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. Extending from the lush vegetation, acres of white sand stretch toward the blue lagoon, a sanctuary for crabs, birds and sea turtles.

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

Each year, food supply chains produce approximately 3.3 billion tons of carbon. In an effort to reduce the impact of imports, our even dining venues focus on locally grown ingredients with extensive plant-based options and 100% cage- and crate-free eggs and pork. When imports are necessary, they are done in bulk and from vendors selected for their ethical practices and high quality. Food waste, Approximately 700 pounds daily, is composted for 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

Single-Use Plastic Reduction

The resort has committed to banning single-use plastics in an effort to reduce the millions of tons that enter the environment each year. Reusable water bottles, bamboobased serving ware, stainless-steel straws, plastic-free bags and crystal amenity jars are among the efforts. The resort’s garden and desalination plant also help reduce the amount of plastic imported to the country.

Sustainability Managed Timber

The construction materials were imported in bulk, sourced selectively and opted for pre-fabricated materials such as cross laminated timber, the primary material used for the construction of walls, roofs and columns. Hence, easy assemble reduced cutting, use of heavy machinery and operations, translating into a lower footprint. A greater percentage of energy is harnessed through solar and water is recycled and purifed in the resort. The timber was brought into The Ritz-Carlton island from sustainable forests in Europe, and the journey can be tracked here. Venturer Pte Ltd is the first Mass Timber Resort Builder to attain PEFC Chain of Custody certifcation. This enabled us to benefit from PEFC Project Certifcation and in turn, publicise audited claims that timber comes from sustainably managed forests.

Energy and Water

Solar panels, harnessing sustainable energy and with no diesel burnt on the island, the resort is reducing 233,600 litres of diesel per year, paving for a more energy-responsible future. Air conditioning is a sophisticated cross-ventilation system with sensors and lights are LED, further lowering the carbon footprint. The complimentary still and sparkling drinking water served on the island comes from the resort’s dedicated plant, purifed by water filters patented by Nordaq, a Swedish company celebrated for its premium and environmentally-friendly water solutions. Water is bottled under controlled hygiene measures as per the guidelines from the world Health Organisation. Nordaq’s uniquely crafted bottles eliminate the use of plastic and do not compromise the natural salts and minerals naturally present in the water. As the resort´s greywater is treated and used for landscape, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands attempts to recycle at every opportunity.

Culinary Island - Destination Wedding Maldives

Partnerships

Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors

In collaboration with ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau, the resort invites guests to connect with nature through immersive experiences that explore the Maldives’ unique ecosystem. The programme also features Visiting Heroes, global environmental educators sharing their knowledge with guests.

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, including environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau and our sustainability manager Melissa Schiele.

Unlock your stay with the Marriott Bonvoy™ App