Dan and I had the best honeymoon last year in the Maldives, and we kept saying how much we wanted to go back. After looking at other vacation spots, nothing compared to the Maldives - especially The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. We had a private butler, relaxed on a secluded island and stayed at the most gorgeous villa. If we were to go back, it's easier to go back now while we have the flexibility with time (aka before we have kids and have a busy school schedule).
So, we decided to be crazy and go back twice in one year to the Maldives (and specifically, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands)! And luckily, we were able to have the same butler again (Abu!). As soon as we stepped on this secluded island, we knew we made the right decision to come back to the Ritz-Carlton family again in the Fari Islands.
Note: Packing for a trip to the Maldives? Sharing what I wore + packing advice here.
While we were at this Maldives' resort, we prioritized our most memorable activities, and highly suggest to add these to your itinerary:
1. Snorkel with Sharks (Sea Turtles are magical to see too)
The shark snorkel was the highlight of our trip! We have also experienced the sand bank excursion, but nothing compares to having a shark swim right underneath you. We saw clown fish, two octopus' different schools of 200+ fish and two black tip reef sharks!
Tip: When you book the group excursion for the shark or turtle tour, you take a boat out to a large reef with 10+ other people. While on board, you are split up into 3-4 groups with your own guide. It feels like like a private tour.
Watch our snorkel experience in the video below.
2. Spend a Rainy Day at The Ritz-Carlton Spa
Both times we have visited the Maldives in December, we have had at least one rainy day. When this day comes, our butler works hard to rearrange our schedule to get us into the spa. The Ritz-Carlton Spa not only is architecturally beautiful, but the service is always on point. We love the massage, and I highly suggest booking them together as a couple's massage.
Also, I had a facial a few days after our massages, and it really helped clear up my acne from travel stress!
Watch our spa experience in the video below.
3. Relax + Swim around your Overwater Villa
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has the most beautiful, luxurious villas I have seen. These modern villas have no wasted space, and we loved having our own private pool to swim in. We loved doing an activity in the morning, and spending the afternoon snorkeling around our villa, relaxing in the villa hammock or taking a nap in the lounge chairs overlooking the crystal clear waters.
Also, I highly suggest trying out the room service menu - especially the breakfast. We loved the soft-shell crab eggs benedict!
We spent the first few nights at our overwater villa (1 bedroom) on the east side of the island, and we loved how calm the water was. During our trip, our butler called us up asking if we wanted to upgrade to an overwater two bedroom, and of course we said YES!
We loved lounging at both villas, but loved our two bedroom's extra long pool, multiple outdoor seating areas and indoor entertaining space. Here is what the overwater two bedroom looks like (full video tour here):
Primary Bedroom below.
Secondary bedroom below.
Outdoor space below.
4. Dine at Arabesque
We have been dreaming of the food here since the last visit! Arabesque is a Lebanese + North-India cuisine, and for first timers trying these kinds of spices, we loved it. While asking other couples at the resort their favorite food spot, this was always it. It's a must-do eating spot for all kinds of foodies. Tip: Order the Mahalabia for dessert!
5. Spend the day at the Beach
Dine at the Beach Shack - This is a great day-time spot for an easy bite to eat! We love getting the tuna tartar here, and sipping on cocktails or a enjoying a surprise homemade ice tea batch for the day. We loved how the restaurant is a sand floor, yet still modern and chic to match the island vibe.
Lounge at the Beach - You can make a whole day of lounging at the beach here! They have a DJ, paddle boards, kayaks, an ice creamery + luxurious lounge chairs. We also order the same tuna tartar, drinks and enjoy easy-access to dipping our toes in the ocean. When I think back to the Maldives, sitting on the beach is a place I would love to teleport myself too on a stressful day to relax.
If you have a question about our experience, leave a comment below or send me an email!
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