He was the architect behind some of Asia’s most iconic hotels from The Datai to Amankora. So, it seems fitting that for his final project, Kerry Hill has set a new standard by altering the Maldivian design book with the unveiling of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. 

Opened in June this year, this 100-villa property is part of Fari Islands, an archipelago in North Male atoll – a speedy 45-minute boat ride from Velana International Airport – which when complete, will comprise a trio of hotel brands including Capella and also just-opened Patina Maldives, designed by Marcio Kogan.

The Ritz-Carlton itself is spread over three islands, which are all ringed by idyllic palm-tree fringed powdery beaches and beyond that, the impossibly crystal-clear turquoise sea. At 1.8km long, it is a manageable size, which not only means a more intimate atmosphere, but more importantly for me, a level of independence in being able to walk or cycle around with ease, instead of relying on a golf buggy for transport. 

The design, like all of Kerry Hill Architects’ creations, responds sensitively to its location and the landscape, blending local crafts, culture, and the region’s climate with extreme technical precision. The result is an understated and uplifting curvilinear sweep that takes its cues from the notion of completeness and, as the architects say, ‘the ocean forces, the wind, and the waves’. In short, lots of circular shapes and sensuous curves feature throughout.

This is particularly notable in the Over Water Villas, which are framed by clean, flowing lines that come together to form a private cocoon facing endless sea views and in my case, the sunrise. Inside, the design is understated and rich in details: sheer curtains swished open automatically as soon as I entered, revealing incredible views while shedding daylight on a muted palette of natural materials like timber, stone, and rattan.

Of course, the layout of the room flows just as naturally, with the combined bathroom and dressing room located behind the sleeping area, but accessible through discreet sliding doors from both sides of the bed. The indoor shower leads directly to the outdoor one, which then leads to a sensually curved deck and pool, seamlessly merging into the sparkling sea beyond.

Panoramic floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors open fully to blend the outdoors with the indoors, smoothly taking me back into the bedroom, where the bathtub lured me ever so effortlessly that evening with a glass of wine before I tumbled wearily into the comfortable bed.

That bed was one of my favourite details in the room, its curved rattan headboard adding a cocooning element of warmth and texture, while the reading lamps creatively came by way of small adjustable side mirrors that reflected the light from a spotlight built into the headboard. Along with easy light switches, there’s also a button to control the curtains, meaning I didn’t even have to get out of bed to watch the sun come up.

Spa and space

The 56 over water villas are arranged in an elegant loop that dramatically encircle the resort’s magnificent ring-shaped spa.

Inside, the space, sort of like a doughnut, is anchored by an open-air atrium that in tandem with the lapping aquamarine waters below, create an immediate sense of calm and serenity. The names of the nine treatment rooms, which line the edges of the space, are inspired by the ancient Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang energies. My room – called Sun – was appropriately uplifting and soothing at the same time, its design in keeping with the resort’s muted, textural palette, with understated lighting and details like the lovely handwoven jute mandala on the wall.

Excitingly, for me, the spa has collaborated with Bamford, one of my favourite organic bodycare brands, for both its menu and its products, which can be found in all the rooms too.

While it was so tempting to spend the day being pampered with treatments like the 150-minute Bamford Signature Journey or experiences such as the Bamford After-Dive, which includes a lavender and peppermint cooler wrap, I opted for the Bamford Relaxing Treatment – basically a blissful full body massage – using my favourite Bamford oil, geranium, lavender, and peppermint.

The spa’s jetty meanders over the sparkling blue waters, directly connecting it to the main trio of islands. The first one comprises many of the Beachfront Villas along with the Ritz-Carlton Estate, a sprawling three-bedroom retreat, located on a private beach cove with its own spa room, a dedicated butler, and a personal chef. 

Connected via another bridge, the second islet, Culinary Island, is where four of the resort’s seven restaurants can be found. I was particularly impressed by the breakfast offering, which was served in La Locanda, the Italian restaurant. Here, apart from a small pastry and fruit selection that were available at the buffet, a digital a la carte menu covered all dietary needs with lots of healthy dishes that could even be filtered to include only vegetarian options. 

I also loved the concept of IWAU, the open-air Japanese restaurant, which comprises a lively chef’s table with two nine-seat teppanyaki grills. The point here is to be able to dine under the stars, but the only downside is if the weather doesn’t play ball – as in my case – with the plan B a move indoors to Eau Bar, the poolside restaurant, which changes the experience entirely. After two bites of my first dish – a wonderful plate of freshly prepared sashimi – I had to make a run for cover just before the heavens opened with the kind of torrential downpour only seen in the Maldives.

Crowd pleaser

Lunch the following day was true beachside bliss at the Beach Shack, which is conveniently located next to the Ritz Kids Club at the very end of the third island. The menu was a crowd-pleaser, covering everything from soft shell crab tacos to seafood paella. I opted for the Beach Shack Salad – a light and fresh dish of crunchy cucumber, carrots, apples, pears, mango, and avocado with toasted macadamia nuts – which was the perfect accompaniment to a lazy afternoon being cooled by a soft breeze as paddle boarders drifted past me in the distance.

The sheer choice of food and beverage options at the resort means you could stay for a week and not dine at the same place twice. That unfortunately meant I missed out on Summer Pavilion, the tapas-style Chinese restaurant, as well as Middle Eastern option Arabesque and Tum Tum, the Asian street food truck. Both of the latter can be found at The Fari Marina Village, a hub of restaurants and bars located on the same island as Patina, a short five-minute boat ride away.

More than just a pretty face, I was impressed too by the resort’s sustainability programme, which goes far beyond banning plastic. There’s a considered and efficient approach to gastronomy; design elements include prefabricated, sustainably sourced timber, solar panels, air conditioning run using a sophisticated cross-ventilation system; while a dedicated plant provides all the islands’ still and sparkling water. 

Elsewhere, there are other partnerships with like-minded brands and people, such as renowned oceanographer Jean-Michel Cousteau, who provides an educational programme to encourage guests to discover, explore and engage in nature. Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment Program is a partnership exclusive to Ritz-Carlton and something completely unique for the Asia-Pacific region.

At a time when resorts continue to open apace in the Maldives, the Ritz-Carlton ticks all the right boxes while managing to deftly stand out from the crowd.

How to book it: A one-bedroom Ocean Pool Villa starts from $1,750 per night, with breakfast (taxes extra).