Kerene Barefield embraces barefoot luxury in the stunning Maldivian Fari Islands. Below, read her review of the super slick Ritz-Carlton.
If you think the Maldives is only for romantic getaways, think again. Our family Maldivian journey continued at the Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, a breathtaking island where architectural daring, natural beauty, and effortless luxury intertwine. My husband Adam, our children Zachary (10) and Ava (7), and I arrived with a sense of excitement, and the island did not disappoint.
After our return to Malé, the Ritz-Carlton team whisked us aboard their beautiful air-conditioned yacht, lavishing us with savoury and sweet treats. The 50 minute cruise across the turquoise lagoon was already an adventure in itself, but the moment we stepped onto the island, the sound of the Sangu conch shell being blown transported us fully into the Maldives’ timeless rhythm.
It is a sound that evokes the history of the islands, an elegant nod to tradition, and a ceremonial embrace of what lay ahead. The resort’s team stood waiting, smiling and waving in unison, their warmth and welcome as radiant as the Maldivian sun itself.
We were introduced to Pako, our Aris Meeha, whose role, both guardian and confidant, would shape our entire experience. The children immediately took to him, charmed by his calm presence and the way he anticipated our every need without being intrusive.
Our villa was nothing short of a revelation. A Sunrise Beach Pool Villa that offered not just space, but a sense of freedom. Outside, four bicycles waited for us, hinting at endless exploration. Inside, a bottle of chilled Champagne and thoughtful treats welcomed us, as if the villa itself were saying, “Relax, your holiday has begun.” The villa was enormous, effortlessly accommodating our children with two extra beds, while Adam and I enjoyed the king-sized bed facing our private deck, pool, and the beach beyond.
The bathroom was a sanctuary, the indoor and outdoor showers became our playground for early morning adventures and late-night starry soaks. There were Bamford products, plush robes and slippers for both adults and children, it was an attention to detail that made us feel truly cared for. Floor-to-ceiling doors disappeared at the touch of a button, seamlessly merging our indoor comfort with the warmth of the Maldivian sun and the gentle lapping of the waves.
One morning, as the first light began to paint the horizon in shades of rose and gold, as a family we slipped quietly from our villa to the shoreline, wrapped in soft robes, the sand still cool beneath our feet. The world felt perfectly still, until we noticed three reef sharks gliding gracefully through the shallows, their sleek forms illuminated by the dawn light. For a few precious minutes, we stood together in silence, the children wide-eyed with wonder, watching nature unfold in its purest form. It was one of those rare, unscripted moments that etch themselves into family memory forever.
The Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands is an island designed for discovery. We cycled along sandy paths lined with native greenery and trees adopted to preserve the island’s ecosystem, pausing to admire the nearly 100-foot Banyan tree in Mystique Garden, a living tribute to the late architect Kerry Hill.
Every corner revealed a new delight, crabs scuttling across the sand, seabirds running across our path and fruit bats flying above our heads. For the children, it was paradise. We let them roam, barefoot, free, and curious, while knowing they were safe and cared for.
Our days were punctuated by meals that felt like events in themselves. At La Locanda, we shared our first lunch over the water, mesmerised by tropical fish swimming beneath the restaurant. The fresh pasta, homemade sauces, and delicate flavours made it impossible not to savour every bite. Breakfasts were indulgent but balanced, with the biggest selection of homemade pastries I’ve ever seen, granolas in so many different flavours, and tropical fruits galore, all enjoyed at a relaxed pace that allowed the children to dip in and out.
Evenings were even more enchanting. At the EAU Bar, we dined on Japanese-inspired creations while live music floated across the ocean. I can still taste the Maldivian tuna tartare, the delicate Wagyu, and the soft crunch of lobster tempura.
One evening, we hopped onto a dhoni for a short ride to Arabesque at Fari Marina Village. The restaurant was a kaleidoscope of colors, textures, and scents, and the children were immediately enchanted by the lantern-lit space. Sharing mezze and tandoor-grilled meats, listening to the call of the ocean, we danced on the sand together to live music, the moon high above, a moment that felt utterly timeless.
For me, the Ritz-Carlton Spa was an absolute revelation. Perched over the sparkling lagoon in a ring-shaped structure, it felt suspended between heaven and sea. Entering my treatment room, I was greeted by stones spelling out “Time to Relax, Kerene”, a small but deeply personal touch that immediately grounded me in the present.
The Bamford products, organically sourced and sustainably focused, enveloped me in scent and texture, while my massage allowed every bit of tension to melt away. It was a rare moment to breathe, to pause, and to reconnect with myself.
The Ritz Kids club was a world of imagination woven into the island itself, a playful hideaway built into a grassy hill that looked straight out of a storybook. From the moment Ava and Zachary arrived, welcomed with their own beach bags and cuddly Ritz Lions, they were completely enchanted.
Each day brought a new adventure, painting seashells, making sand art, racing down the water slide, or learning to weave palm leaves with local staff. I loved watching them pedal off on their bikes, full of independence and joy, returning later with sandy feet, paint-smeared fingers, and stories tumbling out of them faster than they could speak. It was childhood as it should be, free, creative, and filled with sunshine.
One morning, we embarked on a turtle snorkeling excursion. A short boat ride brought us to a reef alive with colour and movement. The children squealed with delight as they swam alongside turtles, reef fish, and even spotted a shark, guided safely by our expert. It was a shared thrill, a memory that will linger for years, a vivid reminder of the ocean’s magic and the joys of experiencing it together as a family.
Evenings at the Ritz-Carlton Fari Island were for family and reflection. We watched the Bodu Beru drum procession and flaming ceremony at the infinity pool, the children dancing with sand beneath their feet while Adam and I sipped cocktails and felt the warm night air. One night, after dinner at Arabesque, we sat on the top deck of the boat, gazing at the stars mirrored in the lagoon below, a quiet, private moment that felt suspended in time.
The Ritz-Carlton, Fari Islands is where bold design and barefoot luxury meet effortless service. The circular one-bedroom villas open entirely to the sea, and the family-friendly facilities, from Ritz Kids to sports courts and curated excursions, allow parents and children to move at their own pace, discovering moments of wonder at every turn. There is no rush, no ticking clock, only the quiet pulse of the island and the laughter of children as they explore, play, and learn.
Without question. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, is more than a resort; it is a canvas upon which family memories are painted. From sunrise swims with reef sharks to barefoot nights under the stars, from intimate spa moments to turtle snorkelling adventures, every detail is considered yet feels effortlessly natural. For our family, it was a reminder of the beauty of shared experience, the joy of curiosity, and the luxury of simply being together.
Join Kristyna Jandova as she experiences the gentle rhythm of family life at this design-led haven, where pure luxury meets ease and children are joyfully welcomed.
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