Fari Islands, Maldives - December 2022
In the North Malé Atoll, Maldives, just 45 minutes via luxury speedboat from Velana International Airport, sits an island sanctuary unlike any other. Welcome to Patina, a testament to human ingenuity and inspiration.
Designed by revered Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan of Studio MK27, Patina forms as part of an archipelago of the man-made Fari Islands, a collection of wonder and delight. The first property for this unique design and community led brand, Patina is soon to open in Ubud, Osaka and Sanya.
Three of these islands are home to luxurious resorts; Ritz Carlton, Capella (to be completed in 2023), and Patina. Fari Marina Village is the focal point of the archipelago, where guests from all three resorts come to live, laugh, and enjoy together, but Patina sits on the acclaimed beating heart of the Fari Islands—representing the crowning glory and pioneering symbol of connection and community of the entire hotel group.
What often strikes first-time resort goers is the design. Contributed to and conceptualized by some of the most prolific artists of our time, Patina does not follow the typical Maldivian resort format. From the furniture finish to the fabrics, from the tapestries to the textiles, each element is unexpected and thoughtfully curated.
Framed against the inherent beauty of surf, sand, and sea, the resort is awash in warm, welcoming colours. Soft, natural creams and earthy tones balanced out with pops of bright, vivid hues: fine art prints, vibrant, hand-painted hardwood carvings, rich installations, and plates of colourful, local cuisine.
The guests and staff are laid-back, casual, and effortlessly chic. Every soul here is on a journey, every thought in sync with the vibrations of nature, being, and life. There are no flashy labels, no garishly luxe brands on display. However, in-the-know guests will recognise Bottega Veneta bags and hand-woven Loewe raffia totes adorning lounge chairs.
Once you’ve had your fill of Patina’s art and architecture, it’s all about the cuisine.
Patina is dotted with restaurants and food hubs offering nourishing, vibrant fare bursting with flavour. Helios, a crowd-favourite, specialises in heart-healthy Mediterranean cuisine. Partake in fresh greek salad and grilled meats as you dine with an almost cinematic view of the sunset.
Other dining options include Wok Society, if you’re craving the sharp zing of Asian dishes, and Koen—a fantastic Scandinavian-Japanese fusion restaurant. Grab some poolside snacks from Veli Bar or a fresh pastry from the European bakery, Farine.
Once you’ve nourished your body, soothe your soul. Head to your villa (via a James Turrell installation)—a sanctuary nestled a little ways away from the hustle and bustle of the village. Beach and overwater villas are nestled around an aqua lagoon and allow light to stream in, whilst feeling exclusively private. Specifically designed for rest, meditation, and the worship of sunrises and solitude, these structures encourage the exploration of one’s thoughts, emotions, and personal connection to the earth.
Ride your island bike to the spa for specialised treatments in an ensconced lush garden suites. These private spaces are for guests to simply let go and be. There's also a gym if you're so inclined on vacation.
Of course, children are not excluded. Patina has amazing programs for young soul searchers and nature lovers. Free scuba diving lessons for budding marine biologists and recycling ocean plastic projects for little budding engineers. The kids club is a Montessori-style oasis with open plan creative stations and twinkling toddler pool. And if they find themselves in the area around midday, they can even scoop up a free ice cream at Gelato Tuk Tuk.
Great food, clever design, and nurturing for the soul, Patina Maldives is a crafted gem that thrives on community and connections between self, nature, and others.
We were guests of Patina, Maldives.