The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

An Inspiring Journey of Sustainability

Designing The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands encompassed more than architecture, art and décor; above all, it was created with respect for the area’s fragile ecosystem. Before breaking ground on an existing sandbank, marine experts extensively studied the oceanographic conditions to ensure minimal impact on the coral reef and spawning. Construction materials were carefully sourced to favor prefabricated materials, which reduced the need for cutting and heavy machinery, and PEFC-certified timber was brought from sustainable forests in Europe, allowing us to earn PEFC Project Certification. The resort’s developers achieved EDGE certification in building the resort, which led to the Maldives’ first green loan.

Natural Beauty

Land

In an effort to prevent forest degeneration and the negative impacts of importation, the resort landscape is filled with thousands of adopted trees and thoughtfully selected native plants. In the Mystique Garden, a nearly 100-foot- tall Banyan tree, dedicated to the resort’s late architect Kerry Hill, is just one of the many adoptees.

Pure Bliss in the Maldives: Family Cycling Adventu

Natural Beauty

Sea

Composed of 99% ocean, the Maldives is a world of water with a colorful community beneath its surface. The resort’s sandbank encircles a lively coral reef with several outcrops sheltering lobster, fish, rays and sea turtles. Preserving the reef and marine life has been, and continues to be, a priority for the resort with plans to start a coral planting project to help reverse the impacts of global warming and the coral bleaching caused by El Niño.

Culinary Consciousness

Our dining venues prioritize locally grown ingredients to reduce the environmental impact of imports. Menus feature plant-based options, along with 100% cage-free eggs and crate-free pork, reflecting our commitment to ethical sourcing. When imports are necessary, we prioritize bulk shipments from responsible vendors, known for their high standards and responsible practices. Closing the loop in our farm-to-table philosophy, all food scraps are composted on-site to nourish our resort garden.

Sustainability Practices

Energy

The resort is committed to the future by harnessing solar and sustainable energy, which saves about 93,000 gallons of gas annually. Helping lower the carbon footprint are airconditioning that features a sophisticated, cross-ventilation system and LED lighting.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands - Lagoon Quay

Water

Still and sparkling drinking water are purified at the resort’s dedicated plant using filters from Nordaq, a celebrated Swedish company whose specially crafted bottles eliminate the use of plastic and retain the salt and minerals naturally present in water. The resort’s greywater is also treated and used for landscaping.

Ritz Kids - Maldives Adventure Activities

Plastic Use

We eliminated single-use plastics. Guests are provided with reusable water bottles. Dining experiences feature bamboo-based serving ware and stainless steel straws. In-room amenities are presented in reusable crystal jars, reducing packaging waste. Our garden and on-site desalination plant reduce the need for plastic-packaged imports, supporting a more sustainable and self-sufficient ecosystem.

Sustainability Managed Timber

The resort’s primary construction material is cross-laminated timber, used for walls, roofs, and columns. These pre-fabricated building materials were imported in bulk from sustainably managed forests in Europe, minimizing on-site cutting, heavy machinery use, and overall environmental impact. The timber’s journey is fully traceable, and the project benefits from PEFC Project Certification through Venturer Pte Ltd, the first mass timber resort builder to achieve Chain of Custody certification.

Energy and Water

The resort is powered by solar panels, eliminating the need for diesel and reducing emissions by over 233,600 litres of diesel per year. By harnessing sustainable energy, we are paving the way for a more energy-responsible future. Air conditioning is supported by a smart cross-ventilation system, and all lighting is LED, significantly lowering our carbon footprint. Still and sparkling drinking water is produced on-site using a dedicated plant and Nordaq’s patented water filtration system—a premium, environmentally friendly solution from Sweden. Water is bottled under strict hygiene standards in line with World Health Organization guidelines, preserving natural salts and minerals while eliminating plastic use. To further conserve resources, greywater is treated and reused for landscaping, reflecting our commitment to sustainable water management at every level.

Culinary Island - Destination Wedding Maldives

Partnerships

Visiting Hero Program

Our Visiting Hero programme invites scientists, marine biologists, conservationists and organisations to the resort to create meaningful guest activities, engage in knowledge-sharing with our Ladies and Gentlemen, and connect with the community through educational initiatives. Through immersive experiences, guests are encouraged to explore and engage with the Maldives’ ecosystem in inspiring and accessible ways.

Olive Ridley Project

The Olive Ridley Project (ORP) supports the protection of vulnerable sea turtles and their habitats through rescue, rehabilitation, education and research. Among our joint efforts are submissions to their photo ID project and submitting ghost gear data identified through our drone project.

Drone Rescue

Led by Dr Melissa Duncan-Schiele (UK), our drone conservation project monitors ocean habitats for turtles entangled in ghost nets. Since 2021, we've rescued four turtles and inspired similar efforts across the Maldives. The project also aims to develop a replicable method for detecting ghost gear and marine plastics using drone technology.

Bamford

Used in The Ritz-Carlton Spa and as exclusive guest amenities in our villas, Bamford’s organic body and skincare collection were born from the owner’s background as a pioneer of the UK’s organic farming movement and a champion of sustainable living. The brand’s products harness powerful natural ingredients to nourish, repair and revitalize.

Community Footprints

This brand-wide program aims to engage, inspire and contribute to communities around the globe through activities focused on important issues including poverty, hunger, the environment and children’s well-being. As part of this effort, The Ritz-Carlton became the first founding partner of IMPACT 2030, a private sector-led initiative in collaboration with the United Nations that will assemble corporate volunteers to achieve sustainable development goals. Efforts at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands include partnering with local schools to educate the youth about marine pollution, coral regeneration and conservation technology; organizing beach clean-ups; and providing them opportunities to hear from our Visiting Heroes.

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