The Maldivian retreat combining beautiful beaches and serious style

Words: Vivian Vassos

If tranquillity and off-the-radar relaxation are at the top of your holiday must-do list, then Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll in the Maldives should be, too. Finolhu means sandbank in Dhivehi, the local language, and this is the first resort to be included in Design Hotels’ international portfolio, so expect style and serenity in equal, magical measure. Fly to Malé from London with British Airways and discover why this overwater oasis stretched over four islands is not to be missed…

The view

Expect sand and sea as far as the eye can see in the natural wonder that is Baa Atoll’s Unesco Biosphere Reserve. Finolhu combines untouched remoteness with an island energy that revitalises the spirit. A member of the Seaside Collection – which recognises prestigious locations, personal service, exclusive gastronomy, unique architecture and distinctive design concepts – the ravishing, spacious resort invites guests to feel the sand between their toes while strolling 2km of beach, be at one with nature and the ocean and learn more about the area’s thriving marine life. As a biosphere, it provides a unique connection between body, mind and spirit. Barefoot luxury, indeed.

Luxurious surroundings

The Maldives are known for dreamy locations, and Finolhu is no exception. There are 125 open-air beachfront and overwater villas to choose from, more than half sporting private pools (and outdoor showers). Villa designs (by Muza Lab in London) were inspired by the resort’s natural surroundings – think beachy whites, ocean blues, palm-frond greens – for a greater sense of place. And many of the private-pool villas have even more to offer. Take the flagship two-bedroom Rockstar villa, for example. With 460sqm of space to stretch out in and enjoy the uninterrupted ocean views, it’s the last word in laidback luxe.

Dive in

Finolhu is a water sport enthusiast’s dream destination. A snorkeller’s paradise, there’s rich marine life here, with many glimmering sea creatures calling it their home. If you’re lucky, you might spot manta rays and whale sharks swimming in the water, and the Unesco Hanifaru Bay is just a short boat ride away. Take a trip on the Reef Glider, a solar-powered boat with a glass viewing portal from which you can observe aquatic friends in their natural habitat and keep a respectful distance. 

Lovebug elation 

Calling all honeymooners and romance seekers – Finolhu has its own Beach Bubble (booked locally), the first in the Maldives, where you can spend the night under the stars, complete with a private beach dinner and waterfront breakfast. For those of you with family in tow, there’s no shortage of activities – from the Teens’ Hut, a chill hangout for ages 12 to 17 (cooking classes, painting and water sports included), to the Art Lab, an all-ages space where creative hands can express themselves assisted by resident artists. The Oceaneers’ Club provides child-friendly activities for those aged four to 12, plus there are sports such as tennis, padel, beach volleyball or even the Golf Studio to get the whole family moving – and playing – together. Movie nights and themed parties perfectly cap off the day.

Just breathe

Wellbeing is in everything Finolhu does – from respecting its environment to taking a mindful approach to service, design and architecture, wellness programmes and amenities. Get physical with tailored workouts or ease into your day with yoga. After some rejuvenating warrior poses or a sweat-it-out workout session, massage, steam and sauna away any sore spots with a circuit of hydrotherapy at Fehi Spa. Then book a beauty treatment using Natura Bissé products from Spain to further boost your excellent mood or achieve balance through guided deep breathing, meditation, sound bathing and more – all at Finolhu’s wondrous oceanfront setting.

Work up an appetite

Of course, we can’t forget Finolhu’s diverse menu of culinary offerings. You may be in the diminutive Maldives, but you have a world of choices here, with four restaurants to fuel your inner foodie. Savour the flavours at the eclectic Beach Kitchen. Toss the flip-flops and take a barefoot gastronomic adventure at Crab Shack, where seafood and local favourites play a starring role as you dine in a rustic wooden structure on the sand. Or choose Japanese at Kanusan, with the Indian Ocean at its door, or go casual with sharing plates of mezze at Arabian Grill.

Book your holiday

All holidays with British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected and include a generous checked baggage allowance and a 24-hour holiday helpline. Secure your Finolhu, Maldives holiday now with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly.*

*Full balance due seven weeks before departure. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply. See ba.com/deposits.