Maldives was the first country to open its shores to tourists across the world after the pandemic hit us, setting a brilliant example of one of the most successful tourism stories in these times. All flights literally led to this Indian Ocean island archipelago. Maldives is called the paradise island for all good reasons; where every island is more breathtaking than the other. Ease of travel with only vaccination certificates and Rt-Pcr report, visa on arrival, warm and welcoming Maldivian hospitality and of course, its stunning scenic beauty, make Maldives the most popular choice of international travel for every traveller in 2020-2021.

A short two-hour flight from Bengaluru and you land in Male, the capital city. A seaplane awaits right outside the airport that will transport you to pristine white sandy beaches, gazing out over infinite shades of blue, a place where you can let yourself go free and feel one with the nature; a place where everything else fades away and you step into a waking dream – a place called Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives. Nestled in Baa Atoll’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Finolhu is a barefoot chic resort blending comfort and luxury in a secluded Maldivian paradise. Its beachside indulgence at its best, where you’ll never get tired of marvelling at Finolhu’s vibrant tropical island playground, inspired by the shifting shapes and shades of oceanic blues, tropical greens, sunset reds, and sandy whites. The resort is a kaleidoscope of marine hues that stimulate and leave you with a feeling of wow with a vacay, you have always dreamt of.

Led by the award-winning London based design studio Muza Lab, Seaside Finolhu’s villas, restaurants and public areas are a colourful mélange of symmetrical patterns, woven textiles, and coloured glass. The resort is the first and only member of Design Hotels in the Maldives Design Hotels. Finolhu in the local Dhivehi language means sandbank. The resort has endless spectacular white sand beaches spread across four islands, lined with lush tropical greenery. If you’re the sporty kinds, you can indulge in water sports activities such as kite surfing, jet skiing, stand up paddling, wind surfing, catamaran sailing or just grab some snorkelling gear and go exploring on the house reef, or better still try some scuba diving with Dive Butler International Luxury Scuba Co. You’ll be amazed to see the serene beauty above and below the waves in Baa Atoll Kanufushi. Sun, sea and sand are all at your disposal in abundance and so is the sunny side of life!

Luxury Seaside Living
Each one of Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives’ 125 stylish villas are located either on the island’s alluring beachfront or directly over the azure ocean waters. More than half of the villas feature a private pool, while every villa also offers a spacious living area with all the modern comforts. A li’l birdie tells us that Finolhu, the next level in indulgent living, has been an ideal getaway for many celebrities of the likes of Leonardo di Caprio, Bill Gates, David Beckham, Cara Delevingne, Shilpa Shetty, besides many others.

Water Villas – The Water Pool Villas offer an expansive sun deck, and direct access to the lagoon or ocean. The resort’s flagship two-bedroom Rockstar Villa has been referred to by travellers as ‘the most beautiful temptation in the Maldives’ with a large luxurious living space. The villa offers inspiring and uninterrupted ocean views.

The Lagoon Villas and Ocean Pool Villas are perfect for couples or families looking for a scenic hideaway. Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives has a range of trendy Beach villas too. The resort’s one-bedroom beach villas either include a private pool or overlook the island’s lagoon or beach. The outdoor patio offers seclusion, ideal for lounging in the sun or stargazing after dusk.

Beach Bubble – Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives is the first resort in the Maldives to introduce the one of a kind stay that brings you closer to the stars, the beach, and lush environment all at once. Away from everything alone on a sandbank, the Beach Bubble is one inimitable experience for complete privacy and serenity like never before. Imagine sleeping in a transparent bubble, bang on the beach, with all the comforts of a hotel suite. It’s perfect for couples who will truly feel infinity as they gaze up at the stellar night sky view under the stars and wake up to a beautiful sunrise.

Foodies Ahoy!
Every restaurant is an experience in itself – a rich culinary adventure. From traditional Maldivian fare or a rustic grill shack, to Asian fusion cuisine or flavours of the Middle East, Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives has something for every palate. The resort’s four beachside restaurants serve some of the finest flavours for the most discerning of palates. There are stunning live performances every evening for your entertainment that will leave you spellbound.

Crab Shack – For a bit of island adventure, a refreshing walk along the sandbank or a Dhoni ride will lead you to Crab Shack, a rustic beach ramshackle. It’s a perfect spot to sip a refreshing drink listening to the waves gently lapping the shore, breathing in the fresh sea breeze, watching the dolphins play in the water, and relaxing with the sand between the toes. Enjoy the very best of island life with grilled prawns or squids with a glass of bubbly or beer as you watch a spectacular Maldivian vista.

Beach Kitchen – The culinary centre of Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives, Beach Kitchen, comes alive every morning with a beachside ambience on one side and views of the resort’s oasis style swimming pool on the other. A lavish sumptuous breakfast spread is laid out in the mornings and at lunch and in the evenings, various stations offer international delights and contemporary favourites with a plethora of choice for vegans, vegetarians, fish fans and meat lovers alike.

Kanusan – Finolhu’s award winning fine dining restaurant offers an oriental ambience, set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Explore the balanced and exquisitely contrasted flavours of Asian cuisine with a contemporary twist. Delectable bites of heaven with the stunning views of an endless ocean in front, and the hypnotic sounds of waves gently lapping against the restaurant’s stilts, Kanusan turns fine dining into a truly sensual experience. The sushi and sashimi are a class apart. You can also choose your catch of the day from the live crab and lobster tank.

Arabian Grill – This Arabian themed diner in hues of white and aqua, takes diners on a voyage to the gastronomic heart of the Middle East, serving a range of authentic dishes. A troupe of local dancers will surprise you with their Bodu beru folk dance moves. You can also dance with the locals over live music on the beach under a moonlit sky, in the safe confines of the resort. It’s an experience that you will remember for a lifetime.

You can also try the Floating Breakfast experience in the privacy of your villa pool, facing the ocean.

Find Bliss at the Fehi Spa – Fehi Spa embraces the concepts of nature, purity, healing, and harmony in this award-winning haven. Their holistic wellness treatments combing the best of both East and West, leaving one physically, mentally and spiritually rejuvenated. There are 10 treatment rooms, saunas, a steam room, and a plunge pool, besides a hair and nail salon.

There’s also a fully equipped Fitness Centre with a stunning backdrop of the ocean and a Yoga Pavilion where you can enrol in yoga or meditation classes. If you have the time, you can also play some Lawn Tennis, Table Tennis or enjoy some Beach Volleyball and Football. Kids find their own haven at the Oceaneer’s Kids Club, where they can play, cook, bake or even take guided excursions.

Where: Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives, Kanufushi Baa Atoll, Madlives. Visit www.finolhu.com. Call: +960 660 8800.

Accommodation: 41 Lagoon Villas, 8 Beach Villas, 16 Private Pool Villas, 41 Ocean Pool Villas, 8 Beach Pool Villas, 7 Two-bedroom Water Villas with Pool, 2 Two-bedroom Beach Villas with Pool, 2 Rockstar Two-bedroom Ocean Villas with Pool and 1 Beach Bubble.

Leisure facilities: Spa, Oceaneers Kids Club, Fitness Centre, Diving Centre (PADI certified), Water sports include Surfing, Kayaking, Outdoor swimming pool, Tennis, Golf Studio.

How to get there: 30-minute seaplane flight from Male International Airport. Male has direct flights from many cities across India.