The Ritz Carlton Maldives is located on the Fari Islands, a unique archipelago featuring three luxury private resorts and a marina with Ritz’s neighbors being the Patina Maldives and the soon to open Capella Maldives.
The property had only been open 2 weeks when I arrived so there was a fresh, exciting vibe to the island and I am pleased to say the occupancy was high, which was a great sign that people were looking to savor what the Ritz had to offer.
Guests are welcomed to the sounds of a horn - blowing into a shell, which is very inviting as it instantly provides a pleasant mix of warmth and adventure.
I was staying in a one bedroom water villa with a pool which looked straight out into the ocean. The 100 villas on the island provide a modern architecture, with two design shapes square and circular which are in turn inspired by the water and circular movements.
The one bedroom villa is very elegant and sleek with a large bathroom and indoor/outdoor shower. The bath tub is in the main bedroom providing wonderful ocean views. Personally I thought this would have been a great opportunity to include a round bath tub instead of a standard tub which I believe would have linked beautifully with the villa, shape of the pool and natural surroundings and picture perfect.
I really loved the pool space and dining area with steps directly into the sea and hammock. Unfortunately the privacy lacked as my neighbor shouted hello from their pool. I didn't mind this but for a lot of my clients privacy is key.
Most islands in the Maldives have their restaurants situated around the island – however at Ritz Carlton all but one are located on Culinary Island, which is a unique concept located in between the spa side of the island and the activity side of the island – yet all a very quick and easy cycle ride away. The other Ritz restaurants can be found at the chic and elegant Marina Fari Islands which is only a 10 minute boat ride and offers all kinds of cool and social vibes.
The restaurants are as follows:
LA LOCANDA –brings together refreshing Southern Italian flavors
SUMMER PAVILION – this Michelin-starred collaboration offers tapas-style authentic Cantonese cuisine in a lantern-inspired dining pavilion perched over the velvety lagoon.
IWAU – showcases Japanese specialties, including a lively teppanyaki dining experience under the stars.
EAU BAR –sunset is celebrated each evening with a captivating ritual. It's a stunning bar, shisha lounge and offers a gastronomical experience.
BEACH SHACK – the communal pulse of the island perfect for long relaxing lunches.
ARABESQUE – located at Fari Marina
TUM TUM – a glam food truck located in Fari Marina offering scrumptious Asian street food.
THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA
I have to say this is the most impressive designed spa I have recently seen. I’m sure you would have seen the aerial shots of the ring shaped sanctuary which is nestled in the lagoon with the water villas providing the outline.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa offers nine spa treatment rooms including a spa suite with its own relaxation lounge, a salon and a boutique. Cardinal directions of each treatment room exude powerful energy complemented with healing massages and thoughtfully-selected amenities, offering guests an all encompassing luxurious wellness experience.
The Ritz Kids Club boasts futuristic indoor-outdoor space with playgrounds, napping pods, an area for video games and movies, and a pool with slides and jets. When you enter the front door to the club its like walking into the side of a mountain very similar to the TV characters Telly Tubby’s home - it instantly provides a wow factor and I am certain young visitors to the Ritz will spend many hours here. The Kids Club also provides an activity themed program that is designed for ages 4 to 12, and meshes well with the island's four pillars—land, water, environmental responsibility and local culture.
A beautiful and signature touch to the islands are the sunset ceremonies. Sounds of the drums beat as the sun starts to set and a circular flame is lit which signifies transitioning from a day full of discoveries into an evening of indulgence and reflection, giving the inspiration to do it all over again.
As many travelers know, visiting a Ritz property is an experience, the brand speaks for itself and many loyal customers can attest to the rigorous high standards maintained year in year out. I can safely say that all of this is now available at a beautiful Maldives location so anyone looking for a Maldivian experience that cuts no corners and gives the full luxurious effect under the watchful eye of a global luxury brand, should start making their bookings.
Watch the island video here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZRJUMigHeg
