Seaside Hotels, which now operates as Seaside Collection, has successfully acquired Finolhu, a luxury island resort in the Baa Atoll of the Maldives. Modern and fun, Finolhu is the hotel chain’s eleventh boutique property and it’s first in the Maldives.
Gregor Gerlach, CEO and Managing Partner says: “Whilst the long stretches of beach, crystal clear waters and the abundance of marine life were almost enough to seal to the deal, it was also important that the resort aligned with the Seaside Collections’ brand values. Environmental protection is an important theme at the Seaside Collection and is something we have won awards for. Finolhu is largely self-sufficient and works closely with marine biologists and environmental experts, so it was a good fit for us.”
Finolhu, meaning sandbank, is considered one of the finest resorts on Baa Atoll, a biosphere reserve protected by UNESCO. An environmental study for each hotel on the Baa Atoll determines what can be built and how things need to be maintained. In addition to working closely with the Parley for Oceans organisation, an in-house marine biologist takes care of the responsible interaction of guests and the environment. To avoid plastic pollution, Finolhu has created its own facility for bottling drinking water, it doesn’t use plastic straws and discourages guests from bringing plastic bottles to the resort.
“Another key focus for the Seaside Collection is gastronomy. We pride ourselves on providing high quality dining experiences for our guests and look forward to putting the Seaside gastronomy stamp on Finolhu.” says Gerlach.
Moving forward, both hotel management teams will meet regularly to share both knowledge and experience, to ensure guests continue to receive high levels of service and hospitality.
Finolhu was opened in June 2016 and consists of four islands with long beaches. Nestled in the Baa Atoll, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve site, the resort has 125 villas – 91 over-water and 34 beachfront with more than half featuring private pool. The resort offers four unique restaurants, a poolside bar, swimming pool, tennis, the Cove Club Wellness Spa, gym, Kids’ Club and a wide range of motorised and non-motorised water sports options with an on-site facility of a PADI dive centre. The resort is only a 30-minute seaplane flight away from Male International Airport.
Recently, the resort launched the Bubble – a unique overnight glamping experience on a private stretch of beach at the resort, in a transparent dome. The Bubble offers an inimitable experience with privacy, serenity and all the comforts of a hotel suite in a transparent bubble. A private beach barbeque dinner and breakfast served on the beach is also a part of the whole experience.
