The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is set in the North Malé Atoll
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is home to 100 luxe villas
In a destination synonymous with picture-perfect scenes, where sugar-white sands melt into crystalline seas, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands dares to redefine paradise — not by adding more, but by stripping things back to what matters: space, seclusion, craftsmanship and connection.
Set within the North Malé Atoll, just a 45-minute luxury speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, this architectural marvel emerges like a halo across sea and sand. Conceived by the late Kerry Hill — one of the great visionaries of tropical minimalism — the resort’s design language is bold yet serene, circular yet linear, understated yet abundant. Perhaps this is a perfect metaphor for the way the property balances barefoot luxury with cultivated experience.
Much more than a place to retreat to when in need of a sunny beachside holiday, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is an immersive canvas of curated moments, culminating in its standout initiative: Masters of Crafts, an ongoining series committed to showcasing global talent. Here, celebrated artisans — be they chefs, mixologists, wellness gurus or cultural creatives — are invited to leave their mark on the island’s experience calendar.
EAU Bar at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
With the 2025 season just having begun, the latest rendition of this exceptional programme is already off to a very exciting start. In February, chef David Yárnoz of the two-Michelin-starred Molino de Urdániz in Spain brought a rare, Maldivian-tinted glimpse into the culinary traditions of Navarre with a six-course Valentine’s tasting menu. By March, Tuscany came to the tropics as chef Giuseppe Di Martino of Locale Firenze presented polished Italian soul food, accompanied by vintage Barolos and classic cocktails reimagined for the island breeze.
And to think the calendar is only heating up! This April, René Frank of Berlin’s famed Coda dessert restaurant will helm a pair of haute patisserie dinners over Easter, where natural sweetness and culinary technique replace sugar with sophistication. Come August, Vasilis Kyritsis of Line Athens will bring his wildly inventive cocktail ethos to EAU Bar — think local herbs, narrative-driven drinks, and the occasional optical illusion. By November, Max Strohe of Tulus Lotrek and mixology icon Remy Savage — founder of A Bar with Shapes for a Name — will cap off the year with two unmissable events.
But what makes the Masters of Crafts series so impactful is not only the calibre of its contributors but the way these encounters are woven into the island’s DNA. These are not fleeting cocktails parties a or one-off dinners. They’re intimate, immersive, sometimes even emotional engagements where guests can experience culinary artistry at its finest.
Clockwise from top-left: The resort’s two bars serve an array of fine wines and delicious cocktails; Dining by Design offers bespoke dining experiences in unique locations; in addition to visiting chefs, the the resort serves an array of cuisine across its seven restaurants; overater Italian restaurant, La Laconda.
Of course, extraordinary experiences require extraordinary spaces to unwind. And here, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands once again delivers — possibly even eclipses expectations — with a portfolio of accommodations that are as breathtaking as their surroundings.
Across its 100 villas — perched overwater or hidden among verdant beachfront — you’ll find an unwavering dedication to privacy, hospitality and comfort. Each villa is attended by a personal Aris Meeha, a butler whose role is less about formality and more about intuitive, detail-driven service. But for those seeking the pinnacle of seclusion, space, and luxury, the Two-Bedroom Villas and The Ritz-Carlton Estate are worlds unto themselves.
Two-bedroom beach villa at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
Spanning 350 and 400 square metres and available either overwater or on the beachside respectively, the Two-Bedroom Villas are the epitome of elevated island living. Those on land are enveloped in natural foliage for maximum privacy, opening directly onto soft sands and lapping tides, while those perched on the lagoon are surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters. In each, the master suite features an oversized king bed draped in Frette linen, while the second bedroom houses two queen beds — ideal for families or small groups.
Bathrooms are sanctuaries in themselves, with deep soaking tubs, double vanities, and indoor-outdoor rain showers complemented by organic Bamford amenities. A spacious indoor lounge leads to a breezy outdoor terrace with a 10-metre private infinity pool. Floor-to-ceiling retractable glass dissolves any distinction between inside and out.
All villas are fully tech-equipped, from Bose SoundLink speakers and 65” smart TVs to complimentary Wi-Fi, a Nespresso station, and a fully-stocked Honour Bar. Thoughtful touches — like bicycles for island exploration and 24/7 butler access — reflect the resort’s signature blend of laid-back luxury and attentive hospitality.
Clockwise from top-left: Two-bedroom beach villa main suite; bathroom in the two-bedroom beach villa; The Ritz-Carlton Estate private pool; living area in The Ritz-Carlton Estate
And then, there is The Ritz-Carlton Estate. Spanning a jaw-dropping 1,500 square metres, this is the most exclusive address in the Fari Islands — a private compound cocooned in lush vegetation and cradled by a secluded beach cove. Ideal for large families, multi-generational travellers, or VIP getaways, the estate houses four sumptuous bedrooms with soaring ceilings, panoramic windows, and ensuite bathrooms that channel spa-level calm.
The open-plan living area is dotted with curated artwork, elegant furniture, and a dining table that seats eight. Outdoors, a 19-metre infinity pool stretches towards the horizon, flanked by a sunken fire pit and a dining pavilion perfect for entertaining beneath the sun or stars. There’s even a dedicated entrance for security or a private nanny — a thoughtful feature for high-profile guests. Whether you’re hosting a celebration or simply savouring solitude, The Ritz-Carlton Estate is a world within a world. A dedicated buggy ensures seamless movement around the island, though you may never wish to leave.
The Ritz-Carlton Estate sits on its own secluded cove
Across every facet, from its villas to its curated events, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is defined by its dedication to creating meaningful experiences for its guests. Dining is a daily adventure, from southern Italian flavours at La Locanda to refined Cantonese cuisine at Summer Pavilion or open-air fine-dining at IWAU. For special occasions—or no occasion at all — Dining by Design offers bespoke meals in surreal settings: a sandbank, a starlit garden, or the resort’s wine cellar.
Wellness seekers will gravitate towards the ethereal ring-shaped spa, suspended overwater and inspired by the elements. Treatments draw from Bamford’s organic skincare and are complemented by sunrise yoga, meditation classes, and personalised wellness retreats — such as the Essence of Balance taking place in July, led by renowned reiki master Susy Markoe Schieffelin.
For adventurers, the offerings range from jet-skiing and paddleboarding to guided coral regeneration dives through the Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment programme. And for little ones? The Dad Lab pop-up happening in August brings playful science experiments to life, ensuring even the youngest guests leave with a sense of wonder.
To visit The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is to experience a masterclass — not only in hospitality, but in how luxury can be soulful, sustainable, and surprising. Whether you come for the Michelin-starred moments of the Masters of Crafts, the restorative rituals of the spa, or the sanctuary of your own villa, the effect is the same: you leave not just rested, but transformed.
The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is eveloped in lush greenery
To find out more about the Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and book, visit the links below…
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
North Malé Atoll
Fari Islands
Malé 20013
Maldives
Web: ritzcarlton.com/Maldives
Tel: +960 400-0999
Instagram: @ritzcarltonmaldives
Facebook: @Ritzcarltonmaldives