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5° North by Finolhu Maldives: Destination dining in middle of lagoon
The turquoise waters of a tropical lagoon surround you, as the sunset gives a magical glow, while you sip your favourite drink. Steaks sizzle on a nearby grill, and the aroma of herbs and spices float by on a gentle sea breeze. You smile as a special someone reaches across the table to take your hands, just as your butler announces that “Dinner is served.” Life is perfect. Welcome to an exclusive new dining experience at 5° North by Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives.
Situated on a special platform, which is located exactly 5 degrees North of the Equator, this whole new level of destination dining experience offers a blissful seclusion in the heart of the tropical lagoon. Available for a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 guests, this is an exclusive experience in every sense of the word. With water all around and nothing but sky above, the evening truly belongs to you.
As you marvel at the changing colours of golden hour fading into blue hour, tantalising aromas fill the air. Whether you choose to indulge in a romantic dinner with a special someone or a celebratory meal with family or friends, indulge your taste buds with a delicious set menu of your choice. Prepared by your very own chef and served by your dedicated butler, the choice of carefully curated menus includes the finest steak, seafood and vegetarian delights.
After starting with your choice of the chef’s speciality platter, oysters or Mediterranean spreads, the main course awaits. From Angus beef sirloin steak, lamb merguez sausages, marinated reef fish, grilled Maldivian lobster and jumbo prawns to halloumi cheese skewers and vegetables marinated in mild spices, every taste is catered to here. What better way to conclude such a perfect evening than with a choice of scrumptious desserts that includes baked cheesecake, espresso crème brulee biscotti, chocolate chia seed pudding and fruit skewers?
Combining exclusivity and seclusion with fine cuisine on a tropical island paradise, 5° North takes destination dining to whole new level. It is time to start planning your holiday at Finolhu and make this gastronomic escapade part of your itinerary.
Owned and managed by Seaside Collection, Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives, is a luxury island resort renowned for its two-kilometre white powdery beaches that stretch out across four islands. Firmly established as one of the finest resorts in the Maldives, Finolhu – meaning sandbank in Dhivehi – consists of 125 beachfront and overwater villas (more than half with a private pool), four restaurants and an array of activities, every day on Finolhu’s island playground is as varied as the coral reef landscape of the Baa Atoll. Whilst popular with honeymooners, the extensive resort which is set in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is also family-friendly, with a kids’ club and world-famous entertainment.
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives will mark the festive season with a programme that combines charitable initiatives with its sustainability commitments. Guests will be invited to donate, run, paddle and plant in support of local community and environmental projects, alongside dining experiences that highlight Maldivian produce.
Under its World of Care commitments, the resort has adopted initiatives to improve the school experience for children at R. Maduvvari School on the neighbouring island and to protect the surrounding marine ecosystem. Participation in the season’s activities will contribute directly to these programmes.
From 25 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, guests may purchase wrapped gifts from a Christmas Charity Surprise Tree, with all proceeds directed to the resort’s charitable causes.
On 27 December 2025, Euro Divers will lead a coral-planting session within the house reef. The activity forms part of an ongoing conservation effort to strengthen reef resilience by increasing coral diversity through the careful planting of hardy coral fragments.
Seasalt restaurant will host a “Boat to Table” beachfront barbecue on 28 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. The buffet will feature seafood such as giant tuna sashimi, ceviche and grilled fish prepared from the day’s catch supplied by local fishermen, reflecting the resort’s focus on local sourcing and support for the Raa Atoll community.
A Charity Kayak Race will take place on 30 December 2025 and 5 January 2026. Entry will be by voluntary donation, with funds supporting enhancements at the R. Maduvvari pre-school.
On 2 January 2026, the programme will conclude with a Charity Island Fun Run around the island. Branded t-shirts will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the resort’s community initiatives.
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has received three titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, named Luxury Adults Only Resort, Luxury Island Resort, and Luxury Cultural Resort in the Indian Ocean.
The awards highlight the brand’s focus on locally rooted hospitality, with stays shaped by place, service and community. The resort presents Maldivian culture through curated experiences, pairing contemporary comforts with island traditions.
Positioned as an adults-only retreat, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo integrates culinary influences and cultural programming to offer guests a stay informed by the rhythm of local life and delivered with consistent service standards.
“These awards are a true reflection of our team’s passion for creating experiences that feel both local and memorable. Every detail, from the design to the service, is guided by the authenticity that defines Mercure. We are grateful to our guests for being part of this journey,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, honouring properties that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and celebrate diversity across the travel sector.
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has received three honours at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, securing titles for Best Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel, Best Luxury Wellness Hotel, and Best Luxury Family Hotel in the Indian Ocean.
The awards underscore the resort’s approach to experience-led hospitality, combining design, wellbeing and guest engagement. The recognition also reflects Pullman’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, which sit at the centre of the brand’s strategy.
Since opening, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has developed an all-inclusive offering that brings together adventure, wellness and a close connection to the natural environment. Its portfolio includes an underwater villa, wellness concepts and family-oriented experiences.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition at the 2025 World Luxury Awards. These awards celebrate the heart of what we do—creating inspiring moments for every guest, whether they come to reconnect, recharge, or simply play. This achievement belongs to our incredible team, whose passion and dedication make Pullman Maldives Maamutaa what it is today,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, highlighting hotels that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and demonstrate innovation in service and design.
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