Discover Island Living at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands 

“Embrace the Circle of Island Life”, they said. And true enough, a visit to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will let you do just that. From the moment you arrive, you will be immersed in luxury; stunning overwater villas, breathtaking sunrises, and mesmerising marine life surrounds you. Whether you are snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, playing on pristine white sands, or lounging poolside with endless turquoise views, this is island living at its finest! Yet, that is just the beginning. The resort truly embraces the essence of the circle of island life, with its design reflecting the shape of the Maldivian sun. Circular elements are everywhere within the resort, making it so visually stunning. After all, it is a tropical masterpiece by renowned Australian architect Kerry Hill, famous for his remarkable hotel designs.

If you are eager to learn more about The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, read on as we share more details from our stay and why embracing island life here is an unforgettable experience.

1. Indulge in endless ocean views from your Ocean Pool Villa

The stunning views of the Maldives are simply something we can never get enough of—it is paradise. And so, it was truly exceptional to see the view right from your villa, let alone your bedroom. The Ocean Pool Villas are perfect for this, offering panoramic ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows that make the scenery feel like a living masterpiece. Opening and looking through the windows in the morning feels completely surreal, as if you are watching a giant movie screen. We personally chose a villa with sunrise views, so we could wake up each morning and fully immerse ourselves in the beauty that surrounds us. It is such a serene experience, where the line between the villa and the ocean blurs, making you feel as though you are floating in the vast expanse of the sea. It truly takes your breath away. 

If you want better ocean views, you can just open the sliding doors to relax on your villa’s private sundeck. Here, you can unwind on comfortable loungers or take a dip in your infinity pool, all while soaking in the unparalleled beauty of your surroundings.

Unwind in your private sundeck

Now, inside the Ocean Pool Villa is just as mesmerising as the outdoors. The huge bedroom, the indoor bathroom and bathtub, the spacious vanity area – this 150 sqm-sized villa is more than enough to accommodate 2 adults. Everything in the villa felt grand, from the well-stocked minibar with complimentary soft drinks and snacks to the tub in the living area that offers a spectacular view of the ocean.

2. Experience the exceptional service of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Aris Meeha

The Ritz-Carlton will not be the renowned brand it is today if it is not for their exceptional service. After all, the goal is to be able to provide the clients with the very best. At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, an island butler, or Aris Meeha, will make sure that all your needs are well taken care of, allowing you truly have the best experience in the Maldives.

We were fortunate enough to have Shaghaf as our Aris Meeha. Her approach was the perfect balance of attentiveness and subtlety—warm and personal without ever being intrusive. She was always quick to respond and offered thoughtful alternatives whenever a request could not be fulfilled. When a stain appeared on my white dress before our Renewal of Vows ceremony and I worried about the laundry’s ability to handle it in time, Shaghaf came to our villa and swiftly removed it. Even though she could not get it out completely, her presence made me feel supported and less anxious. When our free photo shoot was cancelled due to rain, she texted to offer her time to snap a few quick photos, capturing some nice images. She is all about the details, whether big or small, and we appreciate her service a lot. Our stay at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands would have been incomplete without her.

Beyond Shaghaf, the entire team at the resort provided exceptional service throughout our stay. Whenever Shaghaf was not available, another team member was always on hand, ensuring we were promptly attended to. Dzera made us feel safe during a snorkeling trip despite the strong currents, while Ennie at EAU Bar and Nishhad during our post-ceremony dinner were both wonderfully attentive. Zoo, Shafraz, Sugar, Jessica, Grace, Azu, Wahyuni, Martini from the spa, and the kind lady who did my makeup (whose name I regretfully did not note) were all incredibly warm and welcoming. Every time we arrived, they greeted us with genuine smiles, making us feel like honored guests. Kiraam, who took care of our villa, also deserves special mention. The turn-down service was always a delightful surprise, complete with thoughtful details and beautiful bed and bath art that made our stay feel even more special.

Small details that made our stay truly special

Thank you. Shaghaf, for treating us so well!

