The Ritz-Carlton Maldives – Hotel Review
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, offers the perfect fusion of refined elegance and natural beauty in an exclusive island paradise. This luxurious five-star resort features stunning turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and sophisticated, open-concept villas, creating a seamless connection with its breathtaking surroundings. From exquisite dining experiences to world-class amenities and tailored activities, the Ritz-Carlton Maldives brings a vacation experience that feels like a true escape from the everyday. This review highlights the resort’s standout features and memorable moments that make a stay here truly extraordinary.
DISCLAIMER: WE WERE HOSTED ON A PRESS TRIP AT THIS HOTEL, WHICH DOES NOT INFLUENCE MY PERSONAL THOUGHTS AND REVIEW ABOUT THIS HOTEL. ALL EXPRESSED OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. THIS BLOG POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. I MAY RECEIVE A SMALL COMMISSION FOR PURCHASES/BOOKINGS MADE THROUGH THESE LINKS, AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU.
The Location
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, is situated in the northeastern part of the North Malé Atoll and offers an exceptional island escape just 45 kilometers from Velana International Airport. You can reach the resort either with a scenic 50-minute speedboat ride through the atoll or a quick 15-minute seaplane flight.
Opened in 2021, this stunning island is part of the exclusive man-made Fari Islands, a destination consisting of three separate resorts. Despite its artificial origins, the lush vegetation, crystal-clear lagoon, and powdery white sands feel naturally idyllic and perfectly blend with the pristine surroundings. Though the island lacks a house reef due to its man-made nature, it more than compensates with its breathtaking location and facilities.
Designed by the renowned Australian architect Kerry Hill, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives embodies a striking blend of minimalism and luxury. The architecture seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings, featuring clean lines, open spaces, and elegant details.
The Transfer & Check-in
As we were coming from another island, our journey to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, began with a warm welcome at the speedboat dock near Velana International Airport. A friendly Ritz-Carlton employee greeted us, took care of our bags, and escorted us to the boat terminal in front of the domestic terminal, where we waited about 30 minutes for other guests to arrive. The wait was pleasant, filled with an interesting conversation about the Maldives, its culture and people, and the resort itself.
When it was time to depart, we boarded an air-conditioned speedboat featuring stylish, plush corner sofa lounge areas for each guest. The one-hour ride was easily the most comfortable we’ve experienced, enhanced by thoughtful touches like anti-motion sickness wristbands, complimentary WiFi, and a delightful selection of snacks – chocolates, nuts, and water – presented in a chic Ritz-Carlton box.
For those lucky enough, the resort may have one of their yachts waiting for you for your transfer, and it was mentioned that in the future, only Ritz-Carlton yachts will be used for this purpose.
Overall, the journey set the perfect tone for the luxury that awaited us at the resort.
Upon arriving at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, we were greeted by our personal Aris Meeha, the resort’s dedicated butlers, who welcomed us with refreshing cold towels and a delicious welcome drink. Another employee was blowing into a Sangu conch shell, the traditional way to announce someone’s arrival.
Since our villa wasn’t ready yet, we were taken on a tour around the island with a buggy, getting to know the resort’s facilities. Once our room was prepared, we headed to our villa for a seamless in-villa check-in, allowing us to quickly settle in and begin enjoying our stay in paradise.
One of the best things at check-in was that we were handed two bracelets that served as the keys to our villa and the facilities. As a welcome, we were also given a bottle of exquisite champagne, a handwritten note, and some very delicious treats.
The Property & Amenities
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, is a stunning resort spread across three islands and an oval boardwalk that houses most of its overwater villas. At the heart of it lies the distinctive circular Ritz-Carlton Spa, an architectural masterpiece that also features a boutique.
The beach villas, hidden within the lush vegetation, offer maximum privacy, while the overwater villas – whether facing the tranquil lagoon or the open ocean – stand elegantly on stilts, blending luxury with natural beauty.
The northern island is home to serene beach and water villas, along with the Mystique Garden, a circular space where guests can enjoy morning yoga sessions or special outdoor dining experiences under a 30-meter Banyan Tree.
On the southern island, you can also find beach and water villas. In addition, it features an open-style reception welcome pavilion with ample seating, as well as many other facilities. These include the Beach Shack restaurant, a PADI-certified dive center, watersports hub, Ritz Kids club, a state-of-the-art fitness center with yoga studio, sauna and steam bath, a tennis court, games room, and a stargazing garden for magical nights under the Maldivian sky.
For beach lovers, the southern island offers a palm tree-fringed beach, called Grand Sunset Beach, with luxurious sunbeds and umbrellas, where stunning views of the ocean await.
The middle island is the resort’s culinary hub, boasting the resort’s main restaurant along with a variety of specialty dining options, ensuring a diverse gastronomic experience. You’ll also find the Ritz Boutique and the resort’s impressive circular main pool on this small island.
