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The Ritz-Carlton has added a new destination resort to the Maldives

ByIan Goodwillie|
MAHIBADHOO, MALDIVES - DECEMBER 17: Concrete blocks are placed along the shoreline to try and prevent further coastal erosion, on December 17, 2019 in Mahibadhoo, Maldives. The Maldives is the worlds lowest lying country with a highest natural point of just 2.4 meters above sea level. As well as an increasing population, the nation faces a number of problems caused by climate change including rising sea levels, unpredictable weather, a shortage of drinking water, coastal erosion and declining fish stocks. With no rivers or streams on any of the islands, Maldivians have traditionally lived from fishing and except for Male and a handful of other islands, most islands rely on rain for drinking water and, increasingly, bottled water brought in from other islands. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)
MAHIBADHOO, MALDIVES - DECEMBER 17: Concrete blocks are placed along the shoreline to try and prevent further coastal erosion, on December 17, 2019 in Mahibadhoo, Maldives. The Maldives is the worlds lowest lying country with a highest natural point of just 2.4 meters above sea level. As well as an increasing population, the nation faces a number of problems caused by climate change including rising sea levels, unpredictable weather, a shortage of drinking water, coastal erosion and declining fish stocks. With no rivers or streams on any of the islands, Maldivians have traditionally lived from fishing and except for Male and a handful of other islands, most islands rely on rain for drinking water and, increasingly, bottled water brought in from other islands. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)

The Maldives is a small archipelago of islands 700 kilometers off the coasts of India and Sri Lanka. Calling this region stunning would be the understatement of the century. It has become one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world for good reason.

As such, it should come as no surprise that Ritz-Carlton, a name associated by many with luxury, has set up shop here. Quite surprisingly, this is their first property in the region but it was definitely worth the wait and will be a prime destination.

Traveling to the Maldives

Going to the Maldives is more than just relaxing in a cabana quite literally on the ocean. No one is knocking that, of course. If that’s why you’re heading to the Maldives, then, by all means, relax and enjoy life to its fullest.

Maldives
MAHIBADHOO, MALDIVES – DECEMBER 17: Concrete blocks are placed along the shoreline to try and prevent further coastal erosion, on December 17, 2019 in Mahibadhoo, Maldives. The Maldives is the worlds lowest lying country with a highest natural point of just 2.4 meters above sea level. As well as an increasing population, the nation faces a number of problems caused by climate change including rising sea levels, unpredictable weather, a shortage of drinking water, coastal erosion and declining fish stocks. With no rivers or streams on any of the islands, Maldivians have traditionally lived from fishing and except for Male and a handful of other islands, most islands rely on rain for drinking water and, increasingly, bottled water brought in from other islands. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)

Just keep in mind that the Maldives offers a wide array of options for getting out and enjoying the natural world around you. But just like any trip, the first steps are planning how to get there and where to stay.

While planning your trip is one thing, getting there is another. And the beauty of the situation is that it isn’t difficult in the least. There are regular flights from around the world to the nation’s main airport, Velana International Airport. After that, there are numerous ways to get around.

The other key step in planning a trip there is deciding where you’re going to stay. Naturally, there are numerous options depending on your preferences. That includes resorts, hotels, guest houses, and even liveaboard boats.

Setting up the Ritz-Carlton

When picking where to stay, the Ritz-Carlton is ready to make your decision a little more difficult. The Maldives already has a multitude of marvelous options to choose from. Adding one more into the mix makes things more complicated, though it is a good problem to have.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fali Islands is located on the North Malé Atoll. It’s made up of a series of waterfront and overwater villas connected to a central hub. The company describes the experience as “minimalist luxury” but the experience seems anything but minimalist.

These villas have several intriguing features, such as private infinity pools and butler service. If you’re still looking to relax, the Ritz-Carlton Maldives has its own overwater hotel spa offering a variety of treatments to suit any taste.

The resort also has seven restaurants and bars. Each one of them represents a different world cuisine in addition to offering some utterly spectacular views of the Maldives. There’s also easy access to the Fari Marina which has its own shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

This might be a dream vacation

While food and relaxation are often the name of the game, there’s a lot more to do in the Maldives. This is a nation with a unique and interesting culture that is worth experiencing, one that is obviously tied to the waters that surround their islands.

Maldives
MALE, MALDIVES – DECEMBER 15: A blue lined surgeonfish forages amongst dead coral off the island of Embudu on December 15, 2019 near Male, Maldives. Some parts of the Maldives are believed to have lost up to ninety per cent of corals because of changing conditions such as rising sea water temperature. The livelihoods of most Maldivians depend on the reefs through fisheries, tourism and as a wave-break that helps to prevent flooding of low-lying islands. The Maldives is the worlds lowest lying country with a highest natural point of just 2.4 meters above sea level. As well as an increasing population, the nation faces a number of problems caused by climate change including rising sea levels, unpredictable weather, a shortage of drinking water, coastal erosion and declining fish stocks. With no rivers or streams on any of the islands, Maldivians have traditionally lived from fishing and except for Male and a handful of other islands, most islands rely on rain for drinking water and, increasingly, bottled water brought in from other islands. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)

Being on the ocean means that snorkeling and scuba diving have to be at the top of any itinerary. The array of marine life here is incomparable. But there are also a lot of opportunities to go fishing, particularly for some rather big game.

Surfing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and more are all available here, as well. Most tourists never take the time to explore the local parts of the islands, particularly the capital of Malé. Adding that aspect to your trip is well worth the time.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fali Islands will make an excellent base of operations to explore this incredible island nation from. However you choose to enjoy this stunning part of the world, just make sure you take advantage of everything it offers.

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