The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Inspires Travel to its Unique Island with Key Connections to Maldivian Culture

Set to open June 1, 2021, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands invites guests to embrace island life from the moment they arrive on its white-sand shores. Guests will be able to absorb a plethora of Maldivian culture and traditions, whether they are relaxing in their luxury overwater villa, watching the sunset from the sandy shore or sipping a cocktail at resort.

The cyclical nature of island life allows guests to embrace the notion of totality and the true spirit of the Maldives. The resort’s beru (the Maldivian name for drums and round shape) is centralized through the holistic philosophy of wholeness that the Maldivian culture and environment support.

Also read: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands—What we Know so Far

A Maldivian Embrace

Upon arrival at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, guests are greeted by a Maldivian gentleman who will blow the traditional sangu horn, also more commonly known as Triton’s Trumpet. This shell signifies an important piece of the ancient Maldivian culture, ceremoniously blown to announce a special arrival or news in the island communities. Embracing this tradition, the sangu is blown to extend a warm welcome to each new guest.

The resort illustrates the cyclical nature of island life through distinct choices in architecture, as well as many circular shapes and structures around the property. Each villa includes an artfully crafted Beru, or drum, which coincides with the evening Bodu Beru, an indigenous form of dance and music with drums – made locally from coconut wood on the island – and one of the oldest surviving traditions dating back to the 11th century.

This sunset ritual at the resort’s Eau Bar is unique to the property and allows guests to reflect on a day full of discoveries while transitioning into an evening of relaxation, indulgence and reflection.

Unparalleled Guest Service

Guests of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will each have an Aris Meeha, or island butler, a concept inspired by the royal courts of the ancient Maldives. In Dhivehi, the local language, Aris Meeha refers to a person who is assigned to a royal member, one of the most important positions among the many titles and rankings in a Maldivian Royal household.

Ritz-Carlton Maldives unveils sangu magazine — *Image: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives*

Similar to a modern-day butler, Aris Meeha fulfills every detail of the life of a royal and considered to be the closest confidant much like a Gentleman’s gentleman or Lady in waiting or Gentlemen or Lady of the Chamber.

Cultural Exploration

fish is caught sustainably, the culinary team will work with local fisherman to provide the freshest seafood and well-known local lobsters. Guests will also enjoy fresh vegetables and herbs cultivated in the resort’s organic garden, and have the option of learning to cook Maldivian dishes such as mashuni, a breakfast staple made with tuna and fresh coconut, as well as sample the local bites, hedhika, for afternoon tea.

The resort’s signature cocktail selection is inspired by the maritime spice routes that shaped the Maldivian story and includes five spices: cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, cumin and turmeric.

In addition to the culinary offerings on the property, there are a variety of locally immersive experiences available for all guests to enjoy, including salutations under a majestic 30-foot native Banyan tree at the Spiral Garden, as well as fireside folklores told by the resort’s Moodhu Edhuru, or sea expert. Each experience available to guests offers a holistic embrace of distinct culture and history of the Maldives.

Maldivian Life Awaits

As guests of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands continue to explore the resort and its surrounding areas, they may find themselves at The Marina at Fari Islands, which is built around the vibrant Fari Beach Club, high-end boutiques, a selection of upscale restaurants, an art studio, and Fari Lagoon Coral Adoption & Marine Biology Center. With convenient boat transfers courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, guests are welcomed with an array of meaningful experiences during their stay.

This archipelago redefines the Maldivian experience, allowing guests of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands to experience a balance of cosmopolitan and private island life never before seen in the region.

Feature image by The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

A luxurious Champagne and fine dining experience returns to the Maldives as Champagne Guy Charbaut and THE OZEN COLLECTION celebrate five years of their signature collaboration. From 20 to 26 October 2025, guests at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI will enjoy a week of exclusive events. These experiences celebrate rare vintages, gourmet cuisine, and island elegance. The collaboration brings together the rich heritage of Champagne Guy Charbaut. A family-run house from Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, France with the curated luxury of THE OZEN COLLECTION.

What Makes This Partnership So Special?

Founded in 1936, Champagne Guy Charbaut has spent nearly a century perfecting its craft. The winery creates elegant cuvées shaped by the limestone terroir of the French countryside. Meanwhile, THE OZEN COLLECTION delivers immersive hospitality in some of the world’s most stunning settings. When you bring these two together, you get something pretty special.

That’s exactly what happened here. This partnership blends Champagne, culinary artistry, and island luxury into a one-of-a-kind annual tradition.

Xavier Charbaut puts it perfectly:
“We have discovered something extraordinary with THE OZEN COLLECTION. What began as a meeting of philosophies—our devotion to terroir, their dedication to moments—has blossomed into a tradition that reinvents itself each year. These shores have become a second home for our champagnes. The salt-kissed air seems to amplify their vibrancy. As we raise our glasses to five years of shared excellence, we see not an endpoint, but a horizon brimming with possibilities.”

And that’s not all. Looking ahead, he adds:
“The next chapter will unveil even more daring pairings. More intimate encounters with our rarest vintages. And perhaps a few surprises we’re still carefully guarding in our cellars.”

Where and When: Event Highlights at Both Resorts

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO: 20–22 October 2025

First up, Maadhoo kicks off the celebration with three days of indulgence:

20 October – Underwater Dining at M6m
To start things off, guests will enjoy lunch and dinner in the iconic underwater restaurant. Each course comes paired with exclusive Champagnes chosen for the occasion.

21 October – Champagne & Spice Dinner at TRADITION INDOCEYLON
The celebration continues with a bold and flavour-packed Franco-Indian dinner. Here, vibrant spices meet refined bubbles in a pairing that’s full of surprises.

22 October – Champagne Brunch Royale at THE PALMS
To wrap up the Maadhoo leg in style, guests can unwind at a breezy Champagne brunch. The pours and the vibes are equally generous.

OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI: 24–26 October 2025

Next, it’s Bolifushi’s turn to pop the cork:

24 October – World Champagne Day at ORIGINƎ
What better way to celebrate World Champagne Day? This over-water dining experience pairs ocean-inspired dishes with some of the house’s finest vintages.

25 October – Champagne & Spice at SAFFRON
Back by popular demand, this flavour-packed dinner returns with a fresh round of Indian warmth and French finesse. If you missed it at Maadhoo, now’s your chance.

26 October – Sunset Pool Party at OZAR
Finally, the week winds down with a golden-hour pool party. Chilled Champagne, music, and sunset views take centre stage. It’s the kind of farewell you won’t forget anytime soon.

A Shared Commitment to Craft and Experience

Of course, the collaboration doesn’t stop when the week ends. Champagne Guy Charbaut’s bottles remain available across both resorts throughout the year.

Whether you’re sipping the Cuvée de Réserve ‘Old Vines’ Brut or the vibrant Rosé 1er Cru Brut, each bottle offers a new reason to celebrate.

Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wines at Atmosphere Core, sums it up well:
“The union between Champagne Guy Charbaut and THE OZEN COLLECTION represents the very essence of what modern luxury should be. A harmonious dialogue between heritage and innovation, where every detail is considered and every moment is elevated.”

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Inspires Travel to its Unique Island with Key Connections to Maldivian Culture

A Maldivian Embrace

Unparalleled Guest Service

Cultural Exploration

Maldivian Life Awaits

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