The first and only resort from the Maldives to become a member of the prestigious Design Hotels group
January 2020 – Seaside Finolhu has become the first luxury resort from the Maldives to be accepted as a member of Design Hotels, the globally-recognised resource for curated design-led hotels. Operated by the German hotel company, Seaside Collection, Finolhu earned its place as the only resort in the Maldives to be included in Design Hotels’ prestigious international portfolio after successfully meeting the criteria of embodying quality, style, and holistic hospitality concepts.
Embracing its kaleidoscope design concept, Seaside Finolhu’s aesthetics are characterised by a mesmerising mélange of colours and symmetrical patterns that complement the luxury island resort’s pristine natural beauty in a stunning representation of joy, wonder and a feeling of escaping time.
Gregor Gerlach, owner and Managing Partner of Seaside Collection, spoke about the recognition from Design Hotels: “Our vision for Seaside Finolhu is to bring a modern, bright, open sense of feeling where travellers can experience special moments and enjoy themselves. We’re proud to be recognised internationally as a member of Design Hotels, not to mention being the first and only Maldives resort in their list. We look forward to improving constantly and transforming Finolhu to align with the Seaside Collection brand.”
Translated as “sandbank”, Finolhu is one of the finest island resorts located in the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll, famous for its mesmerising diversity of reefs, submerged cliffs, and small, round underwater hills known as “thilas”. The resort comprises a mix of 125 stylish and private overwater and beach villas, available in one- or two-bedroom options, half of which have their own pools and offer stunning views of the Maldivian seascape. The resort’s four beachside dining venues offer a variety of exciting flavours, from laid-back favourites to authentic classics, and delightful fine dining. The fully-equipped spa and wellness facility offer holistic programmes and treatments with a fusion of the East and West. The wide-range of activities available for all ages are as engaging as the stunning scenery of the coral reefs beneath the waves.
Another distinguishing feature of Seaside Finolhu is its iconic Beach Bubble. The first of its kind in the Maldives, the bubble is located in a secluded spot along Finolhu’s marvellous sandbank. Exclusively available for guests wishing to enjoy a uniquely romantic night under the stars, the one-night-only ‘Dream Eclipse’ experience includes private dinner and breakfast served on the beach.
With Seaside Finolhu currently undergoing a major upgrade that is due for completion in the second quarter of 2020, the resort aims to develop its distinctive barefoot chic atmosphere that combines Maldivian-inspired touches with ultra-luxury modernity. Previously characterised as a fun and relaxing island playground, the resort’s new look will showcase contemporary design mixed with a distinct organic edge. Natural raw materials such as ropes, clay and timbers are being incorporated into Finolhu’s refreshing new colour palettes to create an interesting visual harmony.
Award-winning London-based design studio Muza Lab has been charged with overseeing the resort’s redesign. Muza Lab’s co-founder Nathan Hutchins told us how excited he is by the challenge. “When we first arrived on Finolhu, a beautiful stretch of bijou islands; exotic jewels strung together amongst the ombré shades of the azure, the light and the colour immediately struck us. Colour cannot exist without light. It is this relationship of light and colour that we wanted to explore through our new design direction for Finolhu; the dappled play of sunlight as it hits the water, the transformation of the rays against the colourful underwater scope and above, highlighting the vibrancy of the tropical landscape – the sand and the palms.”
“Our new design direction focuses on the lens of the “Kaleidoscope” the changing colours, patterns and textures representing moments of discovery, wonder and delight” explained Hutchins. “Throughout the resort, we have woven special features; woven textiles, basketwork coloured glass, lanterns and origami, through distinct areas each assigned to a unique colour spectrum. Vibrant pops of colour, contrast against gentle pockets of light and shade and evolving scene as day turns to night. Finolhu has allowed us to play, to experiment, to have fun with the design – to celebrate nature’s playground.”
As the redesign nears completion, Muza Lab’s co-founder Inge Moore explained what guests can expect from the redeveloped resort: “Finolhu is all about fun, for all the family, for the young and the young at heart. From the ultimate party pad that is the Rockstar Suite to the kids own Beach Club to the Crab Shack set on its private island and the Sunset Bar dressed in its raspberry pink and red hues, we have created lots of different little corners to disappear and just be.”
Recognising the importance that Finolhu places on being a family resort, Moore added: “We have created special places for families to play together; an art studio complete with a kiln, a concept gym, beach bars and, for those seeking a little me-time, a tranquillity spa retreat with its private beach. By applying a mindful approach to the design, we have focused on creating special moments that draw people together through a simple luxury that allows the natural beauty of the island to radiate.”
Overseen by Muza Lab, artisans from around the world have produced standout works bespoke to the resort; handmade tiles and handblown glass from Turkey, Chandeliers and basket work from South Africa, and timber artwork from Java complete Finolhu’s exotic new playground.
About Seaside Finolhu
Finolhu was opened in June 2016 and consists of four islands with long beaches. It has 125 beachfront and overwater villas (more than half with private pool) and four restaurants. Whilst popular with honeymooners, the extensive resort is also very family-friendly, with a kids’ club, plenty of activities and daily entertainment.
Owned and managed by Seaside Collection, a Europe-based hotel group with an exclusive portfolio of high-end resorts and city hotels, Seaside Finolhu Maldives is a luxury island resort. “Finolhu”, which is a direct translation of “sandbank” in Dhivehi is located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives www.finolhu.com
About the Seaside Collection:
The Seaside Hotels Chain was founded in 1969 by Theo Gerlach who set out with the idea of building hotels where he himself would love to spend time. This resulted in the growth of unique hotels where luxury is celebrated in an unobtrusive, casual way. Fifty years on, the brand now has eleven boutique properties, located in Germany, the Canary Islands and the Maldives. Each of the eleven four- and five-star hotels is characterised by its exclusive location, individual architecture, high-quality management, excellent gastronomy and passionate hospitality.
As of June 2019, Seaside Hotels began operating as the Seaside Collection. The new Seaside Collection brand image and seahorse emblem serve as a symbol of quality encapsulating the individuality of the hotels within the collection. Further information on both city and resort hotels can be found at www.seaside-collection.com
About Muza Lab:
Muza Lab: a design studio, a boutique laboratory; its story and characters have gathered momentum over the years, through the award-winning spaces designed and the memories made by founders Inge Moore and Nathan Hutchins. With 45 years of combined experience, the members of Muza Lab have won 42 awards during their thirteen years working together. The mission statement: “People have always been our greatest inspiration. We believe good design serves as the armature for their stories, connecting hearts and minds and creating moments that matter. In a world full of material things, our mission is to re-frame what is truly valuable. We design places that respect the intrinsic purity of their surroundings, and that preserve local communities, places that open eyes wide. Places that leave you speechless. We believe in the art of being limitless. We make ‘make-believe’ real. We are Dreamers who do.”
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