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Seaside Finolhu ready to reopen after exciting transformation

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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.

Featured

Six Senses Laamu unveils 17 new overwater villas across four categories

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Six Senses Laamu has introduced 17 new overwater villas across four accommodation categories as part of a multi-year transformation programme aimed at upgrading guest accommodation and shared facilities at the resort.

The new villas feature expanded living spaces, redesigned interiors and additional amenities, while maintaining the resort’s focus on marine conservation and its surrounding natural environment.

The interiors incorporate a coastal colour palette featuring white and neutral tones alongside shades of blue inspired by the surrounding lagoon. Natural materials are used throughout the villas, including driftwood coffee tables, handcrafted hanging lamps and decorative features.

A notable design element is a textured surface pattern inspired by the structure of a turtle shell. The design references the hawksbill and green turtles found in the waters surrounding the resort, reflecting Six Senses Laamu’s marine conservation initiatives.

Each villa features panoramic windows overlooking the ocean, alongside indoor seating and dining spaces.

Outdoor amenities include an 18-square-metre private swimming pool, an overwater hammock, dining and lounge areas, and an upper deck offering views across the lagoon. The villas also feature bathtubs positioned to provide ocean views.

The four new accommodation categories are Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool, Laamu Water Villa Suite with Pool, Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool and Family Water Villa with Pool.

All four categories offer expanded interiors, dedicated seating and dining areas, additional wardrobe space and outdoor decks.

The Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool is designed to provide uninterrupted views of the ocean horizon.

The Family Water Villa with Pool is a new accommodation concept for Six Senses Laamu, featuring a separate children’s bedroom with an adjoining bathroom.

The family villas also include private pools and outdoor decks, providing shared recreational spaces alongside separate accommodation areas for children.

Families staying in the new villas can participate in the resort’s Junior Marine Biologist programme, which introduces younger guests to marine life and conservation activities.

The introduction of the new accommodation categories marks the first phase of a wider redevelopment programme at Six Senses Laamu.

The multi-year project will include further improvements to guest accommodation and shared facilities, while retaining the resort’s existing marine conservation programmes, house reef and environmental initiatives.

The 17 new villas will be available for stays from 6 December 2026, with rates starting from USD 2,185 for an Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool.

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Awards

.Here Baa Atoll secures triple win at World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026

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.Here Baa Atoll has received three awards at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026, including the title of World’s Best Luxury New Resort.

The private island retreat was also recognised as Best Luxury Private Island Resort in the Indian Ocean and Best Luxury Boutique Resort in the Maldives.

Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll comprises nine residences across two secluded islands, Somewhere and Nowhere. The resort focuses on providing private accommodation, personalised services and experiences tailored to individual guest preferences.

The recognition as World’s Best Luxury New Resort marks a significant achievement for the property, which has positioned itself within the ultra-luxury hospitality segment since its opening.

At Somewhere, the resort offers three- and four-bedroom residences combining beachfront accommodation with overwater architecture. The residences feature indoor and outdoor living spaces, private infinity pools and views of the Indian Ocean.

Guests are supported by dedicated Roohu hosts, who coordinate services and experiences according to individual requirements throughout their stay.

Nowhere Private Island offers an eight-bedroom private island accommodation option designed for families and groups seeking exclusive use of the facilities.

The island features a private cinema, spa, gym, swimming pool and dedicated dining and entertainment spaces. Guests can also arrange personalised culinary experiences and other activities during their stay.

The resort’s dining offerings include SAFAR Restaurant and private dining experiences tailored to guest preferences.

Marine excursions are also available aboard the resort’s private yacht, ASMAS, allowing guests to explore the surrounding waters and marine environment of Baa Atoll.

The resort operates under its Embrace the Now philosophy, which focuses on personalised experiences and allowing guests flexibility in how they spend their time on the islands.

The three awards add to several international recognitions received by .Here Baa Atoll in 2026.

These include its inclusion in the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List, two awards at the AHEAD Asia Awards, recognition in DestinAsian’s Luxe List and a place among the top resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.

The World Luxury Hotel Awards recognise hotels and resorts across various categories based on their luxury hospitality offerings, service standards, design and guest experiences.

The latest awards recognise .Here Baa Atoll’s accommodation, facilities and personalised hospitality services within the luxury tourism sector in the Maldives and the wider Indian Ocean region.

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Awards

Milaidhoo Maldives’ Serenity Spa wins Best Hotel Spa at Condé Nast Johansens Awards 2027

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Milaidhoo Maldives’ overwater Serenity Spa has received the Best Hotel Spa award at the 2027 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, recognising the resort’s personalised wellness services and spa experiences.

The awards ceremony was held at The Montcalm Mayfair in London on Monday, 2 November 2026. Milaidhoo Maldives was represented by Georgie Westley, Corporate Director of Marketing and Communications at Versa Hospitality, alongside representatives from ROVE PR UK.

Located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Serenity Spa offers a range of wellness treatments and services in an overwater setting.

The spa provides personalised wellness programmes supported by an on-island wellbeing consultant, daily yoga classes and an extensive selection of treatments designed to meet individual guest requirements.

Guests can receive treatments at the overwater spa or in the privacy of their villas. The treatment menu includes massages, beauty therapies and specialised wellness treatments incorporating advanced technologies.

Among the technologies available at Serenity Spa are the LYMA Laser, Archedaway Cupping Therapy and M2T Blade. The spa also uses products from wellness and beauty brands including Natura Bissé, Aromatherapy Associates, Obsidian for Men and Margaret Dabbs.

Milaidhoo Maldives incorporates wellness into other aspects of its guest experience, including its culinary offerings. The resort’s approach includes meals prepared using fresh ingredients from its Chef’s Garden, alongside daily yoga sessions and activities centred on relaxation and wellbeing.

Paul van Frank, General Manager of Milaidhoo Maldives, said the award recognised the spa team’s commitment to delivering personalised services.

“We are incredibly proud of this recognition. Our Serenity Spa is a special part of the Milaidhoo experience and our team, the Milaidhoo Family, takes great care to ensure every guest receives the attention and personalisation they deserve. From expert treatments to the simple pleasure of taking time for yourself, we want guests to leave feeling refreshed and reconnected,” he said.

The recognition highlights Milaidhoo Maldives’ wellness offerings, which combine spa treatments, specialist therapies, personalised services and wellness-focused dining experiences.

The resort continues to incorporate wellness into its hospitality offering through its Serenity Spa, culinary programmes and recreational activities.

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