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Ritz-Carlton artist partner Louis-Nicolas Darbon unveils painting of iconic Kerry Hill Villas at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives
From London to Tokyo and now the Maldives, Artist Partner, Louis-Nicolas Darbon unveils a bespoke painting inspired by The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands’ sustainable architecture and design, adding to the resort’s stunning art collection.
Darbon is a London-based French artist thriving off the visual stimulation he attains while exploring new and familiar locales. Painting the resort’s iconic Kerry Hill designed water villas in his signature vibrant and pop art style, Darbon unveiled his painting to guests at the resort’s Defining Moment whilst a breathtaking Maldivian sunset set the scene for an exquisite evening. Inspired by the natural landscape of the turquoise lagoon and the swirling ocean breezes, Darbon’s painting captured the clean sweeping curves and lines of the water villa architecture where the water, landscape and breeze flow around and between the spaces and where each villa looks out to an unending view of the horizon.
Speaking about how the resort’s architecture and sustainable design inspired his painting, Darbon commented, “Architecture has always been a big inspiration for my art and the first time I saw the Kerry Hill designed water villas at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands I knew that this was a place that I just had to visit. It was an honour to have the opportunity to paint my own interpretation of this stunning design and to be able to spend some time immersing myself in the resort and its beautiful surroundings. This is a place where you truly feel at one with nature and it’s impressive to see the steps that have been taken to ensure the resort has a low impact on the environment. From the pioneering pre-fabricated design methods used to reduce impact on the fragile reef ecosystem to the extensive use of solar energy and sophisticated glazing to avoid unnecessary air-conditioning use, The Ritz-Carlton’s commitment to building and running a sustainable island ensures the resort really respects its surroundings.”
Having exhibited his work all over the world where his signature pieces have found residency in luxury homes of private collectors and international galleries, Darbon’s piece for The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will find its forever home at the luxurious oceanfront Ritz-Carlton Estate – a 16, 000sqft villa with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, accommodation for up to six adults, exquisite spa treatment rooms for in-villa treatments, a fully equipped kitchen, a host of state-of-the-art entertainment systems and more.
Throughout the year, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will host an exhilarating line-up of bespoke guest experiences through personalised encounters with masters of crafts and craftsmanship that create deeply meaningful and memorable experiences. Embark on curated culinary journeys with Michelin-starred Chefs and artisanal gastronomic mavens, partake in exhilarating Behind the Bar experiences with award-winning bartenders from around the world, discover the essence of balance at The Ritz-Carlton Spa through wellness retreats and enrich each stay with impactful conservation programmes.
For more information on The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and reservation enquiries, please visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has been nominated in the “Resort” category of the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, one of the travel industry’s recognised measures of guest preference and brand standing.
Located in Raa Atoll, the resort is continuing to build its profile through its all-Club concept, service model and guest experiences shaped by both location and programme. As the Maldives’ first all-Club InterContinental resort, the property includes a set of signature benefits with each stay, including daily breakfast, afternoon tea and evening aperitif.
The resort features 81 beach, lagoon and overwater villas and residences, along with seven restaurants and bars. Its guest offering combines private accommodation with a range of tailored experiences, including manta ray encounters in the Maamunagau lagoon, customised Dining by Design experiences, visiting wellness practitioners and its Artist in Residence programme.
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is also positioned to serve both couples and families, through its family offering and adults-only Retreat enclave.
The nomination reflects continued recognition for a resort that combines service, experience-led programming and a natural setting within one of the Maldives’ established tourism atolls.
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort has introduced its Family Fun Summer offer, aimed at families seeking longer island stays built around shared activities and rest. The offer is available for booking from 15 April to 15 June 2026, with a minimum stay of four nights for travel through to 20 December 2026.
Located within Baa Atoll, the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is positioning the offer around family wellness, marine experiences and time spent together in a natural island setting. Seasonal snorkelling with manta rays in Hanifaru Bay remains one of the area’s key attractions, while the resort’s collection of beach and overwater villas is designed to accommodate families looking for space and flexibility during their stay.
For larger families and groups, the resort also offers the two-bedroom Heavenly Beach Residence, which includes a living room, kitchen and dining area intended to support longer and more relaxed island stays.
The resort says the guest experience can be shaped around both activity and downtime, supported by Westin’s Sleep Well concept and Heavenly Bed. Children have access to the Westin Family Kids Club, which includes a children’s pool and pirate ship, while parents can make use of Heavenly Spa by Westin.
Away from the villa, the resort is also promoting shared family experiences through Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy activities focused on the culture and environment of Baa Atoll. These include traditional lacquer craft workshops, visits to local islands and guided marine activities in surrounding waters.
The Family Fun Summer package includes three meals per day, with children under 12 dining free of charge. It also includes a one-time dolphin cruise for two adults and two children, a 30-minute photography session with one printed photo, and a USD 150 resort credit.
Reethi Faru Resort has been recognised at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards, receiving honours in four categories: Best Beach Villa in Indian Ocean, Best Pool Villa in Indian Ocean, Best Eco-Friendly Resort in Maldives, and Best Sustainable Hotel in Maldives.
The awards recognise performance across villa accommodation and environmentally focused hospitality, reflecting the resort’s emphasis on guest experience alongside sustainability and environmental stewardship.
According to the resort, the recognition supports its positioning within the Maldives market as a property that combines natural surroundings, accommodation standards and responsible hospitality practices.
Located on Filaidhoo in Raa Atoll, Reethi Faru Resort features 145 villas, including beachfront and overwater accommodation designed in a style that combines Maldivian elements with contemporary comfort.
The resort’s food and beverage offering includes six restaurants and six bars, while its leisure facilities cover watersports, diving, yoga, spa treatments and fitness activities. Surrounded by coral reefs, the resort also offers guests access to marine-based experiences in the Indian Ocean.
Sustainability remains a central part of the resort’s operations, with initiatives that include coral reef restoration and guest experiences linked to environmental awareness.
Through its recognition at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards, Reethi Faru Resort has added to its profile as a Maldives resort with a focus on both accommodation standards and sustainability.
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