The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Maldives, Fari Islands
The design inspires a sense of awe. You feel it as you stroll down the long wooden walkway that cuts through the aquamarine waters to the floating spa or in the nine tranquil treatment rooms (each named for yin and yang energies) that are sleek, modern and inviting with wood and stone and earth tones.
The spa was the first in the Maldives to use the organic skincare and body products from Bamford, a U.K. lifestyle and wellness brand. Bamford created a slate of massages, rituals and facials, some of which are unique to The Ritz-Carlton. While you will enjoy any service, the ones in the couples suite are particularly special — they start with a foot bath and end with bubbly, a treat like chocolate-covered strawberries and a soak in your own tub.
- For something indulgent, try the Bamford Signature Journey, which was created exclusively for the Maldives spa. You’ll choose your preferred oil for a massage that blends shiatsu and Swedish techniques and wave-like motions. Every part of you will get pampered — the 150-minute service includes a face and Indian head massage — and it finishes with breathwork and a soothing bath.
- You won’t want to leave the luxurious Chien Kien Suite, an expansive space with two treatment beds, a relaxation room complete with an armchair and curved sofa, and a black terrazzo bathroom with a shower/sauna and a standalone egg-shaped tub — it will extend your spa day just a bit longer.
- Experience local wellness with the tropical Maldivian Signature Rejuvenation that harnesses the power of the coconut. First, a fresh coconut scrub will buff away dead skin, and then a massage incorporates warm coconut oil and heated sand poultices. And for the finishing touch, you’ll enjoy a hydrating coconut milk bath.
- The circular design, a theme that ripples throughout the resort, came from Kerry Hill Architects. The treatment rooms face cardinal points, which the spa says adds to the energy of its services. It’s peaceful walking the circular corridor and seeing the water in the middle, and rooms have narrow, strategically placed windows to allow in light but also ensure privacy.
- Little touches elevate the experience. When you enter, staff will warmly greet you and help you cool off from the searing Maldives sun with a chilled washcloth scented with green tea and blood-orange iced tea with lemon and a hint of brown sugar. And when you arrive in the treatment room, look down — you likely will see a message like, “Relax in Paradise” with your name accompanied by palms or a dolphin and stingray, all created using small shells.
- The luxury spa offers manicures, pedicures, paraffin treatments, waxing and makeup application.
- There’s a 24-7 fitness center with water views and a yoga studio. Check the weekly roster of classes, which could include mat-based Pilates, stretch and release and yoga for stress and anxiety.
- Partake in various wellness offerings, including sound therapy that uses crystal bowls or a gong bath.
- If you enjoy the Bamford products in your treatment (we liked the Rejuvenating Drops packed with vitamins E and F and retinol), stop by the boutique to pick some up and bring them home.
Salon
Spa shop
