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The Ritz-Carlton Maldives announces star-studded line-up of memorable experiences
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands announces an exhilarating line-up of bespoke guest experiences through personalised encounters with masters of crafts and craftmanship that create deeply meaningful and memorable experiences. Throughout 2023, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will take guests on curated culinary journeys with Michelin-starred Chefs and artisanal gastronomic mavens, partake in exhilarating Behind the Bar experiences with award-winning bartenders from around the world, discover the essence of balance at The Ritz-Carlton Spa through wellness retreats and enrich each stay with impactful conservation programmes.
This January 27th to 31st, Artist Partner, Louis-Nicolas Darbon who has exhibited his work all over the world from London to Tokyo, collaborates with The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands in a special guest appearance to unveil a bespoke painting inspired by the resort’s architecture and design. Adding to the resort’s stunning art collection, Darbon, a London-based French artist and jet-setter thriving off the visual stimulation he attains while exploring new and familiar locales will paint the iconic Kerry Hill villas in his signature vibrant and liberating style.
Complementing our week of exploration with art and design, Leticia Stock – First Artist of The Royal Ballet in London will perform an exclusive for-guests-only recital at sunrise at the stunning Mystique Garden and sunset at EAU Bar during the resort’s Defining Moment. Stock began dancing at the age of three and has appeared in The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Giselle and most recently on Ed Sheeran’s live Tik Tok performance that drew over 5.5 million unique viewers.
From February 14th– 18th Chef Patron Tom Sellers of London’s two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Story, will curate an exclusive pop-up at Beach Shack taking guests on an exquisite 6-course literary-inspired menu. Guests will also be treated to an evening with Sellers as he reads from his first book, ‘A Kind of Love Story’ – a behind-the-scenes story about life in a world-renowned Michelin-starred restaurant. It will be an evening to celebrate the visionary mind of one of the most original chefs of our time, and discover the truth behind the tales of his brilliant food. Having honed his craft alongside culinary greats such as Tom Aikens, Thomas Keller, Rene Redzepi and more, Sellers’ Restaurant Story develops an ever-changing seasonal tasting menu. Incorporating characterful, playful and ingredient-led philosophy that breaks convention and merges fine dining with forward-thinking, casual restaurant culture, Tom Sellers’ ‘a personal journey through food’ concept, has won him huge critical and public acclaim.
On March 14th and 15th Japan’s Shingo Gokan of SG Group – a leading figure in the international bartending industry will kick off the second installation of the resort’s trailblazing Behind The Bar series – a Maldives-first that introduces guests to some of the world’s most talked about bars and bartenders. Named International Bartender of the Year by Tales of the Cocktail, Bartender’s Bartender and Industry Icon by Asia’s 50 Best Bars, Gokan operates over 10 cocktail bars and restaurants in China and Japan, each with a distinct concept. Holding the record for winning the most awards won by a bar group in the World’s/ Asia’s Best Bars with 42 cumulative awards, guests at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will experience a curated food and cocktail menu from each of SG Group’s renowned bars – Speak Low, Sober Company, The Odd Couple, The SG Club, The Bellwood, swrl., El Lequio, Ash and SG Low. Hosting this stellar programme at EAU Bar, celebrate the world’s finest sips overlooking a breathtaking Maldivian sunset.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will continue its stellar Behind the Bar line up with Singapore’s Vijay Mudaliar of Native and Analogue in May and in June, Malaysia’s Jungle Bird – listed #35 in Asia’s Best Bars, in October, Masque of India – listed #21 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and in November, the exquisite Alquimico of Colombia – listed #10 in the World’s 50 Best Bars.
