When it comes to the Maldives, in order to stand out as the premier choice among the ever-growing number of accommodation options, one must demonstrate excellence beyond compare. A hotel cannot be just a hotel, a resort cannot be just a resort—it must be a destination in and of itself, an embodiment of the Maldivian way of life, translated through the lens of refinement. One such example has emerged from the Fari Islands archipelago in the North Malé atoll: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands.
Defined by the deft hands of Kerry Hill Architects, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is a masterclass in responsible and futuristic design, balancing respect for the area’s delicate ecosystem and marine life with cutting-edge innovation in a striking architectural statement. 100 beachfront and overwater villas are spread out across 13.5 hectares, artfully split between three sandbanks and in an oval composition above a lagoon. Prefabricated materials and PEFC-certified timber serve as the bones on which the resort builds its sustainable practices; energy is harnessed through solar panels, water is purified on-site, and the use of plastic is drastically reduced.
Forget the thatched roofs that have become the stereotype of Maldivian resort design—the minimalist circular structures at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands take inspiration from the circle of life and the concept of wholeness, fronted by infinity pools and retractable doors that eliminate the inside-outside divide. From Ocean Pool Villas to the palatial 1,500-square-metre, four-bedroom The Ritz-Carlton Estate, alongside three private coves housing five villas each, the choice of eight different room categories speaks to travellers of all needs and wants, as does the presence of the Aris Meeha island butler assigned to each accommodation. A soothing palette of warm hues, sunset tones, and earth colours permeate the contemporary interiors, punctuated by discreet references to local island life and Maldivian culture.
All of the facilities come together to form something of a small, thriving village, with seven restaurants and bars placed between Culinary Island and Grand Sunset Beach, though there’s even more to explore at the nearby Fari Marina Village, which is part of the Fari Islands archipelago development. Dine at La Locanda for Italian, Summer Pavilion for Cantonese, IWAU for Japanese, Beach Shack for Mediterranean, Arabesque for Levantine and North Indian, and the Tum Tum “food truck” for Asian street food.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has a reputation that precedes it. Perched above a turquoise lagoon, this ring-shaped wellness haven is superlatively designed by Hill and his team, instantly recognisable by its distinctive silhouette, and lives up to the hype with its Bamford-partnered rituals, where body treatments, facials, and massages are complemented by healing energy.
Sights and sounds are central to the experience. With the Indian Ocean all around serving as the serene backdrop, the traditions of ancient Maldives are evoked through the blowing of the Sangu conch shell to herald arrivals to the resort, while Defining Moment—rhythmic Boduberu drumming performances—celebrates the transition from day to night. Genuine human connection is at the heart of Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; scientists and biologists from the Visiting Hero programme and on-property Naturalists engage in knowledge-sharing sessions with guests, the Ritz Kids fosters an appreciation for nature, culture, and the environment through workshops, and interactive encounters on land and in the water through adventure and activity deepen understanding.
One of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands’ most exciting programmes is the signature Masters of Crafts series, an annual celebration of culinary, mixology, and wellness excellence. Meticulously curated, the 2026 edition of the Culinary Masters and Behind the Bar showcases—now in its fourth year—boasts a guest list that reads like a who’s-who directory of the most acclaimed chefs and bartenders in the world. Focusing on craftsmanship, artisanry, and reimagination, international, award-winning flavours and stellar cocktail-making are given an exclusive stage on which to shine, one which allows guests to connect with leading industry experts in an authentic and seamless way. In the same vein of collaboration, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands’ Essence of Balance retreats, which take place at the resort several times a year, also invite leading brands and partners in the wellness realm to guide exclusive holistic journeys, encompassing active fitness, mental restoration, and spiritual rejuvenation.
Innovation, sharing cultures and cuisines, and creating world-class experiences stands at the forefront of the Masters of Crafts event. David Yárnoz of El Molino de Urdániz in Spain, Simone Caponnetto and Alessandro Mengoni of Locale Firenze in Italy, René Frank of Coda in Germany, Vasilis Kyritsis of Line in Greece, Max Strohe of Tulus Lotrek in Germany, and Remy Savage of A Bar With Shapes for a Name and Bar Nouveau made up the illustrious lineup for the 2025 edition, bringing visionary approaches, immersive experiences, and inspiring flavours to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. Between them, these luminaries of the F&B world carry five Michelin stars and one Michelin Green star, as well as recognitions on prestigious lists such as The World’s 50 Best Bars.
Looking ahead to 2026, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is excited to welcome to the island Jacy Cunningham to lead an Essence of Balance retreat, Madison McFerrin for Masters of Crafts, Maurizio Bufi of Il Fagiano at the Grand Hotel Fasano alongside Rama Redzepi of Rama’s Lounge Bar, and Boenga Flowers by Harijanto Setiawan.
At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, true luxury is defined by the richness of authentic connections and wealth gained by transformative experiences lived. Shaped by conscientious design, tributes to culture and craftsmanship, and harmonious coexistence with the environment, new meaning is infused into the art of island living.
Learn more about The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands here.
