Patina Maldives Fari Islands is a property I spent all of 2020 eagerly waiting for it’s open having spent time understanding about the island and the brand over Zoom calls with the team during the Covid lockdown and simply being blown away by Maldives newest player.
Move forward to July 2021, 2 weeks after it opens and I find myself in Patina Paradise.
Patina Fari Islands is the eco friendly flagship resort for Patina Hotels and Resorts a new luxury lifestyle brand by Capella Hotel Group.
This fresh yet sophisticated brand philosophy is inspired by a new generation that encompasses a progressive traveller with an independent mind but who has a deep respect and appreciation for local culture, the local community and is committed to utilizing travel as an extension of giving back.
Let me introduce you to the beautifully chic – Tulum meets Maldives- Patina Maldives, Fari Islands which is a 40 minute speed boat transfer from Male.
There is so much to love and appreciation about this property that I want to break it down into sections as there’s a lot to highlight:
Marina Village and Beach Club
This is the communal and beating heart of the island set in a socially vibrant scene. Outside guests will be able to enjoy the buzz of the island at the beach bar or any of the high end dining options, including chic tuk tuks. Mr and Mrs Rake is the exclusive retail section and one has to experience the incredible James Turrell Pavilion.
Villas
I was fortune to stay and experience both a two bedroom beach villa and a 2 bedroom water villa. They are both exactly the same layout just the beach villa opens up onto the beach providing a lot more space for children to run freely.
The villa bedrooms are on either side of a central living room both with sliding doors and their own large bathrooms. The terraces blend the indoor and outdoor space with an outdoor bath, dining area and hammock. All villas at Patina come with a private pool. There is a small kitchen which is close to the entrance and hidden behind a wall. What I personally absolutely loved about the villas was the rustic simple feel of nature reflected by an earthy color palette, dark wood furniture and the dark grey bed sheets contrasting beautifully with floor to ceiling windows and that quintessential Madlives view.
All the villas are ran by solar panels on the roof thereby helping the island maintain a minimal carbon footprint.
The one bedroom villas are also spacious and perfect for a couple with a young child; they have the same look and feel as the two bedroom villas but do not come with a separate living room however they are extremely generous in size.
The Three Bedroom Beach House is on another level. The same as a 2 bedroom downstairs and then the floating staircase takes you to the master bedroom which is the size of the entire ground floor with a large outdoor terrace, an incredible bathroom that has to be experienced and a super large dressing room. The garden is huge – my son would be in his element playing football here. There is also an additional out door seating area by the pool.
Footprints
Footprints is the kids education inspired activity centre set in beautiful grounds with climbing frames and a splash pool. The indoor activities include a 3D printing and laser cutting technology, cooking classes etc. The children can also enjoy interactive island experiences and marine conservation. Parents will be overjoyed to know that their children can spend countless hours staying busy.
Flow Spa
When entering Flow Spa you immediately feel the energy flow. Facilities include a watsu pool for passive aquatic therapy. There is also a salt water floating chamber along with multiple treatment rooms. The entire premise of the Flow Spa intelligently merges with Patina’s brand ethos. It’s not your cookie cutter spa, there is something special about this one.
Marina Life.
For the experienced Maldives traveller who wish to immerse themselves in the marine life, then you will need to take a boat for 5/10 minutes to spot the turtles and reef sharks by snorkeling. I have clients who have visited and enjoyed an abundance of marine life while others had to go out a little further for the great diving spots. As this is a new island the sea life will start to flourish over time.
Dining
With 12 eclectic dining options to choose from you will be in for an unbelievable culinary treat:
ROOTS – their plant-based restaurant
WOK SOCIETY – A Hong Kong social serving up soulful dishes
HELIOS – A Greek kitchen
VELI Bar – The perfect pool side bar with those classical Maldives sunset vibes
BRASA - A grill from the Patagonian regions of South American
KOEN – Japanese culinary arts with a Scandinavian approach
Farine – Bakery and Café
Food Trucks – Burgers and Ice cream
Service
Every villa has a dedicated “Essentialist” to assist them with their every need. Every client of mine was suitably impressed by the expertise, knowledge and gentle caring nature of the ‘Essentialist’ – another testament to Patina raising the game in this ultra competitive market.
Overall
Having experienced 12 properties in the Maldives and having a deep understanding of all the luxury resorts within the Maldives, I am super excited for Patina Fari Islands. I personally loved my time on the island as the service was spot on, the food was incredibly tasteful and the vibe was super chic – even the islands sound track is spot on which was curated by the GM, Marco, himself.
Next year Capella Fari Islands will open its doors so you will have the choice of three luxury properties to dine at, whichever resort you decide to stay at – Patina Fari Islands, The Ritz Carlton Fari Islands and Capella Fari Islands.
Patina Fari Islands is a definite game changer to the Maldives scene. I really do encourage my readers and clients to go experience it.
To watch my video – click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5ECncmC0OI&t=336s

