The newest addition to the local hospitality scene - The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands - masterfully keeps this natural harmony intact, inviting its guests to embrace ‘beru’, the islands’ circle of life, and welcoming them into a sustainable world of exceptional luxury and memorable experiences.
Nestled just a short, scenic ten-minute seaplane ride or a 45-minute luxury boat ride from Velana International Airport, the new Ritz-Carlton Maldives has been described by many as Maldives 2.0 for its innovative concept of being an integral part of the spectacular Fari Marina, housing the vibrant Beach Club, charming boutiques and tempting eateries forming the archipelago’s communal heart. Most importantly, you can park your yacht here. The resort’s great location makes it an excellent outpost for jetsetters and celebrity guests seeking discoveries and exploration, as well as peace and tranquillity. Ultimately, here everyone finds what they’re looking for on their perfect holiday.
But it’s not only the location that makes this resort stand out. Designed by the multi-award winning and highly-acclaimed Australian Kerry Hill Architects, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands represents a flowing narrative rather than a static monument. Its design was inspired by natural surroundings, like the elements of swirling water and ocean breezes that fuse in the shape of a circle, echoing round Maldivian drums and symbolising the eternal flow of island life. The resort offers a hundred sleek one- to three-bedroom villas either set over crystal clear waters or nestled along pristine beach coves. Interiors are minimalist, with each villa offering spacious living spaces including a sun deck with a private infinity pool and panoramic sliding doors that blur the line between indoors and outdoors and are cleverly positioned to maximise the famous Maldivian sunsets and sunrises. Keeping the environment in mind, spherical villas come in simple wood, pre-fabricated to lessen the environmental impact and topped with hidden solar panels. As part of The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary, highly-personalised service, and inspired by the ancient royal customs of the Maldivian royal courts, each room is assigned an Aris Meeha, or island butler, to fulfil guests’ every wish.
The facilities at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands are simply marvellous, from a complete luxury wellness experience at The Ritz-Carlton Spa to the expert dive team who offer underwater adventures to the mystical depths of the ocean. As for the on-site spa, it hovers over the turquoise lagoon like a temple of serenity. In partnership with renowned sustainable and holistic wellness brand Bamford, which provides botanical and artisanal body and skincare, this iconic spa offers nine treatment rooms including a spa suite with its own relaxation lounge, a salon and a boutique.
© Katherine Hohlova
The programming available at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands highlights the rich culture and unique ecosystem of the destination through immersive experiences designed for children, adults and local residents. One of these experiences is unique to the Maldives - Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment Programme helps not only learn how to preserve our planet for future generations, but also immerses guests in the best of Maldivian island life and culture. Others include a family cooking class - where you can learn how to make the islanders’ typical teatime fare of banana fritters - a bike safari around the resort and the Wonders of Water ocean mystery programme, facilitated by one of the programme’s resident naturalists.
However, to really become immersed in Maldivian culture and discover its heart and soul, guests should try their hand at the boduberu drumming that plays an integral role in island culture. We would also recommend taking a seat by a campfire at the Beach Shack, where the resort’s resident expert on the sea, Moodhu Edhuru, evokes ancient traditions with traditional tales of life on the Maldivian archipelagos.
The resort’s Ritz Kids programme ensures that your child will love their Maldivian trip.
With over 30 activities on offer, the programme inspires wonder and discovery through fun and play. For example, some classes for teens include lectures from expert drone cinematographers. But if it’s marine adventures your family is after, the resort also caters to all levels of scuba enthusiasts and snorkelers with a dedicated dive centre in partnership with Dive Butler International. We also recommend taking advantage of the resort’s leisurely cruises, like the traditional dolphin cruise, which will give you a chance to encounter dolphins, or others that will give you the chance to swim with turtles and manta rays.
For sports enthusiasts, the on-site fitness programme features a comprehensive tennis course with coaching, as well as visiting professionals and in-resort tournaments. Another way to stay fit is the resort’s gym, which features state-of-the-art equipment and an expert team of coaches ready to take on your wellness challenges.
With seven distinct culinary venues, guests can expect a wide choice, from high-end dining and beachfront luxury to wellness-centred menus. Inspired by the carefree spirit and relaxed cuisines of the Mediterranean, Beach Shack sources shared plates and grilled seafoods as well as buckets of blue water prawns that can be easily washed down with other buckets of excellent vine rosé.
Summer Pavilion, a beautiful lantern-inspired overwater space, this modern Chinese cuisine restaurant offers small plates. Don’t forget to sample their stir-fried lobster, designed to be shared and paired with fine Chinese teas and selections from the extensive wine cellar.
Another upscale dining experience awaits you at IWAU, Japanese for “celebrate” - an open-air restaurant that allows you to enjoy sake and the freshest sushi under a starry sky.
For avid Italian cuisine lovers, La Locanda showcases the fiery flavours of southern Italy, serving rich espressos in the mornings and a Sicilian fritto misto in the evenings.
We also recommend swinging by Eau Bar with its laid-back, glamourous setting. Balancing wellness with indulgence, this beachfront restaurant and bar offers healthy fare, tableside cocktails, a hookah experience with a captivating daily ritual of drums and fire at sunset.
Two of the resort’s venues are located at Fari Marina, a pleasant eight-minute journey on a dhoni, a traditional wooden fishing boat, away from the resort.
Arabesque invites guests on an exciting, delicious journey to hitherto-unknown tastes from Lebanon to North India. Dishes are offered alongside flavorful hookahs, Turkish coffee, Moroccan tea and creative cocktails.
The other is actually a street food truck serving light Asian delights - a perfect welcome stop in the middle of the day for some takeaway bao buns.
And no, we didn’t forget about breakfast. It’s just…it has to be seen to be believed. Stretching across two or three rooms, a buffet with everything you could possibly want or didn’t even know you might want is on offer, from baked pastries to every conceivable kind of milk and exotic fruits. If you’d like to sample something more familiar, an à la carte is also available upon request.
From the very feel of how welcoming and caring the resort’s staff is, we can assure you that The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is looking forward to welcoming guests to this special Maldivian archipelago, providing them with impeccable hospitality delivered by our Ladies and Gentlemen and enriching experiences that embrace the local culture and traditions. Since the resort really puts guests at the centre of its philosophy, iPremium is certain that the exceptional and distinct guest experience here will leave you with lasting and meaningful memories for years to come.
