Elevator pitch
Patina is a brand-new hospitality concept by the Capella Hotel Group, and its first offshoot is located on the pristine Fari Islands in the Maldives. For seasoned guests of the luxury hotel brand, the intrigue of what Patina Maldives could offer is enough to draw them to the island to see how it measures up. For the rest of us, the appeal of Patina Maldives comes in its inspiring architecture, a record number of dining spots and diversity of accommodation options.
Fari Islands is a man-made quad of islands built in 2021 by Pontiac Land Group, and it now houses Patina Maldives, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, and the upcoming Capella Maldives, which is slated to open in 2027. The fourth island is home to all the staff of Fari Islands. Patina Maldives sits on the largest of the four islands, boasting an impressive 42 hectares of land and one of the largest in the Maldives. A quick wander on foot, bicycle or buggy will confirm its vastness—there are lush palm trees all around, multiple swimming pools, and the shimmering, sapphire-blue ocean in the distance.
The beautiful thing about the Maldives is you are free to explore at your own pace. A slow and considered approach will have you uncovering gems on the island. To me, the best part about the property is the seamless blend of social spaces and secret hideaways—where you can find yourself in complete seclusion. The choice is yours, depending on your rhythm for the day.
Next year, Patina is opening up its second property in Osaka, a 221-room property located opposite the Osaka Castle and is a collaboration between two renowned Japanese architects and designers—Jun Mitsui & Associates and Strickland.
The stay
An easy 45-minute speedboat ride transports you from Velana International Airport to Fari Islands. This is a big drawcard for nervous flyers, as a large number of resorts in the Maldives are only accessible via seaplane. The boat ride went quickly, bumpy at times but made good with plush leather seats, Wi-Fi, bottled water and delicious financiers. A core team from Patina Maldives, including resort manager Guillaume Verdier, stand smiling with their hand over their heart—a greeting of appreciation and respect—the minute you come into view. Nothing too exuberant or cordial; just the right amount of warmth.
Shamoon Mohamed, our stoic and dependable Essentialist (Patina’s version of a private butler), whisked us right away to our one-bedroom beach pool villa. These are ideal for couples, or families with young children. Arguably the most accessible accommodation type on the island—it is a four-minute walk or one-minute cycle to the main reception area—its generous 240 square metres of floor space is more than enough room for a HIIT workout. I threw myself onto the plush bed, dressed in silky dove-grey sheets, with two low-hanging rattan lights on either side of it. Above the bed is a gorgeous picture of ‘Palms’ by Cassio Vasconcellos, a series of photographs inspired by the landscape paintings of the travelling artists of the early 19th century. It was all I could do to not fall asleep right then and there.
The villa’s direct access to the beach proved to be wondrous the next morning, when we were all awake at the crack of dawn due to the time difference between Singapore and Maldives. My two young children led the itinerary for the morning, making a beeline for the surprisingly warm pool waters and the beach beyond. We frolicked in the shallow waters, spied on hermit crabs and built giant sandcastles. Then it was straight into the villa’s incredible bathing facilities—you are spoiled for choice with an oversized outdoor tub, outdoor shower or indoor rainshower.
Patina Maldives’ water pool villas are just as extraordinary, with the added perk of the dreamiest vistas in your line of sight no matter where you park yourself. Its sprawling 9.2-metre pool, which overlooks breathtaking views of the ocean, is as picture-perfect as it gets. The two-bedroom villas, available both on the beach and overwater, are great options for those who seek more space.
The property’s luxury beach shack vibes are distinctly one of a kind in the South Asian country. Designed by the talented folk at Brazil-based Studio MK27, what stands out is its clever usage of wood, rattan and stone to create buildings that blend in wholly with their natural environment. From a materials palette of earthy colours and natural textures, nothing is ever too harsh on the eyes.
The hotel’s dedication to art is palpable in the various art commissions on the island, with ‘Amarta’ by James Turrell at the centre of it all. The sanctuary plays with beams of light and the idea of the ethereal as a tangible material in some of the furthest corners of the world. Stand on the inside of his interactive artwork, and watch as the pavilion’s open ceiling flattens and frames the sky.
