Words by Kellyn Barefield
If the Maldives is a lesson in slowing down, Finolhu is a masterclass. Our family vacation took us to this vibrant island in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO biosphere reserve and one of the most impressive natural environments in the Maldives. With its iconic 2km sandbar, bold design and warm team, Finolhu provided us with a sun-soaked, joy-filled and deeply bonding family experience. Adam, the kids (Zachary, 10, Eva, 7), and I arrived expecting a beauty. We never expected to fall so quietly and completely in love with the soul of the island.
The speedboat ride to Finolhu was not a gentle cruise, but a lively and slightly bumpy journey across the open sea. Instead of complaints, there were cries of joy from the children, who treated every wave like a roller coaster.
By the time the bright sandbar of the island appeared, we were laughing, wind-swept and already feeling lighter. At the pier, we were greeted by a line of smiling faces with cold towels and fresh coconuts. The kids were handed a small Finol backpack by the resort’s general manager, and we also met Roof, the butler, a wonderfully warm version of Finol.
As we walked down the winding path towards our room, my first impression about the island was that it felt unexpectedly lush. I was prepared for Maldives’ trademark blue, but it was the green that first struck me. It was a deep, layered tropical green that hugged the sandy path as if welcomed by nature. It was definitely barefoot luxury, but it was rooted in nature rather than gloss, and it set the tone for everything that followed.
Hotel
Finole has a playfulness that never feels forced. The colors are soft yet fun, the spaces airy and welcoming, and there’s character everywhere. It’s a clever design that’s modern without being cold, stylish without trying too hard. Even the paths felt like gentle invitations to explore. And Steven, the general manager, is always present, always smiling, always chatting with guests. There’s a reason this resort feels so warm. You can feel his leadership in every interaction.
What makes Finolhu even more special is our commitment to the environment and community. In the spirit of ‘protecting what sustains us’, the resort partners with local fishermen, supports neighboring islands with waste management, offers hospitality internships to Maldivian youth, eliminates plastic waste and desalinates seawater on-site.
Guests can also participate in ocean conservation projects such as a coral breeding program with Parley for the Oceans. It is a place where luxury, adventure, creativity and responsibility coexist effortlessly, a destination that fosters not only family memories but also the wider world around them.
rooms and suites
Our two-bedroom beach pool villa was huge enough to feel luxurious, but never over the top. Having two identical bedrooms can be a blessing if you have kids who are at an age where you suddenly wonder, “Why did I get a bigger room?” A real threat to holiday harmony.
The heart of the villa for me was the outdoor bathroom, tropical greenery, deep bathtub, and indoor/outdoor shower that became part of my daily ritual. There’s something wonderfully liberating about showering under the Maldivian sky, steam rising off the sunlit leaves of the trees.
The private pool outside overlooked a section of quiet beach that became our little world. The children spent the entire afternoon there creating a sand kingdom for the little crabs and paddling where the ocean meets the shore. I remember one afternoon in particular when I realized how peaceful we all felt. The kind of deep, simple peace that comes when nature, the universe, and family are in perfect harmony.
Eating and drinking
One of the things I loved most about Finolhu was how food became a peaceful anchor to the day, with each restaurant offering something different and each night having its own atmosphere.
Our first dining experience was at the Arabian Grill, which was relaxing, aromatic and flavorful. Smoky meats, fresh dips, and bright salads. It defines the atmosphere of the resort: generous, relaxed, quiet and confident.
Breakfast quickly became my children’s favorite time of the day. The animal shaped pancakes and tropical fruit platter were such a treat in the morning. Zachary used to have chocolate crepes made to order every morning.
We also experienced a Maldives night at the Beach Kitchen, which was unforgettable for all the right reasons. Local women cook traditional dishes, music plays in the air, and suddenly a tropical storm hits. Instead of retreating, the children danced barefoot and enjoyed the opportunity to drum along with the musicians. It was chaotic, beautiful and pure Maldives.
The island is also home to Kanusan, Finolhu’s Japanese offering. Perfect sushi, delicate flavors, soft lighting reflecting on the water, and a place where time seems to slow down. After dinner, the kids lay on the boardwalk and watched the crabs fly around below. Interestingly, luxury often resides in these small, everyday moments.