To top it all off, everyone we interacted with went above and beyond to make our anniversary day extra special. They greeted us in the morning and surprised us with a cute plate of pancakes and an anniversary message. Tom and Ennie at Eau Bar even took the time to greet us while we relaxed by the pool after our late breakfast. Canan sent so many presents for us throughout the day, and Shaghaf surprised us with luggage tags and souvenirs. 

The level of service at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is truly extraordinary—every member of the team does their best to make you feel cared for and valued. They even knew us by name, a thoughtful touch that made us feel truly special throughout our stay! 

3. Begin your stay with a luxury yacht ride

Speaking of exceptional service, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands offers a truly luxurious welcome with their exclusive yacht transfers. Travel time to the resort via speedboat is usually 45-minutes but we were fortunate enough to receive an unexpected upgrade to a luxury yacht for both our arrival and departure. While we were initially thrilled about the luxury speedboat, the yacht experience surpassed all expectations.

The yacht was stunning, with plush carpeted flooring, super-soft sofas, and wide windows offering breathtaking views of the sea. The smooth ride to the resort was a great way to give us a glimpse of the luxury and paradise we were about to experience.

Our host, Aya, welcomed us onboard with a box of Ritz-Carlton treats filled with nuts, cookies, and other decadent pastries, along with bottled water. We could also order soft drinks or any coffee of our choice.

Upon our arrival, we were greeted by the evocative sound of the Sangu conch shell being blown, a nod to the ancient traditions of the Maldives. Along with this warm welcome, we met Canan, Shaghaf, and Katya from the Ritz Kids. And without any delays, we were brought to our villa to complete the check-in process, allowing us to settle in and begin our stay in comfort and ease. The process was very seamless!

4. Experience gourmet dining in paradise

Unforgettable dining experiences are something to look forward to in every destination. The resort boasts seven exceptional restaurants and bars (5 inside the resort itself and 2 at Fari Marina, the nearby social hub), each offering a unique culinary adventure. We had the pleasure of dining at all of these dining destinations, and we will share some of our experiences below.

La Locanda

At La Locanda, guests can start their day with the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee. For breakfast, you can choose from a wide buffet selection or order from their à la carte menu. Whether you are in the mood for waffles, pancakes, crepes, eggs Benedict, or even a couple of mimosas or Bloody Marys, they have you covered. Even better, the restaurant is located in an overwater setting, so aside from delicious breakfast, you get the chance to see the vibrant marine life up close while sipping your morning coffee.

Beach Shack

With sand beneath our feet and the sea just steps away, Beach Shack perfectly captures the carefree spirit of the Mediterranean.This charming beach spot was another highlight of our trip.  Mak enjoyed a Chicken Burger, while Paula and I savoured the Grilled Shrimp and Octopus—both were delicious! The super white sand and azure water right in front of us made our lunch an even more magical experience.

Arabesque

Arabesque, an eye-catching homage to a traditional Bedouin tent, invites diners on a vibrant culinary journey from Lebanon to North India. The sunken dining room provides a captivating setting for savouring the best dishes; from flavorful hookahs and Turkish coffee to Moroccan tea and creative cocktails.

Flavours of South Asia in one table

Our Aris Meeha, Shaghaf, recommended that we try Arabesque’s Muhammara and it did not disappoint. We also enjoyed the Truffle Hummus, Shorabat Adas and Butter Chicken, both of which were wonderful.

In addition to the great food, another thing that you will appreciate at Arabesque is the traditional boat or Dhoni ride that you will take to reach the restaurant. The boat ride feels like an experience in itself! If you have the chance, we highly recommend sitting on the upper deck, where you will be treated to breathtaking views of the night sky. This photo offers just a glimpse of the beauty we experienced that night.

Summer Pavillion

If you are missing Chinese while in the Maldives, head over to the Summer Pavilion. Suspended above the serene, velvety lagoon, Summer Pavilion offers an intimate dining experience within a lantern-inspired space. Each Cantonese dish on their menu is crafted to perfection.

IWAU

IWAU means “to celebrate” in Japanese, and it is perfect exactly for that very reason. The restaurant lives up to its name by honouring the flavours of Japan. It offers a lively Japanese Chef’s Table experience, where fresh seafood and premium meats are grilled on a “teppan” or metal plate, all while under the night sky. 

