Both The Ritz-Carlton Maldives and Airelles Château de Versailles offer luxurious and exclusive experiences, but they cater to different preferences. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is ideal for those seeking a modern, tropical getaway with extensive water activities and family-friendly amenities. Airelles Château de Versailles is better suited for travelers interested in historical immersion, privileged access to cultural landmarks, and a sophisticated, period-inspired ambiance.
| Attribute | The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands | Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle |
|---|---|---|
| Room size and layout | 100 villas, including overwater and beachfront options. Villas are designed by Kerry Hill Architects. Every room has the same layout, with the exterior being the only difference based on the villa type. Most villas have a circular shape with floor-to-ceiling doors. Two-bedroom villas are larger, with a living room between the bedrooms. Room sizes vary: Ocean Pool Villa (150 sqm), Lagoon Pool Villa (150 sqm), Beach Pool Villa (155 sqm), Sunset Beach Pool Villa (155 sqm), Two Bedroom Water Pool Villa (400 sqm), Two Bedroom Beach Pool Villa (400 sqm). | 14 rooms and suites, each uniquely decorated. Madame de Staël suite is 150 square meters with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Rooms combine period-correct decoration with modern luxury. Suites include a living area, shower room, separate toilet, gigantic bedroom with 18th-century furniture, a fireplace, and two bathrooms. |
| View from the room | Ocean view villas face east to northeast for sunrise views. Lagoon view villas have west views, offering sunset views. Overwater villas offer ocean views. | Some rooms offer views of the Palace of Versailles and the Orangerie gardens. |
| On-site dining options and cuisine quality | 7 restaurants and bars. Restaurants include La Locanda (Italian), Summer Pavilion (Cantonese), Eau Bar (Lounge-style with sunset views, Japanese menu), IWAU (Japanese Omakase), Beach Shack (Mediterranean), Arabesque (Middle Eastern and Indian fusion at Fari Marina Village), Tum Tum (Asian-inspired snacks at Fari Marina Village). Guests can arrange private dining experiences. | Gourmet restaurant designed by Alain Ducasse, with Michelin star recognition. Options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with menus that revisit traditions of the Grand Siècle. Dishes include white asparagus, line-caught sea bass, and citrus sabayon. Restaurant for children available. |
| Spa and wellness facilities | The Ritz-Carlton Spa is ring-shaped and located over the lagoon. It has nine treatment rooms, a spa suite, a salon, and a boutique. Offers treatments like massages, facials, body wraps, and Ayurvedic treatments. The spa uses Bamford organic body and skincare products. A fitness center is available with equipment, personal training, classes, and a yoga studio. | Airelles Spa by Valmont, offering treatments and massages. 15-meter indoor pool, a sauna, and a steam room. Pool access limited to six people at a time for 45 minutes, and can be opened on request outside operating hours. |
| Pool and beach access | All villas have private pools. The resort has a main pool. Guests have access to a private beach area. Grand Sunset Beach is the main public beach. | No beach access. 15-meter indoor heated pool. Access may be private and require reservations. |
| Activities and excursions offered | Activities include kayaking, snorkeling, volleyball, and tennis. The resort offers a Dhoni Sunset Dolphin Cruise. There is a dive center for scuba diving and snorkeling. Guests can participate in the Ambassadors of the Environment Program. Excursions include Nurse Shark Snorkeling. | Exclusive after-hours tours of the Palace of Versailles and the Grand/Petit Trianon. Unlimited access to the Palace gardens. Horseback riding, golf cart exploration of the grounds, and boat rides on the Grand Canal. Light aircraft flights can be arranged. |
| Service quality and staff attentiveness | Each villa has an "Aris Meeha" (butler) service. | Personalized service with butlers. Attentive staff aim to make stays special. Staff wears period uniforms. |
| Overall ambiance and design | The resort has a modern and minimalist design. The design is inspired by ocean forces, wind, and waves. The resort is spread across three islands and a ring of overwater villas. | Louis XVI period-inspired design. Sophisticated ambiance, with period furniture collected from auctions and antique shops. |
| Proximity to local attractions | The resort is part of the Fari Islands archipelago. Guests can visit Fari Marina Village for shopping and dining. Nearby attractions include Nurse Shark Snorkeling Point and Paradise Island Beach. | Located on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles. About 10 miles west of Paris, approximately 30 minutes from Paris and a little over an hour from Charles de Gaulle Airport, depending on traffic. |
| Child-friendliness and family amenities | The resort has a Ritz Kids Club for ages 4-12. Ritz Kids offers activities based on land, water, environmental responsibility, and culture. Babysitting services are available. | Children's programs and babysitting services. Activities for children include pony rides and boat-building. Kids club available. |
| Price and value for money | The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is one of the most luxurious and expensive resorts in the Maldives. | Base room rate starts at €2,200 per night. Includes butler service, Alain Ducasse breakfast and afternoon tea, complimentary minibar, and access to the pool and spa. |
| Accessibility for guests with disabilities | Not available | One bedroom for disabled persons. Accessible for wheelchairs with assistance. |