Club Med Kani and Finolhu Villas – A Maldives Twin Island Experience

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing not one, but two sides of paradise during a Maldives getaway – between the vibrant Club Med Kani and the tranquil Club Med Finolhu Villas. These two resorts offer a one-of-a-kind product you won't find at any other hotel in the Maldives.

Arrival in Paradise – Location & Transfer

Reaching these resorts is a breeze. Club Med Kani occupies Kanifinolhu, one of the closest resort islands to Malé’s international airport. After landing, we were escorted to a speedboat and whisked across turquoise waters – a mere 25-30 minute ride – before arriving at Kani’s dock. (Many Maldives resorts require long seaplane transfers, so Kani’s easy access is a huge plus.) The short transfer doesn’t mean compromising on beauty, either. Kani is a natural island lush with mature palm trees and encircled by 2 kilometers of powdery white beach. In fact, Club Med was among the pioneers here decades ago, securing one of the Maldives’ finest untouched islands – and it shows in the idyllic, swaying palms and long stretches of pristine sand. Every direction you look, the scenery is postcard-perfect tropical paradise.

Island Life at Club Med Kani

Stepping onto Kani, we immediately felt the energy and warmth for which Club Med is famous. Greeted by a team of cheerful G.O.s (Gracious Organizers) with music and cocktails, we knew we were in for a fun time. The entire island is dedicated to the resort – you truly have a private island playground to explore. One thing that struck me was the balance Kani strikes between liveliness and relaxation. By day, the long beach never felt crowded; we could always find a quiet spot under the palms to sunbathe. By evening, the resort comes alive with shows, live music, and even dance parties on the sand for those who want to join in. It’s the kind of place where you can be as social or as solitary as you desire. We visited Maldives on their national day, and the Club Med team put on an amazing beach parade, as shown in this video.

Maldives National Day parade, Club Med Kani

Rooms with a Beach at Your Doorstep

Beachfront Deluxe Room at Club Med Kani, with direct access to the beach

It’s true that Club Med Kani is a well-established resort – you won’t find over-the-top modern luxury here, but we found the accommodations perfectly comfortable for an island getaway. All the rooms are set in bungalows spread along the beach, so every guest enjoys direct access to the sand and sea just steps from their door. Waking up and strolling straight into the lagoon became my morning ritual! The rooms themselves are clean and air-conditioned, done in a breezy, island style with local accents. While the decor and furnishings are on the simpler side – some might say a bit “rustic” or dated – they are well-kept and very cozy. Honestly, with such a gorgeous beachfront location, we hardly stayed indoors except to sleep.

Overwater bungalow, Manta Exclusive Collection

For those who do want extra luxury, Kani also features the Manta Exclusive Collection area: an enclave of overwater suites that offer upgraded amenities and seclusion. These overwater villas provide a “heightened level of refinement” in accommodations, including a private bar accessible only to Exclusive Collection guests. We peeked at the Manta overwater bungalows – they boast panoramic ocean views and steps directly into the lagoon. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a more upscale stay while at Kani, the Manta suites are worth considering for their exclusivity and wow-factor.

All-Inclusive Fun – Activities & Entertainment

One thing nobody will accuse Kani of is being boring. As an all-inclusive resort, almost every activity is included in your stay – and there are dozens to choose from. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a sunbather, you’ll find something to love. I was blown away by the variety: we went snorkeling with tropical fish, sailed a catamaran in the lagoon, took out stand-up paddleboards, and even tried the resort’s flying trapeze (yes, there’s a circus trapeze set up on the beach!) for a thrill. The coral reefs around Kani are teeming with marine life. Snorkeling trips with gear are free and run twice daily; scuba diving is offered too, though it comes at an extra charge for certified divers.

Snorkelling is part of the Club Med package. I saw colorful fish, while others saw turtles and stingrays.

Back on land, Kani recently upgraded many facilities to keep guests active. New padel tennis courts have been added along with a refreshed soccer field, beach volleyball, badminton, ping-pong and even petanque. There’s also a gorgeous gym with sea views, so you can literally treadmill while gazing at the ocean. I took advantage of the beachside yoga and stretch classes held in a thatched-roof palapa pavilion – doing sunrise yoga with ocean breezes and lapping waves in the background was pure bliss. Families are well catered to as well: Kani has dedicated kids’ clubs for multiple age groups and a daily roster of games and arts for the little ones, so parents can relax knowing the kids are having a blast. Come nighttime, don’t miss the lively entertainment – we enjoyed themed dinner parties on the beach, live performances, and even a nightclub where guests and staff dance together under the stars. The atmosphere is friendly and social, very much in line with Club Med’s communal spirit of fun.

Club Med Kani sport facilities - they are almost brand new!

