Fari Islands, Maldives / The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

The brand’s debut in the Maldives is a bold one; this striking, eco-friendly private island resort is the kind of place you never want to leave.

Opening to grand acclaim on the innovative Fari Island Archipelago, this is arguably Ritz-Carlton’s most future-forward hotel. A brainchild of the architect behind some of our favourite Asian resorts, the Maldivian drum was the inspiration for the spherical villas crowned with hidden solar panels. Smartly making the most of the sunrise or sunset views, they effortlessly balance modern, minimalist luxury and fuss-free island life. We’re talking al fresco dinners together on slick sundecks by private infinity pools and enormous floor-to-ceiling windows and angled wooden slats that bring the outside in. They’re completed by a level of customisation that outshines its kindred properties; primarily due to the miracle-working butlers known as ‘Aris Meeha’ – a Dhivehi reference to the first confidence of the royal family – who indulge guests as if they were nobility.

Outside of the pods, on and offshore adventures include a photography studio, dive centre, stargazing garden and Bamford spa taking centre stage over water. But if that’s not enough, the Fari Marina – the communal heart of the complex – is built around a beach club and is peppered with luxury shopping, dining venues and workshops focused on local arts and crafts. For all that, the most enriching pastime in our opinion is joining Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment programme, which teaches visitors how to preserve our planet.

Travel notes:

• 100 beachfront and over water villas, all with private pool and wheelchair access
• Lagoon facing villas get sunrise views and calmer waters perfect for swimming, whereas the sunset side face the open ocean with slightly choppier seas on their front doors
• 7 onsite restaurants and bars, plus access to more on Fari Marina
• Bicycles are available for every guest and a space-age super yacht is on hand for charters
• Edutainment at the Ritz Kids’ Club is focused on land, water, environmental responsibility and culture
• Despite the feeling of being in one of the region's more far-flung resorts, the transfer is only 50 minutes by speedboat