The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
It’s perhaps no surprise that an all-villa resort is luxe, but this one is intergalactically so. Each villa has an infinity pool integrated into the architecture (cue Instagram photo shoots), plus Frette linens, marble soaking tubs, rain showers and glass walls that unfurl to the salty air. Every villa is large (starting at 1,615 square feet), but some are massive—especially the Two Bedroom Beach Pool Villa, at 4,306 square feet with two full bathrooms, or the 16,146-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Estate. Every guest is offered a loaner bike for wheeling around the property, whether you want to beeline to the tennis court, nine-room spa or a guided yoga session in the 24-hour gym. Oh, did we mention every guest is treated to a gratis portrait session, and you will have a personal butler at-the-ready to aid with whatever you wish? Call it paradise perfected.
A new string of overwater and seafront minimalist villas, with seven locavore restaurants and bars plus a spa lofted over the turquoise water.
Just for adults. Unlike many honeymoon escapes, this marvelous Maldives stay rolls out the red carpet for littles with a Ritz Kids Club outfitted with its own pool and playgrounds.
You’re not one of those “lay on the beach for days” people, and staffers here have curated a ton of bucket list exploits, including windsurfing, Maldivian drum lessons and drone photography lessons.
Set over a glass-clear lagoon, the spa here is just as relaxing as its treatments. You opt for a simple Swedish massage, then, feeling peckish, head to an outpost of Singapore’s Michelin-starred Summer Pavilion for roasted duck. Heaven is a place on earth.
La Locanda - offers Southern Italian cuisine Summer Pavilion - Cantonese restaurant offers small plates and an extensive selection of wine and artisanal teas Iwau - Japanese restaurant featuring two teppanyaki grills, sushi and a selection of sakes, whiskies and teas Beach Shack - offers Mediterranean shared plates Eau Bar - beachfront restaurant offers healthy dishes, tableside cocktails and afternoon tea Arabesque - offers Lebanese and North Indian street food and cocktails Tum Tum - marina food trailer offering Asian cuisine including bao buns, noodles, dumplings, salads and soups