Featured
Summer holiday fun for all family at Seaside Finolhu Maldives

With the summer holidays just around the corner, treat your family to a well-deserved beach getaway to a tropical island playground.
Famed for its spacious villas, dining experiences, exciting family-friendly activities and some of the most stunning beaches in the Maldives, Seaside Finolhu offers an enchanting balance of natural wonder and luxurious living to make it the perfect Summer family holiday.

Complemented by wide open vistas across the turquoise lagoon and up to two kilometres of white sandbanks stretching off into the endless expanse of the Indian Ocean, the overall feeling of space becomes the catalytic inspiration in the central design feature of Seaside Finolhu’s beachfront and overwater villas.
Configured for couples or young families, Finolhu’s Ocean Pool and Beach Pool Villas enjoy direct access to the ocean or the lagoon and include their very own private pools.

For larger families of up to four adults and four children below 12 years of age, the Two-Bedroom Water Villas offer an impressive 460 sqm / 4951 sqft of space as well as direct ocean access and a private eight-metre pool, while the Two-Bedroom Beach Villas boast an expansive 530 sqm / 5705 sqft in addition to a private 10m pool and direct beach access.

All of Finolhu’s villas are fitted with the comforts and devices of everyday modern luxury living.

For family bonding over mealtimes, guests are spoilt for choice thanks to Finolhu’s truly unique dining experiences.
From the international fare at Beach Kitchen to award-winning Asian fine dining at Kanusan, and Middle Eastern cuisine at Arabian Grill, there really is something for everyone.
Families are sure to enjoy regular visits to Milk Lab for its refreshing selection of ice cream and frozen yogurt alongside vegan sandwiches and slices of cake, or opt to take a short dhoni boat ride to Crab Shack — a truly unique dining experience not to be missed. Serving fresh seafood and light bites in a barefoot chic setting along the island’s sandbar, it offers an unforgettable toes-in-the-sand dining experience that stirs the imagination of deserted island adventures.


As much as lazing by the pool and sampling the wonderful cuisine are the cornerstones of a relaxing beach holiday at Finolhu, there are times when a little more excitement is needed, especially with restless children to keep entertained.
The Oceaneers Kids Club has a wide choice of activities for children aged from 4 to 12 years, while the whole family can enjoy a magical trip out on the lagoon together in the Penguin Semi-Sub.

Snorkelling, scuba diving and non-motorised water sports are also available, while mom can indulge in a little “me time” at Fehi Spa or take part in the resort’s wellness offerings for a little privacy and pampering.

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, a wide choice of activities and world-famous 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.
Entertainment
Game on! Kandima unveils Maldives’ most exciting all-ages entertainment hub

Kandima Maldives, the bold lifestyle resort known for redefining island getaways, has once again raised the bar with the launch of PlaySpace – an all-ages entertainment destination transforming the leisure landscape of the Maldives.
Centrally located within the island resort, PlaySpace blends nostalgic retro flair with cutting-edge fun, offering a dynamic mix of activities for families, thrill-seekers, and social guests alike. From action-packed bowling and immersive virtual reality to escape room challenges and private karaoke sessions, the venue strengthens Kandima’s position as the Maldives’ leading active lifestyle destination.
According to Dermot Birchall, General Manager at Kandima Maldives, “At Kandima, we’re constantly evolving the island experience. PlaySpace adds a new dimension – it’s immersive, social, and above all, wildly entertaining.”
Key Highlights of PlaySpace Include:
- Bowling Lanes with a Twist: Themed experiences such as Team Challenge, Date Night Deluxe, and Family Blitz, complemented by snacks, drinks, and curated playlists.
- Karaoke & Cocktails: Private singing rooms paired with wine, beer, or bubbly under the Karaoke & Cocktails Package.
- VR & Arcade Zone: Thrilling VR adventures, air hockey, billiards, and timeless arcade classics.
- Escape Rooms: Brain-teasing challenges for up to three guests – ideal for team bonding or friendly competition.
- Eats & Treats: A variety of gourmet snacks including paninis and mini pizzas, plus refreshing beverages like Tropical Dreamscape and Lychee Breeze – all alcohol-free.
With its vibrant 80s-inspired design and bold approach to leisure, PlaySpace perfectly reflects Kandima’s playful luxury ethos. Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, it promises guests a unique and energetic addition to their island stay.
Adding to the excitement, Kandima has also introduced Fast Track, the Maldives’ first and only oceanfront e-go-kart circuit. Spanning 500 metres with 10 turns and speeds reaching up to 80 km/h, this professional-grade asphalt track brings a high-octane edge to island adventure.
As Kandima continues to innovate and launch new experiences, guests can expect even more surprises in the near future – with fun, flair, and freedom at the heart of it all.
Awards
Equator Village wins Indian Ocean’s Leading Airport Hotel 2025 at World Travel Awards

