Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives

Finolhu Baa Atoll, Maldives: A New Chapter of Creative, Conscious Island Living

Set within the pristine Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives redefines the Maldivian escape by pairing playful luxury with purpose. As the first property in the country to join the prestigious Design Hotels™ portfolio, Finolhu offers a dynamic, design-led experience that honours local culture, embraces sustainability, and invites guests of all ages to reconnect—with themselves, each other, and the natural world.

A Resort That Celebrates Creativity and Connection

Reflecting the needs of today’s more diverse and intergenerational guests, Finolhu has unveiled two pioneering facilities: the Teen Hub and the Art Lab.

• Teen Hub is the first of its kind in the Maldives, designed specifically for young adults aged 12–18. Outfitted with gaming consoles, music stations, creative technology, and a pool table, it also features a robust schedule of activities—from traditional cooking classes to outdoor adventures on the floating water park.

• Art Lab offers guests of all ages a space to explore their creativity. From pottery and candle-making to painting coral ceramics or miniature dhonis, guests are encouraged to reconnect with their inner child. Each villa includes a blank canvas as an open invitation to express and explore.

• Designed by KulörGroup, both spaces echo organic forms found in nature and are constructed from bamboo using passive cooling techniques—highlighting the resort’s commitment to sustainable design.

A Kaleidoscope of Color and Craft

In partnership with award-winning design studio Muza Lab, Finolhu’s interiors are inspired by the ever-shifting reflections of the Indian Ocean. This ‘kaleidoscopic’ approach to design is evident throughout the resort, with each villa’s palette harmonizing with its surroundings—beach villas in earthy greens and browns; lagoon villas in cool aquatic hues. Carefully curated artisanal touches—from shell chandeliers to handwoven décor—infuse every space with warmth and personality.

Outside, a bright pink tennis and paddle court adds a burst of joyful energy—an emblem of Finolhu’s celebratory spirit.

Rooted in Maldivian Heritage

Finolhu offers an authentic engagement with local culture rarely found in luxury resorts. Every Thursday, the resort hosts a day of cultural immersion—from artisan markets and craft workshops to live music and traditional cuisine prepared by women from nearby islands.

Guests interested in deeper cultural exchange can join local guides for tours of neighbouring communities, with some even welcomed into private homes—an enriching experience for both visitors and hosts.

A Commitment to Community and Conservation

Guided by the ethos “protect what sustains us,” Finolhu is deeply invested in both environmental stewardship and social responsibility. The resort’s initiatives include:

• Partnering with local fishermen for fresh seafood

• Supporting island neighbours with waste management systems

• Offering hospitality internships and career development to Maldivian youth

• Eliminating plastic waste and desalinating seawater on-site

• Collaborating with Parley for the Oceans on marine conservation, including a Coral Propagation Project open to guest participation

A Destination for Every Generation

Finolhu’s true strength lies in its adaptability. Families return year after year, evolving alongside the resort—from couples seeking romance to parents introducing their children to the joy of travel. The famed Crab Shack, once synonymous with hedonism, still hosts vibrant weekly parties—now infused with nostalgia and barefoot elegance.

In every sense, Finolhu has become more than a destination—it’s a place where memories are made, creativity is sparked, and luxury feels effortless and alive.