The dining
When it comes to food, Patina Maldives has it down pat. There are a staggering 12 dining options on the island, which means you never go hungry. Ensuring as little repeat meals as possible, the restaurants run the gamut of beach club favourites to fine-dining fare.
Portico is Patina Maldives’ all-day dining venue, where daily breakfast is served. Most guests flock here in the mornings for a sumptuous spread of Western and Asian food, which includes noodles in delicate broths, a waffle and crepe stand and made-to-order eggs or a hearty fry-up. If you’re craving the comforts of home, like Japanese curry, pastas or a salmon and rice bowl, this is the place to be as well.
Fari Beach Club will tick all your boxes if you are after sun-kissed skin, unpretentious food and azure pools to dip your toes in. Lounge in a gazebo while you feast on hot pizzas, delectable sushi rolls and lobster spaghetti. Several steps away lie Patina Maldives’ colourful food trucks, which are a hit simply for their point of difference. The Tuk Tuk Gelato truck scoops up complimentary ice-cream to all guests from 12pm to 5pm everyday, while the Go Go Burger truck opposite is your go-to for a juicy classic beef or crispy chicken burger.
For a taste of the Mediterranean, Helios will have you transported to the salty golden shores of Greece. On a balmy evening, guests dine directly on the sand as upbeat music wafts through the air. Call for sweet yet savoury Crispy Beyaz Feta, a moreish starter exquisitely coated in sesame seeds and honey. The signature seafood platter, which comes with a selection of flame-grilled Maldivian lobster, prawns, octopus, mahi-mahi, tuna and a garden salad, is also divine.
Brasa, Patina Maldives’ South American joint, serves up some of the most tender steak I’ve had, under dazzling night skies, while Roots and Kōen create core memories with their exceptional omakase experiences. Roots, a modern plant-based concept, is dedicated to nutritious, seasonal ingredients and dining in the middle of an edible garden, while Kōen marries Japanese produce and culinary arts with Scandinavian sensibilities for a theatrical display on the island. Think fresh hamachi dressed with caviar and pickled baby corn, and melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef with leeks and coconut jus.
The itinerary
Travelling with little ones? Footprints, Patina Maldives’ kids club, is a colourful enclave of different themed rooms surrounding a small water play area with jet sprays. Open from 10am to 6pm daily, kids can indulge in a myriad of activities, including drawing, cooking or creative play. There is also a thoughtful programme which they can join in at any time, which involves the likes of laser cutting, movie nights, hair braiding or beach football. The staff at Footprints are warm and engaging, and remember the names of all the kids they interact with. If your child is happy to be left there for longer durations, you can even order food at Footprints and luxuriate in peace for the majority of the day.
There is no lack of sporting activities at Patina Maldives once you’ve had enough time to laze around. I dragged my feet to the tennis court for a quick session with Joel Van Rensburg, a South African pro coach, one particularly blazing hot morning. It felt good to work up a sweat, before I dove straight into the pool after. Alternatively, skip down to the beach for a snorkel or kayak. In the afternoons, pop over to Flow, the resort’s tranquil spa, where you can indulge in a relaxing massage of your choice or book a watsu or flotation session for some water therapy.
On my second-to-last morning, I participated in the resort’s Turtle and Dolphin cruise, where we sailed out to stunning reefs to snorkel and spy on sea turtles, and also attempt to spot dolphins while cruising. My expectations were low due to the patchy weather we had been having, but the team did not disappoint. Snorkelling with an explosion of colourful corals below, alongside schools of fish and the occasional turtle swimming by, was glorious. On the way back, as the wind patterned the sea and a brief rainshower took place, I was almost asleep when the crew yelled out, “It’s dolphin time!”
All of us jumped to our feet and raced for the front of the boat—I could hardly breathe for the next 15 minutes as the most magnificent pod of spinner dolphins breached the water together, leaping and twirling in the air. I could not tear my eyes off the spectacle in front of me. This sight, hands down, was one to remember for life.
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