SANGU January 2021. Edition II Island News
A MALDIVIAN EMBRACE
CONTENTS 1. General Manager’s Message 2. Aris Meeha, your island butler, inspired by the ancient royal courts 3. A Maldivian Embrace 4. Connecting with local communities 5. Discover, Savour, Enjoy and Socialise 6. Connect with us
GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE
happy new year and welcome to the “ Asecond edition of Sangu Magazine. This edition honours the Maldives, a destination steeped in history and a unique culture traced back to over 2000 years. We wish to tell a story beyond the white beaches and azure sea, bring to life the rich culture to our guests through well-curated refined experiences and moments. The sound of Sangu, conch shells, the beating rhythm of Bodu Beru, locally-inspired afternoon tea at Eau Bar and many more
SANGU STORIES We are pleased to introduce Sangu Stories, a podcast channel bringing a wealth of insightful stories straight to your favourite podcast app. Inspired by the ancient Sangu shell blowing ceremonies to announce news of the island, Sangu Stories is the voice of the island. Mark Hehir, the General Manager, discusses deep conversations on various interesting topics with our aspirational team of Ladies and Gentlemen, Maldivian talents, brand partners, destination experts, world-class collaborators, mentors and passionate guests. Click on the icon to tune to Sangu Stories. We also have it available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast and TuneIn.
culturally-immersive experience await. I am immensely grateful to our Ladies and Gentlemen, who are proactively connecting and uplifting local island communities through meaningful efforts. We wish to form deeper connections to the local communities, culture and history of this beautiful destination. Join us on this journey as The Ritz-Carlton brand embraces the Maldives.
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Mark Hehir, General Manager
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ARIS MEEHA, YOUR ISLAND BUTLER – INSPIRED BY THE ANCIENT ROYAL COURTS The legacy of The Ritz-Carlton arrives in the Maldives, bringing in its century-old heritage and embracing the spirit of the Maldives. The destination is renowned for unspoilt beaches, blue lagoons and simple lifestyle, but little known to the world is the rich and unique culture, and a royal court that goes to at least 2000 years, with much of the history lost in time. Inspired by the ancient royal courts, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives presents Aris Meeha, your island butler. In Dhivehi, the local language, Aris Meeha refers to a person assigned to a royal member, one of the most important positions among the many titles and rankings in a Maldivian royal household. This highly acclaimed title was bestowed by the Sultan in gong ceremonies (kolilun), accompanied by a royal warrant. The title closely resembles a butler, Arihu Beykalu (male) and Arihu Beykanbalun (female) in the Sultan’s Palace. Hence Aris is an adjective derived from the word Arihu, meaning closeness, trustworthy and confidence whilst Meeha is a noun meaning person, fellow or associate.
Mastered by the highest level of etiquette, well-groomed and attired for the role, Aris Meeha is known for trustworthiness, ability to cater the most unusual needs of the master, highly informative of the affairs of the community. It is a position, similar to a modern-day butler, Aris Meeha fulfils every detail of the royal and considered to be the closest confidant much like a Gentleman’s gentleman or Lady in waiting or Gentlemen or Lady of the Chamber, closely relating to the brand’s motto, ‘We are Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen’. The legendary Ritz-Carlton service is refined at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands by Aris Meeha, curating immersive itineraries, inspiring journeys and lasting memories for guests.
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A MALDIVIAN EMBRACE The sound of Sangu, conch shells welcomes you to the palm-fringed island, with 100 elegantly-designed villas on the Maldivian crisp white beaches or perched over the sparkling azure. An arrival ritual, every guest can experience, a glimpse into the ancient times. The warm greeting by Aris Meeha, your island butler, eases guests into the island life, where the stories, myths and legends of the Maldives comes to life. The ocean forces, wind and waves directly shape the distinct villas, seamlessly blending in nature, blurring indoor and outdoor living spaces, offering plenty of sunshine during day and views of the dimmest star at night; the timeless luxury of island living. The iconic-round shape resembles Beru, or drum in the local language, closely related to Bodu Beru, an indigenous form of dance and music with drums, masterfully crafted from wood from coconut trees, found abundantly on the island. And each villa will have a unique Bodu Beru artwork crafted personalised with a Dhivehi number. The vibrant spirit of Bodu Beru is seen throughout the resort, from masterclasses to the daily elegant sunset rituals performed with refined Bodu
Beru dances. After all, honouring one of the oldest surviving tradition, dating back to 11th century, a custom synonymous to ceremonies and celebrations. The cuisine, culture and nature are closely entwined, with fresh tuna, lobster and seafood freshly caught from the rich seas, and island harvests such as coconut, screwpine and herbs add exquisite flavours. Guests can sample various local flavours from the resort’s seven restaurants and bars. Whether the fresh local ingredients or delicacies such as the locally-inspired afternoon tea served at Eau Bar with Hedhika, delectable bite-sized pastries made of fresh tuna, or even master the art of preparing Maldivian curries the Chef’s Table at La Locanda, certainly a skill to please loved ones back home. Or sip on signature cocktail selection, inspired by the maritime spice routes that shaped the Maldivian story and include five spices: cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, cumin and turmeric. There are a variety of locally immersive experiences for generations to enjoy, whether a sun salutation under the majestic 30-foot native Banyan tree at the Spiral Garden or fireside folklores told by a Moodhu Edhuru, sea expert. The island offers a holistic embrace of distinct culture and history, embracing the Maldives.
