The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands Opens its Doors

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C today, 1st June 2021 announced its debut in the Maldives, with the opening of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. Located on the Fari Islands, an archipelago on the north-eastern tip of North Malé Atoll, the area is famous for its untouched white-sand beaches and brilliant azure waters teeming with marine life.

Featuring stunning minimalist architecture, the resort invites guests to embrace the beru, or circle of island life and welcomes them into a world of exceptional luxury and memorable experiences.

Following much anticipation surrounding its debut, we are thrilled to finally open The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, and set a new standard for luxury hospitality in the Maldives, an internationally desired destination. This latest addition perfectly complements the Marriott International luxury portfolio, as we continually strive to meet the increasing demand for luxury offerings and experiences from affluent international travellers. This is an extremely monumental day for us, and is set to renew confidence in international travel.
Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International.

Easily accessible via a scenic ten-minute seaplane ride, or a 45-minute luxury boat ride from Velana International Airport, the resort is part of the picturesque Fari Marina with its vibrant Beach Club, charming boutiques and tempting eateries forming the archipelago’s communal heart. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is ideal for guests seeking a holiday of discovery or exploration for the whole family.

Elemental Design Born from the Sun and the Sea

Designed by the multi-award-winning Kerry Hill Architects, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is inspired by its natural surroundings, including the elements of swirling water and ocean breezes, which are incorporated into a design narrative that is rooted in the shape of a circle that also represents the flow of island life.

The resort features 100 luxurious one- to three-bedroom villas, either set over crystal clear waters or nestled along pristine beach coves, each offering spacious living spaces that blur the line between indoors and outdoors with panoramic sliding doors, a sun deck with a private infinity pool and breathtaking views.

*Image: Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands*

The resort’s minimalist design is respectful of its visual impact on the environment and draws much of its natural surroundings into the guest experience. As part of the legendary, highly personalized service of The Ritz-Carlton, and inspired by the ancient
royal customs of the Maldivian royal courts, each room is assigned an ‘Aris Meeha’ or island butler to fulfil a guest’s every wish.

Distinct Dining Delivers the Best in Beachfront Luxury

With seven distinct culinary venues, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands strikes the perfect balance between high-end dining, beachfront luxury, and wellness-centred menus. Within a beautiful lantern-inspired overwater space, Summer Pavilion takes inspiration from The Ritz-Carlton Millenia, Singapore’s Michelin-starred restaurant, showcasing contemporary Cantonese cuisine.

Iwau, or ‘celebrate’ in Japanese, is an open-air restaurant with two teppanyaki grills for a multi-sensory dining experience. La Locanda serves rich espressos in the morning, while aperitifs in the setting sun prelude an evening of delightful southern Italian cuisine. The family-friendly Beach Shack is inspired by the carefree spirit and relaxed cuisines of the Mediterranean, featuring shared plates and grilled seafood.

Eau Bar welcomes guests to a laid-back glamourous setting, where guests can indulge in fresh oysters and caviar while sipping on tableside crafted cocktails, while afternoon tea gets a Maldivian twist and sunset is celebrated each evening with captivating drums and fire ritual.

Two of the resort’s venues are located at Fari Marina, a pleasant eight-minute journey in a dhoni, a traditional wooden fishing boat, from the resort island to Fari Marina Village. Arabesque is an eye-catching tribute to a traditional Bedouin tent, inviting diners on a culinary journey from Lebanon to North India. Tum Tum is a food truck serving light Asian delights; the perfect welcome stop in the middle of a day of shopping and exploration.

Culturally Immersive Activities Inspire Wonder and Discovery

At the resort, guests can enjoy an array of experiences designed to immerse themselves in the best of Maldivian island life and culture, including exciting adventures with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment Program. Activated for the first time in Asia-Pacific, this unique brand program inspires guests to connect with nature and ocean life, and to safeguard it for future generations.

The programming available at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands highlights the rich culture and unique ecosystem of the destination through immersive experiences designed for children, adults and local residents, including a family cooking class, a bike safari around the resort and a “Wonders of Water” ocean mystery program facilitated by one of the program’s resident naturalists.

The resort’s Ritz Kids program offers a total of 30 activities aimed at inspiring wonder and discovery, including a signature Ritz Kids treasure hunt, as well as a fun program for teens that includes lessons with expert drone cinematographers.

The resort also caters to all levels of scuba enthusiasts and snorkelers with a dedicated dive centre in partnership with Dive Butler International. Guests can also choose leisurely cruises on traditional dhonis for a chance to encounter dolphins, or swim with turtles and manta rays.

In addition to curated fitness retreats, the resort also features a comprehensive tennis program with coaching, as well as visiting professionals and in-resort tournaments. Guests looking to find their rhythm can take part in a boduberu drumming class, the heart of traditional Maldivian music and an integral part of island culture. By a campfire at the Beach Shack, the resort’s resident expert on the sea, or Moodhu Edhuru, evokes ancient traditions with traditional tales of life on the Maldivian archipelagos.

Natural-Sourced Serenity and Relaxation at The Ritz-Carlton Spa

For a complete luxury wellness experience, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, in partnership with renowned sustainable and holistic wellness brand Bamford, is a sanctuary of tranquil relaxation over the turquoise lagoon.

The iconic spa offers nine treatment rooms including a spa suite with its relaxation lounge, a salon and a boutique. Cardinal directions of each treatment room exude powerful energy, and a menu of bespoke spa treatments and healing massages also features a botanical and artisanal body and skincare collection by Bamford.

“The Ritz-Carlton brand creates exceptional experiences inspired by the surrounding locales, with encounters that leave lasting impressions and meaningful memories,” said Jennie Toh, Vice President of Brand Marketing and Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Marriott International.