Equator Village has once again been honoured as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Airport Hotel at the World Travel Awards 2025, held on 28 June in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This marks the third consecutive year the resort has received this prestigious accolade, following earlier wins in 2023 and 2024, underscoring its commitment to service excellence and consistent guest satisfaction.
Mohamed Waheed, Resort Manager at Equator Village, expressed pride in the achievement, stating that the recognition reflects the dedication, creativity, and hard work of the entire team. He highlighted their commitment to delivering warm, personalised service and creating welcoming spaces that resonate with the charm and hospitality of the south. Waheed also extended gratitude to the resort’s guests and partners for their continued support and trust.
Celebrating over three decades of recognising hospitality excellence, the World Travel Awards is regarded as one of the most esteemed honours in global tourism. Winners are selected through a rigorous international voting process involving both travel professionals and the public.
Located just a five-minute drive from Gan International Airport, Equator Village offers exceptional convenience along with the relaxed charm of the southern Maldives. The resort features 78 spacious bungalows surrounded by lush flower gardens, alongside facilities including a beachfront restaurant, bar, pool, gym, and meeting spaces – all infused with tropical flair and heartfelt southern hospitality.
Awards
Dhawa Ihuru recognised among Maldives’ Best House Reefs by Travel + Leisure Asia

Dhawa Ihuru has been named one of the Best House Reefs in the Maldives by Travel + Leisure Asia in its esteemed Luxury Awards 2025. Renowned as a stylish retreat for diving enthusiasts, the resort’s house reef—home to reef sharks, turtles, eagle rays, and vibrant coral ecosystems—continues to attract and inspire travellers from across the globe.
This accolade goes beyond recognition, reflecting over two decades of steadfast dedication to marine conservation, scientific research, and coral restoration. These efforts have transformed the house reef into a living testament to sustainable tourism.
Since the establishment of the Banyan Group’s Marine Lab in 2004—the first resort-based conservation and research facility in the Maldives—Dhawa Ihuru has been at the forefront of environmental responsibility. Through long-term coral preservation projects and guest-focused educational initiatives, the resort has consistently promoted biodiversity and sustainability.
Guests at Dhawa Ihuru are invited to participate in a range of conservation efforts, including:
- Coral planting and reef regeneration
- Reef monitoring alongside marine biologists
- Turtle identification and tracking
- Sustainability workshops and marine talks
- Community engagement programmes
These hands-on experiences not only aid in ecosystem restoration but also nurture awareness and a sense of shared responsibility among travellers.
“This recognition is a reflection of our long-standing commitment to marine protection,” said Elias Pertoft, General Manager of Dhawa Ihuru and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru. “What began as a vision nearly three decades ago has evolved into a living legacy of conservation. We are proud to continue nurturing one of the Maldives’ most biodiverse reefs—not only for our guests, but for future generations.”
Nick, Marine Lab Manager at the resort, added, “Over the past 20 years, our immersive marine biodiversity programmes, including hands-on conservation activities, have provided both educational and inspiring experiences. By involving our guests, we are enriching their stay and fostering a global community of marine stewards.”
To commemorate this achievement and celebrate the resort’s flourishing marine environment, Dhawa Ihuru will host the Rannamaari Dive Fest on 24 July 2025—a full-day celebration running from 10 AM to 10 PM. Inspired by the legendary Rannamaari shipwreck, the event will showcase the vibrancy of island life both above and below the waterline.
Event highlights include:
- Underwater treasure hunts for divers and non-divers
- Marine conservation talks and activities with the resort’s Marine Lab team
- Cultural and creative island experiences, such as Maldivian arts & crafts with local artists, a Maldivian cooking class, a DIY wellbeing workshop, and family-friendly activities
- A sunset cocktail celebration at Velavani Bar, followed by a beachfront DJ night
Travellers are invited to take part in this unique celebration that blends adventure, culture, and conservation—honouring one of the Maldives’ most iconic house reefs and contributing to its protection for generations to come.
-
Awards1 week ago
Sirru Fen Fushi secures top spots in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025
-
Featured1 week ago
Kuda Villingili’s iconic pool honoured in Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific Awards
-
Featured1 week ago
Global recognition for InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort at 2025 T+L Luxury Awards
-
Awards1 week ago
Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific awards Villa Nautica Best Resort Pool in Maldives
-
Action1 week ago
Hideaway Beach Resort unveils new indoor pickleball court for wellness enthusiasts
-
Featured1 week ago
SO/ Maldives unveils restorative wellness journey with Holistic Healer Karan Kumar
-
Featured1 week ago
Elevated wellness: Aerial Yoga launches at Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives
-
Featured1 week ago
Sun Siyam Iru Veli debuts Wellness in Motion Week with beach runs and expert-led yoga