The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

After nearly ten stays at The Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands, I can say with certainty: this resort is more than a destination — it’s a standard. From the moment you step onto the island, you’re struck by its visual perfection. Fari is the kind of place that looks curated; every line, every angle, every detail appears designed to calm the mind and elevate the senses. It’s luxury presented with restraint — and that is precisely its power. ⸻ An Island That Feels Effortless The beauty of Fari is its mood. The Beach Club is one of the most relaxing places in the Maldives, with a gentle, contemporary vibe that makes sunset feel like an event in itself. The main pool is nothing short of spectacular — a vast circular infinity design that looks almost sculptural. It is one of the most photogenic pools in the Indian Ocean, and a quiet highlight of the resort. ⸻ F&B: A Culinary World Tour The resort’s dining options are impressively broad: Chinese, Arabic, Indian, Maldivian, Asian, European, seafood — an entire world of flavours executed at a genuinely high standard. This time, the standout was the Chinese restaurant. The chef is exceptional, able to prepare anything you desire, and the food was flawless. The setting is beautiful, though the ambience and lighting could be developed to match the excellence of the cuisine. ⸻ A Team That Defines the Ritz-Carlton Standard While the entire staff embodies exceptional service, several individuals deserve particular recognition: • Ally – Restaurant Manager, Eau Bar A true standout. Warm, charismatic, and instinctively attentive, he elevates every experience. His hospitality is genuine and unforgettable, and his smile is as generous as his personality. • Dan – The Man Behind the Curtain Dan is the quiet engine of the resort — the person who makes things happen before you even realise you need them. Nothing is ever a problem. His ability to deliver with calm precision is remarkable. • Oscar – The New General Manager A welcome surprise. Despite being new, he carries himself as though he has shaped the island since its opening. Effortless, approachable, and sincerely charismatic, he made it a point to ensure we were exceptionally well taken care of. His leadership shows — the tone of the island feels stronger than ever. ⸻ A Resort Worth Returning To, Again and Again Fari Island is visually breathtaking, but it’s the people who transform it into something unforgettable. The balance of design, service, and warmth is rare — even by Maldivian luxury standards. We’ve already booked two more stays next year, which speaks louder than any review. If you’re looking for a resort that blends understated luxury, world-class service, and a setting that feels almost cinematic, The Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands remains one of the most compelling choices in the Maldives.

My husband and I spent our honeymoon at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives and we came home full of gratitude. From the moment we arrived in our Sunset Beach Villa, we felt completely at peace. The view, the design, the calm of the island – everything was exactly what we hoped for. A very big thank you to Arafath, our butler, who took such good care of us and surprised us more than once. Also to Shareef, who looked after our villa every day with so much care and many little personal touches. We also want to thank the wonderful team at the Eau Bar – Hichu, Ali, Samuh, Indika, Ennie and Lisaan – who made so many of our evenings special. And thanks as well to Dachi (Japanese restaurant), Adey (Italian), Yogi, Kadek (yoga), Malik and Gokul (spa), and the breakfast team: Shafraz, Marlina, Azzam, and Naseem from F&B. Every single one of them contributed to our experience. We also had the chance to meet Dan and Oscar, and it was great to see how proud they are of their team. And they absolutely should be — this is one of the warmest and most dedicated teams we’ve ever met. We will recommend the resort to friends and family, and we are already looking forward to coming back one day. Thank you for making our honeymoon unforgettable. Dennis & Alex

We had the most amazing honeymoon at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands — truly an unforgettable experience from start to finish. Every detail of our stay was thoughtfully curated, and the level of care and warmth we received from the entire team made this trip beyond anything we could have dreamed of. The island itself is paradise — crystal-clear water, stunning villas, and world-class dining — but what truly made our stay so special were the incredible people who went above and beyond every single day. A heartfelt thank you to Chef Ayman, Chef Mohammed, and Chef Pedro for the incredible dinners and all the thoughtful touches throughout our stay. Every meal was a work of art, and you could feel the care and creativity that went into every bite. To Mikku, who took such amazing care of us every day at the Beach Club — thank you for your constant kindness, the little treats and surprises that kept us smiling, and for always making our days by the ocean feel extra special. Rasheen made our dinner at Arabesque one of the highlights of the trip — such an incredible server who went above and beyond, even coming by the Beach Club on our last day just to wish us well before we left. Our aris mija, Pako, was an absolute star — attentive, thoughtful, and always one step ahead. From drawing us a relaxing bath to returning twice to make sure our fireplace and jazz music stayed on, he truly made our villa feel like home. Grace greeted us with warmth and kindness every single day — always a friendly smile and a welcoming presence that made the resort feel so inviting. Mango, our wonderful housekeeper, made sure everything was perfect — from the nightly turndown service to her infectious smiles that brightened every evening. A special thank you to Ismail, who gifted us the most beautiful handwoven palm leaf baskets and hats that he made himself during his time off — such a thoughtful and personal gesture that meant so much to us. Mini gave us an unforgettable Maldivian breakfast experience — everything from the flavors to the homemade key chains was just incredible. Vasil was so hospitable on our last day at the Beach Club and made our final dinner such a memorable one. And finally, Mueen, who took care of us on our very first night at Obar — they set the tone for the entire trip with their kindness, surprises, and a dessert recommendation that ended up being our favorite of the week. We truly can’t thank everyone enough for making our honeymoon such a magical experience. Every single team member we met radiated warmth and genuine care. We left the island with full hearts, so many beautiful memories, and a deep appreciation for the incredible team who made it all possible. Thank you, Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands, for the honeymoon of a lifetime — we can’t wait to come back with some kiddos!! 💜

