Seaside Finolhu, Baa Atoll

Its owners, Seaside Collection, describe Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives as 'a playful twist on luxury'. Located in the less developed western part of Baa Atoll, a 35-minute seaplane ride from Male, this vibrant resort was freshly reimagined in November 2020 and became the first Maldives property in Design Hotels' portfolio.

The resort sits on a stunning reef-fringed lagoon that is home to nesting green turtles. It consists of an 850-metre overwater villa jetty on the west side, connected to the main island, plus three further islands linked by sandbanks. The ambitious '.here' ultra-luxury villas, with sky infinity pools and next-level exclusivity, opened in late 2025.

There are 125 villas in one and two-bedroom configurations: 34 on the beach and the rest over water. All are generously sized with sumptuous beds, and many include private pools. We especially like the west-facing Ocean Pool Villas for direct reef access and sunset views, the Lagoon Villas for calmer swimming waters, and the Beach Villas or Beach Pool Villas on the lagoon side for their easy beach access.

Dining is a real highlight. Beach Kitchen serves buffet-style meals with live cooking stations, themed evenings, and breakfast, lunch and dinner. Kanusan is a magnificent overwater Japanese restaurant with its own bar and a wooden veranda where guests can dine to the sound of the sea. The Crab Shack, at the end of the one-kilometre sandbank, offers a desert-island dining experience with seafood, fish and grilled favourites. We suggest taking the dhoni shuttle for lunch and saving the walk for Friday evening's legendary White Party at sunset.

Meal plans range from B&B to All-Inclusive Premium, and the latter includes Milk Lab near the gym and spa, serving pastries, smoothies, juices and snacks.

The award-winning FEHI Spa uses NATURA BISSE products and offers a comprehensive treatment menu. Yoga sessions include Aerial and Hatha in the Shala and Sunset Yoga on the beach. Other facilities include a beach-view gym, tennis and padel courts, an art studio, a kids' club for ages 4-11, a teen hut, a golf studio and a water sports centre. There are no bicycles on the island, but buggies run every 15 minutes or can be ordered through your Roohu butler.

The Beach Club and Beach Bar area defines the 'Island Playground' concept. The main pool features an elevated library and shisha lounge above the swim-up bar. Day beds, loungers and giant cushions are scattered around the pool and across the expansive beach. Daytime brings gentle DJ beats, giant chess on the beach and mermaid appearances. Evening entertainment is sophisticated and includes juggling, aerial acrobatics and fire shows. The Beach Bar hosts DJ sets at night. Importantly, the sound does not carry across the island thanks to the lush vegetation.

The PADI dive centre, Dive Butler, is led by a highly professional team. Marine biologist Ivana is an excellent guide for snorkelling the house reef. The best section of reef is on the ocean (west) side, with the drop-off roughly 200 metres out. It is accessible from the beach or from three points along the water villa jetty. Snorkelling gear is complimentary. We spotted eagle rays, a black tip reef shark, parrotfish, fusiliers and turtles during our visit. The lagoon is also frequented by nurse sharks and green turtles.

Under the stewardship of General Manager Steven Phillips, a luxury hospitality veteran, the resort runs with palpable energy and pride. Resort Manager Ali, Executive Chef Bernard, F&B Manager Ali and Bar Manager Paban contribute to a genuinely happy team. The result is a classy, chic resort with an engaging beach club vibe that masterfully balances sophistication with whimsy.

Situated in Baa Atoll, Finolhu is a barefoot chic resort offering a playful take on luxury across four islands linked by white sandbanks, all encircling a reef-fringed lagoon. The resort reopened on 1st November 2020 following a complete transformation and is the first Maldives property to join the Design Hotels portfolio.

Guests arrive via a 35-minute seaplane transfer from Male. Accommodation consists of 125 beachfront and overwater villas, over half of which feature private pools. Dining is spread across four restaurants, including the memorable Crab Shack situated on its own sandbank.

The resort appeals to honeymooners and families alike, with a kids' club, varied daily activities and evening entertainment. It is worth noting that the '.here' luxury development beyond Crab Shack is visible from the lagoon side, though construction noise has now ceased.