By Veronica Carpio, Editor at The Wellness Collective

In an exclusive interview, Oscar Postma, General manager at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, shares how the resort redefines wellness through balance, sustainability, and connection — where every sunrise, every wave, and every whisper of sea breeze invites you to return to yourself.

There are few places in the world that feel as dreamlike and restorative as The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. My brother just spent his honeymoon there — and even through his stories, I could almost feel the salt-tinged air, the silky white sand beneath his feet, and the sense of time slowing down under an endless blue horizon.

Nestled within the North Malé Atoll, this sanctuary feels more like a state of being than a destination. Here, wellness isn’t confined to a spa menu — it’s woven into the rhythm of island life. Guests begin their mornings with sunrise yoga over turquoise waters, drift into meditative stillness during a bespoke overwater spa ritual, and dine on fresh, mindful creations that nourish body and soul. Days can be spent snorkeling vibrant coral gardens, joining marine conservation dives, or simply floating beneath a watercolor sky.

In this exclusive interview, General Manager Oscar Postma reveals how The Ritz-Carlton Maldives has crafted a holistic philosophy where luxury meets purpose — and every experience, from a coconut-infused massage to coral restoration, becomes an act of wellness for both guests and our planet.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, has become synonymous with luxury and tranquility. How would you describe the resort’s overall wellness philosophy, and how does it go beyond traditional wellness experiences to touch every aspect of a guest’s stay?

Our wellness philosophy is holistic and deeply personal, built on the belief that true wellbeing is a balance of body, mind, and spirit. Every touchpoint of a guest stay is designed to support that balance, from restorative sleep and mindful dining, to curated movement and bespoke The Ritz-Carlton spa rituals, so wellness becomes a natural part of every moment.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa is designed as a stunning overwater ring — symbolic and visually striking. Can you tell us how the architecture and natural surroundings influence the treatments and the emotional experience guests have there?

The spa’s overwater ring design invites a sense of calm and flow, framing the sea and sky to make each treatment feel like an extension of the natural world. The sound of the ocean, the changing light, and the feeling of being suspended above water are all intentionally integrated into our treatments, creating an emotional experience that is both grounding and uplifting.

Many of your spa treatments are inspired by nature and local Maldivian traditions. How do you balance ancient wellness wisdom with modern techniques in your offerings?

We honour Maldivian ingredients such as coconut and the healing wisdom of nature while integrating proven modern techniques in partnership with Bamford, ensuring each treatment is both authentic and effective. Local botanicals and honoured rituals inspire our concepts, which are delivered through contemporary methods and expert care. Our Maldivian Signature treatment allows guests to feel the essence of the Maldives, beginning with a gentle exfoliation using fresh coconut scrub to awaken the senses, followed by a full-body massage with warm coconut oil and heated sand poultices to ease muscles, and concluding with a coconut milk bath that locks in moisture, leaving the skin nourished, refreshed and renewed.

Wellness today is as much about mindfulness and emotional balance as it is about physical care. What role do you think the Maldives’ unique setting plays in helping guests achieve that inner stillness and reconnection?

The Maldives naturally nurtures stillness through its vast horizon, rhythmic tides, and soft light that invite reflection. We build on that with experiences such as sunrise yoga and guided breathwork, helping guests translate the outer calm of the islands into inner clarity and reconnection. We also believe that the color blue and being surrounded by it has a healing effect and stills the mind. To bring this to life, we offer the Deep Blue Prescription package, which allows guests to shape their stay entirely around the most beautiful ocean, immersing themselves in its restorative presence.

Sustainability seems deeply woven into the resort’s identity — from coral restoration to renewable energy. How do you see sustainability and wellness as interconnected, both for guests and for the planet?

Sustainability and wellness are inseparable because a healthy planet is essential to human wellbeing. Our coral restoration, conservation, and responsible sourcing initiatives protect the ecosystems that sustain us while reinforcing the idea that caring for the Earth is an integral part of self care. We have increased the number of solar panels across the resort to make the sun our main energy source. As part of our Deep Blue Prescription package, guests can participate in coral regeneration activities, planting coral onto frames and following their growth over time. This experience keeps them connected to nature, the ocean, and the colour blue, enhancing their sense of calm and promoting healing both during and after their stay.

Guests are becoming increasingly conscious about their environmental impact. How do you integrate sustainability into the luxury experience without compromising comfort or elegance?

We love that our guests are increasingly conscious of their environmental impact. We weave sustainability into the luxury experience through thoughtful design and intuitive service, so they never have to choose between comfort and conscience. Locally sourced ingredients, low waste practices, and discreet eco technologies, including floating solar farms and solar panels on the rooftops of all villas using the sun as our main energy source, reduce our footprint while enhancing the beauty and ease of every stay.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, has led several marine conservation efforts. Can you share more about these initiatives and how they’ve inspired guests to connect more meaningfully with nature during their stay?

Our marine conservation work includes coral restoration, reef monitoring through our advanced Drone Project, and interactive guest programs led by our Naturalists. The Drone Project allows us to capture precise data and monitor reef health in real time, enhancing the impact of our conservation efforts. These initiatives invite guests to participate, learn, and witness positive change firsthand, transforming simple encounters with nature into a meaningful sense of connection and purpose. We also offer a robust educational program at Ritz Kids, where our youngest guests discover the wonders of the ocean and learn to nurture and protect it, fostering a lifelong bond with nature.

From sunrise yoga and mindful dining to personalised rituals, every detail seems designed to support well-being. How do you and your team curate each guest’s journey so that wellness feels both intentional and effortless?

Each guest wellness journey is carefully curated through pre arrival conversations and personalised guidance upon arrival. By tailoring timing, therapies, and dining preferences, we ensure every experience feels considered yet effortless, allowing wellness to unfold naturally throughout the stay. Balance remains at the heart of our approach, as we create wellness experiences for guests who wish to shape their stay around this focus. For a fully immersive experience, we offer the Deep Blue Prescription, connecting guests to the Indian Ocean, or we can tailor each journey according to individual needs and expectations.

The concept of ‘Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen’ is at the heart of The Ritz-Carlton culture. How do you extend that philosophy to nurture the well-being of your team — ensuring they can, in turn, deliver such authentic care to guests?

We believe that genuine care begins with our Ladies and Gentlemen. By investing in their professional growth, emotional wellbeing, and rest, we create a culture of balance and appreciation that empowers them to deliver truly heartfelt service to our guests. Unlike other resorts in the Maldives, we provide a dedicated island where all Ladies and Gentlemen live together. The island includes a restaurant, canteen, hairdresser, library, gym, shop, recreation area, and even a separate beach, offering them a better work life balance and the freedom to relax, connect, and recharge outside of work.

As wellness travel continues to evolve, how is The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, preparing for the future? Are there new initiatives, partnerships, or experiences on the horizon that reflect how you see the next chapter of wellness in luxury hospitality?

Looking ahead, we are developing new partnerships and immersive programs that combine science, mindfulness, and the natural world. A highlight is our signature Masters of Crafts program, which brings leading experts in their fields to the resort to create unforgettable experiences for our guests, from Michelin Star restaurant takeovers and bar takeovers to wellness retreats with renowned gurus and educational sessions with scientists. We are proud of the partnerships we have fostered so far, and in 2026 we will continue expanding our horizons with even more exceptional collaborations, ensuring our wellness experiences remain innovative, research driven, and deeply rooted in the island’s serene environment.