Our Teppanyaki dinner at IWAU was exceptional. We indulged in Black Caviar, Hokkaido Scallops, Unagi, and Foie Gras, Chilean Sea Bass, Maldivian Tuna Tataki, Maldivian Lobster, and Wagyu from Saga prefecture, to name a few. We were not able to finish the lovely bottle of champagne from our welcome treat, so we brought it along, which made the dinner even more special.

Perfect dinner from IWAU for celebrating special events like our Anniversary

Tum Tum

Looking for something to fuel you while exploring the island? Tum Tum, a charming island trailer located in nearby Fari Marina Village, offers a delicious selection of bao buns, noodles, dumplings, salads, and soups inspired by flavours from across Asia. 

Despite its casual vibe, the food here is restaurant-quality, so they make great lunches too! We tried the Vietnamese Crispy Chilean Sea Bass Bao, Hong Kong Style Chicken Curry Bao, Laos Style Crispy Prawn Bao, and Singaporean Chili Lobster Bao. All sorts of Bao and it is honestly hard to pick a favourite as they were all amazing. We brought a bottle of wine from our room, expecting to sip our Cab from paper cups—after all, we were going to have lunch in a food truck. But truly everything at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, is about adding extra touches and making every moment special. When Vanessa, one of their lovely staff, saw our bottle, she insisted on getting us proper wine glasses from another restaurant. So, our casual lunch at the food truck ended up looking pretty fancy after all!

Casual setting meets fancy lunch vibe at Tum Tum

EAU Bar

In the afternoons, the best place to be is at EAU Bar. With its laid-back glamorous setting, you can relax, read a book and indulge in fresh oysters and caviar and sip on tableside cocktails as you wait for the sun to come down. 

5. Experience ‘Defining Moment’ at EAU Bar

In addition to the incredible food and vibrant sundown atmosphere at EAU Bar, nothing compares to experiencing the Defining Moment. Every night, Maldivian gentleman performs a refined rendition of the traditional ‘Bodu Beru’ drum procession, accompanied by the captivating glow of fire torches that ignite a major torch as the sun sets.

The performance is mesmerising and we were fortunate to experience this while the mixologist from Opium Bar in Bangkok, a standout on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, was there for a two-night event. As we enjoyed his exquisite cocktails at sundown, it truly felt like everyday magic. You may check them on Instagram and discover their latest creations.

6. Revitalize in a Wellness Spa inspired by the Earth’s energy

The Ritz-Carlton Spa in the Maldives is on a whole new level. As mentioned above, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is unique in its design, showcasing a lot of striking circular elements. Now, while the villas are arranged in a circle, the spa stands in the middle as a serene, ring-shaped sanctuary floating over the turquoise lagoon. This serene retreat offers nine treatment rooms, including a spa suite with a private relaxation lounge, a salon, and a boutique. Each treatment room is aligned with cardinal directions, channeling powerful energy that enhances the healing massages and treatments. 

Featuring organic body and skincare collections by Bamford, the spa provides guests with an unparalleled wellness experience in this Maldivian paradise. The treatment we had was simply one of the best! The therapists even went out of their way with a few surprises that included some treats and a charming floor art made from shell decors, which was a nice personal touch. The reclinable massage bed was also a fantastic addition, making it so much easier to get up after lying down for 60 minutes. It truly enhanced the already excellent experience. 

7. Practice yoga in the Mystique Garden

For avid yogis visiting the resort, you can practice yoga in the Mystique Garden in the morning, all while under the 30-meter magnificent Banyan Tree. As you do your thing, you will be accompanied by the sound of the ocean and the serene ambience of the Maldives, making it a really nice experience.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands also has a Fitness Centre, offering a trio of standout classes. Engage in a heart-pounding HIIT Workout, unleash your power with Fit Boxing, and enhance flexibility through static stretching. If you do not wish to join the gym, you can also go for a couple of runs on the island or join a tennis match. You can even go biking!

Honestly, we loved biking around the island. Our new bucket list includes returning to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands so we can get personalised bike plates. Each returning guest is given a personalised wooden bike plate, and we definitely want that!

