by HOLLY CRAWFORD
WITH MORE than a year to dream about where to travel next, Maldives is near the top of our list. The Ritz-Carlton debuted their first resort location in the Maldives recently with the opening of a location on the Fari Islands.
Tucked into the north-eastern tip of the North Malé Atoll, the area is known for untouched white-sand beaches and waters teeming with marine life. Accessed by a ten-minute seaplane ride or a 45-minute boat ride, the resort is part of the Fari Marina with a vibrant Beach Club, boutiques and restaurants nearby.
The resort is comprised of 100 luxurious one- to three-bedroom villas, either set over water, or nestled along the beach cove, each offering spacious living spaces that blur the line between indoors and outdoors with panoramic sliding doors, a sun deck with a private infinity pool and breathtaking views.
“We have long wanted to expand The Ritz-Carlton brand into this iconic luxury destination and are thrilled to evolve our global portfolio with this significant debut. From its thoughtful architecture to its culturally immersive programming, this resort represents the brand’s commitment to the innovative experiences that today’s luxury traveler seeks,” said Donna McNamara, Vice President and Global Brand Leader for The Ritz-Carlton. “We look forward to creating a truly unforgettable experience for our guests as we seamlessly blend the stunning physical environment and rich heritage of the Maldives with the legendary service and care of The Ritz-Carlton.”
Designed by the multi-award winning Kerry Hill Architects, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is inspired by its natural surroundings, including the elements of swirling water and ocean breezes, which are incorporated into a design narrative that is rooted in the shape of a circle that also represents the flow of island life. The resort features 100 luxurious one- to three-bedroom villas, either set over crystal clear waters, or nestled along pristine beach coves, each offering spacious living spaces that blur the line between indoors and outdoors with panoramic sliding doors, a sun deck with a private infinity pool and breathtaking views. The resort’s minimalist design is respectful of its visual impact on the environment and draws much of its natural surroundings into the guest experience.
With seven distinct culinary venues, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands strikes the perfect balance between high-end dining, beachfront luxury, and wellness-centered menus. Two of the resort’s venues are located at Fari Marina, a pleasant eight-minute journey in a dhoni, a traditional wooden fishing boat, from the resort island to Fari Marina Village.
As part of the legendary, highly personalized service of The Ritz-Carlton, and inspired by the ancient royal customs of the Maldivian royal courts, each room is assigned an “Aris Meeha” or island butler to fulfil a guest’s every wish. ritzcarlton.com