The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
Opening date: 2021
STYLE
Many of the 200+ resorts dotted around the Maldives follow a similar traditional style blueprint-thatched roofed bungalows and overwater suites coupled with the trademark pure white sand beaches. In contrast, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives makes a serious statement with its stunning, modernistic approach. Sadly, this was the last project of the late, highly acclaimed Australian architect Kerry Hill. Taking cues from the round Maldivian drums and symbolising the circle of island life, the villas are all spherical in shape, as is the spa, which seems to hover over the turquoise lagoon.
LOCATION
A mere 50-minute boat ride away and just 46 km from the airport in Malé, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is located in the Fari Islands, making it a perfect option for luxury travellers wanting to be on the island as soon as possible and with minimal
fuss. Coined as Maldives 2.0, this development boasts a pioneering concept where three separate resorts are interlinked via a lagoon, allowing guests to seamlessly explore all three, with over 30 dining options available. It's fair to say that The Ritz-Carlton Maldives occupies the most sought-after island in the group and it is effectively three narrow islands, each connected by a small bridge. At 13,5 hectares, bikes for each villa are provided and come in handy. Yes, it's a man-made island, but it has been developed in such an environmentally sensitive way that it's difficult to tell.
CLIENTELE
A mix of loyal Ritz-Carlton aficionados from around the globe, starry-eyed honeymooners, family groups and others who just enjoy the finer things in life.
FACILITIES & ACTIVITIES
Nicely sized, state-of-the-art fitness centre and yoga studio with daily classes. Scuba diving and water sports adventures include kayaking, jet skis, and flyboarding. A host of island sports, including tennis, pétanque, beach volleyball and soccer. Or, perhaps, a visit to the neighbouring Fari Marina Village, a short free shuttle boat ride away, with its high-end boutiques, Beach Club and numerous dining options. Of course, being in the Maldives, it's a must to take advantage of the remarkable underwater world. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is home to Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the environment Program. I thoroughly recommend one of their daily snorkelling excursions. There is no real house reef to speak of, but a leisurely 40-minute boat ride brings you to one of the most spectacular reefs in all of the Maldives.
For relaxing on land and cooling off, it's hard to go past the pure elegance of the large, circular Eau Pool - also home to the Eau Bar. Perched over the sea, the infinity edge blends seamlessly into the ocean's myriad of blues beyond. This pool has the wow factor and some! It is a real highlight for budding photographers and Instagrammers of all abilities, especially at golden hour, when the fiery sunset mirrors off the pool surface - making even a novice look like a pro. It's hard to take a bad photo anywhere here, the colours and the overall aesthetic make it so easy.
Spa-wise, the Kerry Hill Studios team created a striking ring-shaped floating sanctuary perfectly located out in the middle of the lagoon. A visit here is a must, featuring nine treatment rooms, one of which is a spa suite complete with a private relaxation lounge – yes please. The spa offers clean treatments from the UK-based Bamford while incorporating an Asian-inspired feel and a sense of zen simplicity into the design.
ROOMS
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives has 100 villas, each with private pools ranging in size from 1 to 3 bedrooms. Spread across 13.5 hectares, they are very well-spaced and have lush vegetation to ensure maximum privacy. 'Beach or overwater villa?' is always a tough choice in the Maldives. Here, you also have the option of an ocean or lagoon view: Here, you also have the choice of ocean or lagoon view: one gives you the gentle pink blush of sunrise, the other the dramatic colours of sunset. Villas are all the same on the inside: minimalist open plan décor with generous proportions in muted colours, oversized beds next to large bathtubs, and indoor and outdoor showers. Elegant and refined but also practical. Dividing the villa from the large outside deck and decent-sized, teardrop-shaped pool are vast, full-width, floor-to-ceiling glass doors. These slide right back to allow the outside in and provide the ultimate indoor/outdoor living space. No matter the villa category, all were created to embrace and maximise the water views. Also liked how the exteriors are made from simple, pre fabricated wood to reduce environmental impact and are topped with disguised solar panels.
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FOOD & DRINK
A wide choice is on offer here, with seven impressive restaurants and bars, as well as exceptional private dining locations, such as a candle-lit dinner on the beach. Eau Bar draws a crowd for its arresting ode to dusk, a ceremony replete with local bodu beru drummers and chanters, who march along the edge of the circular infinity pool from two sides, meeting in the middle to light a circular fire ring. Start the day with a choice of à la carte or buffet breakfast in La Locanda with renditions of Arabic, Asian, and International cuisine. The Beach Shack is perfect for a beachside casual lunch, and you are spoilt for quality dinner options - dumplings and other Cantonese dishes at Summer Pavillon, an extension of the famous Singapore restaurant, teppanyaki at Iwau, or homemade pasta at La Locanda. For a change of location, take an 8-minute shuttle boat ride on the resort’s dhoni (a traditional fishing boat) across the lagoon at Fari Marina Village. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives also features Arabesque, a Bedouin. tent-inspired restaurant serving dishes from Lebanon to North India, and a street
food truck, Tum Tum, for takeaway bao buns.
FOR KIDS
Ritz Kids Club is easily the coolest children's venue at a resort I have seen in some time and from the outside, resembles something out of The Hobbit. Ideal for those aged 4 to 12, the program uses its four pillars, land, water, environmental responsibility and culture, to create a schedule of fun daily activities, including sports, arts and crafts, cooking classes and more. Design-wise, think of futuristic indoor-outdoor spaces with playgrounds, napping pods, an area for video games and movies, and a pool with slides and jets. They won't want to leave!
SERVICE
The service is as you would expect with a brand of this pedigree. Polished, intuitive and gracious. My 'Aris Meeha' – The Ritz-Carlton Maldives’ new word for butler – made us feel very welcome and service was always delivered promptly and with no issue.
GURU ROOM TIPS
All 1 bedroom villas are the same size and offer identical interior finishes. The main choice is whether to choose overwater or on land.
Overwater villas come in a choice of ocean or lagoon view. Expect more sunlight and wonderful sunset vistas from Lagoon Villas but less privacy with the free shuttle boat passing by every 30 minutes.
The ocean-view villas look out to the horizon and are located on the other side of the island. These provide more privacy but less sunlight during the day. If privacy is key, choose the ocean; if not, I'd go with the lagoon option. I prefer the changing view and extra sunlight.
On the island, I really enjoyed our Sunset Beach Pool Villa. It felt very private and loved being mere steps from the beach. Definitely worth upgrading to the Sunset option.
WE LOVE
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The modern, minimalist yet timeless architecture.
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The accessibility of the property, but yet still feels remote.
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The ability to move between the neighbouring properties, sharing facilities and dining and entertainment options.
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The top-notch service was as you would expect with this brand.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
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With no house reef, there is little for snorkelers. However, daily excursions are available to some exceptional reefs.
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This is a man-made island which will not appeal to some.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As the Fari Islands' development continues to evolve, this destination will get even better. Architecturally, it really is quite remarkable – loved it.
