Meaning ‘sandbank’ in Dhivehi, Finolhu’s defining feature serves as a sugar-soft link between the island’s amusements. It’s the largest sandbank in the Maldives, so the arrival jetty makes for a good place to navigate. To the left, the sand stretches for two kilometres up to the Crab Shack, a chilled feet-in-the-sand venue that comes alive on Fridays during their White Parties, and the resort’s most unique suite, the Beach Bubble – a transparent dome reserved for romantic nights of stargazing and private dining in the sand. To the right, airy and bohemian overwater villas (serviced by ‘Roohu’ butlers) show off a playful streak with a vibrant mid-century colour palette and vintage trinkets like Marshall amps and rotary dial phones.  

Straight ahead from the jetty is where Finolhu’s fun-loving spirit manifests most – at the heart of the resort. Excitable little ones channel their energy into the likes of baking and t-shirt tie dying in the Oceaneers Club and older children congregate around the mocktail bar in the Teens Hut; while adults have playtime of their own in the Arts Studio, a wine cellar and entertainment evenings from themed parties and movie nights to special performances. Activities also extend into the ocean, with learning how to sail a catamaran and snorkelling in one of the world’s Manta ray bucket-list hotspots being particular highlights.