In a sea of perfection, what sets one Maldivian island apart? It’s a question you ask when you’ve dipped your toes into every turquoise lagoon, sipped coconuts from a dozen overwater villas, and feel the pull for something beyond. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is an answer wrapped in quiet confidence – a place that balances architectural purity with barefoot warmth, where family memories are made, and where the ocean is not just a backdrop, but a way of life.

With its curved villas, vast overwater decks and swooping, sculptural walkways, the architecture is immediately striking – not just beautiful, but calming. Designed by the late Kerry Hill, the resort feels more like a floating sculpture garden than a hotel. Water laps at the edges of sleek white stone. Light bends and bounces. It’s not showy. It’s considered. And it draws in a new kind of Maldivian traveller.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is part of the Fari Islands Archipelago – four islands connected by a shared vision of sustainability, creativity and design. A 45-minute speedboat from Malé, the resort is both remote and accessible. There are 100 villas, all with private pools and panoramic views, but the sweet spot is in the larger options – the two-bedroom overwater villas and four-bedroom The Ritz-Carlton Estate – both ideal for extended families or friends travelling together. Villas come with a dedicated Aris Meeha (island butler), offering warm, intuitive service with a Maldivian touch.

This is a place where mornings start with sunrise yoga or barefoot breakfasts beside the sea. Where afternoons can drift from paddleboarding to spa time, or from sound healing to spotting turtles with Naturalists from the Marine Centre team. It’s peaceful, but never passive – there’s always something to do, if you want it.

Children are very much part of the picture here. Ritz Kids, the resort’s children’s programme, runs daily and thoughtfully – no plastic toys or screen-heavy distractions, but purposeful, nature-based activities. Think coral planting, cooking classes, storytelling, and sandcastle-building on the shoreline. Teens can snorkel, take part in learning traditional local dance or sailing. And adults? They can book a Bamford facial in the resort’s ring-shaped spa, or take a boat across to Fari Marina Village – home to boutiques, galleries and more dining spots.

Food is a strong suit here, with seven restaurants across the resort. The chef’s table at IWAU offers omakase beneath the stars, while La Locanda serves sun-drenched Italian fare with views across the lagoon. This year, the resort will host Festive Celebrations from 22 December to 9 January, a season of performances, dining experiences, and special events to ring in the holidays Maldivian-style. Guests can expect everything from starlit dinners to family-friendly activities, while a special collaboration with Minimal brings Michelin-starred ice cream to Island Creamery – a treat that captures both creativity and indulgence. Further proof, if any were needed, that this is no ordinary island retreat.

Evenings are soft and slow. Stargazing from the boardwalk. Grilled lobster at Beach Shack. Children asleep, grandparents reading, someone making one last cocktail. The circles come full. For those seeking a true hideaway that welcomes everyone – little ones, grown-ups, grandparents – The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands offers the right kind of escape. Personal, peaceful, quietly remarkable.

ritzcarlton.com/Maldives, @ritzcarltonmaldives

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