Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort
Kanufushi Island, Maldives
Design Resort Wellness
Vibe
A playful, sun-drenched private island escape where vibrant beach club rhythms meet a curving two-kilometre sandbank stretching into turquoise waters.
“Kaleidoscopic sandbank dreamscape”
Kaleidoscopic interiors by Muza Lab layered with Turkish tiles, South African wickerwork, and vibrant artisanal patterns.
Two kilometres of white sandbank hosting the rustic Crab Shack, dive excursions, and a transparent stargazing Beach Bubble.
Fehi Spa treatment cabins nestled in tropical gardens, complemented by an outdoor jungle gym and yoga pavilion.
On a private island across a two-kilometre sandbank, isolated in the UNESCO-listed waters of Baa Atoll.
Rooms
Villas sit beachfront or over water, with many featuring private plunge pools alongside woven rattan furniture and bright artisanal accents.
Wellness
Fehi Spa hides treatment cabins and hydrotherapy facilities in tropical gardens, complemented by an outdoor jungle gym and yoga pavilion.
Backstory
Transformed in 2020 under the family-owned Seaside Collection, the property became the first Design Hotels member in the Maldives.
Eat & drink
Barefoot diners stroll to Crab Shack for soft-shell crab tacos, while Kanusan serves Japanese fare over the ocean.
The neighborhood
Set on Kanufushi Island within the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll, the surrounding waters offer seasonal boat trips to Hanifaru Bay.
More like this
One&Only Reethi Rah
“Expansive island wonderland”
Secluded
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
“Overwater lagoon sanctum”
Secluded
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives
“Surfside lagoon sanctuary”
Secluded
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
“Ayurvedic atoll hideaway”
Secluded
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
“Minimalist atoll hideaway”
Secluded
Six Senses Kanuhura
“Castaway wellness cove”
Secluded
The Nautilus Maldives
“Bohemian island retreat”
Secluded
The Soneva Fushi
“Barefoot jungle hideaway”
Secluded
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.