Featured
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands to open in spring 2021
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, a 100-villa resort on the beautiful beaches of the North Malé Atoll, will welcome guests to island life, from Q2 2021.
Every aspect of the resort’s philosophy and design flows from ‘beru’ (the Maldivian word for drums, resembling a round shape), which represents the circle of island life, the notion of totality and the true spirit of the Maldives.
The resort’s beru is centralised through minimalist circular architecture and the holistic philosophy of wholeness that the Maldivian culture and environment supports.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives will have 100 simple, yet staggeringly beautiful villas built across four picture-perfect paradise islands, all with ocean and lagoon views of the crystal-clear waters.
Each villa will be cared for by a dedicated ‘Aris Meeha’, or personal host, to tailor guests’ journey and look after their every need.
Guests will be able to dine at seven different restaurants, as well as enjoy exceptional treatments from world-class brands at The Ritz-Carlton Spa.
Families will delight in the full Ritz Kids programme as well as a range of experiences to protect and explore the ocean around them.
The vision behind the resort’s iconic spherical design, led by Kerry Hill Architects, is inspired by the circular forms of the turquoise lagoon and the swirling ocean breezes, embracing the circle of island life, with modern architecture meeting the Maldives.
Interior and exterior design is humble, minimalist and visually lightweight leaving little impact on its environment and always maximising views to the horizon and the connection with the elements.
Each villa’s design also allows for total privacy, cocooned by the clean sweeping curves and lines of the architecture, with the water, landscape and breeze flowing around and between the spaces.
All bedrooms look out to the horizon through panoramic sliding doors that dissolve the barrier between inside and out, with a curved deck and private pool merging into the ocean beyond.
Interior villa design also continues the simple approach to detailing with a limited palette of natural materials and colour hues. Furniture, rugs and fabrics have been custom designed by Kerry Hill Architects, drawing influence from local craft traditions in collaboration with Maldivian and international artists.
Minimising the impact on the fragile reef ecosystem was paramount in the design of the resort. By using pioneering pre-fabricated design methods and materials, KHA has ensured that no cutting was necessary on the island, reducing heavy operations and, crucially, generating zero waste or pollution.
Where possible, natural breezes will be harnessed to cool the public spaces, and highly-sophisticated glazing has been used elsewhere to limit the use of air-conditioning.
This, alongside the widespread use of solar panels, the intrinsic sustainability of the design materials used and the low‐maintenance natural weathered finish, enables the architecture to achieve a low carbon footprint.
The property is ideally located at Fari Islands, a 45- minute journey by speedboat or a 10-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is part of Fari Islands, an archipelago that features three world-class hospitality brands inclusive of The Ritz-Carlton.
Guests are expected to have access to a picturesque Fari Marina – the archipelago’s communal beating heart. Built around a vibrant Beach Club, Fari Marina will be home to charming boutiques and a handpicked selection of dining options.
Featured
Heritance Aarah joins forces with LQA for unparalleled guest experiences
Heritance Aarah, a distinguished Premium All-Inclusive barefoot paradise in the Maldives, has partnered with Leading Quality Assurance (LQA), a UK-based organisation specialising in evaluating and enhancing hospitality standards. This collaboration aims to elevate the guest experience and establish new benchmarks within the Maldivian hospitality industry. Heritance Aarah is the first property within Aitken Spence Hotels and the first Sri Lankan hotel chain to adopt LQA standards, positioning itself as a pioneer in quality excellence.
LQA focuses on evaluating various aspects of guest experiences, incorporating internationally recognised benchmarks, emotional intelligence, and brand-specific standards. Through the actionable insights and comprehensive benchmarking data provided by LQA, the resort aims to measure and enhance its performance against global competitors.
Heritance Aarah has earned numerous accolades for its exceptional offerings, including recognition as the Best Beachfront All-Inclusive Family Resort by ‘Forbes’ and the Best Resort in the World – Indian Ocean by the ‘Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards’. As the first LEED Gold-certified property in the Maldives, the resort demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability, further solidifying its global reputation.
The partnership with LQA is set to refine service standards across critical touchpoints, including reservations, check-in, check-out, and the overall guest journey. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the resort’s mission to deliver unforgettable and seamless experiences for its guests.
Renowned as a premier culinary destination in the Maldives, Heritance Aarah offers a distinctive all-day dining concept across seven restaurants and five bars, curated by award-winning chefs and culinary Olympians. Guests can also indulge in a variety of wellness activities, such as Tai Chi, Reiki healing, Shirodhara, Tibetan Kunye healing sessions, Moxibustion with mantra chanting, and yoga.
