Patina Maldives, Fari Islands

Patina sits on its own island in the Fari Islands, a small man-made archipelago in North Malé Atoll, 45 minutes by speedboat from Velana. It shares a lagoon with the Ritz-Carlton, and guests move between the two on a complimentary dhoni. The architecture is by studio mk27 and the island is designed rather than landscaped, which is either the reason you book it or the reason you don't.

Getting there

A 45-minute speedboat, enclosed and air-conditioned. Shared boats are timed to international arrivals, so expect a wait of 30 to 60 minutes at the airport; a private boat is available at extra cost. Transfers run day and night, though outside standard hours they can carry a surcharge, so tell us your flight times and we will check before quoting. A seaplane is also possible at 10 to 15 minutes.

What the rate covers

We quote Patina on half board. The important thing to know before you compare it with anywhere else: Patina has no all-inclusive plan at all. Full board is the highest tier the resort sells. Meal plans cover food only, and drinks are charged as you go.

There is a second catch worth knowing. Your meal-plan credit works across Patina's own restaurants, but it does not apply at Arabesque or Tum Tum, which belong to the Ritz-Carlton, or to in-villa and destination dining. You can eat at the Ritz-Carlton, and the boat across is free, but you pay for it separately.

Eating

Portico is the all-day restaurant. Wok Society, Farine, Brasa, KANDU, Helios and the Fari Beach Club cover the rest, with Veli Bar and GoGo Burger for lunch and a gelato cart, Tuk Tuk, running free every afternoon from noon until five. Book restaurants about a week before you arrive.

The house reef

There is one, on the north-west side of the island, and the resort describes it as lively. It is a 10 to 15 minute paddle rather than something you step into from your villa. Snorkel gear is included for the stay and the dive centre is run by Dive Butler International. If a reef off your own beach is the point of the trip, we would steer you elsewhere and say so.

Families

The economics here are better than almost anywhere at this level. Footprints, the kids' club, is complimentary for four to eleven year olds, and under-threes can use it with a parent. Children under twelve eat free from the kids' menu in every Patina restaurant except in-villa dining. Children of eleven and under stay free where the villa's occupancy allows, paying only the green tax. Two children's return boat transfers are included.

There is a clinic on the island with a doctor and a nurse, padel and tennis courts, and bicycles, paddleboards and kayaks at no charge.

Wellness

FLOW is the spa, with a salon, a well-equipped gym and male as well as female therapists. Book treatments about a week ahead.

Who it suits

Design-led travellers who want a modern island rather than a thatched one. Families, for the reasons above. Couples who like having a second resort's restaurants a free boat ride away.

Who it does not

Anyone set on all-inclusive, because it does not exist here. Anyone who wants to snorkel straight off the beach. Anyone after a small, traditional, barefoot Maldivian island, because Fari is a built environment with a marina and neighbours and makes no secret of it. Drones are not permitted anywhere on the resort.

Location

Fari Islands, North Malé Atoll, Maldives

For current rates, villa availability and transfer costs, message our Maldives specialists on WhatsApp or send us an enquiry. We reply within 24 hours.