The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands launches its 2025 Masters of Crafts season bringing the culinary temple of Molino de Urdániz at the hands of decorated Chef David Yárnoz to its guests this February. With an amorous start to the resort’s established series working with the world’s most talented masters of food and drink, the two-night takeover from 14-15 February will bring a menu and dining experience from the most awarded restaurant in Northern Spain’s Navarre region to the Indian Ocean.

With four Michelin stars, two Repsol Suns and one Green star behind his name, Navarrese Chef David Yárnoz is the culinary revolutionist at the two Michelin star Molino de Urdániz. Tucked between the Irati Forest and Baztan Valley, this former miller’s stone house reimagined is a venue steeped in history and gastronomic innovation helmed by Yárnoz for two decades.

Bringing his acclaimed artistry to the Indian Ocean, an elegant tasting menu will evoke Chef Yárnoz’s signature ‘Cuisine of Balance’. This ethos harnessing the rhythms of nature from the small cosmos of Molino de Urdániz, the rural territory’s traditions and local ingredients, his trademark refined and elegant sensibilities, with innovative techniques.

In this rare opportunity and Chef Yárnoz’s first residency in the Maldives, guests will savour a six-course tasting menu deeply rooted in Spanish flavours with a Maldivian twist. The gastronomic journey will include; Ajo Blanco, Mud crab, dried fruits and ginger, Reef fish with seaweed and meunière sauce, Guinea fowl with seasonal mushrooms, foie gras and aged balsamic, closing with Toasted milk, black beer ice cream and truffle.

In a truly authentic experience, Chef Yárnoz will be accompanied by members of his long standing team including head of dining and sommelier Jaione Echarri and Chef Andrés Ruiz, collaborating with the resort’s Executive Chef, Pedro Samper, to create a unique meeting of gastronomic philosophies. The visit will feature an exclusive masterclass for up to 15 guests, where the restaurant’s award-winning team will uncover the inspiration and stories behind each dish.

Dan Drebing, Resort Manager, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands comments. “We are honoured to welcome Chef Yárnoz and his team to our Masters of Crafts programme this year. Having the opportunity to showcase his culinary mastery to our guests fills us with immense pride. Our shared commitment to sustainable gastronomy and a balanced approach to creating exceptional experiences for our discerning guests makes this partnership truly special.”

Chef Yárnoz adds. “My team and I look forward to presenting an unrepeatable experience for guests at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. To be able to celebrate the local flavours of our quiet corner of Navarre in one of the world’s most exquisite ocean settings, marrying contrasting cultures and taste notes fuels our innovative senses at Molino de Urdániz.”

From the medieval Basque kingdom of Northern Spain’s Navarre, to the crystalline waters of the Indian Ocean, the luxurious surrounds of the design-masterpiece resort sets the stage for a unique sensory experience. The two-night residency will be hosted at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands’ Beach Shack restaurant, with white sands and endless ocean vistas as the backdrop.

As the Lunar New Year approaches, Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa invites guests to participate in nine delightful activities throughout the week of January 23 to 29, 2025. Each experience is thoughtfully designed to celebrate a season of joy and good fortune, while honouring traditional spring customs. Within the Chinese zodiac, the Year of the Snake is associated with wisdom, renewal, and growth, making 2025 the perfect year to embrace new beginnings and positive transformations.

1. DIY Fireworks Workshop: Guests can create colourful paper fireworks to be displayed throughout the week and illuminated during a special ceremony to symbolise a bright start on New Year’s Day.
2. Chinese Calligraphy Class: Enjoy a session where guests can learn to write New Year wishes such as “happiness” and “harmony” in traditional Chinese calligraphy.
3. Dim Sum Masterclass at Habitat: Delight in the process of creating authentic dim sum as a skilled chef demonstrates the art of making crystal dumplings, symbols of fortune and prosperity, along with flavourful barbecued chicken buns. Following the demonstration, guests will share in a family-style lunch, savouring these delicious creations.
4. Chinese Tea Tasting at Sip Tea Lounge: Experience a curated tea tasting that fosters social connections and cultural appreciation. Sample a diverse selection of black, green, white, and oolong teas, including smoky Lapsang Souchong, aged pu-erh, delicate Buddha’s Tears, mellow Longjing (Dragon Well) tea, the imperial White Silver Needle, and the renowned Iron Goddess of Mercy oolong.
5. Savour Seasonal Signature Drinks and Hot Pot Specialties: Resident mixologists have crafted a selection of signature cocktails in auspicious shades of red, gold and orange, infused with happiness and vitality. These include Lunar Bloom, an enchanting fusion of house-made pink gin and hibiscus tea syrup, and Shanghai Glamour, a sophisticated blend of sesame-washed vodka, lemongrass, and strawberry cordial. Zero-proof options are also available in all restaurants and bars. A longstanding staple of Chinese home cooking and a symbol of family harmony, the hot pot is a simmering, aromatic broth, served with a medley of thinly sliced meats, fresh seafood, and vegetables. Each hot pot set is accompanied by chilli, peanut, ginger scallion, and garlic and soy dipping sauces. A curated collection of hot pot menus, aptly named Mountain’s Bounty, Ocean’s Harvest, and Fields of Plenty, is available for dinner at Aura Pool Bar from January 29 to February 28, 2025.
6. Dress Up in Chinese Traditional Attire: Guests who wish to experience wearing traditional Chinese garments can visit the immersive booth at Habitat and choose from a selection of satin cheongsams (high-necked dresses), silky men’s vests, child-sized Tang jackets with mandarin collars, and two-piece hanfu – translated to “Han clothing” – suits. A festive backdrop, decorated with evocative Chinese lanterns, completes the scene. Enjoy a complimentary photo session, inclusive of an instant-camera photo.
7. Welcome Good Fortune: Meet the robust God of Prosperity on his island tour, and write wishes to hang on the traditional wishing tree.
8. Watch the Vibrant Lion Dance: Catch the lively parade through the island.
9. Ring in New Year’s Day: Enjoy sundowner cocktails, followed by a sumptuous reunion dinner buffet under starry Maldivian skies at Beach Shack. Richly symbolic favourites include vegetarian Hokkien fried noodles for longevity, grilled fish with ginger and scallion-infused sauce for abundance, golden spring rolls for prosperity, and snow fungus soup representing hopes for a sweet future.

