Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands, Maldives Hotel Review

We were ecstatic to experience the BRAND NEW Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands in the Maldives this September and it was an incredible experience. Here's everything you need to know, before you book.
Stay tuned to hear some considerations to keep in mind when booking, the suite tour and more!
In the review, we’ll tell you everything you need to know:
00:00​​ - Ritz-Carlton Maldives Intro
00:38 - Ritz-Carlton Maldives Location
02:24 - Ritz-Carlton Maldives Lobby & Check in
05:03​ - Ritz-Carlton Maldives Rooms
08:05​ - Ritz-Carlton Maldives Service
09:50​ - Ritz-Carlton Maldives Dining
11:11​ - Ritz-Carlton Maldives Facilities
13:37​ - Ritz-Carlton Maldives Style
15:20​- Ritz-Carlton Maldives COVID-19 RATING
For the full written review, check it out here:
www.voyagerguru.com/hotel-rev...
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is located in North Male Atoll, a 10 minute seaplane or 45 minute boat ride away from Velana international airport. The advantage of being in the North Male Atoll is that guests are able to easily access the property any time of day or night, making the stress of arrival or departure times not as important as with many properties in the Maldives.
The speedboat is a small pontoon-style boat and is not quite as sexy as the neighboring Waldorf Astoria’s yacht at $650 a person. To be frank, we were slightly disappointed at the method of transportation and not just because of the size of the boat or lack of beverages (no coffee? tea?) and basic amenities like water glasses, but also because the staff onboard spoke no English and new nothing about the Ritz-Carlton. They didn’t really interact with us or provide the level of service we’d expect from this caliber of hotel. We determined that the boat and staff were a shared resource between the resorts at Fari Islands and must be why there was such a stark contrast between the amazing employee we met on the dock and the very quiet gentlemen on the boat.
We were in the “standard” room, an Ocean Pool Villa and after seeing a number of other room types, we feel like this is probably our favorite between the lagoon, beach and ocean pool villas. We were in villa #225 and that stretch of rooms is really a prime location. The Ocean Pool Villas have private walkways from the land to the villa, whereas the Lagoon Pool Villas are all connected by the long walkway. One of the advantages to the Ocean Pool Villas is there are no carts that come driving by. If you’ve been in an overwater villa before, you’ll be familiar with the sound of carts on the wood planks. The Ocean Pool villa configuration is really unique and we found it extremely private and enjoyable. On the sunrise side, as well, there are unobstructed views of nothing but open sea.
Overall, we really like the level of service that Ritz-Carlton is known for. Employees have a level of professionalism that is often lacking at similar caliber hotels and many of them execute it perfectly. Once they know your name, they address you as such for the duration of your stay. Everyone, and I mean everyone, says hello and puts their hand over their heart in a heartwarming gesture every time you pass. The housekeeping service was incredibly well done. Every night, there would be a note with a special treat or thoughtful moment crafted for guests. On our last night, they had drawn a bubble bath as a farewell. This was 100% a 5 star housekeeping experience.
If you're looking for our Destination Guide on the Maldives, check it out www.voyagerguru.com/destinati...
So check it out and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Have you been to the Maldives? What was your favorite hotel?
______________________________________
New to this channel? Here's why you should subscribe!
We provide weekly videos from our favorite hotels, travel tips and things to do in the best destinations around the world. We'd love for you to join us- share you thoughts, comments, questions with us through youtube, instagram and our blog.
Subscribe today: kzbin.info?s...
For more content, check us out on instagram @voyagerguru
/ ​​
Come travel with us,
Maren Engh & Max Jallifier
#luxuryhotelreview​​ #luxurytravel​​ #beautifulhotels

[@blake22222blake]

Great video, guys! Thorough review, great footage, and very detailed information on the hotel. Best of luck with the channel!

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hi Blake, thank you so much! That means so much to us!! We really appreciate it :).

[@foraytravelsg]

Fantastic video - you really included all the details. I also really loved the colour grading on this video! It was so on-point and made every scene so dreamy.