And…the club hut. If Finolf has a soul, it lives here. Part of a paradise island at the edge of a sandbar. A short boat ride or 20 minute walk will take you to a simple wooden building. There, the rosé wine is chilled, the tacos are addictive, and the atmosphere is totally unpretentious. We got there by walking along the sandbar. On the right side there was shimmering water and on the left side there were big waves. It’s a short 20 minute walk, but it doubled to 40 minutes as the kids played in the waves, laughed and felt completely free.
Finolle hosts its iconic White Party every week at the Crab Shack. It might seem unnatural to see everyone wearing white and drinking cocktails at sunset, but in Finolhu it just feels like fun. I loved watching the kids explore the coastline, play in the hammocks, and get glitter tattoos. As we drank our second cocktail, a dramatic storm arrived. But that didn’t dampen the atmosphere, on the contrary, it excited it. Guests huddled under cover, the DJ moved the decks indoors, and the bubbles continued to flow.
things to do
Finolhu is a great playground for children of all ages and I made the most of it. The first of its kind in the Maldives, this teen hat quickly became Zachary’s favorite. Designed specifically for 12-18 year olds, it is equipped with gaming consoles, music stations, creative technology and pool tables, as well as a full program of activities ranging from cooking classes to outdoor adventures at the floating water park. Zachary loved the music room, especially the drum kit, and spent a lot of time in the large soccer field where the staff organized regular games.
The Art Lab provided a completely different kind of escape. This new Finolhu concept offers guests a space to get hands-on and get creative with everything from pottery and candle making to coral pottery and miniature Dhoni painting. Zachary and Eva take private lessons, with Zachary painting on canvas and Eva deciding to paint on wood. We both learned new techniques and created pieces we were excited to take home as memories of our time on the island.
And that was just the beginning. There are so many things for kids to do in Finolhu. Zachary kept going back to the ping pong table, we took our kayaks out into the tranquil lagoon, and the giant inflatable in the water was a big hit. They loved the large pool. Zachary also participated in a grass weaving class in the Maldives, which was more fun than he expected. But one of the highlights of their day was a stop at the milk lab. Located at the crossroads of the island’s trails, it serves sandwiches, ice cream, milkshakes, tea, coffee, sweets, fruit and juices and is the perfect place to cool down or refuel. The kids loved it. It became their go-to snack stop and the friendly Milk Bar team quickly got to know their favorites.
spa and wellness
Named after the Dhivehi word for “green,” Fehi Spa is built around the concepts of nature, freshness and harmony, and when you step into it, you feel like you’ve stepped out of the modern world. Each luxurious treatment room is set within a lush forest setting, adding an extra layer of tranquility before you even begin your treatment.
Their menu is a fusion of Eastern and Western holistic therapies, all delivered with a gentle, grounded approach that will instantly slow you down. I managed to sneak in some precious alone time and opted for a relaxing Balinese massage paired with revitalizing oils of cinnamon, lime and green tea. It was exactly what I needed: calming, energizing, and slow. Afterwards, I lingered in the sauna, then in the relaxation area, watching the sea as the sun began to soften. This was a rare moment of quiet solitude before joining up with family.
In a nutshell
What really set Finolhu apart for us was not just its natural beauty and design, but its people. Every member of the team had a unique story, a unique energy, and a genuine warmth that shaped the rhythm of our days. They weren’t just polite and professional. They were genuinely interested in the children, remembering their names, mannerisms, favorite activities, and more. Each interaction was heartfelt and never rehearsed, and this authenticity gave the island its personality. There was an unmistakable atmosphere, uplifting, relaxing, and deeply human. What brings me back to Finolhu immediately is the people.
.Leaving Finol was harder than I expected. The island has a rhythm that makes it feel like a place where you belong. The combination of barefoot luxury, playful design and the warmth of the people who bring the island to life makes Finolhu feel simultaneously timeless and vibrant. Without question, we will be back. For family, for laughter, for the small moments that can only be created on this island. It’s a place that leaves its mark on you and your heart.
fact box
Address: Kanufushi Island, Hithadhoo, Maldives
Phone: +960 660-8800
Website:finolhu.com
Image courtesy of Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives
