News
Seaside Collection opens .Here, an ultra-private two-island resort in Maldives
Designed to reimagine luxury travel within the Maldives, the new, ultra-bespoke private islands of .Here is now open and welcoming guests. The luxurious private island retreat will set new, unmatched standards in the world of travel and redefine hospitality for the contemporary luxury traveler with intuitive service, transformative experiences, and total seclusion. Set across two natural islands, Somewhere and Nowhere, .Here will attract the world’s most incisive travellers, offering understated luxury, with a touch of fun – where each guest is at the very heart of everything.
Located in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, known for its exceptional snorkel and dive offerings and home to a plethora of diverse sea life, the two islands will comprise nine residences with a dedicated bar and restaurant providing inventive fusion flavours from around the world.
The amenities of neighbouring property, Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort will also be available to guests staying at .Here – perfect for those seeking freedom of movement and a chance to balance tranquil seclusion with vibrant adventure.
“.Here embodies a refined vision of exclusivity in the Maldives,” says Gregor Gerlach, Co-owner of Seaside Collection. “By seamlessly integrating bespoke hospitality with thoughtful sustainable design, we have created a sanctuary that invites discerning travelers to engage deeply with the natural beauty and tranquility that define this extraordinary destination.”
Designed by Kulör Group, .Here’s innovative architecture gracefully follows the island’s natural contours, offering breathtaking sunrise and sunset views from every residence. From the outset, eco-conscious luxury has been a guiding principle, with passive cooling systems, minimal site disturbance, responsibly sourced materials, and reef-safe construction practices woven into the design. The seamless fusion of beachfront and overwater living creates expansive decks, panoramic ocean vistas, and an immersive connection with nature. Signature elements include natural materials, dynamic circulation flows, and sightlines carefully curated to trace the sun’s path, resulting in spaces that are as intuitive to inhabit as they are visually stunning.
“.Here started as a very personal idea—we wanted to create something that felt both imaginative and deeply intimate,” says Anouchka Gerlach, Co-owner of Seaside Collection. “From the way the islands are laid out to the shape and flow of the residences, everything was designed to stir emotion and spark a sense of discovery. It’s less about simply getting away, and more about finding a real connection – with the surroundings, with yourself, and with the moment.”
Steven Phillips, General Manager of .Here and sister luxury Resort, Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, shares “.Here is not about scale or spectacle; it is about intimacy, intention, and genuine emotional connection. With just nine extraordinary residences spread across two pristine islands, we have created a sanctuary where every detail is personal, every experience thoughtfully curated, and every guest feels truly understood. Our team takes immense pride in delivering bespoke service that allows guests to simply arrive, breathe deeply, and feel completely at home in one of the world’s most remarkable natural settings.”
Somewhere
Stretching across the entire width of the island, the vast residences will straddle both land and sea and deliver the very best of Indian Ocean living with an overwater and beach residence concept all in one, designed to cater to those who do not want to choose. Hugging the two-storey residences and taking center stage are the expansive 45 to 47 metres suspended sky infinity pools complete with waterfalls. Five of the residences feature three splendid en-suite bedrooms, sleeping up to eight adults, indoor and outdoor living area, a bar, a fully equipped kitchen, an outdoor Big Green Egg, and more than 1,200 square metres of living space. The remaining two residences are larger, offering an additional bedroom (four) for up to 11 adults. Alongside the 1,400 square metres of space, guests can enjoy a dedicated Roohu (butler), the island’s water sports centre offering motorised and non-motorised activities, a Dyson hairdryer and airwrap, and 24-hour in-residence dining.
Nowhere
Comprising two main residences, is intended to be booked as a whole private experience – fortifying a new era of exclusivity and privacy. The first is an exceptional over-water villa spanning more than 1,000 square metres, three bedrooms and a 15 metres private swimming pool. Undoubtedly, it will be the five-bedroom Presidential Residence boasting more than 2,400 square metres of space, a 28 metres swimming pool, and its own private beach that will be the most impressive and distinguishing property at .Here. With ample space for up to 24 adults, Nowhere is also home to Fehi Wellness, the resort’s fitness centre, and a water sports centre.
Wellness
Located on Nowhere, Fehi Wellness, which takes its name from the local Dhivehi word for “green”, features multiple treatment rooms and a yoga chamber and is accessible only to those staying on Nowhere. For those staying on Somewhere, all treatments can be carried out from the comfort of their residence.
At Fehi, utterly bespoke treatments and wellness programs are personalised for every guest. The concept of duality is also reflected within the spa offering, where ancient traditional therapies are combined with cutting-edge technologies and world-class experts. Example treatments include heated salt stone and cold jade nephrite stone massage, and aquatic plantar reflexology.
Roohu
The island’s unparalleled and intimate hospitality is brought to life with their dedicated Roohu – meaning soul in Dhivehi – butler service for every residence, there to curate personalised, one-of-a-kind, and rare experiences. At the heart of Roohu’s ethos lies the power of discretion and customisation, acknowledging the uniqueness of every guest’s wishes.
Epicurean Experiences
At the island’s restaurant and bar, Safar, meaning “journey” in Dhivehi, extensive dining options have been thoughtfully curated to ensure every palate is satisfied at any given moment of the day. Resident chefs are on hand 24 hours a day to curate bespoke menus which can be enjoyed in the privacy of their residence or at the overwater restaurant. From fine dining to casual fare such as picnics on the beach and barbecues on the residence deck, each culinary experience is a sensory exploration.
Design
The island’s design and interiors have been meticulously chosen by the award-winning British design studio, Muza Lab. Duo Inge Moore and Nathan Hutchins are responsible for creating some of the world’s most incredible spaces, and this project will be no exception. Taking inspiration from the textures, shapes, and colors of the natural world, interiors such as natural carved timbers, stone, and marble, all nod to Maldivian local treasures like the Dhoni boats and the Feyli sarongs.
.Here can be reached via a scenic 30-minute seaplane flight direct from Velana International Airport in Malé. To find out more, please visit: here-maldives.com.
Bandos Maldives is celebrating the remarkable journey of loyal guests Kate and Andy, whose deep bond with the island and its vibrant underwater world has beautifully evolved over two decades.
Their Bandos story began in 2006, and ever since they have retuned back at least twice a year. In2014, they returned for a truly unforgettable milestone: exchanging their vows underwater at Bandos. Since then, diving has remained at the heart of their visits. Kate marked her 1,000th dive with more than 900 of them alongside the Bandos dive team, and Andy celebrated his 900th dive, all completed with Dive Bandos, in September 2025.
This special journey has now reached another milestone with Mrs. Watkinson’s 50th visit to Bandos and more than 400 dives on the Bandos house reef. To commemorate this extraordinary connection, Bandos has dedicated a special area of the house reef to her, creating a lasting tribute to her many years of memories beneath the waves. The area, named the K & A Coral Garden, forms part of the resort’s coral restoration project. Acropora coral fragments are carefully secured to suspended nylon ropes using a frame-based restoration method. As the coral grows, the garden will develop into a living habitat, providing shelter to marine life and enriching the biodiversity of the house reef.
More than a celebration, the K & A Coral Garden represents a living legacy: honouring 50 visits, hundreds of dives, and a lasting connection with the ocean while contributing to the continued restoration of Bandos’ house reef.
Beyond their love for the vibrant marine life, the couple is dedicated advocates for eco-friendly practices. To create a timeless memory of their incredible 50th visit, they also planted a frangipani tree right outside their favourite villa at the resort to grow alongside the resort for years to come.
General Manager Ismail Rasheed shared, “We are honoured to celebrate such an extraordinary milestone with Kate and Andy. We truly value the profound and lasting bond they have built with the resort. The K & A Coral Garden is a meaningful way for us to celebrate their connection while creating something that will continue to give back to the reef they have enjoyed for so many years.”
From underwater vows and milestone dives to a coral garden that will continue to grow, Kate and Andy’s journey with Bandos Maldives is a beautiful story of loyalty, love and a shared passion for the ocean: one that will continue to live beneath the waves.
As the final quarter of the year approaches, Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives introduces Celebrate More, Feel More, a seasonal invitation to reconnect, celebrate and create meaningful memories in the heart of the Indian Ocean.
Running from October through December 2026, the campaign brings together a collection of island experiences, special occasions and seasonal offers, culminating in the resort’s festive programme, A Celebration of Light & Lagoon.
Just 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the 120-villa resort offers an accessible island escape where guests can choose their own pace, from underwater adventures and restorative wellness to intimate dining and shared celebrations.
A Season of Connection
At the heart of Celebrate More, Feel More is a simple idea: the most memorable holidays are defined not only by where we travel, but by how those experiences make us feel.
Reflecting the resort’s Connected Island Luxury philosophy, the campaign celebrates four dimensions of island life: connection with nature, connection with loved ones, connection with oneself and connection with the distinctive character of the Maldives.
Whether marking a honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary, gathering with family or simply taking time away together, guests are encouraged to shape their own island story.
October: Remember the Quiet –Reconnecting Through Sound and Stillness
October will see the launch of a new signature stay Remember the Quiet, an invitation to step away from the noise of everyday life and rediscover the restorative power of sound and stillness.
