Every now and then we encounter a property that renders us speechless. Patina Maldives is the latest resort to do exactly that, and not just because it is truly remarkable, but because there is so much to say about this unique and multi-faceted resort in the Fari Islands that we don’t know where to begin.
Let’s start with its location. Described as “an oasis of communal experiences”, Fari Islands is an innovative new concept in the North Malé Atoll that comprises four interconnecting islands and three ultra-high-end resorts: Patina Maldives, Capella Maldives, and Ritz Carlton Maldives.
A cruisy 50-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport, the archipelago is all about accessible luxury and providing guests with an incomparably immersive, communal experience.
While each resort’s offering and energy differs according to the respective brand’s ethos, they’re all united by vibrant shared spaces and a philosophy that celebrates social fusion, nature and creativity. At the heart of the campus is the Fari Beach Club and Fari Marina Village, which provide a thriving social, dining and shopping scene accessible to guests of all properties. There’s no shortage of things to see and do here!
Sustainable Operations
Affectionately known as Capella’s ‘little sister’, Patina Maldives is the inaugural flagship resort of a new lifestyle brand by the iconic hotel group. Designed with socially-conscious travellers in mind – those who make deliberate choices to ensure they have a positive impact on people and place – it emphasises sustainable operations.
Here you will find a resort that integrates its environmental strategies into the guest experience. Patina is serious about its pledge to give back; uses sustainable materials; educates its guests about the local social and natural environments and how they can help to preserve them; reduces its carbon footprint wherever possible; and honours the slow food movement.
The resort’s overarching goal is to nurture nearby ecosystems and empower the local community. One percent of its gross operating profits is put towards funding charitable initiatives in the area, with a focus on supporting Maldivian women and children, and those communities most heavily impacted by global climate change.
The brand’s essence is further finessed by the concepts of perpetuality and individuality, which are delivered through a compilation of unique experiences that both cultivate an emotional response from guests and allow them to tread lightly.
Vast Accommodation Offering
Patina’s accommodation offering is as vast as the resplendent vistas it enjoys. Guests can choose between 90 beach and overwater villas across nine categories, including sunrise and sunset views and the resort’s crowning glory, a three-bedroom Beach House, complete with a rooftop terrace and gardens. There are also 20 Fari Studios perched on the edge of the Fari Marina Village for those who like to be close to the action.
The resort is the brainchild of renowned Brazilian architect of MK27 fame, Marcio Kogan. His innovative design forges a seamless blend of the indoor and outdoor, where the surrounding crystalline water and white sand are the focal point. He relies on low lines and floor-to-ceiling windows to let nature speak for itself, and in turn, for guests to feel wholly unified with their stunning setting.
Interior design is humbly described as “warm, rustic simplicity”, however, there’s a level of attention to detail in the layout, furnishing and decoration of the rooms that exudes laid-back luxury and pays homage to the resort’s environmental stance.
The material palette used throughout the interiors – woods, linens, rattan, paper cord and natural fibres in muted colours – emulates nature and is complemented by grey stone flooring, whitewashed timber strips, and wooden slatted ceilings.
Gastronomical Journey
Patina positions its food and beverage offering as “a gastronomical journey that flows with your own”. A purveyor of conscious cuisine, there are 12 different dining concepts for guests to choose from, with each one presenting a refreshing new perspective and highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients. The resort’s world-class chefs preserve time-honoured techniques to foster a universal connection through food.
Some of the options include Koen, an enigmatic, theatrical marriage between Japanese and Nordic cuisine; Roots, a fresh plant-based meal experience centred around nutritious, organic and home grown produce; and Helios, a nourishing Greek kitchen and gathering place that celebrates the suns’ journey across the Maldivian sea.
There’s a bakery and café, rustic grill, organic garden, elegant poolside oasis, and in keeping with the resort’s desire to provide a totally unique Maldivian experience, there are also three food trucks scattered across the island, serving up gelato, burgers and Asian cuisine.
Inherent Art & Wellness
As hard as it is to believe, there is more to see and do at Patina than fine dining. In addition to all the usual activities iconic to the Maldives, including snorkelling, diving, sunset cruises, and animal encounters, the resort delights and surprises guests with immersive experiences at every turn.
Art and creativity are venerated, and a curation of expressive works punctuates the island. There’s a permanent art gallery, a vast collection of art from prominent international artists, and an artist in residence program.
Artwork ranges from photography, architecture as art, weaving, and intricately handcrafted design pieces. Diverse in form yet together in function, they offer guests the chance to reflect, to wonder and to identify.
The key piece is a big-name installation known as “Skyspace”, by world-renowned U.S. artist James Turrell, which explores space and the light that inhabits it. The piece asks viewers to explore their own perception of form, and in the context of its island home, heightens the viewers senses to the pulse of pure nature.
At Patina Maldives, wellness is centred on well-being. Facilities include a unique watsu pool for passive aquatic therapy, high and low impact workout classes, the services of highly trained consultants such as a posture expert and a sleep therapist, bio hacking, and the usage of curative and preventative remedies to achieve a calm mind and to restore balance.
For the active and curious travellers, there’s a 24-hour gym, music studio, all the upscale bistros and retail concept stores to explore at Fari Marina Village, and cocktails to enjoy at the Fari Beach Club, which is modelled after the sophisticated and exclusive beach clubs of the Mediterranean.
Those travelling with kids in tow will be thrilled to hear about Footprints, Patina’s educational activity centre, which promises to keep young guests engaged and entertained, both indoors and outdoors.
Powered by Swimsol, a company specialising in marine offshore solar panels, Footprints is the first kids’ club in the Maldives to be 100% reliant on solar power. This provides the perfect backdrop for kids to learn about the earth, transform recycled ocean plastic into models using 3D printing and laser cutting technology, and take free diving lessons where they can learn about the importance of the region’s marine life up close and personal.
In summary, Patina Maldives is a sophisticated haven for devout epicureans that honours the individuality of each guest and the perpetuality of the local environment.