To enjoy all these offerings, each guest can either use the resort’s buggy service or the provided bicycles to explore the island. The resort’s copper bicycles are hands down the most stylish bikes we’ve ever had on an island in the Maldives.
The Rooms
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives boasts 100 luxurious villas that effortlessly blend island living with modern design, offering guests the choice between serene water villas perched above the lagoon or ocean, and beach villas nestled along beach coves and lush tropical greenery.
While the majority of the villas are one-bedroom villas, the resort also offers a selection of two-bedroom villas and the exclusive three-bedroom Ritz-Carlton Estate for larger groups or those seeking ultimate privacy. We really loved that all villas have an infinity pool and a spacious sundeck which allowed us to swim in the pool or relax on the sundeck with a view.
We stayed in a stunning Sunset Beach Pool Villa, surrounded by vibrant vegetation and just steps from the beach. The villa flawlessly combined luxury, seclusion, and breathtaking views.
Keep reading for more details about the villa:
Sunset Beach Pool Villa
Our Sunset Beach Pool Villa, located on the sunset side of the southern island, offered us the perfect vantage point to enjoy breathtaking sunsets each evening. Spanning 155 square meters, the villa’s round-shaped, minimalistic yet ultra-luxurious design made exceptional use of space, ensuring every corner felt effortlessly functional. We loved the earthy tones of the villa that complemented the blue colors of the Maldivian water and sky.
The panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, which could be fully opened, flooded the villa with natural light and enhanced the sense of openness. The villa was divided into three main areas: the bedroom, the bathroom, and the outdoor sundeck.
In the bedroom, we had a plush king-sized bed, a cozy living area on one side, an oversized marble bathtub on the other side, and a convenient mini fridge and coffee station. The addition of a Bose Bluetooth speaker was a nice touch.
The ensuite marble bathroom featured double vanities, an illuminated makeup mirror, and a spacious wardrobe, with one drawer cleverly housing the safe. The bathroom’s luxurious rain shower was complemented by an outdoor shower and high-quality Bamford products – a thoughtful detail we appreciated. The soft bathrobes were another highlight, adding to the villa’s comfort.
Outside, the shaded sundeck included a sofa bed, a sitting area, and, of course, the stunning infinity pool. Just beyond the deck were two sunbeds and an umbrella on the beach, but the infinity pool, with its sweeping views and gorgeous sunsets, quickly became our favorite spot of the villa.
The villas at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives are truly one of a kind in both design and features. Having stayed in many beach villas over the years, we can wholeheartedly say that this villa was, without a doubt, the best we’ve ever experienced. Each time we stepped into the villa, it felt like home.
The Restaurants & Bars
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, features an impressive array of seven restaurants and bars, including five on-site and two located at the nearby Fari Marina Village. Guests can expect an extraordinary culinary journey, showcasing unparalleled cuisine and flavors from around the globe.
La Locanda serves as the main restaurant with a focus on Italian cuisine, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a stunning pavilion setting with beautiful ocean views. We particularly enjoyed the buffet-style and à la carte breakfast options. The sumptuous buffet featured international dishes from around the world, so there’s something for everyone. We especially loved the green Shakshuka, which they served on their health and wellness day – it was the best we ever had!
Next to La Locanda is the intimate Summer Pavilion, inspired by the Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore. This dining spot offers Cantonese fine dining in a lantern-inspired ambiance. During our visit, we experienced a special nine-course dinner for the full moon festivities which was excellent from start to finish.
On the culinary island’s other side, Eau Bar and IWAU are located. Our first evening started with sunset drinks at the laid-back yet glamorous Eau Bar. There, we witnessed the resort’s ‘defining moment’ when a fire ring is lit to the rhythmic beats of Bodu Beru drums to signal the transition from day to evening. Afterward, we moved to the restaurant section of Eau Bar to indulge in delicious dishes with a Japanese influence.
Another evening, we had the pleasure of experiencing the chef’s table at IWAU. Unfortunately, due to unexpected rain, we had to forfeit our seats at the designated teppanyaki space because not all seats are protected from the weather. Therefore, we had our lobster dinner at Eau Bar instead. While the food was outstanding and every course was explained by the designated chef, the change in setting impacted our experience.
The Beach Shack, the final dining option on the island, offers lunch and dinner right on the main beach with sea views, serving delectable Mediterranean dishes. We enjoyed lunch there on two days and loved every dish we tried.
For more dining options, two food outlets are located at Fari Marina Village, just a ten-minute dhoni ferry ride away. While the Ritz-Carlton and Patina Maldives share this culinary space, only Arabesque and Tum Tum belong to the Ritz-Carlton.
Arabesque serves lunch and dinner in a charming Bedouin-style setting, featuring dishes and flavors from Lebanon to North India. Tum Tum, a food truck, specializes in a variety of Asian streetfood dishes and we couldn’t resist trying their delicious bao buns. Let me tell you, they were heavenly delicious!
Moreover, guests can enjoy 24-hour room service as well as destination dining.
