Patina Maldives’ Fresh Perspective

There’s a new kid on the world’s most beautiful block of islands and it has design lovers buzzing. Encompassing 42 hectares on the largest of four recently erected Fari Islands, Patina Maldives brings a fresh perspective to the archipelago known for utmost privacy and luxury. The stunning property is a place where, as they say, “Sanctuary and stimulation live in harmony.” Come along as we dig deeper.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PATINA AND CONTENT CREATOR @JeremyAustiin.

Tropically Modern

Capella Hotels & Resorts’ first resort within its offshoot brand, Patina Maldives is tropical modernism at its finest and the work of Brazilian designer Marcio Kogan and his MK27 studio. In conversation with Wallpaper, Capella’s Head of Design and Hospitality Evan Kwee said ideation involved more talk of art, music, food and feelings beyond simply the architecture.

Pulling in awards from Architectural Digest and Interior Design Magazine, the Design Hotel’s resulting 90 studios and villas strike a perfect balance between standing out and blending in with its sandy, Indian Ocean-surrounded address.

Transitions between spaces are seamless, from inside to out and bed to bath, and every corner is impeccably dressed in dusty earth tones of woven textures and dimensional woods. The difference is in the details—duvets are slate grey instead of ubiquitous white—and elevated extras come standard, including private pools, deep outdoor tubs and enveloping hammocks.

There are also subtle yet striking art immersions across the property, including Hongjie Yang’s Synthesis Monoliths which explores both primitive and polished incarnations of metal and James Turrell’s Skyspace Amarta dedicated to the cosmos and light.

Thoroughly Eco-minded

Knowing a sensitive ecosystem surrounds them, and decisions have ripple effects, Patina Maldives considered environmental impact every step of the way. The resort saved some 300,000 plantings that were being cleared from neighboring islands to bring life and lushness to theirs, and through construction to operation, refillable bottles have been de rigueur.

Their kitchens follow a zero-waste policy, going nose-to-tail and root-to-leaf to maximize what nature provides. One of twelve restaurants to choose from, Roots is entirely plant-based with many ingredients harvested from their own vegetable and herb gardens. Even the bars get in on the climate action with cocktails made with 30 fewer grams of carbon emissions than the average drink.

Expanding Experiences

Along with all the dining options served up, there’s a veritable smorgasbord of enlightening activities that range from chill to thrilling. Guests can find their center with a paddleboard meditation or feel the rush of riding aboard a luxurious Adastra superyacht. When private villa life gets too quiet, the bustling Fari Marina Village livens things up with boutiques, food trucks, a beach club and gallery. There’s also boduberu (big drum) classes, art tours and coral reef building. Kids have their own hub, Footprints, which includes the Fab Lab where they can make 3D models out of recycled ocean plastic and design a race car out of sustainable wood.

Under the banner of Flow, the resort’s wellbeing menu is extensive, spanning spa treatments, movement classes and immersions. The offerings include Watsu, Hammam, contrast hydrotherapy and sensory deprivation therapy. If staring out at the peaceful, seemingly endless blue-on-blue horizon doesn’t ease one’s mind, Patina Maldives has approximately 50 other things that will.