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Embracing 12 months in the Circle of Island Life: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands celebrates first anniversary
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has hosted a blissful celebration of island life as the resort marks its first anniversary in the paradise of Fari Islands. In a year introducing the Indian Ocean to a unique resort destination, the celebrations began with recently appointed General Manager, Renato De Oliveira at the helm, and in the hands of the Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton, Fari Islands.
Twelve Poses of Yoga Circle
A pose for each month in the circle of life of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, 12 guests experienced an hour of energising yoga to prepare them mind, body and soul, for the celebrations ahead. This deep practice took place in the resort’s Mystique Garden at the foot of its 98-foot-tall banyan tree, planted in memory of the late great architect of the resort, Kerry Hill.
Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment Programme
For both adults and children over fourteen, marine biologists trained by world-renowned oceanographic explorer, and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau, took up to 30 guests on a journey through the resort’s Ambassadors of the Environment Programme, exclusive to The Ritz-Carlton, and unique to the Indian Ocean. Guests observed marine life on the outer reef of the Atoll, using a flying drone operated by the team and forming part of a unique research programme to conserve the region’s waters. The session shared insights in to recent turtle rescue operations and the resort’s new Coral Regeneration Experience, inviting guests to create frames for new coral reef nurseries with organic clay.
12 Minute Spa Experience
A minute of bliss for every month of the resort’s first year, each guest was invited to the design masterpiece spa over the sparkling ocean lagoon, for a complimentary treatment to celebrate. Expert therapists guided guests in to a state of bliss with an express treatment incorporating the natural indulgence of organic Bamford products.
Embrace Island Quest
In a fun and engaging experience for all ages, guests explored every inch of the resort’s island paradise in a discovery tour testing observational and problem-solving skills. This made sure the little grey cells stay sharp while exploring the haven of Fari Islands, from gardens, lagoons to sandbanks.
MasterChef Cooking Class
For up to 10 guests the resort’s LA LOCANDA sets the scene for an unforgettable culinary journey through the senses. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands’ Chefs de Cuisine hosted an exclusive celebratory cooking class inspired by the global influences served across the resort’s seven restaurants. Guests learned how to prepare: Lebanese flavours by Chef Mohamed from Arabesque, Alaskan Crab Leg Tempura with Japanese Sweet and Sour by Chef Andrei from IWAU, Black Truffle Wagyu Beef with Asparagus and Cantonese flavours by Chef Franco form the Summer Pavilion, and a variety of desserts by local award-winning, Chef Aminath, including, Kiru Boakiba (Maldivian coconut pudding) and Dhonkeyo Kaju (Banana Fritters).
Anniversary Celebration Under the Ocean
Plugging in to nature is essential at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and below the crystal waters is a good place to start. The celebrations took guests on a special journey led by Dive Butler to explore the reefs and marine life surrounding the resort. With options to snorkel or scuba dive this was a unique opportunity to celebrate and capture unforgettable #RCMemories.
Coral Regeneration Experience with Coral Ceramics Snorkel
The resort’s marine biologists invited up to 10 guests to experience one of the Fari Islands’ many environmental projects. Escorted by boat to the new coral nurseries surrounding the islands, guests observed the planting of ceramic coral frames made by guests, working to preserve one of the most enchanting and diverse coral reef systems in the world.
Art Collection Tour
Led by the Ladies and Gentlemen of the resort, an insightful art tour invited up to 10 guests to explore the islands’ curated art collection. From the pieces found in every villa to the colourful mural located inside Ritz Kids.
Ritz Kids Night Out
Junior guests aged four-12 enjoyed a celebratory evening in the Ritz Kids Club, a futuristic indoor-outdoor space with playgrounds, napping pods, an area for video games and movies, and a pool with slides and jets. With its daily programme based on the four pillars of land, water, environmental responsibility and culture and a regular schedule of activities including sports, arts, crafts and cooking classes, the big night out included hours of games, activities and a movie to keep little minds buzzing.
Anniversary Cocktail and Dinner
With sand between toes and relaxing vibes, the pinnacle of the celebrations invite guests to gather for a toast at the elegant yet laid-back Beach Shack. The celebrations commence with a complimentary cocktail, including a Sangu sundowner, before the skies drop a blanket of stars in time to indulge in a lavish buffet, serving flavours from across the globe.
