Maldives: Follow me to Finolhu Villas – Paradise Found!

I am very lucky to travel around the world for my job and at times it feels like I am forever living out of a suitcase. But it is all worth it when you experience places that take your breath away and leave an imprint in your memory you will never forget. The Maldives is one of my favourites destinations in the world and it can only be described as "Pure Paradise" and what travel dreams are truly made of. When I heard about Club Med's newest resort opening in February 2015, I was excited to test out Club Med's commitment to offering travellers, a new level of luxury and a more upscale all inclusive holiday experience. Got you interested?.. Follow me to Finolhu Villas, in the Maldives and read about my unforgettable experience. Arriving into Male airport on flight EK 658 was a treat as the flight arrives early in the day and you get to see the stunning aerial views of the beautiful resorts, crystal clear waters, lagoons and reefs. The Maldives, located in the Indian Ocean and on top of a vast underwater mountain range have around 1190 islands and sandbanks and over 110 resorts. We arrive and were greeted with a warm welcome from the Finolhu hosts and we walk only 50 metres from the arrival hall to our jet boat transfer. Located on a private beautifully preserved island only 35-40 minutes by speed boat from Male airport in the north Atolls, the all new Eco luxury villas took my breath away. On arrival to the island resort I was mesmerised by the clear aqua waters that surrounded the fabulous five-hectare lagoon. Met by the resort Manager and introduced to our very own Villa host/butler and private golf buggy, I couldn't wipe the smile off my face! I then knew this holiday was going to be something amazing. The resort has an impressive welcome lounge and the entire facility is eco-friendly and equipped with covered walk ways with solar panelled roofs that produce 100% of the resorts energy requirements. We had our welcome cocktail at the main bar and I was already picturing myself in the enticing horizon pool and lounges and looking forward to really relaxing on this holiday. We arrived at our beautiful beach villa and my jaw just dropped. The design of the resort is quite impressive, a collection of 52 exquisite villas, 30 overwater and 22 beach villas (wait for it...) with their own private pools and terrace and the overwater villas featuring their own private stairs into the aqua lagoon. Finolhu Villas are truly the ultimate in eco-luxury and give you a sense of seclusion and seduction. Our No.1 Beach Villa was set right on the beach front with the waves lapping only 10 metres away from the doors of our private oasis. The villas are designed to bring the outdoors in, open planned and inviting the ocean into the living space and bedroom, which also flows through to a bohemian luxe outdoor bathroom. No effort has been spared in making the villas represent the ultimate in refined luxury. Its a unique blend of relaxed sheik, modern, funky and fresh luxury with the level of exclusivity you desire for an adults only resort. Sorry no kids allowed at this resort, making it a honeymoon couples dream. On our last 2 nights we upgraded to the overwater sunset villas... words simply can't describe how incredibly luxurious these villas are... I really had to pinch myself. And very lucky to watch the sunset from our over water love nest. Club Med is known for its 'All inclusive' concepts; the price you pay includes all meals, drinks and more. You also have your own Villa host which you can call on your own portable phone to arrange your private breakfast and afternoon tea service in the comfort in your own villa and many other services tailored to your needs. I was in heaven!! In the afternoon we settled in at the bar and tested out all the cocktails on offer. From Icy Mango daiquiris to Pina Colandas to the barman's "special cocktail of the day". It was such a nice feeling not to put your hand in your pocket or sign your life away with the cost of expensive poolside drinks. It was truly all inclusive and no hidden costs. I think the highlight of my trip was sitting at the unique bar with a glass floor offering spectacular views of the sea life beneath you. I found some lion fish hiding in the stilts and some stingrays showing off and swimming around the bar under us. After you indulge in a few champagnes (french of course) at the beautiful transparent floor bar, you are ushered to the restaurant to enjoy the culinary creations of the world class chefs for a fine dining experience. Not like your typical Club Med resorts the only buffet is for some lunch services that bring out their best chefs to prepare the day's fresh catch, or seafood pasta in front of you. The ala carte menu changes daily, and offers many 5 star options, across four courses. I loved my soft shell crab dish and the Tuna Tataki and Sashimi With Ginger Soy Lime...it was delicious!   As part of the tailored experience, Club Med Finolhu Villas guests can choose a different ambience or feel to their holiday every day from a more bespoke and intimate experience with live music, cinema under the stars to the more casual relaxation or parties and show entertainment at the near by sister resort called Kani- only located 4 minutes away by private jet boat transfer. If, like us, you also want to add in some adventure to your relaxation, I would highly recommend booking in to go Scuba Diving. Maldives diving is world class, as are the Club Med Dive team. I did my first dive in the most crystal clear waters and saw the most amazing marine life. The resort also has tennis courts, fitness gym and the best part is that you get to go snorkelling out on your own private motorised boat from Finolhu to up to 10 surrounding reefs spots up to 30 minutes away from the resort. Once again this is all included! If you want to indulge you can enjoy the beautiful Spa at extra cost...I would have to say I had the best massage and facial I have ever had. Or have the spa come to you, where they set up the massage bed on the deck of your villa.... You haven't experienced luxury until you have experience Club Med Finolhu Villas in the Maldives. Not only do you have the ease of all inclusive package, with the open bar and all day snacking service. This resort has hit a new high and on another level, one that I have never experience before at a Club Med. The new Club Med Finolhu Villas really knows how to impress.. with the sense of seclusion but easily accessible and offering level of luxury you would expect in the Maldives. I fell in love with Club Med and the Magical Maldives. With the crystal clear turquoise waters and powdery white sand, I now know why the Maldives is one of the top desirable destinations in the world. You have to experience it yourself - don't dream - just do! Follow me and my luxperiences around the world! on Facebook and Instagram! LWJ xxx For booking enquiries to stay at the beautiful Finolhu Villas please email me at luxperiencewithjodie@gmail.com to refer you to a travel specialist.            Feel free to share