Featured
Escape to kaleidoscope of fun on Seaside Finolhu’s island playground
With its focus on fun activities and a relaxing ambiance, Seaside Finolhu has long modelled itself as an island playground. Now, as the luxury Maldivian resort reopened on November 1, its playful nature has been taken to a whole new level in an extensive redesign project.
Characterised by a mesmerising mélange of colours and symmetrical patterns in harmony with the island’s vibrant natural beauty, the resort’s new kaleidoscope concept is a stunning representation of joy and wonder designed to evoke a feeling of escaping time.
Taking its name from the local word for “sandbar”, Finolhu is everything that a tropical island paradise should be.
The pristine natural beauty of the island is manifest in a tantalising display of striking hues, from its stunning white sand beaches and swaying green palms, to the vibrantly coloured flora and fauna of the coral reefs beneath the azure waters of the Indian Ocean beyond the island’s cyan lagoon.
At every step, the wonders of nature are front and centre on what, after all, is widely regarded as one of the finest island resorts in the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll, famous for its mesmerising diversity of reefs, submerged cliffs, and underwater hills known locally as “thilas”.
While Finolhu is just one of many tropical island paradises in the Maldives archipelago, it is perhaps the resort’s uncanny ability to complement the guest experience with design elements that form a harmonious balance between natural wonder and stylish luxury that set it apart.
As part of the exclusive Seaside Collection, characterised by prestigious locations, personalised service, gourmet gastronomy, unique architecture and distinctive design concepts, Finolhu embodies exceptional quality and inspiring style in a mindful approach to design.
In recognition of Seaside Finolhu’s commitment to sustainable style and holistic hospitality concepts, it recently claimed the honour of being accepted as a member of the Design Hotels group, the globally-recognised resource for curated design-led hotels.
Central to the transition from luxury island resort to proud member of the exclusive Design Hotels portfolio was an extensive redesign project led by award-winning London-based design studio Muza Lab.
In overseeing Seaside Finolhu’s transition, the biggest challenge faced by the design team at Muza Lab was in determining how to develop the resort’s distinctive barefoot chic atmosphere without compromising the island’s natural splendour.
Seeking to combine Maldivian-inspired touches with ultra-luxury modernity against the backdrop of a stunning tropical island, Muza Lab formulated a kaleidoscope theme for the resort’s redesign.
The kaleidoscope concept celebrates the vibrant character of the island.
More than just the vivid colours found in the island’s lush natural landscape, this vibrancy extends into the resort’s playful sense of entertainment, the diverse aromas and flavours that invite indulgence in its themed restaurants, the sense of adventure that inspires exploration above and below the water, and even the quiet moments of solitude that create moments of blissful contemplation.
Staying true to Seaside Finolhu’s adventurous identity, the resort’s exciting new design treats fun-loving guests to vibrant pops of colour and a playful use of patterns.
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.
Showcasing contemporary design elements with a distinct organic edge, the resort’s makeover applies natural materials such as rope, clay and timber to create an engaging visual harmony with the island’s natural landscape.
The rustic textures of woven textiles, basketwork, lanterns and origami invite moments of discovery, wonder and delight, while handmade tiles and handblown coloured glass from Turkey, chandeliers and basket work from South Africa, and timber artwork from Java add artisanal uniqueness.
While guests love the unique sense of fun, adventure and freedom they get from staying at Seaside Finolhu, they also expect the finer comforts of a luxury resort.
Nowhere has this balance between escapism and modernity been more perfectly achieved than in the resort’s 125 stylish villas, 75 of which have their own private pools.
Contemporary luxury meets stylish design where the aesthetic beauty of bespoke artworks are complemented by top-of-the-range entertainment systems in private spaces that offer both extravagant indulgence and blissful seclusion.
Despite its makeover, Seaside Finolhu remains an island playground waiting to be explored.
Its four beachside dining venues serve a variety of exciting flavours, while the fully-equipped spa and wellness facility offer holistic programmes and treatments.
From romantic beach strolls to diving with whale sharks, the wide-range of activities available are as engaging as the stunning scenery of the coral reefs beneath the waves.
Treat yourself to a trip to Seaside Finolhu and escape into a kaleidoscope of fun on a Maldivian island playground.
Finolhu was opened in June 2016 and consists of four islands with long beaches. It has 125 beachfront and overwater villas — more than half with private pool — and four restaurants.
While popular with honeymooners, the extensive resort is also very family-friendly, with a kids’ club, plenty of activities and 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, Seaside Finolhu Maldives is a luxury island resort.
“Finolhu”, which is a direct translation of “sandbank” in Dhivehi is located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives.
For bookings and more information about Seaside Finolhu, visit www.finolhu.com.
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort has introduced its Family Fun Summer offer, aimed at families seeking longer island stays built around shared activities and rest. The offer is available for booking from 15 April to 15 June 2026, with a minimum stay of four nights for travel through to 20 December 2026.
