Finolhu Maldives, Baa Atoll

When you think of paradise, palm trees, turquoise water, and white sand beaches usually come to mind. 

​Now take that image and add a few classic VW vans, a kitschy 70’s throwback around every turn, and a resort that was literally designed around the idea of letting go and having fun.  

 ​Throw in an incredible bubble tent on a private strip of sand where you can sleep in comfort as you enjoy a sweeping view of the ocean and the stars, and you’ve got the Finolu Maldives in the Baa Atoll.

The flight of a lifetime

Since the Baa Atoll is about 80 miles from Male, a sea plane is your way to the island.​

As you wait for your flight in their private “Tommy Bahama-esque” departure lounge, enjoy a view of the sea plane hangar, flip through Conde Nast traveler, and enjoy some coffee and snacks.

When its time to board your flight, you will be swept over to your “gate” which is a room on the dock where you get to watch the super cute Trans Maldivian Airways safety demo.  

Now I have to say, this was definitely one of THE coolest plane rides of my entire life.  ​ 

Your flight attendant will act as both flight attendant, and skipper, opening the hatch and hopping in and out of the plane (while its moving across the water) to dock it as well as tie up the ropes before take off. 

 I got a kick out of the fact that both our flight attendants and our pilots get to work barefoot! As you take off out of MLE take in the gorgeous views of the islands from above.

Enjoy the view as you board your incredibly cool boat plane to paradise! 

At Male’s Velana International Airport we met the Finolhu representative just outside of the arrivals area. They will escort you to the Trans Maldivian Airways counter where you will be checked in for your inter island sea plane flight to Finolhu.  

A sea plane ride is worth it just to catch a glimpse of that classic perspective of the Maldives that so many of us imagine: rings of coral reef and islands in 50 shades of beautiful blue.

The flight is only about 40 min, and before you know it you will be descending over a crescent shaped paradise that will be your home for the next few days.

After checking our bags, we were transported over to the sea plane terminal (which was super cool for this flight attendant), and Finolhu’s beautiful departure lounge.  

As a flight attendant and aviation nerd, all of this was seriously an incredible experience for me and I loved every second of it!  I mean, come on, its a plane AND a boat all in one… what is there NOT to love?!?!?!  ​

When our seaplane was docked, we were greeted with smiles and refreshing cool towels, and our resort guide Mauricio. We checked in with a fresh lemongrass coconut mocktail, and then we were off on our golf cart tour of the island with our guide Mauricio.  

“Sleep and Chill” in The Villas

Whether you want an over water villa, over water pool villa, beach villa, or private pool villa the Finolhu has it all. We went with the private pool villa. 

No matter what room you choose, rest assured you’ll have all the tropical island vibes, with a few vintage throw backs like a 70’s style Marshall speaker (with bluetooth). 

The indoor outdoor living style gives you a plush comfortable bedroom with all the amenities, multiple outdoor showers to choose from, and all the modern amenities you desire.

We loved having a private pool to jump in early in the morning or in the evening before bed when the tide was too low to access the ocean in front of our room.

Beach bubble tent - wow!

The show stopper at the Finolhu is their one of a kind beach bubble tent.  

This bubble tent was all over my instagram feed way before I even knew it was at the Finolhu, so I was SO excited to have the opportunity to experience it. 

Be sure to book a night in the bubble ASAP because it books up fast! 

The bubble lies at the end of the island, in a very private area that is actually blocked off for the bubble guests by a security guard stationed up the beach.  

You are served a dinner on the beach cooked by your own private chef, under the stars of the Maldivian sky. 

 The bubble tent has all the amenities you’re looking for. A/C, a private shower, a plush king sized bed, and coffee and tea.  Just hop on the boat on the main dock near the dive shop, and take it to the end of the island. 

The Cove Club - Spa and Fitness

If you’re looking for an indoor/outdoor gym to stay fit while traveling, a yoga class, or personal training, you’ll be able to find it all here. Enjoy an ocean view workout or head over to the spa for a relaxing treatment or massage.  

Since this was a three week long trip around the world for us, we experienced the “jet lag” spa package. It included refreshing and rejuvenating herbal teas, a soothing full body stretch, and an incredible relaxing massage. 

 Each treatment room is named after a 70’s diva! 

Enjoy the steam room and sauna, or book number of massage or beauty treatments including mens barber services, a full salon and nail bar. 

Have a solo treatment or enjoy a couples massage with your significant other.  

Activities

Enjoy the entertainment by the pool or create your own fun with a game of beach volleyball, ping pong, or any number of complementary non motorized water sports like Stand up Paddle boarding and kayaking. 

For the kids, the Oceaneers Club always has a fun (and supervised) activity going on.

Be sure to check out the water sports booth, and don’t forget to stop by the Dive Shop! 

Pick up your complementary snorkel gear and fins for your stay on the island and look at booking a snorkel or dive tour of one of the local reefs. 

The Baa Atoll has some of the richest sea life in the Maldives, officially declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.  ​​