment rooms, saunas, a steam room, a plunge pool and a hair and nail salon, the holistic treatments are designed to ensure guests feel physically, mentally and spiritually rejuvenated.
Living up to its ‘island playground’ philosophy, Seaside Finolhu provides guests with a diverse choice of fun activities in the indoor and outdoor gym, the Yoga Pavilion, and a state-of-the-art indoor golf studio. Kayaking, windsurfing, paddle boarding and jet skiing are among the water sports available, while the new Dive Centre offers diving, snorkelling and semi-submarine boat trips.
From the new design focus and the upgraded facilities to the exciting activities and rejuvenating wellness treatments, the underlying theme of Seaside Finolhu’s transformation is fun. Perhaps nowhere is this better personified than stellar musical and cultural performances or the exhilarating themes parties.
With its transformation now complete, Seaside Finolhu is ready to welcome guests to its barefoot chic experience.
To find out more or to make a booking, please visit www.finolhu.com.
Awards
Constance Halaveli and Constance Moofushi earn top scores in 2026 Booking.com awards
Constance Hospitality has been recognised in the 2026 Traveller Review Awards by Booking.com, with its Maldivian resorts achieving some of the highest scores within the group’s portfolio.
In the Maldives, Constance Halaveli Maldives received an outstanding score of 9.8 out of 10, while Constance Moofushi Maldives achieved 9.7. The ratings, based on verified guest reviews, reflect consistently high levels of guest satisfaction and service delivery.
Constance Halaveli Maldives, known for its spacious overwater and beachfront villas, personalised service and refined dining concepts, continues to perform strongly among travellers. Constance Moofushi Maldives, positioned as a barefoot chic resort with an all-inclusive concept, also maintains a high guest approval rating, supported by its diving experiences and relaxed island atmosphere.
While the wider Constance portfolio across the Indian Ocean was recognised, the Maldives properties stand out as the group’s highest-rated resorts in the 2026 awards cycle.
Commenting on the recognition, Jean-Jacques Vallet, Chief Executive Officer of Constance Hospitality, stated that the awards reflect the professionalism and commitment of the teams on the ground. He added that guest feedback remains central to maintaining service standards and delivering consistent experiences across the group’s destinations.
The recognition reinforces the position of Constance Halaveli Maldives and Constance Moofushi Maldives as leading performers within the Maldives’ competitive luxury hospitality sector.
Featured
Year of the Horse celebrations across Sun Siyam’s Luxury, Privé and Lifestyle resorts
Sun Siyam Resorts is marking the Lunar New Year across its Luxury, Privé and Lifestyle collections with a coordinated programme of cultural experiences, festive dining, music and family-focused activities from 15 to 20 February 2026. Celebrating the Year of the Horse, each resort’s programme reflects its individual character while embracing the spirit of renewal and togetherness associated with the season.
Siyam World – Lifestyle Collection
At Siyam World, Lunar New Year celebrations combine cultural heritage with contemporary island energy. A highlight of the programme is a live showcase featuring Chinese-inspired DJ sets paired with the traditional guzheng, creating a fusion of electronic rhythms and classical melody. Performances by the Chaozhou Shantou lion dance troupe add further cultural depth, with guests invited to observe, participate and learn traditional movements.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli – Lifestyle Collection
Sun Siyam Olhuveli is presenting a relaxed Lunar New Year programme shaped by traditional symbolism and island living. Throughout the week, the resort will host family-friendly cultural activities, traditional performances and live music. Red-themed décor and festive elements will set the tone, while dragon displays and cultural showcases bring movement to the island’s central spaces. The celebrations peak on 16 and 17 February with performances by DJ Slim Belghith, whose international sound will accompany evening festivities.
Sun Siyam Iru Veli – Privé Collection
At Sun Siyam Iru Veli, the Year of the Horse will be marked through a programme that combines cultural traditions with family-oriented experiences. The Kids Club will host themed activities including red envelope crafting, lantern making, zodiac-inspired art and traditional games. The Fire Horse Pool Party at Chemistry will bring families together with music and refreshments. Dining highlights include hot pot lunches and dinners, along with a dedicated Chinese section titled “Flavours of Fortune” at the Aqua Orange buffet. Guests may also enjoy seasonal spa treatments at Ocean Spa designed to promote balance and renewal.
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef – Privé Collection
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef will conclude its celebrations with a Grand Spring Gala Dinner featuring international cuisine alongside Chinese specialities. The evening includes a traditional lion dance performance, filling the island with movement and symbolic gestures intended to welcome prosperity and good fortune.
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi – Luxury Collection
At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Lunar New Year celebrations will blend Chinese traditions with Maldivian island experiences. Dining features include beachfront seafood platters, Blue Lobster barbecues and traditional hot pot dinners, complemented by chocolate, cheese and champagne tastings.
Younger guests may take part in dragon dance workshops and lantern painting sessions, while signature resort experiences such as Sunset Jet Car rides, Cinema by Moonlight on a private boat and floating breakfasts add further variety. Evening turndown moments incorporate local Maldivian touches, reflecting the resort’s approach to cultural exchange. With 15 dining venues, family-oriented villas and dedicated adults-only spaces, the resort’s programme is designed to accommodate a broad range of guests.
Commenting on the celebrations, Ahmed Naufal, Group Director of Business Development, noted that China remains an important market for Sun Siyam. He stated that the Lunar New Year celebrations provide an opportunity to honour Chinese traditions while delivering experiences consistent with the group’s standards of hospitality.
Across its Maldivian portfolio, Sun Siyam Resorts presents Lunar New Year as a season of cultural appreciation, shared celebration and renewal by the sea.
Action
LUX Tennis joins St. Regis Maldives Vommuli to expand active lifestyle programme
St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has announced a partnership with LUX Tennis, strengthening the resort’s established tennis offering and introducing plans for a new padel court. The collaboration expands the resort’s active lifestyle programme, with a particular focus on families and multi-generational travel.
The St. Regis brand draws on the legacy of the Astor family, founders of the original St. Regis New York, whose Gilded Age lifestyle celebrated refined leisure and sporting pursuits. Tennis, in particular, became a symbol of elegance within the Astor social circle, reflecting a culture shaped by hospitality, recreation and sophistication. This heritage continues across the St. Regis portfolio today, where classic sports remain an integral part of the brand’s identity.
Set within the resort’s private island environment, the enhanced LUX Tennis programme is designed to elevate on-island tennis experiences for guests of all ages and skill levels. The programme features expert-led coaching, bespoke clinics and visiting residencies by internationally recognised professionals, offering guests opportunities to train, play and engage with elite talent in an accessible and inspiring setting.
Confirmed visiting professionals include Angelique Kerber, three-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one, who will visit from 29 to 31 March 2026, and Feliciano López, former Spanish champion with a career-high singles ranking of world number 12, scheduled from 16 to 17 May 2026.
The expanded tennis programme is designed to integrate seamlessly with island life, offering everything from relaxed family matches and junior-friendly coaching to more focused sessions for experienced players. Activities are structured to complement time spent at the beach, spa experiences and family dining.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort features 77 beachfront and overwater villas, each with a private pool, alongside facilities such as the John Jacob Astor Estate, the largest overwater three-bedroom villa in the Maldives. Guests also have access to the award-winning Iridium Spa, six dining venues and a private yacht available for charter, reinforcing the resort’s positioning as a destination for both leisure and active pursuits.
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