[@VoyagerGuru]

Thank you SO much!! That means the world to us. We really appreciate your feedback and noticing the color grading :)

[@senorG35]

So many beautiful places to go to in the Maldives, but I just couldn’t get over the niyama review you guys did. Looks like that’s my first stop

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hey!! So nice to hear from you. Ahh yes. There are some incredible hotels and niyama is DEFINITELY one of them - good choice as well ❤️❤️

[@Libradad]

OUTSTANDING. I have seen a few videos by others, but again, yours has hands down been the most informative. I agree, it looks to be stunning. What I did not know from watching others was the fact that you can hop to the other properties from the marina. That opens up a world of possible adventures, I look forward to the rest of your videos on this and other properties. Now, to find that winning lottery ticket....

[@VoyagerGuru]

Thank you so much, Larry!! And LOL about the lottery ticket!

[@binh9650]

Great video! Much appreciated such a detailed introduction!

[@VoyagerGuru]

Thank you so much, Bin! Happy travels!

[@rituskingdom5880]

M planning to go with my parents and cousins. Thanks for the minute details it's so helpful ❤️

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hi there! Thanks so much for your comment! That sounds like an amazing trip. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything or have any questions!

[@JamesandElliesAdventures]

Hey guys, we love the look of this property and the food looks incredible! We are trying to get the Maldives out of our minds but as you know once you have been to the Maldives you can’t stop thinking about it and after watching this video we have the Maldives blues and want to go back haha! Great video and review and will sure help those looking to visit this property, thanks for sharing :)

[@VoyagerGuru]

Thank you so much for your comment!! Totally agree- how can you possible dream of anywhere else once you’ve been to the Maldives?!? It’s an amazing destination. Definitely recommend the ritz for your next trip!!

[@LALEY21]

Just amazing guys!. Loved the hotel

[@VoyagerGuru]

Thank you so much, Johan! Totally agree- sometimes this hotel feels like a movie set, it’s so stunning

[@CaribbeanLife101]

Thanks for the video. Place looks amazing.

[@VoyagerGuru]

Thank you for watching! We have many more videos coming out from the Maldives so stay tuned :)

[@magdalenekarashani180]

Omg the way you look at each other is goals❤️

[@VoyagerGuru]

awww thank you so much!!! hehe I guess we never really realize it!! Hope you're having a great day! - maren

[@jeffgam_97]

Great review! I’m deciding between this, the St. Regis, or the W to use alot of my points before the Marriott devaluation, so this gave great insight

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hey Jeffrey! Thanks for your comment- those are all exceptional properties to choose from, I'm certain you can't go wrong! I have heard particularly excellent things about St Regis as it's more aligned to the Ritz level of service, I think. If we can be of any assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out!

[@kevinh3979]

My fiancée and I really enjoy your channel - we hope you grow exponentially. What we like is your detailed and thorough review with expertly communicated thoughts and feelings about each aspect of the reviewed properties. You both come off as matter-of-fact in a pleasant way. Your channel was an impetus behind us booking our Maldivian honeymoon this coming February. Specifically, your review of Niyama. We then chose to do the other half at the Raffles resort, which we figure will have a more upscale vibe. I hope it is as nice as this Ritz-Carlton...wow.

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hi there! Thank you so much for your amazing comment. That is so nice of you to say and we really appreciate the feedback - it means the world to us. I hope you guys have an AMAZING trip - Niyama and Raffles are both exceptional properties, I have no doubt you will have a wonderful time. Definitely let us know what you think about Raffles- it is on our list!!

[@Libradad]

I absolutely agree with you good sir. I am very comfortable listening to them. We get quality, details info and are not overwhelmed with minutia.

[@VoyagerGuru]

Thank you so much for your support, Larry! It means a lot to us ❤️

[@rond5936]

For me, as long as i don't have hotel every hotel staff trying say hi everytime i pass by, I'm ok. It's pathetic a worker will always have to say hi to every strange hotel guest because its path of his job. I don't enjoy it as much.

[@kevinh3979]

@@rond5936 Is it better for the staff to walk by with their head down and ignore you? You are a guest and the staff should be pleasant. I wouldn't expect a hello from everyone but a gentle smile from everyone for sure. It creates a positive vibe and a feeling of welcome-ness. You don't get that on the street in your home town. So I tend to think it's better that the staff engages rather than completely disengages.

