ADVERTORIAL • December 2024
Find Maldivian magic at Finolhu
Summer never ends at Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives, where the average temperature is 29° (make that 24° for the bath-like waters)
This island escape counts a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve as its setting: the dazzling Baa Atoll, whose reefs, submerged cliffs and thilas (underwater hills) are home to more than 1,200 reef species. This is your cue to discover the natural wonders of the Indian Ocean, with Finolhu as your wave-side sanctuary. Delicious dining, limitless romance, Wallpaper*-worthy design and family thrills are all on the agenda.
Island double whammy
Don’t settle for one island, when Finolhu puts two at your finger-and toe-tips, connected by one of the longest sandbanks in the Maldives. Double the islands means double the fun: liquid adventures include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing or sailing in a catamaran. Landlubbers can perfect their tennis, golf or arts and crafts skills, from painting to pottery, tie-dying T-shirts, and more.
The Crab Shack
Finolhu’s four restaurants are all worth writing home about, but we have a particular soft spot for the Crab Shack. Stroll for 20 minutes along the pearlescent sandbank or hop on a traditional wooden boat for a five-minute ride to this secluded spot, where succulent crustaceans, astonishingly blue views and total peace are guaranteed. Wiggle your toes into the warm sand and order something blissful: a glass of blush-pink rosé, mango and papaya salad, fresh crab or spicy piri-piri chicken, perhaps. The Crab Shack also has a party side: come back at sunset for its beach fiestas, which give Ibiza and Mykonos a run for their money.
Family attractions
Once your little ones arrive at Finolhu, they’re no longer kids, they’re Oceaneers – with an Oceaneers Club to prove it. Inspiring activities include cookery classes, games and guided excursions, so expect zero cries of “I’m bored”. A fleet of friendly staff tends to the Oceaneers from morning to night, freeing up parents to enjoy some well-deserved downtime. For older kids, the welcoming new Teen Hut and Art Lab are places where your offspring can make friends, enjoy exciting activities and express their artistic talents. Staying during your child’s birthday? Let the team know, as they are dab hands at celebrations. For liquid thrills together, the hotel’s Water Sports Centre provides equipment for all ages, with banana and tube rides, surfing and parasailing also on the cards.
Impeccable design
Finolhu’s stylish design is the perfect complement to its breathtaking ocean setting. The architecture respects the pristine environment, and the hotel has an array of eco-conscious initiatives in place. Stake out an overwater Lagoon Villa, relaxing on your sun deck or strolling down the private jetty that leads directly to the sea. For the ultimate taste of barefoot luxury, opt for a Beach Pool Villa: chill in your private pool and admire your green garden and the shimmering sea.
Pampering wellness
It’s hard to imagine anyone feeling stressed here but, just in case, Finolhu has a serene spa in store. Opt for a classic Swedish or Thai massage or refresh frazzled skin with the Sun Cooler ritual. Fancy a sauna bath? The outside temperatures will feel positively cool afterwards. Finolhu’s Fehi Spa also offers muscle-relaxing hydrotherapy facilities, best enjoyed after a workout at the gym. Beautifying facials, a mani-pedi or a new hairdo can also be arranged.
Delicious food and drink
Finolhu’s restaurants all clearly got the ‘sunshine flavours’ memo. At Beach Kitchen, you might spy frolicking dolphins while enjoying your buffet breakfast – the restaurant has a front-row setting by the ocean. By night, enjoy Beach Kitchen’s globe-trotting cuisine, encompassing Asia, the Maldives and the Med. Savour Japanese fine-dining at award-winning Kanusan, or mezze, tagines and cardamom-and-cumin-seasoned fish and meat at Arabian Grill. Between meals, stay refreshed with protein shakes and smoothies at Milk LAB, or enjoy something a little stronger at Beach Club bar, where sunset comes with DJ beats and shisha treats.
All holidays with British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected and include a generous baggage allowance per person and a 24-hour holiday helpline. Secure your Maldives holiday now with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly.*
*Full balance due seven weeks before departure for long-haul holidays. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply. See ba.com/deposits
This article has been tagged Advertorial
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