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The Ritz-Carlton Maldives to offers rich culinary landscape of global flavours

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The Ritz Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands opens on 1 June with seven incredible restaurants and two bars for guests to explore, including options at Fari Marina Village.

Diners can enjoy a rich culinary landscape and travel the world on their palates, whilst feeling confident that every effort has been taken to ensure a focus on the highest-quality, seasonal ingredients and with the environment front of mind.

Experience the joy of a robust Italian espresso, share conversation over Cantonese tapas, toast to the sunset with a chilled glass of rosé or enjoy a local version of traditional Afternoon Tea.

Here is a taste of the global flavours that awaits guests.

La Locanda

A celebration of Southern Italy’s cuisine and customs!

La Locanda will be the ‘living room’ of the resort, where the spirit of Southern Italy will come alive.

It is a place to enjoy relaxed dining and delicious Southern Italian cuisine such as homemade pastas, a world-class espresso or a sunset aperitivo either indoors, or overwater, as well as sampling rare Proseccos, Italian wines, cannolis or boutique olive oils.

The Chef’s Table is available for bespoke tasting menus and Italian cooking classes, and there is also a private dining room for up to ten guests.

Design is light and fresh with floor to ceiling windows opening onto the Indian Ocean, beautiful terrazzo tabletops, Narumi bone china tableware and exclusive Kevala encircled by the carefully curated Italian library covering culture, fashion, food and art.

Summer Pavilion

An overwater restaurant showcasing Cantonese specialities!

Floating over the starlit Maldivian lagoon, the Summer Pavilion offers an intimate place to savour the finest Cantonese cuisine. Inspired by Michelin starred Summer Pavilion in Singapore, a menu of mouth-watering small plates has been curated.

This restaurant has the feel of being hidden within a Chinese garden filled with delicate plants and lanterns, enclosed by beautiful latticework.

It holds prime position next to the resort’s wine cellar, which stocks over 600 rare and high-end labels and also specialises in traditional Chinese tea rituals.

The cocktails, infused with Asian flavours such as lychee, ginger, Asian pear and mandarin, will be inspired by the speakeasy era, served in semi-private areas of the restaurant and made at the table to encourage that sense of conspiracy.

IWAU

Japanese flavours in an open-air setting!

The Japanese translation of ‘to celebrate’ IWAU is exactly that – an honouring of Japanese flavours.

Open to the night sky and a fantastic sunset spot, the restaurant has two nine-seat teppanyaki grills where guests can watch chefs prepare seafood and meat dishes.

Sushi and sashimi are offered at romantic tables for two set within the pool itself.

The pre-dinner Izakaya cocktails, using plum wine, yuzu, shochu, wasabi, miso, umeboshi will be mirrored by a wide menu of the finest sakes, Japanese whiskeys and teas.

Eau Bar

Beachfront dining that pairs elegance and wellness!

The adjacent Eau Bar is a chic setting, sweeping in a half moon shape around the iconic circular infinity pool, that speaks to health-conscious diners in an environment focused on wellbeing and relaxation.

The balanced menu features a selection of fresh oysters and caviar, while sipping on a table-side cocktail crafted from organic fresh ingredients.

Eau Bar will also offer a twist on the traditional afternoon tea, inspired by the Maldivian custom of hedhika.

The evening brings a moodier affair, offering a range of cocktails made at each table, inspired by Maldivian local spices as well as a selection of top shelf Champagnes and sakes.

Beach Shack

The Mediterranean meets the Maldives!

With sand underfoot and the sea just steps away, the family-friendly Beach Shack embraces the Mediterranean with its carefree, bohemian spirit.

Signature Mediterranean dishes include sharing platters such as burrata, heritage tomatoes and artichoke, seafood ceviche, paella, grilled fish, grilled tomahawk steaks and Sri Lankan mud crab all to be washed down with Provençal rose, many in magnum size, low-alcohol cocktails or delicious sangrias.

The open-air dining and live kitchen, close to Ritz Kids, is the perfect place to laze away the day, listening to chilled out music and the sound of popping corks, over a long lunch with family and friends.

Resident and visiting DJs spin throughout the day with kids’ story time offered fireside, as well as a starlit cinema and themed evenings.

Beach Shack also has its own gelato shop serving a range of ice creams, healthy sorbets, sundaes and milkshakes, including flavours such a Maldivian coconut and Valrhona chocolate.