[@heresthething9740]

Just another great video/review. My wife and I are booked at the St. Regis on points but this place look pretty amazing as well. If you had to choose between the Ritz Fari Island or the St. Regis, which would you go with? Have you two been too and done a review of the St. Regis by chance and I just didn't see it? Once again, great review, still love the editing you guys are doing. Last question, what camera do you primarily use for your vlogs. Thanks and keep up the great content/work, I am jealous.

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hey there! Thank you so much for your comment! That’s so nice of you to say. We have not yet stayed at the St Regis but are dying to! It looks like a beautiful property, however, we can't speak to the experience more deeply. The Ritz-Carlton does have access to shared marina. At the time of us going, it was pretty quiet and not many shops were open. It has some nice restaurants and very high end shops. It is nice to be able to leave your hotel and go to another island, which is a bit of a departure from the traditional one-island-one-hotel concept. To be honest, I don't think you can go wrong with either hotel! The St. Regis is a tried-and-true 5 star property with a beautiful island. You'll have to let us know what you think! Regarding the camera, this was our first trip after upgrading from the Sony a7III to the Sony a7SIII! Don’t hesitate to reach out with any other questions!

[@babetravelling]

It’s so beautiful out there. I miss Asia 😍

[@VoyagerGuru]

The Maldives is definitely at the top of every list for a reason- hope you get to make it out there soon!! Happy travels

[@sheetanshuagarwal6740]

Great and detailed Review. Is Breakfast complimentary for Titanium members, if they book it through points?

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hi there! Thanks for your comment. I can’t confirm this officially, but I heard they do not offer offer free elite benefits including breakfast. I would definitely call the hotel as it may depend on the booking conditions

[@casegoldman]

I know what I’ll be saving up my Marriott points for!!

[@VoyagerGuru]

Heck yes!! It’s a great redemption right now at 90k points per night - for an overwater villa like this, insane deal!

[@thaisluna3162]

This place looks amazing! Which route would you suggest flying from SFO? Are the room rates similar to Bora Bora?

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hey there! It's really fabulous, unlike any other property we've stayed at in terms of design and architecture in the Maldives - very impressive. The best routes from SFO are either Emirates through Dubai or Qatar through Doha, personally. You can do singapore air as well, but i didn't find as many good prices or times. Emirates and Qatar have great flying times to get over there. QSuite can be pretty reasonable if you book it at the right time so highly recommend!! The room rates are very similar to Four Seasons Bora Bora, right around 2000 plus or minus depending on season, but is significantly nicer than any property in Bora Bora.

[@namrtarawat8265]

Hey Guys, Thank you for such a great insightful video. We are looking to book this property in Nov and redeem our marriot points. The breakfast is mot included in the room rate when we are booking through points. Besides the room rate, how much can we expect to spend on our transfers, food (atleast 2 main meals) and some activities such as water sports, scuba diving and a sunset cruise excursion (once) over a span of 5 days. Please advise.

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hi Namrta! Thanks so much for your comment! That sounds like a great use of your Marriott points - it's a stunning property. The transfers are about 650 per person, which is steep but it is a 45 minute speedboat ride from Male. For food, it really depends on how much you eat and if you drink but I would estimate about $300-350 per day for 2 people on the conservative side. Water sports and diving I would add in $250-300 per activity for 2 depending on the activities. Hope this helps!!

[@iramnabilakhan9914]

Hello! We’re planning a trip to this resort later this year. Are there any activities included like kayaking or snorkeling?

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hi Iram! Thanks for your comment. This resort doesn't have any great snorkeling off the island itself - they do offer paid excursions to go snorkeling. There are not a lot of free activities on property, so my recommendation is to email them ahead of time and get the price lists.

[@lhobolove4304]

I know we will have a butler the whole time we are there. What is customary regarding tips? Also do you tip at the end of your stay or each time? What about rest of staffs?

