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Review: Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, a Member of Design Hotels

  • Visionary Design: Immerse yourself in biophilic architecture by Marcio Kogan, seamlessly blending luxury with nature.

  • Pristine Waters: Experience exceptionally clear lagoons, thanks to careful development.

  • Innovative Culinary Journey: Explore 12+ diverse dining venues and unique food trucks, offering conscious cuisine.

  • Unique Fari Islands Concept: Enjoy shared amenities and experiences at the vibrant Fari Marina Village, connecting to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives.

  • Exceptional Art & Wellness: Discover captivating art installations, including James Turrell’s Skyspace, and a holistic spa (FLOW) with sensory deprivation tanks.

  • Commitment to Sustainability: A truly eco-conscious resort with carbon-neutral practices and no single-use plastics.

  • Location & Transfer: Patina Maldives is located in the North Malé Atoll, accessible via a 45-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport (Malé).

  • Fari Islands Concept: This resort is part of the innovative Fari Islands archipelago, which allows guests access to shared amenities, dining, and boutiques at the Fari Marina Village, connecting Patina with The Ritz-Carlton Maldives via complimentary shuttle.

  • Design & Architecture: The resort’s stunning aesthetic is a hallmark of renowned Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan (Studio MK27), focusing on natural materials and open spaces.

  • Accommodation Types: Choose from 90 beautifully designed one-, two-, and three-bedroom beach and overwater villas, as well as 20 Fari Studios. All villas boast private pools.

  • Sustainability Focus: Patina Maldives is dedicated to carbon-neutral operations, has banned single-use plastics, utilizes solar power, and actively engages in coral propagation projects.

  • Wellness Offerings: The FLOW Spa is a comprehensive wellness hub featuring a Watsu pool, hammam suite, and sensory deprivation tanks for unique therapeutic experiences.

👶 Babysitting services
🏠 Bar
🏊 Outdoor pool
🍽️ Restaurants
💆 Spa

The Luxe Atlas Rating

Design: 9/10
Vibe: 9/10
Romantic: 9/10
Air Conditioning: 9/10
Room: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Location: 10/10
Gym/Fitness: 9/10
Cleanliness: 10/10
Wow Factor: 8/10
Overall Experience: 9.2/10

A Serene Sanctuary at Patina Maldives

My anticipation for visiting Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, was incredibly high, and it did not disappoint. This newer property, sharing some resort options with its esteemed neighbor, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, truly delivers on the promise of an idyllic Maldivian escape. What immediately struck me upon arrival were the absolutely outstanding, crystal-clear waters surrounding the property. This clarity, I learned, is a deliberate result of the dredging process prior to the island’s construction, ensuring the lagoons are more pristine than older properties where the ocean has naturally matured around them. It creates a visual spectacle that sets the stage for a truly luxurious stay.

Accommodations: Villas of Unrivaled Elegance

The hotel rooms and villas at Patina Maldives are, without exaggeration, next-level. Whether opting for an overwater villa or a beach villa, the views are simply stunning. Each accommodation, designed by the renowned Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan of Studio MK27, embodies a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living, with floor-to-ceiling sliding window systems that open to the elements. The “summer vibes” are palpable in every detail, from the minimalist yet luxurious furnishings to the private pools that come with every villa. It’s an experience that truly redefines the concept of in-room luxury, offering both privacy and an intimate connection with the breathtaking Maldivian landscape.

Dining & Unique Offerings: A Feast for the Senses

When it comes to the amenities, Patina Maldives genuinely offers some extraordinary things, and thankfully, a majority of them are conveniently located within easy reach. I particularly enjoyed dining at Arabesque, their Lebanese & North Indian restaurant. It has a really cool, grounded vibe, almost like being tucked away surrounded by earthy tones, with beautiful table settings and decor evoking an Egyptian ambiance. It was a truly immersive culinary experience. I also loved the casual charm of their food trucks – specifically, I found Go Go Burger to be a delightful, unexpected addition, offering delicious bites on the go, a unique touch that the Ritz-Carlton didn’t offer. The thoughtful inclusion of diverse dining, from plant-based options at Roots to Patagonian grilling at Brasa, showcases a genuine commitment to conscious cuisine.

Onsite Restaurants & Bars

Patina Maldives offers an extraordinary array of 12+ culinary concepts and three food trucks, catering to every palate:

  • Arabesque: (Lebanese & North Indian Cuisine)

    • Daily, 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM

  • Helios: (Aegean / Greek Cuisine)

    • Dinner: 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM

  • Brasa: (Patagonian Steak House)

    • Dinner: 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM

  • Wok Society: (Asian / Dim Sum)

    • Dinner: 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM

  • Portico: (All-day dining, daily breakfast)

    • Breakfast: Daily (specific full-day hours not consistently listed, but serves throughout the day)

  • Roots: (Plant-based, organic cuisine)

    • Open for Dinner

  • Go Go Burger: (Food Truck)

    • Hours vary, but generally available for lunch/casual dining.

  • Tuk Tuk Gelato: (Gelato Food Truck)

    • Daily, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

  • Veli Bar: (Relaxed poolside bar)

    • Offers evening cocktails and canapés (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM); general bar hours extend later.

Amenities & Features: Art, Wellness, and Exploration

The resort’s pool is absolutely stunning, a perfect oasis for relaxation. But what truly sets Patina apart is its integration of art. They feature a very unique, walkable art piece, which I later learned is Skyspace Amarta by the famed American artist James Turrell. It’s a remarkable concrete slab structure built around with wood, designed to explore light and space. At night, it lights up, creating truly beautiful photo opportunities, perfect for capturing those Instagram-worthy moments. Beyond the art, the FLOW spa is a sanctuary, offering unique experiences like sensory deprivation tanks. Complimentary usage of bikes, snorkeling sets, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks encourages exploration, and the Fari Marina Village provides a vibrant hub of boutiques, additional dining, and cultural experiences, truly elevating the stay beyond a typical resort.

Location: An Archipelago of Experiences

Being part of the Fari Islands means Patina Maldives offers not just a secluded luxury escape but also access to a wider “community” of curated experiences. The connectivity to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives through the Fari Marina Village adds another layer of exploration, allowing guests to seamlessly move between the two properties for diverse dining and retail options. This innovative concept ensures you’re never confined to just one island, providing an unparalleled sense of freedom and discovery in the Maldivian archipelago.

Overall Impression & Why I Recommend

My stay at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, was nothing short of exceptional. This property truly redefines luxury, art, and sustainability in the Maldives. I would wholeheartedly rate this hotel a 9 out of 10. The way they built and designed it, integrating cutting-edge architecture with environmental consciousness and a genuine focus on guest experience, is truly exceptional. I especially loved the seamless “easy in and out” feeling of the Fari Islands concept and thoroughly enjoyed how new and meticulously designed this facility was. If you’re seeking an immersive, art-infused, and sustainably-minded luxury resort in the Maldives that offers both serene privacy and vibrant communal experiences, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, is an absolute must-visit. It’s perfect for discerning travelers and those looking for a unique wellness retreat in the Indian Ocean.

Pictures of Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, a Member of Design Hotels

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