Food & Drinks – A Culinary Delight

I wasn’t expecting much from the food, as all-inclusives can be hit or miss, but Club Med Kani’s meals were excellent. There are two main places to eat. The Velhi is a big open-air restaurant by the beach serving buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner with lots of choices. We tried everything from grilled seafood and Maldivian curries to handmade pasta, Chinese dishes, salads, and cold cuts. Live cooking stations make crêpes, omelettes, pasta, and more to order. The quality stood out—one day they grilled local fish and lobster, another had a real Indian tandoor oven for naan and tandoori chicken. For a quieter meal, The Kandu is an overwater restaurant offering late breakfast, relaxed lunch, or à la carte dinner. Snacks are always available too, with a poolside snack spot (Kani Kravings) and two bars (Sunset Bar and Iru Bar) serving unlimited drinks all day. Whether a morning latte, a fresh coconut on the beach, or sunset cocktails, it’s all included.

Sunset Bar and Kani Kravings, Club Med Kani

Tranquil Luxury at Club Med Finolhu Villas

Finolhu Villas is a separate private island just a stone’s throw from Kani – about 5 minutes away by boat. Tucked on the tiny isle of Gasfinolhu, Finolhu feels like an exclusive world of its own. We hopped over on a resort boat and instantly noticed the change of pace: where Kani’s jetty bustles with activity, Finolhu’s welcomes you into serenity. It’s noteworthy that Finolhu is a couples-focused resort (few children running about) with only 52 villas total. The atmosphere is incredibly intimate – you could easily go a day without encountering other guests if you wish. Despite its seclusion, Finolhu is still conveniently close to the main atoll and linked to Kani by regular shuttle boats, giving guests the best of both worlds.

At Finolhu Villas, a buggy meets you at the jetty and drives you straight to your villa. There’s no reception here because personal butlers handle all services.

Each guest stays in a villa with a private pool, and they are truly stunning. You can choose between Beach Villas surrounded by tropical plants along the shore or Overwater Villas on stilts above clear lagoon waters. The villas are spacious and modern but use traditional Maldivian elements like thatched roofs and hardwood floors to keep a warm, local feel. The bed faces the sea, and you can watch fish through a glass floor in the living area. Outside, there are loungers, a sun net over the water, and steps for easy swimming in the lagoon. Finolhu feels newer and very upscale, with high ceilings and modern technology. Even after almost ten years, the villas are perfectly kept and feel brand new.

Club Med Finolhu overwater bungalow - private pool with direct access to the ocean

Finolhu delivers a level of pampered service beyond what you’d typically expect at an all-inclusive. Chief among these perks: each villa comes with personal butler service. Throughout the stay, the butler was on call via a provided phone – if you wanted anything, we just had to ask. Craving breakfast in the villa? She’d deliver a lavish floating breakfast to our pool (included once a week). Feeling like a spa treatment? She booked massages and even arranged the golf cart to pick you up. The butlers somehow manage to be constantly available yet never intrusive; you still have complete privacy, but with the comfort of knowing help is one call away. It’s an indulgent touch that sets Finolhu apart and makes it ideal for honeymooners or anyone celebrating something special. I’ll let the head butler of Finolhu, Imane, to tell you more about the resort.

/Finolhu is all about relaxing, but it also offers many activities and facilities since it’s part of Club Med. The resort features a beautiful overwater spa where you can enjoy a Balinese massage in rooms with glass floors, watching colorful reef fish below. Besides your villa’s private pool, there’s an infinity pool by the bar with free-flow cocktails and daily afternoon high tea at 4 PM. Finolhu guests can visit nearby Kani to use its larger facilities and enjoy entertainment, but Kani guests cannot access Finolhu, keeping it quiet and private.

Dining at Finolhu is excellent and flexible. The main restaurant, Motu, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner over the water. You can also eat in your villa, where many honeymooners enjoy floating breakfast trays or private candlelit dinners on their decks. The staff is very accommodating, even offering beach picnics. Drinks are included, with a good selection of wines, champagne, and top-shelf spirits fitting the resort’s premium status.

What makes the two Club Med resorts different from the rest?

I have visited many hotels in the Maldives, but none compare to Club Med. These two resorts are on natural islands, while many others are now built on manmade islands with little vegetation and artificial reefs. Club Med Kani, however, has large, old trees and a much greener environment. The all-inclusive package covers almost everything, so you only pay extra for scuba diving or spa treatments. The vibe is relaxed and casual, unlike the stiff atmosphere found in many ultra-luxury resorts in the Maldives.

Bottom line: If you’re dreaming of a Maldivian holiday that blends hassle-free all-inclusive convenience with luxury and romance, Club Med Kani and Finolhu offer a perfect combination. And with our expertise and insider access, we ensure your Maldives escape is seamless and tailored just for you. We have visited other resorts in the Maldives and will share more in another article.

Why Book with Us – The Expeditioner Difference

When you book a trip to these resorts with Expeditioner Travel, you get more than booking directly. We know Club Med resorts well because we’ve visited and inspected them ourselves, and we have strong connections with the staff and managers. While Club Med doesn’t offer official discounts or perks through agencies, we can arrange special touches for you—like a warm welcome, a preferred room, or thoughtful surprises such as decorated desserts or late checkouts when possible. We also take care of all the details, from transfers to any special requests, so you can relax and enjoy your trip.

Reach out to us at Expeditioner Travel – we’ll be thrilled to help you plan an unforgettable journey to these island gems, with all the bespoke attention you deserve. Your Maldives adventure awaits! 🏝️🌅