Owned and managed by Seaside Collection, Finolhu is firmly established as one of the finest resorts in the Maldives. Finolhu, which means ‘sandbank’ in Dhivehi, is set in the glistening cyan waters of the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. This barefoot, chic, paradise is a playground that extends across 4 islands inviting both adventure and relaxation to its 2- kilometre broken necklace of powdery beaches, sandbanks and islands. The atmosphere is playful, and the experiences are inspiring. The staff are friendly and love to get to know guests. Whilst popular with honeymooners, this resort is family-friendly and social - if you come here, you are likely to leave having made new friends! There’s a lively undercurrent to the relaxation, with guests invited to various mixers throughout the week. Performances by fire-dancers, tightrope walkers and beach cinema shows are tastes of the entertainment options you can expect, and the White Party presented by the management includes a complimentary bar at the Crab Shack restaurant for guests to enjoy sundowners against the backdrop of sunset on the Indian Ocean.

In total there are 125 generously proportioned one and two-bedroom Lagoon, Beachfront and Ocean Villas, of which 76 have their own private pool, with the over-water villas occupying almost half a mile of wooden jetty. Villas are seductive with crisp white linens, stacks of soft, plump cushions and vibrant aquamarine or tropical green accents, vintage-style Marshall radio-speakers and hip macrame wall hangings. The bathrooms are spacious featuring freestanding tubs, indoor and outdoor showers with decks and gardens that are furnished with rocking chairs and daybeds. For those staying overwater there are steps from the deck which lead directly to the underwater tapestry of the house reef for you to explore. There are two “Rockstar” Villas, neighbours at the end of the jetty, each with two bedrooms and an eight-metre infinity pool, private bar and designer golf buggy bearing the guest’s name on the registration plate! A thread of sandbank leads to the Crab Shack and stretches out to a near-deserted plot, home to the resort’s Beach Bubble Tent. Adding a unique night’s stay here offers a sense of seclusion and connection with nature where only clear walls separate you from the twinkling night’s sky and comes with your own private beach barbeque and breakfast with your toes in the sand.

There are 4 restaurants, a pool bar and peaceful library serving snacks, as well as in-villa dining available - room service can deliver a ‘floating breakfast’ to your pool. Otherwise grab a protein shake at Milk Lab or head to the main restaurant Beach Kitchen which serves upscale buffets three times a day. Breakfast at Beach Kitchen is a treat where you can build your own bowl of oats, seeds, nuts, cereals, milks and fruit. Food stations are manned by chefs that will cook to order – think French toast, pancakes, omelettes and the usual western and Asian fare for breakfast then steak, fresh pasta and seafood in the evening. Set close to the shoreline, its location means that you might be lucky enough to have a front row seat watching dolphins skip through the waves or herons hunting fish in the shallows. The Beach Club is the heart of the resort. By day it is a poolside chill-out, after the sun sets enjoy your evening on the beach listening to music and sipping cocktails or dancing barefoot in the sand to the beats of the DJ.

Over water Kanusan majors in tantalising Japanese plates of sushi, tempura and grills, while nestled with the trees, the exotic flavours of the Arabian Grill provide a collective of popular Middle Eastern and North African delights that spans mezzes through to charcoal-licked kebabs. Out on the stunning setting of the eastern shore sand spit is the bohemian famed postcard-pretty Crab Shack. It is an understandable popular, guests’ favourite. Wooden tables and chairs are setup along the water’s edge, under a palm covering, with water misters that keep the guests cool whilst dining on generously stuffed soft-shell crab tacos, platters of barbecued seafood and international cuisine.

Indulge in the exclusive, truly immersive latest dining experience at 5° North. Seating between just 2-8 diners, this dining platform is poised gracefully over the water, offering blissful seclusion in the heart of the turquoise lagoon, at exactly five degrees north of the equator. Marvel at the changing colours of golden hour fading into blue, whilst tantalising aromas of specially concocted pairing menus fill the air. Surrounded by water with nothing but a canopy of stars above, the night truly belongs to you.

A colourful spectrum of activities and pastimes await, catering to adrenaline-seekers and poolside loungers alike. Seaside Finolhu’s accessible house reef is a rewarding way for novice snorkelers to engage with darting fish and coral formations. The PADI dive centre caters for beginners and advanced scuba enthusiasts. Join diving excursions to meet some of the 250 species of coral and 1,200 reef fish, including endangered the Napoleon wrasse and tawny nurse shark, marine turtles, manta rays and whale sharks. There’s even a dive butler to accompany guests on bespoke trips, from deep-sea fishing at dawn to morning dives and dolphin cruises at sunset and a 30-minute speedboat excursion takes you to Hanifaru Bay where, from May to November it is possible to swim with manta rays. There is something for every mood and temperament, from water-propelled jet blades to a gentle stroll into the sunset at the end of the day.

A bounty of family-friendly activities has been designed to delight all ages with younger guests having plenty to look forward to at the Oceaneers’ Club, where enchanting experiences above and below the water await. Facilities include a tennis court, a virtual golf suite, an inflatable waterpark, a dive centre and beauty salon. The gym is spacious with ocean views and an outdoor climbing frame. Leave behind life’s frenetic pace and embrace the spirit of relaxation at Fehi Spa, an oasis nestled within the trees, where wellness offerings are thoughtfully crafted to rejuvenate both mind and body including meditation and a range of yoga classes which cater to all levels.

Location: Located on the southern rim of the Baa Atoll, within the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve site and accessible from Malé, via a 30-minute seaplane journey.