The property is ideally located at Fari Islands, in the North Malé Atoll of the Maldives, which is a 45- minute journey by speedboat or a 10-minute seaplane flight from Malé International Airport. The resort features white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and coral reefs with marine life. Shaped by the Maldivian sun and shored by the Indian Ocean, guest villas at The Ritz Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands range in size from one to three bedrooms. The legendary service is refined by an Aris Meeha, island butler that define The Ritz-Carlton brand. The property offers a choice of outstanding culinary venues serving an array of international and local cuisines, in addition to a full suite of fitness and recreational facilities including Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassador of the Environment programme and a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa featuring Bamford amenities. Spaces have been designed by the renowned Kerry Hill Architects, to bring about a delicate balance of serene and social.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is part of Fari Islands, an archipelago that features three world-class hospitality brands inclusive of The Ritz-Carlton. Guests have access to a picturesque Fari Marina – the archipelago’s communal beating heart. Built around a vibrant Beach Club, Fari Marina features charming boutiques and a handpicked selection of dining options.
For more information on The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and reservations enquiries, please visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.
The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.
InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.
Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.
The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has completed its first quarterly waste collection of the year in partnership with Secure Bag Maldives, as part of the resort’s sustainability programme.
The resort said the latest weigh-in and collection reflected the progress of a partnership launched in August last year, under which discarded materials are recovered, processed and returned to the supply chain as new products.
Secure Bag Maldives operates with a focus on repurposing, reusing and reselling materials through sustainable lifecycle solutions. Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives said the partnership supports its environmental goals and aligns with IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Journey to Tomorrow framework.
Sharon Garrett, director of marketing and sustainability at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, said both Secure Bag and the resort’s team believed that most resources retained value beyond their initial use. She said materials that might otherwise be discarded were being transformed through recovery methods into sustainable products.
Garrett said that while receiving payment for waste might appear unusual, the model was widely used internationally and reflected a shift towards circular resource management. She added that the resort was encouraged to see the approach gaining ground in the Maldives.
Through the partnership, the resort said it is able to manage a range of materials including metals, baled paper, batteries, motors, crushed glass, aluminium cans, air-conditioning components, used lubricants and cooking oils. These materials are sorted on the island before collection, with returns based on volume and category.
Garrett said she and the resort’s sustainability officer, Krisel, were encouraged by the volume of waste being diverted from landfill.
Over the past three months, the resort collected 3.7 tonnes of iron scrap, 1.4 tonnes of motor and compressor components, 544 kilograms of aluminium cans, 565 kilograms of air-conditioning parts, and 3,200 litres of used lubricants and cooking oils.
The resort said the initiative helps reduce environmental impact while supporting a circular economy in which materials are reused and assigned further value. Funds generated during the quarter totalled US$1,700, or MVR 26,592, and will be reinvested in sustainability initiatives on the island.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives also encouraged guests and partners to learn more about its environmental work through the Kandooma Green Book, which is available online.
Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives has invited guests to celebrate Songkran this April across its resorts in the Maldives, marking the Thai New Year through a series of experiences inspired by the brand’s Thai heritage.
The hotel group said the celebrations would reflect Thai culture and hospitality while adapting traditional Songkran elements to island settings in the Maldives. Across its resorts, the festival is being presented through activities centred on renewal, togetherness and shared experiences.
At Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, located within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, the celebration is set to take place in a family-focused setting. The resort said guests could take part in water activities, beach games and poolside gatherings, followed by a Songkran carnival by the sea. Evening dining experiences will feature Thai flavours in a setting designed for families and groups.
At Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, part of The Centara Collection, the programme will include a beachfront parade and traditional Thai games. The resort said evening events would continue with a Thai-inspired dining experience, cultural performances and entertainment. Activities for younger guests will also be included as part of the celebrations.
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, which caters to adults, is also marking Songkran with its own programme. The resort said guests could expect beachside activities, evening dining experiences and entertainment shaped around the festival’s themes of joy and togetherness.
Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives said the Songkran celebrations across its properties are intended to give guests an opportunity to experience Thai-inspired traditions in the Maldives while creating shared holiday experiences during the festival period.
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