Ever since hoteliers began creating dreamy hideaways in the Maldives, the concept has been the same: one island, one resort, with a focus on privacy and escapism. But today’s travellers want more: complete privacy, but the ability to connect with others when the mood arises. We want culture and craft, art, entertainment, and wholesome, healthy cuisine at our fingertips. We want choice. That’s the premise at Fari Islands: a collection of islands in the North Malé Atoll that’s home to three luxury resorts; a communal Marina Village with dining, shopping and a beach club; and a residential island for the team who make the whole ecosystem work seamlessly.
Patina Maldives Fari Islands promises to be a place of new beginnings when it opens this month. Architecturally stunning, the resort is the first iteration of Patina Hotels & Resorts, the new spin-off brand from Capella Hotel Group that’s committed to culture, community, wellbeing and the environment.
Here, Brazilian architect and Studio MK27-founder Marcio Kogan has created a place of remarkable beauty, where each building enhances the views across the incredible natural setting. Ninety Beach and Water Pool Villas and 20 Fari Studios are scattered across the island, creating a connection to the natural environment through indoor/outdoor living spaces built with natural, native materials and brought to life with a huge collection of art.
The resort observes a minimal waste principal, evident at signature plant-based restaurant Roots, where most of the produce comes from an on-island organic permaculture garden. Ingredients that can’t be grown locally, both here and at Japanese-Nordic inspired Wok Society and Aegean restaurant Helios, are sustainably sourced.
The power of nature and water are central at FLOW, Patina’s wellness and wellbeing centre, where a Watsu floating treatment pool and a team of wellness gurus including posture experts, physiotherapists and nutritionists will help guests remain in a state of perpetual island bliss. At the south-eastern end of the island, guests from all three resorts will come together at Fari Marina Village, where a collection of upscale restaurants, bars and retail boutiques overlook a 20-berth marina and the Fari Beach Club.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will be the second resort to debut in the exclusive island enclave; a 100-villa, Kerry Hill-designed resort where guest experiences will be rooted in local culture and traditions. Daily rituals will play an important part of island life, with the call of a Sangu horn marking the arrival of each new guest, and the rhythm of Bodu Beru drumming and a torchlit procession marking the setting of the sun each evening.
Spread across four connected islands, the resort will be home to seven restaurants and bars, The Ritz-Carlton Spa in partnership with Bamford, The Ritz Kids Club, Shutterfish Photography Studio and a range of environmentally inspired activities including the Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassador of the Environment programme.
The final piece of the puzzle will be added next year when Capella Maldives, Fari Islands is complete. Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and styled by interior design master André Fu, the 57 villas and mansions promise to be the last word in Maldivian luxury.