Our seaplane skims the ocean as we arrive at the Finolhu dock. You’d think I’d be more enamored by the refreshing coconut I’m handed, but I can’t take my eyes away from the turquoise waters that surround us and stretches of white sandy beaches. Where the shore ends, the floating bungalows begin. And I feel a sense of seclusion in the very best way.
We’re about 68 miles from Malé, in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where the Indian Ocean teems with one of the richest concentrations of coral reefs and marine biodiversity in the world. Though it’s extremely safe and easy to discover the private island by foot, golf carts are available for guests. So, I figure I’ll make the most of this amenity. My butler whisks me past shaded alcoves, beachfront restaurants, and along the pier to my home for the next week. My very own overwater bungalow.
Photo via Marriott
The rooms capture the feeling of the island- open, relaxed, and refreshingly bright- with wooden ceilings, white walls, and pops of blue in the furnishings, tiled accent wall, and sea-shell lamp. To my delight, I find a large soaking tub in the bathroom with views of the ocean, but my favorite way to begin the day is an outdoor shower. Sun on my face and the lapping water below my feet. Just beyond the floor-to-ceiling sliding doors, a private deck opens onto a small infinity pool, with steps leading directly down to the sea. I grab my lifejacket provided by the hotel and jump into the crystal-waters. Immediately swarmed by a plethora of fish and a baby shark or two. At Finolhu, you can’t help but feel a sense of freedom and ease, a day full of possibilities.
Though the island is full of life in its social spaces, outlets, and people, the real magic comes from their commitment to preserve natural surroundings. With a resident marine biologist on site, the property leads restoration efforts through its Coral Reef Propagation Project, alongside curated dive safaris. One day, I’m planting new coral with biologist Ivanna Tolbar; the next, I’m out at sea snorkeling with giant mantas during their great migration, or visiting a private island with locals for a beach cleanup. Each experience becomes a new adventure in educating guests.
Photo via Marriott
Amenities On Site
Though it may look secluded, Finolu certainly doesn’t feel that way. The property team does an exceptional job of incorporating Maldivian experiences into each guest’s stay. From lively sundowners on a sandy beach and themed evenings with performers to relaxed daytime coastal socials featuring island flavors, sushi-making classes, and wine tastings on a floating platform in the ocean. From kids to couples, there really is something for everyone. Wellness and art is also at the forefront of hotel life, with a relaxing spa offering an array of elevated services and an art studio to unleash your creativity.
For dining, it’s all about freshness and making the most of the island’s natural resources. With views of the pool or the sea, the Beach Kitchen offers an elaborate breakfast buffet not to be missed, along with a rotating evening menu inspired by global specialties.
Perched on stilts and surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Kanusan is known for its elevated Japanese cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails (open for dinner only). For the bold flavors of North Africa and the Middle East, the Arabian Grill delivers a true feast for the senses (also open for dinner only).
A 20-minute stroll along the sandbank, with uninterrupted 360-degree ocean views, brings you to the Crab Shack. A casual, feet-in-the-sand spot. If you’d rather skip the walk, the hotel’s traditional wooden boat will get you there in just five minutes.
Photo via Marriott
At the heart of Finolhu, the Beach Club shifts from a tranquil daytime escape to a lively nighttime hub. The upper level features an open-air patio for lounging or enjoying shisha, along with an air-conditioned library for quieter moments. Downstairs, cozy nooks, a vibrant bar serving exotic cocktails, and poolside seating create a more social, energetic atmosphere.
A week in the Maldives left me feeling alive, refreshed, and with a new sense of appreciation for our world. One of my favorite parts of my time at Finolhu were the slow mornings spent idling at the Milk Lab cafe, finding private beach nooks, and floating out to sea with the seabirds dancing above my head. A true island paradise.
