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.

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.

Avani+ Fares Maldives, recently named Best Dive Resort 2024 by Travel Trade Maldives, offers guests a unique opportunity to embrace island life through the Ambaa Adventure. This innovative service features a traditional Maldivian dhoni sailing across the turquoise waters of Fares to deliver handcrafted cocktails directly to private overwater pool decks.

The service, named after the Dhivehi word for ‘cheers,’ embodies a celebration of life, connection, and unforgettable moments. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, guests staying in the resort’s Over Water Villas or exclusive two- and three-bedroom Sunset Over Water Pool Residences can look out for the yellow sail of the Ambaa boat gliding across the lagoon. Modelled after the traditional Maldivian dhoni, historically used for fishing and transport, the vessel blends local heritage with modern sophistication.

As the floating bar navigates around the island, guests can signal the captain by raising the Ambaa flag from their private decks. Once the boat docks, the onboard bartender crafts complimentary cocktails or mocktails, using vibrant flavours inspired by the beauty of the Maldivian reef.

Judd Rabbidge, General Manager at Avani+ Fares Maldives, remarked, “With the introduction of the Ambaa Adventure, we are bringing the essence of Maldivian hospitality directly to our guests’ villas. Surrounded by the endless ocean and stunning sunsets, this experience perfectly encapsulates Avani’s commitment to creativity, guest connection, and honouring local traditions.”

Guests can participate in the Ambaa Adventure while enjoying a 20% discount by booking the ‘Your Passport to Paradise’ offer, available for stays between 1 March and 22 December 2025.