The Ritz-Carlton Maldives offers an escape like no other. Discover an architectural wonder spread across three islands and indulge in culinary masterpieces.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is nestled in the Fari Islands, a unique man-made development where three independent resorts connect across a lagoon, setting an exceptional stage for a captivating escape to paradise, just 45-minutes from Male via high-speed ferry.
A tradition-steeped welcome awaits every visitor, beginning with the ceremonial blowing of the Sangu – a trumpet-like shell used in ancient Maldivian culture to announce the arrival of distinguished guests. This greeting gives you a real sense of appreciation and welcome.
Each guest at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is assigned an Aris Meeha. Essentially a dedicated butler, the term ‘Aris Meeha’ is drawn from Maldivian culture and traditionally referred to those who served members of the royal family. Our Aris Meeha, Hussain, was consistently available and tirelessly worked to ensure our stay was flawless.
Architecturally breathtaking, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives seamlessly blends modern living with tasteful hints of Maldivian allure. The resort is made up of three small islands, spanning 1.6 kilometres and linked by bridges. Getting around is easy, either pick a buggy ride by the Aris Meeha, a casual stroll or use one of the rose gold-finished bikes located outside every villa.
Accommodation:
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives offers an array of stunning villas. Choosing between the overwater villas offering captivating views of the azure sea or the beach villas for an immersive island experience can be a dilemma, especially for first time travellers to the Maldives – and they offer different experiences.
One-bedroom villas, whether overwater or beachside, captivate with their round-edge design. Meanwhile, the two-bedroom villas and The Ritz-Carlton Estate carry a more traditional straight-edged aesthetic.
Inside, each villa indulges with a blend of interior and exterior living. Full retractable glass doors allow the indoor to meet the outdoor, while the lavish master bedroom opens to an expansive deck and pool area, all sitting in the circular wrap of the villa. There is an oversized bed and a large bathtub looking out onto the private deck. Behind the living space is a spacious bathroom and closet, with double sinks and mirrors, as well as indoor and outdoor showers.
Activities:
From thrilling water sports to serene sunrise yoga and elegant wine-tasting, there is an activity for everyone.
Firstly, for the younger ones, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives has a beautifully designed ‘Ritz Kids’ space. Picture Bilbo Baggins’ precious hobbit house and you are somewhat there. There is an indoor play area with plenty of activities for kids, in addition to a children’s pool with adorable tiny sunbeds. And not to mention a large climbing frame complete with slide. For those slightly older and wanting to escape the heat there is an indoor games room with pool table, table tennis and an area for video games and movies.
Thrill-seekers will revel with a range of exciting activities on and off the island. Water sports offerings include all your usual activities such as jet-skiing, transparent kayaking and paddle boarding.
In the unmissable line-up of activities, snorkelling takes the crown. We met Sean, our excursion guide, the day before the trip and mentioned how desperate we were to see turtles. While they could not guarantee we would see them, they did promise us an incredible tour of one of the reefs, a 45-minute boat ride away.
Before boarding, Sean gave us a short briefing and information about the sea life and how we need to protect coral reefs and its importance to the planet.
After the boat ride, we dived in the water and saw an abundance of marine life, with the guides regularly pointing out different species from bright colourful fish to octopuses. Oh, and two turtles! Mission accomplished.
Culinary Delights:
The resort is a culinary oasis offering many diverse menus to suit all palates from traditional Chinese delicacies at the Summer Pavilion to Japanese-inspired cuisine at IWAU (Japanese translation of “to celebrate”). IWAU is exactly that: every Japanese flavour is a gastronomic delight.
Weekly Arabian Nights, hosted at a nearby sister property, offer traditional Arabic and Lebanese dishes. To start the truffle hummus is a must-try – and something we urge UAE eateries to introduce. For mains, the creamy butter chicken and chicken tikka were standout dishes.
Beach Shack, a more relaxed dining venue, serves high-quality casual fare from burgers to fish tacos. The seafood paella was a highlight and is perfect for dining in groups.
Throughout the day, guests can indulge in homemade ice-creams from the islands ice creamery – a delightful afternoon treat to help cool down.
If you want to take your culinary journey to the next level, then you must try the exclusive chef’s table experience at IWAU, which features two private outdoor kitchens with seating facing the cooking station. Chef Bayuu walked us through the six-course menu, fascinating us with facts about the dishes and ingredients. The highlight for us was the Wagyu beef, simply cooked to perfection.
Pricing for this is a cool 300 USD per person, but it is an experience you will never forget. You can also elevate this experience by adding wine pairing. But we opted to try the many mocktails and juices instead.
Service:
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives takes pride in offering top-tier service, from the dedicated Aris Meeha to each staff member you encounter. Their stories, recommendations, and unwavering willingness to go the extra mile create a sense of belonging and reassurance. An on-site doctor and clinic further contribute to this sense of security. With a keen eye for detail, the resort’s service sets itself apart as an unrivalled destination in the Maldives. Whether you are a honeymooning couple or a family with little ones – every need is taken care of.
Sustainability:
The resort is also deeply committed to sustainability. Single-use plastics are a no-go at the resort; instead, guests are provided with glass water bottles in the villas or if you are moving around the island, refillable plastic bottles are provided. Solar panels are subtly incorporated into the design of the 100 villas, with plans to extend this feature to other buildings on the island.
This remarkable resort effortlessly caters to a spectrum of guests, positioning itself as an absolute gem for both honeymooners seeking an idyllic and intimate escape and families in quest of an unforgettable holiday. The resort ensures an air of seclusion and serenity, providing newlyweds with an ideal romantic haven. Meanwhile, its exceptional children’s facilities stand as a testament to its unwavering commitment to cultivating an extraordinary, family-centric environment. This harmonious fusion of exclusivity and family-oriented offerings establishes The Ritz-Carlton Maldives as a destination where every guest is sure to leave with treasured memories.
DSCVR: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives. Fari Islands North, Male 20013, Maldives. (+960 400 0999). @ritzcarltonmaldives