Thanks to a strong connection to the dive centre, guests can also enjoy Jean-Michel Cousteau Naturalist sessions, bringing the surrounding marine environment to life.

Arabesque, Tum Tum at Fari Marina Village

The culinary landscape does not end at the resort, as the Fari Marina Village offers two additional restaurants.

Arabesque is a Lebanese inspired restaurant, with a tandoor oven, serving classic mezzes and north Indian cuisine. Cocktails will be refreshing and perfect for the sober curious, alongside Turkish coffee, Moroccan tea and Nebu Shisha.

The restaurant has been designed in the style of a Bedouin tent, with tactile textures, terracotta hues and shapes reflective of its Middle Eastern inspiration, as well as sunken tables perfect for ordering a smoking shisha cocktail and whiling away the hours.

In contrast, Tum Tum is a South East Asian food truck serving wonderful street food using wok and steam, including its six signature bao buns. This is a pit stop while enjoying a day of shopping and culture at Fari Marina Village.

Dishes include fresh, crisp Asian salads, delicious noodle and dumpling soups and steamed dumplings.

Dine by Design experiences

Integral to the culinary experiences at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is its Dine by Design concept, which allows guests to choose from a number of exclusive, private locations to dine in.

Imagine a sunset sandbank BBQ with a private chef, dinner with a private chef in a secluded cove or within the Wine Cellar, surrounded by rare labels with a specialist menu highlighting wines of the guest’s choice.

Other exceptional experiences include the Omasake Experience at IWAU where guests can enjoy a bespoke Japanese menu in the infinity pool itself, or a sunrise yoga breakfast to welcome the day in together.

These destinations have been hand-picked by the resort Ladies & Gentlemen as the most iconic spots for making those magical memories, such as private diners, proposals, beach weddings, family gatherings or memorable beach picnics.

Reduce, reuse, recycle

The Ritz Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has a 100 per cent no single use plastic policy, which extends to no single use napkins, coasters, condiments or menus.

When designing the supply chain, the team has ensured there that no excessive packaging is used, that they order locally and that and excess food is donated to a local food bank.

A strong recycling programme has already been established, as well as a rubbish compactor, and all outlets will use the resort’s composting system for vegetable waste, or re-use scraps in other forms. All cooking oil will be collected and turned into bio-diesel.

Other efforts include training on cooking smartly to reduce unnecessary energy and water usage.

The menus at each restaurant will offer plant-based options to encourage guests to explore a vegan diet, but all meats, where served, organically produced and 100 per cent grass fed.

The Ritz Carlton Maldives, Fari Island is ideally located at Fari Islands, in the North Malé Atoll of the Maldives, which is a 45-minute journey by speedboat or a 10-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport.

The resort features white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and coral reefs with marine life.

Shaped by the Maldivian sun and shored by the Indian Ocean, guest villas at The Ritz Carlton Maldives, Fari Island are expected to range in size from one to three bedrooms, featuring the refined elegance and legendary service that define The Ritz-Carlton brand.

The property is also expected to offer a choice of outstanding culinary venues serving an array of international and local cuisines, in addition to a full suite of fitness and recreational facilities including a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is part of Fari Islands, an archipelago that features three world-class hospitality brands inclusive of The Ritz-Carlton.

The guests are expected to have access to a picturesque Fari Marina – the archipelago’s communal beating heart. Built around a vibrant Beach Club, Fari Marina features charming boutiques and a handpicked selection of dining options.

Spaces have been designed by the renowned Kerry Hill Architects, to bring about a delicate balance of serene and social.

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Around the world with Michelin Stars: Anantara Veli unveils 2025 guest chef lineup

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Anantara Veli Maldives Resort has announced the return of its Around The World Michelin Star Guest Chef Series for 2025, promising unforgettable culinary journeys with a sustainable twist.

In alignment with the resort’s commitment to sustainability, this year’s Michelin-starred guest chefs are incorporating eco-friendly elements into their menus. These initiatives include the use of local ingredients from the resort’s Chef’s Garden, adapting menus to feature the catch of the day, or creating zero-waste dishes.

Reflecting on the inaugural series, Chef Francis Purification, Culinary Director of Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, recalled how Chef Gary Foulkes of Angler Restaurant prepared a remarkable wahoo dish, utilising the fish to its fullest extent, even creating a rich bouillabaisse with its bones. Inspired by that memory, Chef Francis decided to challenge this year’s lineup of chefs to bring their own innovative approaches to the table.

