Step inside Ritz-Carlton’s first luxury retreat in the Maldives

Pratishtha Rana

Luxury has a new address and it’s in the Maldives – the one tropical destination that’s on every traveller’s bucket list. What seems like a long time coming, Marriott International’s hotel chain The Ritz-Carlton is finally in the island nation, opening doors to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands.

Surrounded by sweeping views of white sand beaches, crystalline waters, azure sky and lush foliage, this new resort sits peacefully on the northeastern tip of North Malé Atoll in Fari Islands. It is a 10-minute seaplane and a 45-minutes speedboat trip away from Velana International airport.

Living the island life

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives looks like an otherworldly, luxurious den, characterised by its interesting circular structure, inspired by various elements of nature such as the swirling water and ocean breeze.

Designed by Australia-based Kerry Hill Architects, this property is home to 100 overwater and beachfront villas, with options of one, two and three bedrooms. Modern amenities meet the mellowed island life here with uninterrupted access to the outdoors, a private infinity pool, sundeck, lounge area and a personal butler (Aris Meeha).

One can choose to stay at the ocean pool villa, lagoon pool villa, beach pool villa or the Ritz-Carlton estate, which is the grandest of all with an added private spa room, full kitchen, a private chef and a butler. The per night stay at the estate costs a sweet Rs20 lakh plus.

A grand feast awaits

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is a paradise for discerning, gourmet food enthusiasts too. With a total of seven distinct restaurants and bars, the resort lays out a tempting assortment of global cuisines on the table – from Lebanese, Italian and Indian to East-Asian.

La Locanda is the place to be for guests who love their robust cup of coffee as much as a wholesome platter of food. Cooking up the best recipes of Southern Italy, it is an indoor-outdoor eatery with an inbuilt library of books on Italian fashion, culture, food and everything luxury.

For lovers of seafood and tender meat, Iwau is a special live grill restaurant that whips up the delicate culinary magic of Japan. Of course, a fancy selection of sushi, sashimi, Japanese sakes, whiskies and tea blends is not to be missed.

Then there’s Arabesque, where the piquant flavours of North India and Lebanon blossom to their finest. Festooned with hanging lanterns, vibrant fabric décor and regal Kansa plates, this fine-dine cooks up an amazing array of mezze platters, tandoori meats, street food, flavoured hookahs, Turkish coffees and colourful cocktails.

Unwind and repeat!

Nestled in the heart of the property and floating scenically on the Maldivian lagoon is The Ritz-Carlton Spa. Housing nine treatment rooms, a suite, a salon and a boutique inside, it offers its guests a range of healing therapies and quiet hours to pamper themselves.

There are well-curated experiences not just in the resort premises but off the property as well. Some of the highlight activities include guided kayaking, snorkelling, volleyball and tennis and a fun space for the little ones to enjoy at the Ritz Kids Club with access to swimming pools, lawns and video games.

Guests can also venture out the Fari Marina village, an upscale social hub connected to the Fari island, which has an exciting selection of local arts and crafts and global designer brands to fill one’s shopping cart with.

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