SANGU February 2021. Edition III Island News
OCEAN DISCOVERIES
AN EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP IN THE MALDIVES
“ Every breath of air we take is coming from the ocean.
Jean-Michel Cousteau
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CONTENTS 1. General Manager’s Message 2. Immersive Ocean Experiences 3. Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment Program Debuts to the Indian Ocean 4. Protecting the Planet with Fari Archipelago 5. Discover, Savour, Enjoy and Socialise 6. Connect with us
GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE
“ Welcome to the third edition of Sangu Magazine. The beautiful seas of the Maldives attract visitors from different corners of the world. The rare blue waters still captivate me. Even after 30 years, it still holds a certain mystic. But what intrigues me most is the islanders’ connection to the ocean, the tales of the seas, folk stories of magical sea creatures, expeditions to the hidden wonders or the simple island life shaped by the waters. At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, we wish to bring this connection and island spirit to our guests through authentic and one-of-a-kind experiences. We are delighted to be the first resort in the region to partner with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors
of the Environment program, offering guests exclusive destination experiences and signature adventures from fascinating findings from the Cousteau family’s voyages. The impact of global warming feels even more real when living on these fragile islands. We strongly believe in taking an active approach to protecting and preserving nature. The island is a conservation hub designed to tackle these serious threats while offering conscious travellers an opportunity to participate in our journey to protect the planet through engaging experiences such as the coral propagation project. Mark Hehir, General Manager
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IMMERSIVE OCEAN EXPERIENCES Nestled at the North-eastern rim of the North Malé Atoll, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is surrounded by a vibrant coral reef complemented by dive sites and sandbanks. Guests can enjoy diving through coral-encrusted shipwreck sites, snorkelling with endangered hawksbill turtles in marine protected areas or showing off on the trendiest watersports toy in the world’s bluest waters in an archipelago, offering both a social and serene atmosphere. Leisurely snorkels in the lagoon are an adventure with various coral bommies to explore, scattered in the vicinity, each teeming with marine life from soft fan corals to branch corals swarming with fishes and sheltering lobsters. While wild dolphins often pass by and can be spotted from the resort. For those seeking a deep ocean escape, the resort is only a short speedboat ride away from the country’s most beautiful dive sites, such as Helengeli Thila, featuring overhang-like sea caves with a deep channel inviting larger species of fishes like tunas, rays and jacks. While Lankan Manta Point, located only a few meters away, attracts hundreds of mantas from August to November, presenting guests up-close encounters with these gentle giants. Or embark on an uncharted journey to far away atolls such as the South Ari
Atoll, home to Whalesharks, the biggest fish in the ocean. These tailored voyages offer a taste of the Maldives at your own pace, an exciting array of local experiences from snorkelling in hidden reefs and picnicking on secluded sandbanks to savouring freshly caught lobsters and fishes. After a day in the high seas, unwind at the Beach Shack by a campfire, nibbling on toasted marshmallows, to listen to stories of the legends and myths of the oceans by Moodhu Edhuru, sea guru. Moodhu Edhuru is an elder with boundless wisdom of the seas who advises about currents and tidings to traders and fishers before their journeys. He is an expert on everything from the seas to skies, especially in Nakaiy, an indigenous Maldivian observation calendar used in ancient times, to determine the weather, tide, current or auspicious days for travel or even to get married. Whether island folklore, secret dive spots, exhilarating surf sites or the best times to see the phenomenal and rare bioluminescent planktons, these campfire stories certainly will let you in on the secret of the Maldives. The Maldivian seas hold such a wonder, presenting unimaginable adventures for families, friends, and couples to create lasting memories. We craft bespoke journeys to tick your bucket list, whether your first breath underwater or snorkelling with giant mantas; at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, ocean discoveries are curated to offer the destination’s most inspiring experiences. Explore the beautiful blue waters and discover the exciting diving and watersports experiences. In this episode, we have Alexis, the founder and owner of Dive Butler International, to share with you his journey and the impressive array of underwater adventures he has for us. Click on the icon to listen.
