Nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere of Baa Atoll, Finolhu is an understated, laid-back resort studded with nostalgic touches and is the embodiment of a well thought out island experience set in the tropics of the Maldives.
SHANGHAI – Worldhotels proudly welcomes Finolhu into its acclaimed collection of upscale independent properties. Fringed by sugar-white sand and rich, aquamarine tinged waters as far as the eye can see, the island retreat opens its doors to the reminiscent memories of yesteryear and brings renewed life to the iconic beauty of the 1960s and 70s – when life itself was slower paced and even the littlest things in life could be enjoyed thoroughly, like jiving along to jazz tunes from vinyl records and watching the nostalgic black and white television. This beachside haven is also dedicated to revive an era of classic travel by transporting guests back to a more understated time.
Nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere of Baa Atoll – one of 26 natural atolls located in the Indian Ocean, Finolhu is an understated, laid-back resort studded with nostalgic touches and is the embodiment of a well thought out island experience set in the tropics of the Maldives. Poised to bring an unexpected revival of the nostalgic good ol’days with its laid-back ambience and timeless design, this beachside haven truly recalls the heady allure of a classic beach getaway – an epoch in time whereby the sun, surf and sand was basically the only prerequisites in order to have the time of your lives. Finolhu is also located 30 minutes away by speedboat from its sister property Amilla Fushi, which are both managed by The Small Maldives Island Company.
All you will ever need are villas
The ultimate island experience for couples, fun-loving families and groups of friends alike, Finolhu’s 125 villas come on the ocean, the lagoon or by the beach, with or without pool, and are outfitted with Instagram-worthy interiors and vintage-style Marshall speakers, while bathrooms and spa facilities are stocked with all-natural, organic products from Neal’s Yard Remedies.
Taking an unexpected cue from the halcyon days of the classic glamorous getaway, Finolhu recalls the heady allure of vintage beach vacations with its classic design, retro touches and laid-back ambiance. Set within the UNESCO biosphere reserve of Baa Atoll (served by the new Baa Atoll airport or accessible via a 30-minutes seaplane ride from Malé) Finolhu has all the hallmarks of paradise. Translucent waters, 1.8km long white-sand bank and perma-clear skies aside, what really sets it apart from its Maldivian competitors is its effortlessly stylish surrounds and beach clubby-ness.
Where even the most discerning of epicures get their palates tantalised
Finolhu offers laid-back yet elegant dining options, with the chilled-out Baa Baa Beach Club at its heart. Made for lounging away afternoons, sipping and nibbling from a daybed, Baa Baa is the place to be, day or night. Whether poolside or on the beach, the day starts with a leisurely long breakfast, grazing from the live cooking stations; all day tunes are the backdrop for cocktails created by world-class mixologists behind the decks and the bar. For dining options, guests can opt for the oriental Cantonese restaurant Kanusan, set over the stunning aquamarine waters that the Maldives is famed for. With culinary influences garnered from Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, the flavours brought by the Kanusan cuisine will be nothing short of explosive. Bringing magical Maghreb flavours to the Maldives, the boutique-style Baahaa Grill restaurant will celebrate the legendary spice blends of pre-Moorish North Africa, where a town’s finest spice sellers were as famous as its rulers. For those who like their food with a side of fun, the Fish & Crab Shack is an oasis of rustic chic deliciousness halfway along Finolhu’s stunning 1.8km sandbar, just a swim, stroll or Dhoni ride across the lagoon: lip-smacking buckets of prawns, stunning sharing platters of fresh crab, vegetables and local seafood are served under coconut trees, accompanied by crisp glasses of rosé or crafted cocktails from the beach bar.
Never get bored, with activities for everyone in the family
The Cove Club is a happening hub of pastel-coloured beach Divans and a mellow retro revival area where massage, movement and chilling is medicinal – just drop anchor and relax! 10 chandelier-lit treatment Divans – each celebrating an iconic diva of the 60s and 70s – are complimented by a fitness centre, movement pavilion and outdoor ‘Palm Beach gym’. The island’s natural environment is the inspiration for fitness activities at The Cove Club, from capoeira and paddle boarding to ballet and kickboxing, while the facilities will also include a relaxation area overlooking the beach, steam/sauna, wellness areas, salon and retail pavilion.
For those fascinated by all things both over and underwater, head on over to Finolhu’s Marine HUB (i.e. Home of the Underwater Biosphere) where epic water activities including diving, snorkeling trips and excursions are hosted under the watchful eye of the Marine bio team and operated by Dive Butler International.
“Finolhu embodies an unparalleled tropical island experience and caters perfectly to the palettes of millennials who are looking for an untypical vacation in the Maldives,” says Roland Jegge, Worldhotels Executive Vice President Asia-Pacific. “This much-awaited, second Maldivian addition into Worldhotels’ collection of hotels will allow guests to experience a unique take on the splendours of the Maldives and is a tremendous vote of confidence given to Worldhotels by The Small Maldives Island Company.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