For more information on The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and reservations inquiries, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/Maldives.

Feature image by The Ritz-Carlton Maldives

Get ready to welcome the Lunar New Year in a breathtaking setting, as Sun Siyam Resorts invites you to experience a vibrant celebration from 27 to 31 January. Across their stunning Maldivian properties, each resort will come alive with a unique blend of tradition, culture, and indulgence. Whether you enjoy dazzling fireworks, cultural performances, or spa treatments inspired by Chinese traditions, Sun Siyam Resorts offers an unforgettable start to the New Year.

Sun Siyam Olhuveli

A Vibrant Celebration of Culture and Entertainment

On 29 January, Sun Siyam Olhuveli will host a lively Chinese New Year celebration that blends cultural traditions with spectacular entertainment. You’ll witness a colorful Snake Parade winding through the resort, followed by an unforgettable live performance by renowned Chinese singer Zhu Jiayun. Later that night, the sky will light up with a stunning fireworks display, adding to the magic of the celebration.

The evening’s entertainment doesn’t stop there. You can experience the artistry of Zheng Bao’s mesmerizing Sichuan face-changing performance. To top off the festivities, you’ll enjoy a luxurious gala dinner on the beach. The dinner features a fusion of international and Asian cuisines, set in a festive and elegant atmosphere.

For those seeking adventure, the resort offers exciting excursions, such as stingray-watching and introductory scuba diving. Meanwhile, the “Bamboo Harmony” spa treatment provides a deeply rejuvenating escape, blending traditional hand and bamboo massage techniques. Sun Siyam Olhuveli also ensures that families can enjoy the celebrations, with fun activities and surprises specially designed for children ensuring the celebration is enjoyable for guests of all ages.

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi

A Week of Fun and Festivities

At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, the Lunar New Year festivities will last a full week, from 27 to 31 January. The resort has planned a wide array of events that cater to all ages. The celebrations kick off with a grand Gala Dinner featuring a lobster BBQ, live beachside music, and traditional Chinese acrobatics. There’s also an exciting Red Envelope Raffle Draw, offering guests the chance to win special prizes.

The energy continues with a lively beach party, highlighted by a Lion Dance Show and DJ Watte’s energetic beats. Furthermore, younger guests will be entertained with a variety of activities, including the Lunar Obstacle Games, cookie decoration, and the “Find the Fortune” Treasure Hunt.

For those seeking relaxation, the resort offers a Lunar New Year Spa Special with 50% off selected treatments. The week-long celebration culminates in a dazzling fireworks display, providing a spectacular finale to the festivities.

Siyam World

Indulge in Cultural Festivities

Siyam World offers an unforgettable Lunar New Year celebration that centers around cultural performances and culinary indulgence. Guests can savor a grand Gala Dinner at Baraabaru, where a mesmerizing Lion Dance performance takes center stage. Afterward, live music from the resort’s band enhances the evening’s atmosphere.

After dinner, the excitement continues with a special Chinese New Year show and an energetic party. As the night progresses, a stunning fireworks display will illuminate the sky, ensuring a memorable celebration.

To complement these festivities, Siyam World offers the Yin & Yang Spa Packages. Inspired by ancient Chinese philosophy, these treatments promote balance and harmony. The package includes a 45-minute aromatherapy massage, followed by a refreshing 30-minute honey cucumber facial. This experience will leave you feeling revitalized and ready for the year ahead.

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef

Intimate Traditions in a Festive Setting

At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, you’ll enjoy a more intimate celebration that still captures the spirit of the Lunar New Year. The evening begins with management cocktails, featuring tea-based infusions, dumpling stations, and popcorn. These elements create a warm and welcoming ambiance, perfect for kicking off the celebrations. A magical lantern-lighting ceremony follows, illuminating the night as you prepare for the grand Gala Dinner.

During dinner, you’ll savor authentic Chinese cuisine and live cooking stations, all paired with unlimited bubbly. Additionally, an exciting raffle draw adds extra fun to the evening. The celebrations continue into the night with lively DJ entertainment at the karaoke lounge. Sun Siyam Vilu Reef ensures you’ll have a warm and vibrant start to the Year of the Snake, with the perfect blend of tradition and modern festivity.

Sun Siyam Iru Veli

Luxury Meets Tradition

At Sun Siyam Iru Veli, you’ll experience a luxurious and culturally rich Chinese New Year celebration. Upon arrival, you’ll receive traditional red envelopes filled with good luck, which symbolize prosperity for the year ahead. After that, you can take part in an authentic tea ceremony, followed by a lavish Chinese New Year feast. The meal will feature iconic dishes, including Peking duck, spring rolls, and longevity noodles.

As the evening progresses, you’ll be treated to a vibrant dragon dance on the beach, along with cultural performances like the lotus and white peacock dances. To end the night on a high note, a spectacular fireworks display will light up the sky, ensuring a memorable conclusion to the festivities.

Unique experiences at Sun Siyam Iru Veli include Tai Chi sessions, spa treatments inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine, and a traditional Chinese hot pot meal served right on the beach. The resort’s festive decorations, including lanterns adorning the ocean villa jetty, create an enchanting atmosphere that’s perfect for celebrating the Lunar New Year.

An Unforgettable Start to the Year

Sun Siyam Resorts delivers the perfect mix of cultural experiences, luxury, and family-friendly fun to celebrate the Lunar New Year. From lively performances to relaxing spa treatments and thrilling excursions, each resort offers its own unique take on the festivities. These experiences promise to make the Year of the Snake unforgettable. Sun Siyam Resorts ensures you start the year in style, with cherished memories that will last a lifetime