The service here elevates the experience to legendary status. A special shoutout to our amazing Aris Meeha, Aslam, whose warmth, intuition and genuine hospitality made our stay magical. The picturesque property blows our mind every day. RC also has a restaurant on the sister island, Arabesque, headed by Chef Mohammed that you must try (Lentil Soup!!). Thank you Chef for cooking so many specialty for us to try. The team at RC is world class and no detail is forgotten. I recommend getting a room on the outer ring so that you can have a nice morning bicycle ride to breakfast and enjoy the nice sunrise.

Long review ahead, and I hope Oscar and the Management team at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives see this. Having stayed in many five-star hotels worldwide, including The Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong, Jakarta, and Tokyo, and as a frequent visitor at The Ritz-Carlton Singapore, I can confidently say that The Ritz-Carlton Maldives represents an entirely elevated experience of luxury. Arrival & Transfer The indulgence begins the moment you board the three-storey yacht from the jetty. The scent of leather and polished wood spells elegance and refined luxury. Guests, including our 4-year-old, are greeted by name, offered chilled towels and refreshments, and treated with the calm professionalism that defines Ritz service. The Villa Our ocean-facing villa was breathtaking in both design and privacy. The wood tones and minimalist décor, blended seamlessly with the turquoise horizon. The infinity pool framed the sea perfectly, and each morning we woke to endless shades of blue. The thoughtful kids’ amenities such as child-sized bathrobes, slippers, life jackets, and bath products were small touches that truly delighted us as parents. Service & People This is where The Ritz-Carlton Maldives truly shines. Throughout our stay, we experienced service that’s genuine, intuitive, and deeply personal. Our butler PAKO was exceptional. Every WhatsApp reply was instant, and the buggy never took more than five minutes to arrive. From sand toys to a kid-sized raffia bag for our daughter, every request was fulfilled even when it wasn’t part of the usual inventory. He noticed when we skipped lunch and sent fruit platters, reminded us of dinner reservations, and even taught our daughter to drive a buggy, a moment she still talks about. His “whatever it takes” spirit defines world-class hospitality. Our housekeeper MANGO was attentive AND thoughtful. He once returned after his shift to ensure the in-room dining trays were cleared and surprised us with beautiful leaf art on our bed upon arrival and before departure. The team at La Locanda was just as remarkable, precise yet warm. They replaced cutlery instinctively, refilled coffee without being asked, and even entertained our daughter with little gifts like keychains and plush toys after she finishes her meals. Their attentiveness gave us total peace of mind throughout our meals. Amazing Ritz Kids Experience The Ritz Kids Club is the best we’ve experienced globally. The indoor play area is air-conditioned and filled with natural sunlight; the outdoor pool shaded and safe, and even the kids’ bathrooms are thoughtfully designed. RHONA and TIA cared for our daughter with such warmth and patience that she looked forward to visiting the Kids Club the moment she woke up. Their genuine love for children gave us complete peace of mind — it wasn’t just a place to “park your kids,” but a space where they’re truly cared for with heart and passion. Sustainability With Actions, Not Slogans While many resorts in Maldives boast eco-friendly initiatives, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives walks the talk. Beyond its zero-plastic policy, the resort’s in-house marine biologists lead coral restoration efforts. DAIA, who also work as a carer at Ritz Kids, invited us to join a coral planting session and gave our daughter a one-hour lesson on ocean conservation. It was educational, meaningful, and something she’ll remember for life. Overall Experience The Ritz-Carlton Maldives redefines barefoot luxury. Every detail, from the scent of the yacht to the seamless coordination among butlers, housekeepers, and restaurant teams, reflects quiet perfection. Here, luxury isn’t just about opulence; it’s expressed through thoughtfulness, sincerity, and heart. After many Ritz stays worldwide, this felt like a true masterclass in hospitality, blending the brand’s sophistication with the genuine warmth We left with full hearts, sun-kissed skin, and a child already asking when we’ll return.