Surrounded by the gentle rhythms of the Indian Ocean, Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives offers a natural setting in which to slow down, become more present and reconnect with oneself and loved ones.
From the sound of waves against the shore to moments of stillness overlooking the lagoon, the island encourages guests to experience the Maldives beyond its extraordinary scenery. Full details will be revealed closer to the date.
November: Celebrate Together
November shifts the spotlight towards shared experiences, exceptional dining and the pleasure of spending time together. At the resort’s signature overwater restaurant, FireDoor, guests can discover a distinctive dining experience featuring a glass-floor setting overlooking the marine world below.
The resort’s signature stay experience, Kodhipparu Reef Connection, takes on a special edition for Black Friday. Thanksgiving also provides an opportunity for American travellers and expatriates living across the region to gather with friends and family in an alternative tropical setting.
Throughout the month, the emphasis is on celebrating the people and experiences that make travel meaningful.
December: A Celebration of Light & Lagoon
The season culminates in A Celebration of Light & Lagoon, Grand Park Kodhipparu’s festive theme for 2026. Against a backdrop of turquoise waters, golden sunsets and starlit evenings, the resort invites guests to exchange familiar winter traditions for an island celebration.
From Christmas dining and family time to romantic evenings and New Year festivities, the programme will bring together the resort’s culinary, lifestyle and recreational experiences.
Plan Your Island Celebration
Throughout the final quarter of 2027, guests can discover the resort through a combination of signature experiences. The result is an island holiday that can be as active, restorative, romantic or sociable as each guest chooses.
“Celebrations are not always about grand occasions. Sometimes, they are simply about finding the time to reconnect with the people who matter most. With Celebrate More, Feel More, we want to give our guests the freedom to create their own special moments, whether that means exploring our house reef, sharing an exceptional dinner or welcoming the New Year together beneath the Maldivian stars,” Liz Smailes, Director of Marketing.
Celebrate More, Feel More runs from October to December 2026, with seasonal offers and experiences available throughout the quarter. For further information and reservations, visit the official website.
Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, will welcome the renowned Château Palmer to its island shores on 25 October 2026 for an exclusive wine dinner, bringing together exceptional Bordeaux wines, thoughtfully crafted cuisine and the relaxed elegance of the Maldives.
For this special evening, Finolhu will be joined by Monsieur Charles Sichel, representing a family whose connection with Château Palmer dates back to 1938. The Sichel family remains one of the families behind the celebrated Margaux estate today, continuing a relationship spanning generations.
Set within the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux, Château Palmer is recognised for a distinctive style shaped by its terroir. Its Grand Vin brings together Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with a touch of Petit Verdot, producing wines characterised by finesse, elegance and an aromatic expression of flowers, fruit and spice. The estate’s wines are matured for more than 20 months before revealing their full expression.
The Château Palmer Wine Dinner at Finolhu will take guests on a journey through a curated selection of wines from the estate, each thoughtfully paired with a specially created menu from Finolhu’s culinary team. Throughout the evening, Monsieur Charles Sichel will share insights into the heritage, terroir and craftsmanship behind Château Palmer, offering guests a more personal perspective on the wines in their glasses.
The dinner forms part of Finolhu’s evolving calendar of culinary experiences, bringing distinctive producers and personalities from the international world of food and wine to Baa Atoll. From the wine selection to each accompanying dish, the evening will celebrate the relationship between cuisine and wine while retaining the relaxed, experiential character that defines dining at Finolhu.
The event follows Finolhu’s recent recognition as one of the Best Culinary Resorts at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2026, an accolade celebrating the creativity and dedication behind the resort’s food and beverage experiences. Gastronomy is an integral part of the Finolhu experience, with thoughtfully developed menus, international influences and distinctive settings coming together to create memorable moments around the table.
The Château Palmer Wine Dinner continues this culinary story, following a series of wine-led experiences at the resort and further strengthening Finolhu’s focus on creating dining occasions that extend beyond the plate. Most recently, the resort welcomed Sato Wines from Central Otago for a series of intimate dinners, including an evening at the iconic Crab Shack.
Sunny Chuang, Director of Food & Beverage, said: “We are delighted to welcome Monsieur Charles Sichel and Château Palmer to Finolhu for what promises to be a very special evening. Our approach to dining has always been about creating experiences that bring together exceptional flavours, inspiring stories and memorable settings. To share the heritage and wines of Château Palmer with our guests in Baa Atoll is a wonderful continuation of that journey.”
Guests attending the dinner can look forward to an intimate evening of fine wine, considered pairings and conversation, bringing the character of Margaux to the shores of the Maldives.
For more information and reservations, visit finolhu.com.
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