Chef Francis remarked, “The Maldives presents unique challenges in terms of sustainability in the kitchen since most ingredients need to be imported. Fortunately, we have a passionate purchasing team working with suppliers who share our sustainability goals.”

The 2025 series begins on February 27 with culinary power couple Chef Michelle Goh and Chef Pongcharn “Top” Russell of Mia Restaurant in Bangkok, who will introduce modern European cuisine infused with Asian influences.

On March 13, Chef Melvin Chou of Terra Tokyo Italian in Singapore will showcase his signature fusion of Japanese food culture and Italian cuisine. Known for his creative use of seasonal ingredients, Chef Melvin’s omakase menu masterfully merges two distinct culinary traditions.

Chef Oli Marlow of Roganic Hong Kong, renowned for his commitment to zero-waste cooking, will appear on April 17. Inspired by his mentor Simon Rogan, Chef Marlow is on a journey to establish his own culinary legacy.

On May 22, Malaysian-born Chef Victor Liong of Lee Ho Fook in Melbourne, Australia, will bring a Chinese culinary experience, while Chef Arnaud Dunand of Maison Dunand in Bangkok will deliver refined French cuisine on June 5.

Michael Parker, Complex General Manager of Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, expressed excitement for Chef Victor Liong’s visit, noting, “Having lived in China for eight years, I appreciate the diversity and provincial influences in Chinese cuisine. I look forward to seeing how Chef Victor’s creations might evoke nostalgic memories.”

British culinary talent will also be spotlighted, with Chef Ricki Weston of The Dining Room at Whatley Manor cooking on July 24 and Chef Adam Smith of Woven by Adam Smith in Ascot appearing on September 4.

Returning on October 30 for the second consecutive year, Chef Simon Hulstone of the Michelin-starred Elephant in Torquay will once again captivate guests. Last year, Chef Hulstone impressed with his squid risotto and a beautifully cured sea-bass dish. He expressed enthusiasm for the sustainability element this year, noting that he enjoys collaborating with the resort’s kitchen team and interacting with guests.

The series will conclude on December 4 with Chef Jeremy Gillon, known as the “vegetable whisperer,” who will present a menu featuring sustainable innovations during his second appearance at Anantara Veli.

Chef Francis highlighted the series as not only an exceptional dining experience for guests but also an invaluable opportunity for the resort’s culinary team. “Over the last two series, our chefs have had the privilege of working alongside world-renowned talents, gaining exposure to a range of techniques and perspectives,” he said.

The Around The World Michelin Star Guest Chef Series offers an exclusive dining experience for 24 guests at Anantara Veli’s Japanese restaurant, Origami. Each evening features a curated menu paired with fine wines. 

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Chef Joanna Artieda brings dessert masterpieces to Coco Bodu Hithi

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Coco Bodu Hithi, part of the Coco Collection, is celebrating the Year of the Snake with a showcase of bold flavours and exquisite ingredients. Recognised by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, Coco Bodu Hithi will host acclaimed pâttissier Chef Joanna Artieda from January 27 to 29, offering guests an indulgent experience with her signature sweet creations.

During this exclusive chef residency, guests will have the rare opportunity to engage with Chef Artieda, a culinary artist celebrated for her remarkable achievements. Her accolades include being the first woman to receive the title of Best Spanish Chef in 2016, earning honours at Madrid Fusion for two consecutive years, and being recognised in 2019 by Pastry Revolution Magazine as the creator of one of the top ten trendsetting desserts globally. More recently, she was awarded the 2022 Navarra Award for Gastronomy and the 2022 Best Pastry Chef Award.

Chef Artieda’s passion for food is evident in her innovative techniques and artistic approach to dessert creation. In late 2019, she published her first book, Sweet 12, the world’s first digital book dedicated to seasonal ingredients, designed to modernise and inspire the traditions of sweet cuisine.

Coco Collection’s Group Culinary Director, Michelin-starred Chef Martin Cahill, will collaborate with Chef Artieda during the event, personally preparing the opening dinner courses. This partnership aims to elevate the island’s fresh flavours, with Chef Artieda curating a tempting array of desserts and irresistible treats.

With limited seating available, Coco Bodu Hithi encourages guests to take advantage of significant savings for advance reservations, underscoring the resort’s commitment to delivering exceptional culinary experiences.

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Anantara Kihavah unveils star-studded culinary calendar for 2025

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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.

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