Located within Baa Atoll, the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is positioning the offer around family wellness, marine experiences and time spent together in a natural island setting. Seasonal snorkelling with manta rays in Hanifaru Bay remains one of the area’s key attractions, while the resort’s collection of beach and overwater villas is designed to accommodate families looking for space and flexibility during their stay.
For larger families and groups, the resort also offers the two-bedroom Heavenly Beach Residence, which includes a living room, kitchen and dining area intended to support longer and more relaxed island stays.
The resort says the guest experience can be shaped around both activity and downtime, supported by Westin’s Sleep Well concept and Heavenly Bed. Children have access to the Westin Family Kids Club, which includes a children’s pool and pirate ship, while parents can make use of Heavenly Spa by Westin.
Away from the villa, the resort is also promoting shared family experiences through Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy activities focused on the culture and environment of Baa Atoll. These include traditional lacquer craft workshops, visits to local islands and guided marine activities in surrounding waters.
The Family Fun Summer package includes three meals per day, with children under 12 dining free of charge. It also includes a one-time dolphin cruise for two adults and two children, a 30-minute photography session with one printed photo, and a USD 150 resort credit.
Reethi Faru Resort has been recognised at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards, receiving honours in four categories: Best Beach Villa in Indian Ocean, Best Pool Villa in Indian Ocean, Best Eco-Friendly Resort in Maldives, and Best Sustainable Hotel in Maldives.
The awards recognise performance across villa accommodation and environmentally focused hospitality, reflecting the resort’s emphasis on guest experience alongside sustainability and environmental stewardship.
According to the resort, the recognition supports its positioning within the Maldives market as a property that combines natural surroundings, accommodation standards and responsible hospitality practices.
Located on Filaidhoo in Raa Atoll, Reethi Faru Resort features 145 villas, including beachfront and overwater accommodation designed in a style that combines Maldivian elements with contemporary comfort.
The resort’s food and beverage offering includes six restaurants and six bars, while its leisure facilities cover watersports, diving, yoga, spa treatments and fitness activities. Surrounded by coral reefs, the resort also offers guests access to marine-based experiences in the Indian Ocean.
Sustainability remains a central part of the resort’s operations, with initiatives that include coral reef restoration and guest experiences linked to environmental awareness.
Through its recognition at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards, Reethi Faru Resort has added to its profile as a Maldives resort with a focus on both accommodation standards and sustainability.
To mark Earth Day, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, part of the Lifestyle Collection within the House of Siyam, launched its new marine conservation initiative, the Adopt A Coral Frame experience, during a morning event held on 22 April at Milano Beach on Dream Island.
The initiative forms part of the resort’s wider marine conservation efforts and is designed to give guests a direct way to engage with coral restoration while supporting the protection of the surrounding reef ecosystem.
During the launch, guests were introduced to the coral restoration process through a hands-on experience that explained how new coral growth can be supported through frame-based planting. Under the programme, guests are invited to select and adopt a coral frame, attach healthy coral fragments to it, and take part in placing it within the lagoon to help form a new reef structure.
The process begins with the collection of healthy coral fragments under the guidance of the resort’s marine biologist. These fragments are then secured to specially designed coral frames and placed in selected areas within the resort’s coral garden, where conditions are intended to support growth and marine biodiversity. Guests who adopt a frame will also receive updates on its progress, including photographs shared every six months.
The resort said the programme is intended to make coral conservation more accessible to guests while also highlighting the role of reefs in supporting marine life, protecting coastlines and maintaining ocean ecosystems.
Chaminda Upul, Group Sustainability Manager for Sun Siyam, said the initiative was designed to give guests an opportunity to contribute in a direct way.
“Earth Day is a reminder that even the smallest actions can shape something far greater,” he said. “With Adopt-A-Coral Frame, we wanted to create an experience where our guests can leave a positive mark on the ocean. It’s simple, it’s meaningful, and it stays with you.”
Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, said the resort wanted to create an experience that combines guest participation with long-term environmental value.
“At Olhuveli, we believe the best experiences are the ones that stay with you long after you leave. Adopt-A-Coral is our way of inviting guests to be part of something lasting, while caring for the natural beauty that makes this place so special,” he said.
Part of the proceeds from each coral adoption will go towards Sun Siyam Care, the group’s sustainability platform, supporting marine conservation and reef restoration efforts.
Through the launch of Adopt A Coral Frame, Sun Siyam Olhuveli is combining guest experience with reef restoration, reflecting a wider focus on environmental engagement within its island operations.
-
News1 week agoCOMO Cocoa Island blends wellness and ocean experiences for guests
-
Action1 week agoCinnamon Velifushi Maldives introduces indoor mini golf experience
-
Featured1 week agoFour Seasons Resorts Maldives blend family travel with marine discovery
-
News1 week agoInterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort hosts Earth Day experiences
-
News6 days agoMandara Spa celebrates 30th anniversary with focus on Maldives growth
-
Featured5 days agoELE|NA expands sustainable wellness approach for World Earth Day
-
Featured5 days agoThe Nautilus Maldives brings back Ocean Discovery Week
-
News6 days agodusitD2 Feydhoo launches retro-themed island party event