Overall, every meal we enjoyed at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives was exceptional. The chefs were also happy to create alternative dishes on the spot or offer options that weren’t on the menu, especially during breakfast. Without a doubt, the food was the finest we have experienced in the Maldives.
The Staff
The staff at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives truly exemplified the high standards expected at a luxury resort. Every interaction, from the gardeners to the restaurant personnel, butlers, room service, and management, was met with a warm smile and genuine hospitality. At each dining outlet, we were asked how we preferred to be addressed, and this thoughtful touch made us feel valued throughout our stay.
Our dedicated Aris Meha was also remarkable! She managed our schedule and appointments, and consistently went above and beyond to ensure our needs were met. Whenever we had a question, she was just a message away.
On one occasion, when we faced an issue with the air conditioning, the technician resolved it swiftly even though it was a complex task. We also appreciated the delightful touch from our turn-down housekeeper, who left us pralines each night and demonstrated a clever technique for organizing our cables – a trick we happily adopted!
Activities
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives offers a wide range of activities, both on and off the island, ensuring that guests are never short of things to do during their stay. They call it the ‘Halo of Discoveries’.
On-island options include activities such as volleyball, pétanque, chess, and football. At the watersports center, you can enjoy kayaking, jet skiing, flyboarding, SUP, windsurfing, and more.
Fitness enthusiasts can take advantage of the state-of-the-art gym, where they can work with a personal trainer, join workout sessions, participate in yoga classes, or enjoy a game of tennis – either with a friend or through private coaching with the resort’s tennis professional. Afterward, you can unwind in the resort’s sauna or steam bath.
You can also participate in unique experiences like a Maldivian cooking class, pottery and abstract art workshops, wine tasting or cocktail masterclasses, sunset fishing, dolphin excursions, and moon-rising yacht cruises.
For off-island adventures, guests can join snorkeling and scuba diving tours led by the resort’s marine biologists, in collaboration with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program, exclusive to The Ritz-Carlton in the Asia-Pacific region. We took part in a snorkeling as well as a diving tour, which began with an informative session about the local marine ecosystem. This educational approach added immense value to our experience, reinforcing the importance of protecting our oceans for future generations. Moreover, the resort caters to certified scuba divers as well as those looking to obtain certification.
Additionally, the resort provides a weekly activity leaflet that outlines daily events and activities, making it easy for guests to plan their stay around their favorite experiences they don’t want to miss.
Spa & Wellness
The spa at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is the perfect sanctuary for relaxation, offering a luxurious experience amidst the turquoise lagoon. Housed in an impressive circle-shaped structure, it features nine treatment rooms that are inspired by the Chinese philosophy of Ying and Yang, a salon, and a boutique.
Guests can indulge in a range of rejuvenating facials, soothing massages, and revitalizing body therapies, all crafted to deliver a tranquil and immersive wellness experience. In addition, complimentary massage activities are available every morning.
We enjoyed a 60-minute couples’ massage, and it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. It began with a refreshing towel and a welcome drink, followed by a soothing foot scrub, a full-body massage incorporating Shiatsu techniques, and concluded with some relaxing downtime. The whole treatment was amazing and we especially loved the comfy massage beds.
Sustainability
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives takes pride in its extensive sustainability practices, which are integrated throughout the resort. Solar energy powers much of the property, aligning with its eco-friendly approach. The resort is also committed to a zero-waste philosophy, offering fresh produce from its own garden and a variety of plant-based dining options.
To further minimize environmental impact, guests enjoy a plastic-free stay, with amenities in reusable bottles, glass water containers, bamboo-based personal products, and sustainable straws. The resort’s water supply is produced on-site, using purified filters for both still and sparkling water.
Additionally, the resort is built from renewable wood sourced from sustainable European forests, reinforcing its commitment to green architecture. As part of its environmental efforts, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives proudly hosts Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program, promoting education and awareness of ocean conservation.
The One Unique Thing
The most unique aspect of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is its breathtaking design and architecture, created by award-winning architect Kerry Hill. Inspired by the fluidity of water and the circular rhythms of island life, the resort merges eco-conscious philosophy with innovative architecture, achieving a seamless harmony between nature and design.
Everywhere you look, distinct circular shapes are incorporated – from the beach and water villas to the mystique garden, the main pool, the Ritz Kids Club, and the iconic spa building.
These round forms also pay homage to the traditional Maldivian Beru drum, an integral part of the country’s cultural history. Throughout the resort, art installations further enrich the overall aesthetic, making each space a true masterpiece.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is a paradise of refined luxury, where contemporary design meets the unparalleled beauty of the Maldives. We absolutely loved the serene ambiance and the outstanding service that made every moment here feel special. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a family retreat, or an oasis for your honeymoon, this resort truly has something for everyone. From the breathtaking villas and the world-class dining to the memorable experiences, every detail has been thoughtfully crafted for a remarkable stay. We can wholeheartedly recommend staying at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives. It’s definitely one of our favorite resorts in the Maldives!
Pin this review for later!
