By Jodie Mason, CEO at Extraordinary Escapes Maldives
Luxury Maldives Specialist Since 2002
Our day at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands begins as the automated blinds of our Beach Pool Villa silently rise to reveal another spectacular Maldivian morning.
Before us, the turquoise lagoon stretches towards the horizon, framed by the villa’s distinctive circular architecture. It is a view that feels uniquely Ritz-Carlton and one that perfectly introduces the design philosophy that defines the entire resort.
Extraordinary Escapes Beach Pool Villa at the Ritz Carlton Maldives
Designed by internationally acclaimed Kerry Hill Architects, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives draws inspiration from the Maldivian concept of the beru, or circle of island life. Influenced by the movement of ocean currents, the rhythm of the sea and the circular forms found throughout traditional Maldivian culture, the circle becomes the defining architectural language of the resort. Once you understand this, you begin to recognise its influence everywhere.
Stepping directly from our villa onto the soft white sand, we make our way into the lagoon for our traditional morning swim. The water is impossibly clear, the beach pristine and the atmosphere wonderfully peaceful. Returning to the villa, we dress in flowing sundresses and prepare for breakfast.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is spread across three beautifully manicured islands connected by elegant overwater bridges. One island is dedicated entirely to culinary experiences, and it is here that we cycle each morning for breakfast at La Locanda.
La Locanda is one of our favourite breakfast venues in the Maldives. Set above the lagoon, the elegant restaurant offers a variety of beautifully designed dining spaces, each creating a different atmosphere. One morning we may choose a table overlooking the water, while on another we may sit beneath the shaded terrace enjoying the gentle sea breeze that drifts through the open-air restaurant. It is one of those experiences that seems simple, yet somehow becomes one of the most memorable parts of the day.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives La Locanda Restaurant at Breakfast
Following breakfast, we spend the morning relaxing at The Ritz-Carlton Beach Club. Surrounded by elegant cabanas, comfortable daybeds and beautifully landscaped gardens, it is a sophisticated and stylish space where attentive service, subtle music and uninterrupted ocean views create an atmosphere of complete relaxation. The pace is unhurried, allowing guests to fully embrace the effortless rhythm of island life.
As midday approaches, we make our way to the jetty and board a boat bound for the Fari Marina Village. One of the unique advantages of staying at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is access to the wider Fari Islands experience. The atmosphere here feels entirely different. Vibrant, social and energetic, Fari Marina Village offers a lively contrast to the refined tranquillity of the resort itself.
The afternoon is spent at the Fari Beach Club, where the resident DJ provides the soundtrack to a relaxed day by the water. Guests gather for long lunches, cocktails and afternoons spent enjoying the lively social atmosphere. It feels almost like discovering a second resort within the same destination, offering a completely different Maldives experience.
The Ritz-Carlton Beach Club
Returning to The Ritz-Carlton later in the afternoon, we collect our bicycles and make our way towards one of the resort’s most striking architectural features, The Ritz-Carlton Spa. Suspended above the lagoon and connected by a sweeping overwater walkway, the spa is every bit as impressive as its reputation suggests.
As we follow the curved pathways towards our treatment room, the resort’s circular design philosophy becomes even more apparent. The architecture naturally guides movement through the space, creating a feeling of calm, balance and flow long before the treatment itself begins.
Arriving at The Ritz-Carlton Spa
Following a wonderfully relaxing afternoon at the spa, we return to our villa to prepare for the evening ahead. As sunset approaches, guests begin to gather around the resort’s spectacular circular main pool. Once again, the architectural language of the resort reveals itself, with the circular forms creating a beautiful sense of connection between the surrounding lagoon, sky and landscape.
As the colours of the Maldivian sunset begin to deepen, traditional Maldivian Bodu Beru drummers gather for the resort’s nightly sunset ritual. Rhythmic drumming, ceremonial fire lighting and the sounds of ancient Maldivian traditions mark the transition from day to evening. Against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean, it is a beautiful and authentic celebration of local culture and one of our favourite moments of the day.
The Ritz Carlton Maldives ring of fire lighting ritual with Maldivian Bodu Beru drums
This evening we join members of The Ritz-Carlton management team for dinner at IWAU. One of the resort’s signature dining experiences, IWAU combines exceptional Japanese cuisine with an intimate teppanyaki setting. Throughout the evening, our chef expertly prepares premium Wagyu before us while each course is thoughtfully paired with Japanese sake. The combination of extraordinary food, engaging conversation and impeccable service creates a memorable conclusion to an exceptional day.
What makes The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands so distinctive is not simply its luxury, although that is evident throughout every aspect of the resort. It is the way architecture, culture and environment have been thoughtfully woven together to create a genuine sense of place.
Understanding the story behind the resort’s design allows you to appreciate The Ritz-Carlton Maldives on an entirely different level. Beyond the beautiful villas, exceptional dining and outstanding service lies one of the most thoughtfully designed resort experiences in the Maldives.
The Ritz-Carlton management team dinner at IWAU
