Earning its status as the first Maldives resort to become a member of Design Hotels, Seaside Finolhu has now reopened after undergoing a dazzling property-wide upgrade overseen by Muza Lab.

From this month, guests are being offered a new barefoot luxury experience in one of the most beautiful settings on the planet.

Taking inspiration from the archipelago

The Maldivian resort, which positions itself as an island playground, reopened for business on 1 November 2020.

Turning the disruption that Covid19 brought to tourism into an opportunity, this island hideaway set about implementing both aesthetic and functional upgrades to the entire property. The ensuing transformation, overseen by award-winning design studio Muza Lab, spanned every corner of the resort from its villas, restaurants and public areas to its wellness facilities and sports amenities.

The new design concept encompasses a kaleidoscope of colours, patterns and textures inspired by the natural beauty of the island, which Muza Lab’s co-founder Nathan Hutchins describes as “moments of discovery, wonder and delight”.

Overall, the new-look resort combines elements of Maldivian culture with contemporary lifestyle for a barefoot chic ambiance. “It’s a design-driven balance between style and escapism,” said Marc Reader, general manager of Seaside Finolhu. “Here you can unwind in sublime comfort, with the pristine beauty of our secluded Maldivian paradise perfectly complemented by ultra-luxurious modernity.”

Inge Moore, Muza Lab’s co-founder, added: “Artisans from all over the world have created special works for the resort. Artistic tiles from Turkey, chandeliers and wickerwork from South Africa and wooden craftwork from Java transform the villas, bars and restaurants, the fitness room and, last but not least, the Oceaneers Kids Club into an exotic playground.”

No stone left unturned at Seaside Finolhu

Fitting in with these newly designed surroundings, Finolhu has redeveloped each aspect of the overall guest experience. Every detail in the resort’s 125 villas, dining venues, spa and activity areas has been crafted to cater for the affluent traveller of today. Reflecting its ‘island playground’ philosophy, the property hosts activities ranging from yoga and indoor golf to kayaking, windsurfing, diving and semi-submarine boat trips.

Operated by Seaside Collection, the resort recently changed its name from Finolhu, meaning sandbank, to Seaside Finolhu. Now, tying in with the property’s transformation, Seaside Finolhu has developed new names and concepts for its restaurants and spa.

While the resort’s fine-dining restaurant Kanusan retains its original concept, the all-day dining concept now goes by the name of Beach Kitchen. These signature dining spots are complemented by the Arabian Grill, Crab Shack and Milk Lab. And Fehi Spa, which embraces concepts of nature, purity, harmony and healing, takes its name from the local word for ‘green’.