The sound of the sangu conch shell drifting on the breeze welcomes travellers to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, evoking a scene from historic times. Blending the ancient and the modern, this is the first luxury integrated development in the Maldives, 45 kilometres from Velana International airport. With a distinctive circular shape in the azure ocean, its luxury boutiques, upscale restaurants and bars invite guests to embrace indulgent island life while its minimal, zen architecture inspires relaxation.
At sundown guests enjoy “the defining moment” when day turns to night, marked by an elegant performance of Bodu Beru drums honouring the oldest surviving tradition of the Maldives, followed by a flaming ceremony when a circular torch is lit.
A serene setting
Inspired by forces of the ocean – wind and waves – and designed by Kerry Hill Architects, the resort’s 100 one-, two- and three bedroom villas are perched over water or nestled amongst lush vegetation on the beach.
Each villa features a private infinity pool and a sundeck, ideal for sunbathing or stargazing. Villas feature floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows, giving a true sense of indoor-outdoor living and dazzling views from all aspects. Inside, earthy-hued furnishings instil a sense of calm with plenty of options to relax while soaking up the vista.
For a truly outstanding stay, The Ritz-Carlton Estate is nestled in a secluded beach cove and features up to four bedrooms. Inviting living and dining spaces and a fully equipped kitchen provide a comfortable area for meals, and guests have a personal chef on hand. Outdoors, a large sundeck with dining spots and an infinity pool allow guests to relax in the serene beach environment and soak up the Maldivian sunsets.
All guests have a dedicated Aris Meeha, or butler, delivering legendary Ritz-Carlton service.
Full of flavour
Tantalising culinary options come in the form of seven restaurants and bars, which are spread between three areas, including Grand Sunset Beach, the dedicated Culinary Island and Fari Marina Village, which guests are whisked away to on a 10-minute speedboat ride.
Southern Italian flavours are on the menu at La Locanda, the island’s living room, with a laid-back atmosphere and indoor and outdoor spaces with views over the lagoon. Here guests can feast on dishes such as Maldivian yellowfin tuna tartare and freshly made pasta with prawns. Summer Pavilion is an intimate spot where diners can enjoy Cantonese delights such as a Sichaun-style seafood pot, designed to be shared and paired with fine Chinese teas and wine from an extensive cellar.
For a memorable experience, Iwau serves Japanese teppanyaki under the stars, while at Eau Bar guests can relax around a perfectly circular pool while ordering fresh sashimi, sushi and cocktails. The Beach Shack brings families and friends together over sharing plates of Mediterranean fare and vintage rose wine.
At Fari Marina Village, Arabesque is inspired by a Bedouin-tent and takes guests on a culinary journey from Lebanon to North India, while those looking for a lighter bite can pick up Asian street food such as bao buns from Tum Tum, an iconic “silver bullet” Airstream.
Finally, for special celebrations, guests can arrange to dine on a private sandbank, a lantern-filled beach or a private yacht with specially curated menus.
Nurture the soul
A ring-shaped sanctuary set over a turquoise lagoon is home to The Ritz-Carlton Spa – featuring nine treatment rooms including a spa suite, a salon and a boutique. These are positioned to exude powerful energy, aligned with the Chinese philosophy of yin and yang, and guests are pampered with a selection of treatments from healing massages to rejuvenating facials using the Bamford organic body and skin care collection.
As well as cosseting adults, the resort takes children’s entertainment seriously too. A range of activities are designed for 4- to 12-year-olds, offering children a daily schedule that includes sports, arts and crafts and cooking classes. The Ritz Kids, a dedicated and fun-filled hub for youngsters, features futuristic indoor and outdoor spaces with playgrounds, napping pods, an area for video games and movies, and a pool with slides and jets. Babysitting services are also available.
Being located in such a unique spot, adults and children alike are encouraged to engage with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment programme. A host of engaging activities helps guests discover the rare flora and fauna of the island, uncover its underwater secrets and search for far-off planets and stars under the clear Maldivian skies. It’s a journey of discovery like no other that will stay with them long after they travel back home.
