Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives, a Member of Design Hotels

Everything about Finolhu is practically perfect! We tried to think of something that could be improved on our last day there and could literally only come up with the bath towels maybe could be a bit fluffier.... The reception by the Finolhu team at Male airport was faultless and very reassuring. We were taken to the seaplane check-in and then to the Finolhu lounge for wonderful refreshments and to wait for the seaplane (and free powerful wifi which was a major plus not just here but on the island throughout our 10 night stay). We were then taken down to board the seaplane and waved off. Coming back the Finolhu team met us from the seaplane, took us to check in for our international flight and waved us off at passport control. The seaplane journey for 30 minutes was spectacular and sitting right behind the pilots feels like you are flying the plane yourself! Great to see the pilots flying the plane with barefeet - something we quickly got used to! Once we got to the island itself there was a fabulous welcome by the management team - delicious coconut drinks and refreshing face towels and we were then driven around the main areas in a buggy by our butler, Ahmed and we were then taken to our overwater villa ( we recommend sunset villa ocean side if possible as opposed to sunrise lagoon side). The villa itself was truly spectacular and so much space. There was everything you could want including tea, coffee, water, fruit (replenished every few days) and very often chocolate gifts! Excellent bright decoration throughout with two outdoor showers, bath, indoor show. We spent most of our free time on our deck relaxing, dipping into the pool and going snorkelling directly off the deck. The room was kept beautifully clean and by AAIF ( morning and evening turned down and we never had to ask for anything to be topped up or replaced. Our room was always "magically" serviced whilst we were at breakfast. Housekeeping was first class and this matters to us. We took half board which was ample for us. Evidence that the Finolhu team listen and cater for all demands - many other resorts in Maldives don't offer this - and one of the many reasons we decided to book here. The restaurants are all very high quality and despite not being particularly fond of buffet dining we loved the Beach Kitchen and remarked to the team there that although it was self service, it certainly was not a traditional buffet. We loved all the different theme nights, but particularly the Maldivian night. Whilst we wanted to eat in the Beach Kitchen most nights, we did eat at the speciality restaurants, Crabshack and at the Arabian and we visited the Kanusan ( Japanese). RIKKY at the Crabshack provided stand out service to us and was also very interesting to chat with. ALIX at Kanusan also provided exemplary service to us. In the Beach Kitchen, which is bright, roomy and well laid out, there are many freshly cooked food stations for breakfast and for dinner. The q

Stayed the first two weeks of November and the resort was maybe at 20% capacity, so things were a little laid back. We were met at the dock after arriving by sea plane and our butler drove us to our villa in one of the many golf carts. The over the water villa was fantastic, large bedroom area with full stocked mini bar, fridge and wine cooler, large bathroom with separate shower and separate toilet room and two outdoor showers. We stayed on the ocean side, so we had a private pool off a very large deck with direct access to the water to snorkel. The villas are a little far from beaches and main area, but rides are always available. The food at all restaurants was very good including the pizza oven station. Get the premium all-inclusive plan! We did not have any trouble getting reservation for meals and excursions, but if the resort is closer to capacity, you might have a challenge. The resort has something to do for all ages, young and old. Daily activities on th3e beach and pool and nightly entertainment. They are in the process of building a new teen facility. Make sure to get to the Crab Shack at the end of the sand bar. You can walk or take the water taxi. Monday is white out party there. Fantastic event. Make reservation early and wear white! All the staff are very friendly and go out of their way to make sure you are 100% happy and satisfied!! The beaches are WOW!!! Your experience will vary somewhat depending on how many people are at the resort.

It’s just amazing…..there are no other words. However, I need to write a review so here goes : superb food, stunning Villas, white sands, warm waters…..so what makes this resort different to others? The staff are simply outstanding. Special thanks to Ricky, Upul, Siraj, Farhoud, Ali and Fairooz for making it so extra special. We will be back…..

This was our third visit to Finolhu and it was just perfect! Beautiful surroundings, great facilities and lovely weather. The thing that really makes this place even more special are the staff, who go out of their way to be friendly and assist you with any thing you might need. Special thanks to our butler Fairooz who took wonderful care of us and was especially kind to our children - they loved him. Another thank you to all of the wonderful restaurant staff who were great with our family and also to Charles who set up lots of fun activities next to the pool!

Our third visit to Finolhu (that says a lot). Everything about our stay was fantastic. The resort is beautiful, the accommodation and food superb, but what really makes Finolhu special is the friendly, nothing-is-too-difficult attitude of the people who work there. They all offer impeccable service with a smile. Our butler, Raaish, took care of all our needs - often before we had realised we needed them. As on previous visits, Ricky and Upul greeted us and treated us like long lost friends, and went out of their way to make this a special experience. We look forward to introducing them to our family on our next visit! They are all special people who are symbols of Finolhu at its very best. It seems wrong not to mention dozens of others by name, so in addition we’d like to draw special attention to Manday, whose warm welcome at the airport and hospitality in the lounge starts every Finolhu holiday the way it will continue; to Sushaya in the beach kitchen bar, whose keen sense of anticipation is matched only by her memory for our favourite beverages; to Yusuf and Khaleel in the dive centre, who gave us some unforgettable memories of manta rays and reef exploration; to our amazing housekeeper Majeed (who looked after us last time too); and to Fegey, and Siraj, in the Crab Shack and Kanusan, who always went out of their way to ensure we were enjoying ourselves. Highly recommend the premium all inclusive package with all food, including eating at one of the best Japanese restaurants in the world, the crab shack as well as 2 other restaurants, the fully stocked mini bar, and all beverages including French champagne, good wines, amazing cocktails and mocktails. The only extras will be for the boat excursions and some watersports All in all an amazing place to stay. Go find out for yourself! You won’t regret it!

Absolutely top notch resort, staff is fantastic and the food amazing! We were pleasantly surprised in every way! Starting from our greeting at Male airport and being escorted to the sea plane that then flew us to Finolhu. Our flight was delayed by four hours, and we were afraid that we would miss our sea plane, but Finolhu had already arranged to have the sea plane wait for us. Our roohu, (butler) Fairooz was the most responsive, polite and helpful person. He is truly a gem. Our room which was a villa on the lagoon side for part of our trip was spectacular. The view from that side is amazing and then for the last part of our trip, we were in an ocean side villa with a pool which was equally amazing. The villas were clean and impeccably maintained by our housekeeper, Sola. The food was excellent and the variety unbelievable. We loved all the restaurants, especially Crab Shack, and Kanusan. But, in addition to being in paradise, the best part of this resort is the people! Everyone we met was so sweet, kind, and eager to please. The staff in the restaurants were beyond wonderful! A special mention for these team members that were especially great: Ali Upul Alix Ricky Ameen Umey Sashwin Ashfaan Fegey Ablho Asif And then!!! The Milklab was fantastic, but even better were: Zai Asjan And then, the reason for our visit was for the diving! The Dive center manager, Mara, is the best Dive Master I have ever been diving with. She and her team are first class. They go out of their way to please. The dive shop is the best one I have ever seen and maintained immaculately. The dive boats are clean, comfortable, and the dive boat crew very knowledgeable. I felt safe at all times. It is truly an amazing team. If I could replicate that team, everywhere I would. If you plan to Dive, you will be in good hands at Finolhu. My husband and I loved this resort so much that we plan to return. We don’t often go back to the same places as we like to visit new places, but this is one of those places that we will definitely come back to! If you are looking for a terrific place in all regards, this is it.