Explore The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands by running or biking

8. Go on fun water adventures

Nowhere is the sea as captivating as it is along the shores of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands—especially when you dive into the world beneath the surface. Although we have snorkeled many times before, the Coral Garden Snorkeling experience at the resort was one of the best yet. The vibrant coral gardens, colourful fish, and even the thrill of spotting sharks made it unforgettable. A huge part of why we enjoyed the activity so much was Dzera, our guide, who ensured we felt safe despite the strong currents that day. Her constant attention, from checking our comfort to making sure our gear was secure, made the experience truly exceptional.

Aside from Coral Garden Snorkeling, the resort’s Dive Center is the epicenter for a wide selection of water-based activities. Whether you are looking for exhilarating excursions, engaging in the resort’s Marine Biology program, or seeking adrenaline with water sports and diving, the Dive Center has it all. Even better, every activity is carefully reviewed and approved by the resort’s resident Marine Biologist, ensuring the preservation of the delicate marine ecosystem for generations to come. We also highly recommend their Dhoni Sunset Dolphin Cruise, which is perfect for a luxurious sail to the crystal-clear waters of the Maldives, while looking for playful dolphins. 

If you prefer a more laidback water experience, you can never go wrong with just lounging at the beach. There is something truly special about feeling the soft sand beneath your feet while gazing out over the crystal-clear waters, soaking in the sun. The poolside is a great option for relaxation too. The best part? They provide complimentary sunscreen as well, which just shows how much the staff at The-Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands care about making your stay exceptional. 

Tip: You may also avail a complimentary photoshoot at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, so if you want to capture your days while lounging on the beach, it is better to do so with a professional photographer. We highly recommend booking your photoshoot as soon as you arrive in the resort to make sure that you will not lose your slot. The best part about this is that they will provide you with a printed copy of your favourite photo – probably one of the best souvenirs you can get in the Maldives!

9. Treat your kids to one of the best Kids Club in the world

If you are travelling with the entire family, for sure, your kids will have so much fun at Ritz Kids. Tailored for children ages 4 to 12, the Ritz Kids provides a program that is built around four key pillars—land, water, environmental responsibility, and culture—offering a dynamic schedule of activities. From sports and arts and crafts to cooking classes and more, there is something to engage and inspire every young explorer.

Also, just like other structures in the island, The Ritz Kids comes in a distinct circular shape that you would easily see while walking around the resort. There will also be this circular outdoor playground area, complete with slides, that is sure to be a delight. Additionally, there is a pool with slides and jets, perfect for the little ones to have a blast. Inside, the futuristic design includes cosy napping pods, a spacious play area, and even a dedicated space for video games. This Kids club is probably the largest one we have ever been yet! 

10. Renew your vows in paradise

Maldives is not just great for honeymoons; its romantic ambience makes it one of the best spots for destination weddings, or even for renewal of vow ceremonies. The lush tropical foliage, azure sea and white-sand beaches of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands offer a picturesque backdrop for your special occasions. Overwater villas, romantic gardens and secluded beaches are transformed into magical celebrations and customisable packages under the guidance of the resort’s wedding experts.

We had the joy of celebrating our anniversary at the resort with a beautiful Vow Renewal Ceremony. The day was nothing short of magical—everything was meticulously prepared by the kind and attentive staff of the resort, from the stunning decorations to the heartwarming details like a bridal buggy car and a really lovely wedding cake. The ceremony was made even more special by the traditional ‘Bodu Beru’ drum performance by local Maldivian gentlemen. After the ceremony, we indulged in fresh oysters, an assortment of sushi and sashimi, and a selection of tempura and robatayaki, all expertly prepared by IWAU.

Extra special details for our special day

It is difficult to summarise our experience at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands into one single paragraph. Our time at the resort was truly the best of our lives, and it was not just because of the stunning surroundings or the undeniable luxury of the property. What truly set it apart was the impeccable service. The incredible staff consistently went above and beyond to make sure that every moment in paradise was unforgettable. Every day was such a treat at The Ritz and we owe it all to them! A next visit is definitely a must.