Maldives
The Fari Islands: A New Way to Stay
The other two—Patina Maldives and The Ritz-Carlton Maldives—are already open, and all three share access to the Fari Marina Village and Fari Beach Club. This means you can stay in a secluded villa at but still pop over to Patina for a plant-based meal or The Ritz-Carlton for a sunset cocktail. The Fari Islands are designed for flexibility: privacy when you want it, social energy when you don’t. The archipelago is a 45-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport, making it one of the most accessible luxury destinations in the Maldives.
The Fari Marina Village is the heart of the action. Here, you’ll find boutiques, art galleries, and a mix of restaurants and bars. The James Turrell Skyspace installation—a light-based art piece—is a worth trying, especially at sunset when the colors shift overhead. The Fari Beach Club offers a second pool, a watersports center, and a relaxed vibe with fresh seafood and cocktails. For families, the shared kids’ club at Patina Maldives (Footprints) is an option, with solar-powered facilities and activities like 3D printing with recycled ocean plastic.
Diving and Snorkeling: Reefs Right Outside
The Fari Islands sit in a lagoon with a healthy, natural reef—unusual for a man-made development. While ’s villas are still under construction, the reef is already active, with rays, sharks, and colorful fish visible from the shore. The Water Sports Center, operated by Dive Butler, will offer guided dives, snorkeling trips, and PADI courses. Expect healthy coral gardens and encounters with batfish, turtles, and even the occasional reef shark. The dive boat is modern and spacious, with Wi-Fi and a sound system, so you can blast your favorite playlist on the way to the site.
For snorkelers, the house reef is accessible from the beach or overwater villas. The water is clear, and the marine life is abundant, making it a great spot for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. If you’re staying in an overwater villa, you’ll have direct access to the reef via a ladder—just be mindful of the height (13 steps down to the water, compared to the usual 4-5 at other resorts).
Excursions: From Dhoni Cruises to Private Yachts
The Adastra, a sleek silver yacht moored at Fari Marina Village, is one of the most striking vessels in the Maldives. It’s fully crewed, with en-suite bedrooms and a padded lounging area on the bow. Well suited to a day trip to a nearby sandbank or a multi-day voyage to a distant atoll.
For something more low-key, the sunset dhoni cruises are a classic Maldives experience. While some resorts include canapés and champagne, ’s cruises will likely focus on simplicity — fresh fruit, water, and the chance to spot dolphins At sunset below the horizon. If you’re lucky, you might even see a double rainbow, as some guests have reported.
Spa and Wellness: Balance for Body and Mind
’s spa will take a holistic approach to wellness, with treatments designed to restore balance. While the exact modalities aren’t finalized, expect a mix of traditional therapies and modern techniques. Patina Maldives, the sister property, offers a watsu pool for passive aquatic therapy, flotation tanks, and biohacking sessions—so may follow a similar path. The spa will be set in a tranquil garden, with treatment rooms housed in private pavilions for maximum privacy.
For active guests, the gym will be small but well-equipped, with high and low-impact workout classes. Yoga and meditation sessions will likely be available, either in the spa or on the beach at sunrise. If you’re into biohacking, ask Fede about the latest wellness programs—some resorts in the Fari Islands are already offering sleep therapy and posture consultations.
Kids and Families: Shared Fun at Footprints
This solar-powered facility is the first of its kind in the Maldives, with activities like free diving lessons, 3D printing with recycled ocean plastic, and marine biology workshops. The club is designed to be educational and fun, with a focus on sustainability. Kids can learn about the local ecosystem while parents enjoy some downtime at the spa or beach.
The Fari Islands’ shared facilities mean more options for families. The Fari Marina Village has boutiques and art galleries, and the Fari Beach Club offers a second pool and casual dining. If your kids are older, they might enjoy the water sports center, where they can try paddleboarding, kayaking, or even a beginner’s scuba dive.
Dining: From Omakase to Oceanfront Grills
Maldives will have three signature restaurants: a modern Asian oceanfront dining room, a steakhouse with chophouse-style service and Californian wines, and a Michelin-starred Japanese omakase sushi bar. The steakhouse will likely focus on high-quality cuts, while the sushi bar will offer an intimate counter experience with fresh, sustainably sourced fish.
For something more casual, the Fari Marina Village has food trucks serving gelato, burgers, and Asian street food. The Fari Beach Club offers fresh seafood and crudo, with a menu overseen by a two-Michelin-starred chef. If you’re craving variety, you can also dine at Patina Maldives or The Ritz-Carlton Maldives—just take the complimentary shuttle boat between properties.
Art and Creativity: A Resort That Inspires
Art is a big part of the Fari Islands’ identity. Patina Maldives already has a permanent art gallery and a collection of works by international artists, including a James Turrell Skyspace installation. Will likely follow suit, with curated pieces that blend into the landscape. The resort’s design—by Kengo Kuma and André Fu—is itself a work of art, with clean lines, natural materials, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the ocean.
If you’re an art lover, ask Fede about the artist-in-residence program. Some resorts in the Maldives host rotating artists who create site-specific works during their stay. It’s a great way to take home a unique souvenir—or just enjoy the creative energy during your trip.
Sustainability: Luxury with a Light Footprint
The Fari Islands were built with sustainability in mind. Marine biologists worked alongside architects to minimize damage to the reef, using silt nets to protect coral and avoiding construction during spawning season. The resorts use solar power, reduce single-use plastics, and support local communities. Patina Maldives, for example, donates 1% of its gross operating profits to charitable initiatives in the Maldives, focusing on women, children, and climate-impacted communities.
will likely adopt similar practices. If sustainability is important to you, ask Fede about the resort’s environmental policies—he can help you choose a property that aligns with your values.