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JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU’S AMBASSADORS OF THE ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM DEBUTS TO THE INDIAN OCEAN The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands brings the Ambassadors of the Environment program by Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society for the first time to the Indian Ocean. Founded in 1999, Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society is a marine conservation organisation initiated by the first son of the famed ocean explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, Jean-Michel Cousteau. Jean-Michel has spent his life exploring and researching nature, seeking the secrets of the planet. He formed the organisation with Dr Richard Murphy, the chief scientist and educator for the Cousteau family, intending to inspire and educate the world to preserve and protect the environment. Jean-Michel strongly believes in connecting humanity and nature. He has produced over 75 films, many educational programmes and lectures, becoming one of the most recognised names in environmental advocacy in the world. Whether releasing Keiko, the captive killer whale from the movie Free Willy to the ocean
or inspiring world leaders such as President George W. Bush to declare a 1,200-mile chain of islands in Northwestern Hawaii as a Marine National Monument, Jean-Michel’s voice has touched many lives, gaining a lifetime of achievements such as the highest French civilian order of distinction, the Chevalier de la Légion D’Honneur, Knight of the Legion of Honor. This partnership brings an array of exciting experiences and research opportunities to the destination. The Maldives is a rare geographical reserve, featuring a thousand islands with 99% covered by the sea and distinct tropical flora and fauna and unexplored ocean depths. Guests can marvel under the seas, immerse in nature and discover the wonders of the galaxy with Cousteau-trained Naturalists, environmentalists. The Ambassadors of the Environment program connects guests with nature offering an inspiring experience for all generations. Commenting on the launch of the programme to the Maldives, Dr Richard Murphy states, “The health and richness of the coral reefs and the sustainable infrastructure of the Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will make this Ambassadors program one of the most exciting and impactful programs we have ever created!” Click on the icon to listen to our latest podcast on this partnership with The Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society with Dr Richard Murphy, an American marine ecologist who has worked with the Cousteau family since 1968, and has participated in many expeditions extending his expertise in science, education and documentary.
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PROTECTING THE PLANET WITH FARI ARCHIPELAGO Built to preserve and protect nature, the Fari Archipelago attracts thinkers, artists, filmmakers and researchers, bringing in a rich and diverse profile of changemakers together to the Indian Ocean with a shared mission and passion. The organisation actively promotes scientific engagements, researches new materials and practices to preserve the environment and protects vulnerable communities. Global warming has caused waves of Elnino in the Maldives, bleaching the fragile coral reefs and threatening the whole eco-system. We are on a mission to revive the surrounding reefs, and guests can contribute to rehabilitating the coral reefs through our coral propagation project. Visitors can make coral frames with our marine biologists and transplant these coral fragments on the reef, leaving behind light holiday footprints. Further, guests can expect reusable glass water bottles, bamboo-based personal consumables, refillable crystal jars of amenities and bamboo or stainless steel straws.
The amenities are replenished from the liquid amenities refilling system, whilst the resort’s own organic garden and desalination reduces the amount of plastic imported into the country. The shopping bags and bottles used by our Ladies and Gentlemen are plastic-free as well. The resort promises to build a better future for the oceans with massive cleanups, creative use of single-use plastic or creating awareness throughout the world. The resort also partnered with Swimsol, a company that launched the world’s first floating solar solution for the sea, to support its vision to create 50% renewable energy by 2030. Built to deliver a sustainable travel experience and strive to tackle global warming, the Fari Islands is a research and awareness hub designed to inspire travellers worldwide and a place for researchers to collaborate. We believe that together, we can change the world.
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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 bars, including a Michelin-Star Sounds of the drums beat on sun setting, collaboration transitioning 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
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 Ritz-Carlton Spa, offering 9 treatment rooms and a Spa suite, features Bamford amenities
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.
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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.
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CONNECT WITH US www.ritzcarlton.com/Maldives
#RCMemories #EmbraceIslandLife
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