By integrating LQA’s expertise with its own exceptional offerings, Heritance Aarah reinforces its position as a leader in hospitality and sustainability in the Maldives. This partnership highlights the resort’s dedication to redefining excellence and creating extraordinary memories for every guest.
Featured
Love, luxury, and lasting memories at Angsana Velavaru
This Valentine’s Day, love and connections take centre stage at Angsana Velavaru, offering an unforgettable escape designed to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. Set amidst the Maldives’ stunning natural beauty, this exclusive destination invites couples to enjoy intimate experiences that transcend the ordinary.
Guests can start their day with a serene floating breakfast, featuring freshly baked pastries, tropical fruits, and expertly prepared eggs. For a tranquil moment, they may indulge in a floating tea experience, complete with handpicked teas and delicate treats. As the day progresses, a curated wine journey awaits at Kuredhi Pool Beach, where each glass reflects stories of love and connection. As twilight approaches, couples can savour an intimate candlelit dinner at Funa, complemented by a specially crafted menu and sparkling rosé. For an interactive experience, guests can participate in a live cocktail station, where they create bespoke drinks embodying the spirit of the day.
Creative and engaging activities are also part of the celebration. Couples can participate in a Mocktail Creation Challenge, crafting their perfect blend, or enjoy a vibrant sand art experience, layering colours to symbolise their unique bond. For those seeking adventure, a sunset cruise offers breathtaking views of the sky as it transforms into a golden and crimson masterpiece, accompanied by light refreshments and gentle sea breezes. The evening crescendos with live music by the Beatus band, creating a magical ambiance beneath the Maldivian stars.
For ultimate relaxation, couples can enjoy rejuvenating spa rituals, such as the Citrus Serenity experience, which includes a 90-minute massage followed by an orange milk bath. Romantic villa enhancements, featuring rose petal decorations, a bubble bath, and a bottle of sparkling wine, set the stage for an unforgettable evening.
To elevate the celebration, Angsana Velavaru offers exclusive destination dining experiences, such as a rooftop barbecue under the open sky or a private beachside dinner accompanied by the soothing sound of waves. Guests can preserve the magic of the occasion with a professional photoshoot, capturing timeless moments of love.
Angsana Velavaru’s ‘Come Closer’ offer makes the celebration even more extraordinary, featuring 25% savings on stays, 10% savings on return transfers, and daily breakfast and dinner for two. This Valentine’s Day, guests can reconnect, unwind, and create unforgettable memories in the heart of the Maldives.
Entertainment
Waldorf Astoria Maldives hosts iconic beachside concert with Chris De Burgh
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is preparing to elevate the romance and charm of Valentine’s Day with an unforgettable evening featuring iconic singer-songwriter Chris De Burgh. Renowned for timeless hits such as ‘The Lady in Red’ and ‘Missing You’, De Burgh will perform an exclusive beachside concert on February 14, 2025, combining world-class entertainment, gourmet dining, and the romantic allure of the Maldives.
The concert will take place under the stars on the resort’s pristine beaches, surrounded by the soothing sound of ocean waves and candlelit tables. Guests will enjoy an intimate live performance by one of the music industry’s most enduring artists. The evening will begin with an elegant BBQ dinner, paired with premium bubbly and live music from the resort’s resident duo band, culminating in De Burgh’s soul-stirring performance beneath a starlit sky.
With a career spanning over five decades and more than 50 million albums sold worldwide, Chris De Burgh’s music has touched hearts across generations. His live performances are celebrated for their intimacy and passion, promising a Valentine’s experience where love, music, and the magic of the Maldives converge into an unforgettable evening.
This bespoke event is priced at USD 595++ per person and includes a thoughtfully curated package designed to enhance the romantic experience. The package features:
- A luxurious beachside BBQ dinner
- A bottle of premium bubbly per couple
- A romantic beach setup to create lasting memories
- A bouquet of fresh flowers
- An exclusive Valentine’s in-room amenity
To further enhance the celebration, Waldorf Astoria Maldives is offering a special room package for guests staying between February 12 and 17, 2025. Requiring a minimum stay of three nights, this package includes the exclusive dinner experience. Guests can book directly online to ensure a seamless journey to this enchanting escape. From personalised service to the serene beauty of the Indian Ocean, the resort provides the perfect backdrop for love and celebration.
This exclusive event highlights Waldorf Astoria Maldives’ commitment to elevating the art of hospitality. The resort continues to transform guest experiences by offering extraordinary, bespoke events that seamlessly combine world-class entertainment with luxurious amenities. The ‘Exclusive Celebration with Chris De Burgh’ exemplifies this vision, blending exceptional artistry with the unparalleled charm of the Maldives for a truly unforgettable occasion.
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