The purpose-built Krakengiri Kids’ Club, one of the largest in the Maldives, introduces a selection of New Year activities, in addition to its regular schedule of sports camps and pajama parties, art sessions, pool games and pirate cruises. The festive program includes classes in cherry blossom painting, traditional dance and Mandarin, workshops in crafting festival masks and headbands, Chinese charades, lantern making, and paper cutting art.

Springtime breathes fresh life and renewed radiance. Discover the spa’s seasonal treatments.

The Goddess of Serenity Journey begins with a 30-minute body cleansing ritual, followed by a signature massage and divine glow facial.

For the Well-Groomed Gentleman, the spa offers a muscle melt massage and pedicure, accompanied by a luxurious hot towel wrap and a comfortable shave.

The Cosmic Calm Experience is designed for young guests, with a mini stardust glow facial, age-appropriate aromatherapy massage and a mindful constellation meditation led by a wellness specialist.

An extensive Sleep Wellness menu is designed to ease the mind and body into a state of deep and rejuvenating slumber. Options include a calming signature massage on the spa’s Skye deck; an evening hammam ritual in the modern hammam room; or an in-villa session incorporating guided meditation, yoga and breathwork.

Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa is part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 24 distinct hotel brands. Members who book directly on the hotel’s website will have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors app.

For more information or to make reservations, guests may visit Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa or call +960 664 63 64.

Anantara Kihavah invites guests to embark on an unparalleled culinary journey featuring Michelin-starred chefs, celebrity talents, and extraordinary wine experiences. From January to May 2025, this exclusive resort will host a series of events that blend world-class dining with the breathtaking beauty of its tropical surroundings.

Anantara Kihavah begins the year with the extraordinary talents of Chef Mark Donald. A two-Michelin-starred chef from Scotland, Mark Donald is celebrated for his ability to blend traditional Scottish influences with global culinary techniques. His inventive approach and mastery of fine dining promise to transport guests on an unforgettable journey of flavour and artistry.

Complementing Chef Donald’s creations is Kamal Malik, India’s first Master Sommelier. With over 15 years of expertise, Kamal Malik will lead an exclusive wine dinner at SEA, Anantara Kihavah’s renowned underwater restaurant. Guests will savour rare and historic vintages, including the unique Coral-Aged Dom Pérignon, as Malik shares his unparalleled insights, turning each sip into a masterpiece.

Chef Melvin Chou, a Michelin-starred master of Cantonese cuisine, takes the stage in February. Known for his innovative fusion of tradition and modernity, Chef Chou redefines Cantonese dining with his creative flair and dedication to excellence.

Also in February, Charles Duval-Leroy, the visionary CEO of Champagne Duval-Leroy, hosts a sustainable Champagne dinner. Representing the sixth generation of his family, Charles brings a forward-thinking perspective to the house’s legacy, combining meticulous craftsmanship with a commitment to environmental responsibility.

March welcomes Chef Denis Lucchi, a Michelin-starred maestro of Italian cuisine. Renowned for his refined artistry, Chef Lucchi celebrates the essence of Italian heritage while introducing a modern twist. His dishes are an ode to Italy’s rich culinary traditions, crafted with passion and precision.

In April, Chef Steve Lancaster, another Michelin-starred luminary, showcases his ability to reinvent classic dishes with modern creativity. His innovative techniques and imaginative flavours promise a dining experience that delights every palate.

May concludes this culinary journey with the exceptional talent of Chef Christiaan Stoop. A three- and two-Michelin-starred chef, Christiaan is celebrated for his avant-garde approach to fine dining. As the visionary Executive Chef of Taian Table in Shanghai and Guangzhou, his illustrious career includes stints at The Fat Duck in the UK, Moments in Barcelona, and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Paris.

Chef Stoop’s bold, artistic creations blend innovation with impeccable technique, offering a symphony of flavors that captivate and evolve with every dish.

Anantara Kihavah’s 2025 culinary calendar exemplifies the resort’s commitment to delivering extraordinary dining experiences in an unparalleled setting. From Michelin-starred gastronomy to exclusive wine dinners, this tropical paradise offers guests the chance to indulge in the ultimate fusion of luxury and flavour.