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hi Lizelle! Thanks for your comment. Regarding the butler, typically it’s recommended you leave a tip at the end. A good rule of thumb is tipping between 2-5% of your nightly rate for each day. The percentage varies because the nightly rate varies lot - I would go with what you are comfortable with and what you felt the service was worth. Regarding tipping other staff, we saw people leave a few dollars after meals and at the pool for excellent service. Do keep in mind, every meal and activity has a 20% gratuity already added. Therefore, extra tipping is not necessarily expected and should be for excellent service.

[@naomilavette1838]

Thank you for this beautiful presentation.. We are considering Joali Being, WA or Hilton Amingiri.. any thoughts on these options? 6/24 travel date.

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hey Naomi! Thanks for reaching out! We really appreciate your comment. We have not stayed at those three yet, however they are definitely great options with pretty different amenities/offerings. Waldorf will be the most "high end" from a service standpoint, Hilton will be on the 4/4.5+ service and Joali will be very focused on wellness with laid-back but luxurious service. If you're looking for some guidance, we're happy to help if you shoot us an email at [e-mail] or DM me on Instagram @voyagerguru. If you're looking some something specific, happy to recommend one over the others. Also as a side note, we do get some benefits through virtuoso and similar programs for booking through us (no cost to you).

[@naomilavette1838]

@@VoyagerGuru Thank you for responding.. I will reach out soon..so many choices🤷🏽‍♀️

[@oldtownke]

Hello guys, what time of the year did you visit this property? thank you

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hi Patrik! We were there in September- it was shortly after their opening :). Maldives is great any time of year, but we were at this property in September. Let us know any other questions!

[@gv2012always]

How did the transfer from another hotel work? Can you speak to that a bit, from where did you transfer, cost, how to book, etc?

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hi Gene! The transfer will be organized directly through the hotel. We took the boat transfer from Malé and it typically costs around 550-600 per person. They have a yacht option as well. If you are coming from another hotel in north male atoll, they may be able to transfer you directly from that hotel. However, if your hotel is outside the atoll, you will likely need to transfer through male. When you book your hotels, let them know you are going to the Ritz next and they will coordinate the best transfer options and times for you. If you want to skip the male airport, it will likely be an additional charge and also make sure it’s in the same area. If you send me the name of your other hotel I’ll let you know if it’s possible.

[@lhobolove4304]

We are booked to go in April. Just wondering if we need to bring converters or are all room have universal electric outlets?

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hi Lizelle, thanks for your comment! I hope you have an amazing time. Depending on where you are traveling from, you should be ok. There are USB outlets as well as universal outlets across the room :)

[@lhobolove4304]

@@VoyagerGuru we are traveling from USA

[@VoyagerGuru]

Oh perfect! You’re all set then :) no need for an adapter

[@BrandanAbroad]

I'm planning a trip to the Maldives in April and I am completely overwhelmed on what to choose from. Trying to find something in the 600-800 range a night. Seems like hard rock is the go to for this price point? Any recommendations would be sick. Going for the overwater villa.

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hi Brandan! Thanks for reaching out. I completely understand feeling overwhelmed - there’s a LOT of hotels. 600-800 is a great price point with fantastic options. Hard rock is definitely in this price point. Hard rock will be adventurous, entertaining and fun with music that follows you around property and seemingly endless dining options. It’s fantastic if you’re looking for a fun holiday. If you’re looking more romantic or traditional Maldives, I’d also take a look at JA (very far north but gorgeous hotel - heading there in may), Heritance may fit into the budget as well and has great food, kandima is another option as well and is a good property. You can get an ocean pool villa there in that range with half board. Happy to look into other options if you send me your dates and interests at [e-mail]!

[@BrandanAbroad]

@@VoyagerGuru Thank you for such a fast response. Those recommendations look fantastic. JA looks amazing and I am wrestling between that and the Hard Rock.

[@VoyagerGuru]

Great options for sure - one thing to keep in mind is that JA is pretty far north - you’ll be taking a seaplane, it takes about an hour. Hard rock is close to Male and takes about 15/20 minutes. The transfer costs will definitely vary so I would take that into account before booking. That being said, totally different experiences on property because of this. JA is definitely a traditional one island one hotel property and hard rock is more accessible with the marina

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hey @brandancloud7260, which hotel did you end up choosing in the Maldives, and how was the trip?!

