There are only a few destinations in the world that can boast the title of terrestrial heaven and the Maldives is certainly one. This archipelagic state in South Asia has captured the collective imagination with its emerald tropical vegetation, silky white beaches framed by vibrant coral reefs and gleaming blue-green ocean water. Seamlessly merging architectural and natural beauty, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is a masterpiece of biophilic design nestled in the northeast of North Malé Atoll.

The resort, which opened in 2021, consists of four man-made islands, developed from pre-existing sandbanks, perfectly blending with the native landscapes. ‘The master plan’s simple geometric shapes express their constructed nature and are a pragmatic response to the oceanographic conditions,’ explains Tanuj Goenka, director at Kerry Hill Architects (KHA). Founded by the late Australian architect Kerry Hill, the multi-award-winning studio is renowned for designing modern buildings that integrate into their natural context.

Taking inspiration from the movements of the water and the shape of the bodu beru (a drum played as part of a Maldivian folk dance) the circle is ubiquitous across the resort. Evoking a place of harmony, unity and enlightenment, the striking O-shaped overwater spa sits peacefully in the heart of the crystal-clear lagoon, exemplifying the mystic energy of yin and yang.

Elsewhere, a 33m-diameter rounded infinity pool extends from the sophisticated sun lounge at the Eau Bar – one of the seven dining venues in the resort – to the ocean dissolving into the horizon. Simple geometric forms create a deeper connection with the environment and the majority of the villas, both over water and inland, are designed with a circular plan, infinity pool and sun deck with breathtaking views over the turquoise seascape, creating a sense of openness and freedom. ‘Their circular forms allow these structures to sit comfortably in the Maldivian sun while also dissolving their perceivable mass,’ says Goenka. Panoramic sliding doors ease the transition between the indoor and outdoor, maximising natural light. The aesthetic integration is strengthened by a soothing colour palette with tones of ivory, chalk, sand and champagne reflecting the use of natural materials such as wood, clay and stone, creating an organic contrast to the islands’ lush greenery.

‘Over 20,000 trees were transplanted onto the islands, each tree tracked for ethical sourcing, contributing to funding local communities and conserving local biodiversity,’ Goenka adds. Soaring coconut trees and tropical forest plants gently frame the architecture, offering shelter to local wildlife: white-breasted waterhens are often seen strutting around the almost 2km-long trail crossing the islands, while plenty of hermit crabs flock to the immaculate stretches of sand.

‘The biggest luxury in our modern world is time, and we strive to ensure the time guests spend with us exceeds every expectation from the moment they rise to the moment they retreat,’ says The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands general manager Renato De Oliveira, referring to the Aris Meeha, the island butlers inspired by the Maldives’ royal courts. ‘However, guest expectations are continually evolving, and luxury means something different to everyone. It’s clear, though, that guests today are wanting to make a meaningful choice in a way that connects with their values,’ he adds.

It comes as no surprise that The Ritz-Carlton Maldives has been conceived with sustainability in mind. ‘Minimising construction impacts upon the fragile reef ecosystem was a key consideration as the design developed,’ says Goenka. From the significant use of solar energy, the oceanographic explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment programme and zero-waste gastronomy practices, the resort’s eco-credentials stand out from the competition, fostering ‘a sense of renewal, connection and unity with nature’, as Goenka describes.

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