Review: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

Why book?
The Ritz-Carlton’s first Maldives property is one of the most striking private island resort designs in recent memory; there’s nothing traditional or understated about the circular villas devised by the renowned Kerry Hill Architects, responsible for many of Aman's greatest resorts. Set the scene
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is the second resort to open in the Fari Islands, a four-island man-made archipelago in the North Male Atoll based a 45-minute boat ride from Velana International Airport. (The first resort, Patina Maldives, opened a few weeks prior, with Capella Maldives to complete the trilogy in 2023.) At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, one will see the usual suspects of honeymooners and lovers on a getaway as well as multi-gen families from all over. The vibe is pretension-free and most everyone is in casual, non-fussy attire, though a designer cocktail dress or two might appear for beachfront dinners and social gatherings. The backstory
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives opening is bittersweet for followers of Kerry Hill, the late, venerated Australian architect responsible for some of the most legendary hotels in the last quarter-century (including several Aman properties and The Datai Langkawi). For years, he and his team could not find a hospitality brand willing to take on a groundbreaking Maldives resort design vision until the Ritz-Carlton signed on. The result is arguably The Ritz-Carlton’s boldest and most future-forward hotel project yet: 100 contemporary, round-shaped villas each with a sparkling infinity pool and without a thatched roof in sight. The most striking feature lies in the resort's extreme end, where a collection of overwater villas surround a halo-shaped spa, with both structure types designed to mimic the circular flow of ocean currents. A 98-foot-tall banyan tree stands in the resort’s Mystique Garden in Mr. Hill’s honor. The rooms
There are 100 beachfront and overwater villas, and all have fantastic ocean views. Only the one-bedroom villas have the atypical circular design, while the two-bedroom villas and the massive three-bedroom Ritz-Carlton Estate are straight-edged. All though, feature a generous pool, indoor and outdoor showers, a travertine bathtub (inside the bedroom), and a minibar stocked with artisanal treats and high-end beverages. The best features in the one-bedroom villas are the panoramic, floor-to-ceiling windows which can disappear entirely for an indoor-outdoor living experience, letting the tumbling lagoon water become the soundtrack to one’s bathtub soak or restful night’s sleep. Subtle touches of island life—gold coral-shaped table mats, rattan headboards—lend sense of place to the decidedly contemporary interiors. Food and drink
Restaurants and bars are divided between three zones: Culinary Island, Grand Sunset Beach, and a satellite base at the Fari Marina Village, a 10-minute boat ride from the main resort. La Locanda is the main hub for buffet and à la carte breakfast service (the buffet pastries are phenomenal here) and becomes a den for southern Italian dishes for later mealtimes. Gourmands wanting to learn and taste local cuisine will love the Maldivian cooking classes which are held here. Alongside La Locanda is Summer Pavilion, the offshoot of the Singapore-based Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant, whose food might need more time to match the brilliance of the original. Standout dining experiences include Middle East and North Indian-themed Arabesque (currently private and upon request in the Mystique Garden until its permanent Fari Marina Village location is complete), sushi and teppanyaki at Iwau, and Eau Bar specifically for the melt-in-mouth seared wagyu beef nigiri. At Eau Bar during early sunset, spring for a poolside lounger to catch a soul-stirring ceremony of bodu beru drummers walking the edge of a circular infinity pool, torch-lighting a fire ring backed by a fading horizon. The resort’s cocktail program is a bit hit-or-miss, though high marks for Beach Shack’s High Road cocktail made with whiskey, Mirto liqueur, homegrown honey, and lemon. The short but well-curated selection of wines and beers at each venue are more consistent choices for libations. The spa
Thanks to the eye-catching aerial renderings shared ‘round the world well before its opening date, The Ritz-Carlton Spa might be The Maldives’ most recognizable wellness center. Architecturally speaking, it is a masterpiece by the Kerry Hill Studios team: a floating, low-rise, vertical timber-clad ring above the swirling lagoon from which it sources its design inspiration. Inside the “ring” are nine superb treatment rooms with U.K.-based Bamford products, a small boutique, and a hair/beauty salon. As one walks the curved, open-air corridor, the sun etches a bright spotlight onto the turquoise water within the spa’s hollowed center. Treatments—especially multi-hour experiences—are top-notch and highly recommended. It is unfortunate, though, that there are no communal areas in this spa: no sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, or relaxation room to unwind pre- or post-treatment. If guests want sauna and steam room access, they must travel to the fitness center based on the opposite side of the resort. The service
The resort staff are freshly plucked from some of the best luxury Maldives resorts and global Ritz-Carlton properties, and greet each passing guest with an endearing right-hand-on-the-heart gesture and a nod. Butlers here are called Aris Meehas, a historical Maldivian reference to someone assigned to serve royalty—thankfully, interactions are more easy-going than overly deferential. They’re the middle people for all guests’ needs, and can help arrange several bespoke experiences from private dinners to full-day boat charters. For families
Children of all ages are welcomed and looked after here—the whimsical Ritz Kids Club offers a plethora of activities (sand sculpture competitions, tennis, marine talks, etc.), playground equipment and a kiddie pool with a slide to keep the younger ones entertained. The sprawled two-bedroom beachfront villas are perfect for families. Due to safety concerns, the age restriction for overwater villa stays is 13 and up, though parents or guardians can sign a waiver upon booking. Eco effort
The villas are mainly run on solar power (each villa’s roof is slightly sloped to accommodate these solar panels), and the resort is single plastic-free. Still and sparkling water comes from an in-house purification plant. The resort tapped Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment to lead their marine education and exploration program, and is a cut above other Maldives resorts for edu-oceanic activities. Accessibility
The main resort is mainly step-free access, and all villas can be modified for wheelchair accessibility with ramps put in place of steps where applicable. Anything left to mention?
The resort’s June 1 opening was an ambitious one, given the harrowing challenges of the pandemic that they’re still doing their best to navigate. In the future, there will be more exciting programs available, and the two Fari Marina Village–based outlets will have opened. The Ritz-Carlton guests will also finally have access to hop aboard the incredible, spaceship-like Adastra super-yacht, currently available only for neighboring Patina Maldives guests.