[@udoh84]

Hello. In your opinion what’s the best resort in Maldives that you have visited?

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hey there! Oh gosh it’s a hard question- some of my personal favorites are: Milaidhoo, anantara Kihavah and JA Manafaru. Ritz Carlton is up there as well but the snorkeling isn’t very good. Happy to help if you need anything!

[@udoh84]

@@VoyagerGuru thanks for the response. I was looking at the Ritz Carlton. I will take a look at Milaidhoo.

[@VoyagerGuru]

@@udoh84 yes absolutely check it out- much smaller hotel but just stunning. I’d say Milaidhoo is best for doing absolutely nothing but relaxing and ritz has more “stuff” going on

[@jamesrowney7409]

Which hotel have you give 5 star on every category?

[@VoyagerGuru]

So far? Only Milaidhoo in the Maldives. Many have come VERY close but always a few things missing. Ritz was fantastic, don't get me wrong, but the service kinks have to be worked out to be truly a 5 star experience.

[@lobosolo2]

I must have made some wrong turns in life because I am not doing whatever it is that allows you guys to live this dream! I am headed to 3 different islands in Maldives next Feb. Have you visited either Ailafushi or Kuredu?

[@VoyagerGuru]

Haha it sounds like you are living the dream! Three islands?? Sounds great!! No, we have not yet done kuredu or ailafushi. Both are solid options, kuredu has been around a long time. I know OBLU usually runs specials that include transfers for free so definitely worth considering!!

[@lobosolo2]

@@VoyagerGuru Thank you so much for responding! I have to ask, where is the world's most beautiful beach and where is the most beautiful water? One of my bucket list goals is to find the world's most beautiful beach and you guys may have found it. So Maldives or Fakarava?

[@VoyagerGuru]

@@lobosolo2 That's an AMAZING goal in life. Honestly, there are probably hundreds of most beautiful beaches around the world. Some of them may even surprise you! I'll leave off the country of some of our favorites so you can find out yourself :). Of course, any beach in Maldives or French Polynesia will be incredible. Here are some others: Yawini beach in Yasawa, Playa Rincón in Las Galleras, Praia López Méndez in Ilha Grande and Haukland Strand in Lofoten

[@lobosolo2]

@@VoyagerGuru Thank you so much for the recs. After I get a day planner and can rearrange my life I am going to figure out how to finance visiting and evaluating all of these beaches. I hope that your channel flourishes and that you continue to post reviews of earth's most beautiful places!

[@kevinh3979]

Not having to do another bs PCR test seems like a 5.0 star experience tbh!

[@VoyagerGuru]

Haha- it definitely is not fun to get poked and prodded all the time!!

[@petercurrin8413]

Can somebody tell me where all the sewerage goes?

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hi Peter! that's a great question! Maldives resorts typically have sewage treatment plants and then it gets diverted for other things - grey water for example is often used to water plants etc. I don't know all the details, but I hope this helps!

[@angellnicolle3602]

bro definitely looks like William Shakespeare.

[@VoyagerGuru]

To be Shakespeare or not to be Shakespeare…that is the question. 😉

[@wamemoloi4101]

its a lovely hotel but over priced

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hi Wame, there are certainly a LOT of luxury hotels that are below this price point, for sure. The architecture is incredibly unique, though ;)

[@robertap8467]

Amazing hotel, but poor people.. still has to wear diapers on their face and in this heat... 😥

[@VoyagerGuru]

Hi Roberta, thanks for your comment! Not sure if I would call them "diapers". The masks are intended to protect staff members from potentially sick guests and vice versa. The Maldives was following guidelines from their government and things change over time. Safe travels!

[@robertap8467]

@@VoyagerGuru Actually there are researches that masks increases the risk. So, people should use and listen their own head, not politics. 🤦‍♀️ Sorry, I probably sound rude, but it really pisses me off to see people with it and even in nature and such heat.. Either way, beautiful video, thank you for introducing us to this wonderful hotel and nature :) 🌷