Skip to content Skip to footer navigation

Beneath the Palms: The Hidden Treasures of Patina Maldives

patina_maldives_villa_one-b_sunset-beach-pool_131_05.jpg

Hand-crafted, luxury experiences curated by our team—speak to our concierge to learn more

By Ruth Tertilt on 3rd January 2025

Nestled in the North Male Atoll, the Fari Islands archipelago is a captivating collection of four islands.

Three of these islands are home to world-class luxury resorts, including Patina Maldives - a true standout. Here’s why Patina Maldives is quickly becoming our top recommendation and the ultimate luxury escape in the Maldives.

The Fari Islands is a thoughtfully curated concept designed to offer guests a wide spectrum of enriching and transformative experiences in an exclusive atmosphere. At the heart of the islands is the vibrant Fari Marina Village, a lively hub that brings together guests from these resorts (currently, Patina Maldives and The Ritz Carlton Fari Islands), inviting them to explore, unwind, and indulge in its many offerings.

A scenic 45-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport transports you to Patina Maldives. From the moment you board, the experience is marked by seamless service and a sense of warm hospitality, making you feel instantly at ease.

As we arrived, Patina Maldives immediately captured our attention with its stunning architecture, designed by the acclaimed Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan. The resort’s minimalist design and serene ambiance perfectly embody the concept of ‘slow living.’ It’s a place where understated luxury meets natural beauty, inviting you to unwind and fully immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings.

The Villa

Patina Maldives' charm lies in its effortlessly laid-back, boho-chic aesthetic, where world-class luxury is subtly woven into every detail. Our One Bedroom Beach Pool Villa was a perfect example of this, offering a serene, intimate retreat with sweeping ocean views and direct beach access. The villa's design blended natural elements like rattan and bamboo with stone flooring, creamy walls, and modern hardware, creating a stylish yet inviting atmosphere, that became the ideal space for us to unwind as a family.

These villas are perfect for couples seeking beach access, but also spacious enough to accommodate a small family of three, offering a perfect balance of comfort and freedom.

Patina Maldives' thoughtful touches extend beyond the villa. Guests are provided with bicycles to explore the resort at their own pace, making it easy to get around without relying on a buggy. For younger guests, bikes come with child seats and trailers, adding to the family-friendly appeal. Cycling around the Fari Islands was a highlight for us—whether we were heading to Fari Marina Village for a daily ice cream, enjoying a premium burger from one of the food trucks, or simply relaxing by the pool with stunning ocean views, the experience was always easy and fun.

For guests with an eye for style and a refined taste, Patina offers a space that is thoughtfully curated, making it the ideal choice for those seeking a sophisticated, design-driven resort.

Patina Maldives goes beyond exceptional villas by creating a truly immersive, family-friendly resort experience. his thoughtful touch adds to the resort's overall appeal for families, offering a fun and convenient way to explore the picturesque Fari Islands.

The Culinary Experience

Dining at Patina Maldives rivals the experience of some of the world’s finest five-star restaurants. Each of its culinary outlets impressed us, offering exceptional dishes that highlight both local and international flavors. There were a few firm favourites for us - Wok Society, for example, is the resort's Chinese restaurant serving truly authentic, mouth-watering dishes thanks to their Chef hailing from Sichuan. We highly recommend their fried aubergine dish, made so delicately it'll have any aubergine-averse individual converted. We swear by it.

Wok Society's dumplings and dim sums are not to be missed - silky smooth dumpling wrappers encase the juiciest fillings, it'll bring a wonderful mouth-watering explosion to anyones palette. This was certainly a restaurant that we could see ourselves return to during our four night stay.

Its main open-air restaurant, Portico, serves daily breakfast in addition to an all-day dining menu. It's really the perfect place to enjoy breakfast when you have direct views of the ocean in front of you. The buffet is a lavish spread, with three sections dedicated to fresh fruit, juices, smoothies, and elixirs, as well as an assortment of sweet and savory baked goods, cereals, yoghurts, muesli, and decadent jams. The hot station features both Western and Asian breakfast options, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every craving.

For guests craving something much more fresh and hearty during their stay, Helios serves authentic Aegean-inspired Mediterranean dishes, transporting us straight to the Greek coast.

Patina Maldives also takes a laid-back approach to dining with its food trucks, bringing a fun, casual element to the resort’s culinary scene. Gogo Burger, located at Fari Marina Village, serves generous portions of custom-made burgers, including vegetarian options, making it the perfect post-water activity meal. It’s hands down one of the best burgers we’ve had.

For something sweet, Tuk Tuk Gelato, situated across from Gogo Burger, offers complimentary ice cream daily from noon to 5 PM. With a wide variety of flavors and toppings, it’s the ideal midday treat for both children and adults.

With its diverse range of dining options, Patina Maldives truly elevates the food experience, ensuring that every meal is as memorable as the surroundings.

The Experiences - Activities and Kids Club

Patina Maldives offers a diverse range of activities designed to cater to every guest's interests, whether you're looking to stay active, unwind with yoga or Pilates, or tap into your creative side. During our stay, we made the most of the resort’s wellness offerings, participating in two high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions that left us feeling invigorated and energized. These dynamic classes were a great way to get the blood pumping and maintain an active routine while enjoying the resort's tropical setting.

We also had the unique opportunity to take part in a Ceramics and Coral Conservation workshop, which combined creativity with environmental awareness. Working alongside marine biologists, we learned how ceramic structures can be used to help restore coral reefs, providing a sustainable foundation for marine life to thrive. Shaping the clay pieces to support coral growth was a hands-on experience that not only deepened our understanding of marine conservation but also gave us a meaningful way to contribute to the environment. This activity was especially memorable as a family, providing a perfect blend of education and artistry.

However, the most unforgettable experience we had at Patina Maldives was the sunset cruise, which we highly recommend to anyone staying at the resort. There’s something truly magical about watching the sun dip below the horizon as the sky shifts from golden hues to deep shades of pink and purple. The tranquil atmosphere and scenic views were simply breathtaking. If you’re fortunate enough, you might even spot playful dolphins or, as we were told, rare sightings of sperm whales in the distance.

For families traveling with children, Patina Maldives offers one of the most beautifully designed and thoughtfully curated kids' clubs on the island—Footprints. This charming space provides a variety of engaging and immersive activities that encourage children to explore, learn, and play at their own pace. Our little ones were especially fond of the outdoor facilities, including the toddler swimming pool and playground, where they could burn off energy in a safe and fun environment. They also had a blast with arts and crafts projects, many of which were focused on marine life, fostering both creativity and an appreciation for the natural world. A highlight of the week for our children was the movie night, which quickly became a favorite, allowing them to wind down and enjoy a fun family-friendly film under the stars.

With such a rich array of activities for all ages and interests, Patina Maldives ensures that every guest can find something to suit their preferences—whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or quality family time.

The Verdict

Patina Maldives offers an experience that transcends the typical luxury resort stay, blending design with a concept-driven approach that doesn't compromise on quality. With sustainability at its core, and unparalleled hospitality, Patina Maldives is one extraordinary getaway. From the moment you arrive, you’re not just a guest, but part of a community that celebrates great design and hospitality.

Patina Maldives offers more than just a luxurious retreat; it’s a destination that offers balance and harmony. It is a place where you can immerse yourself in nature, enjoy world-class dining, participate in meaningful activities, and create lasting memories with loved ones. Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, or family-friendly fun, Patina offers something personalised to its guests. The seamless combination of beauty, sustainability, and exceptional service makes it a truly unforgettable experience, and we can confidently say that it’s a place we’ll return to again and again.

Share this Article

You Might Also Like