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CONNECTING WITH LOCAL COMMUNITIES Uplifting communities and preserving local cultures and nature have been an integral part of The Ritz-Carlton brand. Being the first founding member of IMPACT 2030, a global initiative led by the private sector in collaboration with the United Nations and other global stakeholders to collectively advance the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizes the importance of sustainability to the brand. The Community Footprints is a social and environmental responsibility programme, designed to make a meaningful difference in the communities of 108 resorts and hotels across 30 countries and territories the brand operates. By acting globally to tackle the most severe issues globally, the project comprises three signature programmes: Child Well-being, Environmental Responsibility and Hunger and Poverty Relief. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands introduced the Community Footprints to the Maldives by donating books to Dhonbandarain pre-school of Huraa, a neighbouring local island.
The General Manager, Mark Hehir stated, “At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, we strongly believe in lifting local communities by engaging, contributing and inspiring. We are delighted to take the first step to initiate the Community Footprints project in the Maldives with this meaningful gesture, by inspiring the next generation of future leaders” during his speech at the donation ceremony held at the Local Government Authority in Malé on 21st December 2020. The resort has a well-thought plan to support the local communities; this is seen in the efforts contributed even at the resort’s pre-opening phase. Upcoming initiative is focused on Hunger and Poverty, we will be partnering with a local NGO to connect with a community in need. The brand’s legacy is built beyond the extraordinary service, beyond the tradition of serving loyal guests but extended to inspire and uplift the local communities.
Click on the icon to listen to our latest podcast on the Community Footprints project, in conversation with Juliana Salla, the Resort Manager, with over 14 years of experience in The Ritz-Carlton brand.
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DISCOVER
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands welcomes • 100 villas, from one to three bedroom accommodations you to embrace island life and indulge in an azure lagoon brightened by crisp white beaches. A distinguished ‘Aris Meeha’, personal host • 24 hours ‘Aris Meeha’, butler service for every villa refined by the elegant Ritz-Carlton service tailors a journey of meaningful moments. • 7 restaurants and 2 bars, including a Michelin-Star Sounds of the drums beat on sun setting, trancollaboration sitioning from a day full of discoveries into an evening of indulgence and reflection, • Signature Ritz Kids program giving the inspiration to do it all over again. • Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program • The Ritz-Carlton Spa, offering 9 treatment rooms and a Spa suite
LOCATION The resort is reachable by a 45-minute scenic journey by a luxury speedboat or a 10-minute by a seaplane from Velana International Airport.
NORTH MALÉ ATOLL, MALÉ 20013 MALDIVES MALDIVES.RESERVATIONS@RITZCARLTON.COM ritzcarltonmaldives
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The 13.5-hectare resort presents 100 elegantly-designed villas by Kerry Hill Architects, nestled overwater or on the beach are inspired by the ocean forces, wind and waves. Indoor and outdoor spaces, each villa offers a private pool, sundeck, ensuite bathroom and a lavish collection of personalized amenities.
VILLAS
VILLA CATEGORIES
SIZE (SQM/SQF)
NO. OF VILLAS
Ocean Pool Villa
150 / 1.620
38
Lagoon Pool Villa
150 / 1.620
18
Beach Pool Villa
155 / 1.670
29
Two Bedroom Water Pool Villa
350 / 3.770
5
Two Bedroom Beach Pool Villa
400 / 4.310
9
1.500 / 16.150
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The Ritz-Carlton Estate
RESORT FLOORPLAN
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A vibrant culinary scene unfolds seven restaurants and two bars located on a dedicated Culinary Island, Grand Sunset Beach or at the Fari Marina. LA LOCANDA – known as the island’s living room bringing refreshing Southern Italian flavours with indoor and outdoor spaces extended to the sparkling lagoon of the resort in a laid-back atmosphere.
SAVOUR
SUMMER PAVILION – this Michelin-starred collaboration offers tapas-style authentic Cantonese cuisine in a lantern-inspired dining pavilion perched over the velvety lagoon. IWAU – showcases Japanese specialities, including a lively teppanyaki dining experience under the stars. EAU BAR – balances wellness with indulgence, offering a sustainable gastronomical experience in an elegant, relaxed setting. At Eau Bar, sunset is celebrated each evening with a captivating ritual. BEACH SHACK – the communal pulse of the island bringing families and friends together over sharing plates of Mediterranean fare and vintage rosé wine to sip all day while dancing to the tunes of live DJ with the Indian Ocean as the backdrop. ARABESQUE – set within a colourful Bedouin tent-inspired restaurant in Fari Marina, Arabesque takes guests on a journey from Lebanon to North India. TUM TUM – a festive food trailer located in Fari Marina offering scrumptious Asian street food, tempting guests a pit stop amid shopping, arts and culture. DINE BY DESIGN – whether set on a private sandbank, a lantern-filled beach or a private yacht, the resort offers exquisite venues, specially curated menu to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments.
NORTH MALÉ ATOLL, MALÉ 20013 MALDIVES MALDIVES.RESERVATIONS@RITZCARLTON.COM ritzcarltonmaldives
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THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA A ring-shaped sanctuary nestled over the turquoise lagoon, The Ritz-Carlton Spa offers nine spa treatment rooms including a spa suite with its own relaxation lounge, a salon and a boutique. Cardinal directions of each treatment room exude powerful energy complemented with healing massages and organic body and skincare collection by Bamford, offering guests a luxurious wellness experience. RECREATION AND WATERSPORTS
ENJOY
A state-of-the-art fitness centre with personal training, a yoga studio with daily classes including aerial yoga and post-workout relaxation sauna and steam separated for ladies and gentlemen. Scuba diving, watersports adventures including kayak, jet skis and flyboarding. A host of island sports including tennis, petanque, beach volley and soccer. A photography studio. JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU’S AMBASSADORS OF THE ENVIRONMENT Discover the rare flora and fauna of the island, uncover the underwater secrets and search for far-off planets and stars in the clear Maldives skies with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program. A host of entertaining and engaging activities offer designed for adults and children alike take guests on a journey of discovery like no other. A SIGNATURE RITZ KIDS PROGRAM The Ritz Kids Club boasts futuristic indoor-outdoor space with playgrounds, napping pods, an area for video games and movies, and a pool with slides and jets. The program is designed for ages 4 to 12, with the island’s four pillars—land, water, environmental responsibility and culture—to create a schedule of daily activities including bike rides, pottery lessons, cooking classes and more.
NORTH MALÉ ATOLL, MALÉ 20013 MALDIVES MALDIVES.RESERVATIONS@RITZCARLTON.COM ritzcarltonmaldives
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FARI MARINA
SOCIALISE
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is located on the Fari Islands, an archipelago featuring three luxury private resorts and a marina. The Marina is built around with a vibrant Fari Beach Club, high-end boutiques, art studio, Fari Lagoon Coral Adoption & Marine Biology Center and a selection of upscale restaurants. The dining highlights include:
FARINE – an island patisserie, with traditional home-made butter croissants, signature bread, pastries and sandwiches. KŌEN – teppanyaki, specializing in Japanese premium wagyu beef from Akita prefecture. BRASA – premium meat and South American marinade served in a countertop, sharing-table concept dining setting. GO GO BURGER – home-made gourmet burgers served from a truck. TUK TUK GELATO – an ice-cream truck, offering home-made cold treats. ARABESQUE – flavours from Lebanon to North India comes alive in Bedouin tentstyle restaurant. TUM TUM – a festive food trailer, offering Asian street food. With around-the-clock boat transfers at our courtesy between The Ritz-Carlton Maldives and Fari Marina, guests are spoilt with an array of meaningful experiences. The Fari Marina also features berthing ports to anchor private yachts, presenting a stylish-new destination for yachters. The Fari Archipelago redefines the Maldivian experience bringing a refreshing scene of art, music, culture and shopping, offering guests a balance of cosmopolitan and private island life.
NORTH MALÉ ATOLL, MALÉ 20013 MALDIVES MALDIVES.RESERVATIONS@RITZCARLTON.COM ritzcarltonmaldives
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CONNECT WITH US www.ritzcarlton.com/Maldives
#RCMemories #EmbraceIslandLife
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