Other show-stopping experiences guests can look forward to include renowned author and crystal whisperer, Emma Knowles from the UK who will host a retreat under the glowing Maldivian full moon in June, in July, Cairo-born, Montreal-based musician/ producer, Ash – a multi-instrumentalist with over 600 million streams on digital platforms who plays the guitar, sax, keyboard, drums and synthesiser will enthral guests with a live performance of western and middle eastern-influenced beats. Closing the year will be living culinary legend and multi-Michelin starred Chef, Paco Perez who will grace our shores with his signature modern Mediterranean flavours of the Catalan coast.
The Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands aim to create deeply meaningful and memorable guest experiences with personal touches for every guest. Curating this stellar line-up elevates every stay with a once-in-a-lifetime memorable moment.
For more information on The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and reservation enquiries, please visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives
Amilla Maldives has been named a joint winner in the Most OutThere Initiative in Inclusive Travel category at the Experientialist Awards 2026, following a Highly Commended recognition in the same category in 2025.
The Experientialist Awards recognise organisations shaping travel through inclusivity, individuality and design, with the inclusive travel category highlighting initiatives that address not only accessibility, but also how journeys are experienced by guests.
At Amilla Maldives, accessibility is integrated into the overall guest experience. The resort adopts an approach that begins at the planning stage and continues throughout the stay, with a focus on understanding individual guest needs and adapting experiences accordingly.
Aligned with its In Harmony with Purpose philosophy, the resort has introduced a range of measures aimed at improving accessibility. These include villa features designed for ease of use, accessible pathways across the island and adaptive experiences such as inclusive snorkelling and wellness sessions.
As an IncluCare Verified resort, Amilla Maldives continues to develop its offering through feedback and collaboration, with the aim of enhancing inclusivity across its operations.
Commenting on the recognition, Morgan Martinello said the resort remains focused on creating travel experiences that feel natural and accessible. He noted that the continued recognition reflects the resort’s ongoing efforts to improve inclusivity.
The award from OutThere, a platform focused on diversity and inclusion in travel, marks a further step in the resort’s efforts to create accessible and inclusive guest experiences.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, part of Centara Hotels and Resorts, has marked its first anniversary, highlighting a year of operations as a luxury island resort within The Atollia development.
During its first year, the resort has received international recognition, including being named among Favourite Overseas Leisure Hotels in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 and listed among the Top Ten Best Maldives Resorts in the DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.
Since opening, the resort has offered a collection of beachfront and overwater villas, along with two- and three-bedroom residences designed to provide privacy and space. Accommodation options include private pools or Jacuzzis, with design elements incorporating contemporary architecture, natural materials and Thai-inspired influences.
The resort’s concept draws on Thai heritage, reflected across its wellness, dining and guest experiences. At SPA Cenvaree Retreat, treatments are inspired by traditional Thai wellness practices. Dining options across the resort include live cooking experiences at The Gallery, Mediterranean-inspired seafood at Bluefin, and beverage offerings at venues such as Sunset Social, The Club and Coco Drift.
Guests can also take part in a range of leisure and recreational activities, including water sports and marine experiences. The resort caters to a variety of travellers, offering facilities for families, including a kids’ club and an entertainment zone for teenagers, as well as spaces for private events, group stays and corporate gatherings.
Commenting on the milestone, Jorge Fernandez said the resort combines elements of Thai heritage with the Maldivian environment to create a distinct guest experience. He noted that recognition received during the first year reflects the resort’s approach to hospitality, sustainability and service, while also acknowledging the role of guests and staff in its development.
As it marks its first anniversary, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives continues to focus on delivering curated guest experiences, with an emphasis on hospitality, design and sustainable operations within the destination.
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has introduced a new Beach Reads programme, designed to encourage guests to engage in reading as part of a broader focus on mindful travel and leisure.
The initiative aligns with emerging travel trends highlighting a growing interest in literary-inspired experiences, where travellers seek meaningful activities that combine storytelling with natural surroundings. The programme aims to provide guests with opportunities to disconnect from daily routines and engage in quieter, reflective moments during their stay.
At the centre of the initiative is a rotating Book of the Month, selected to reflect themes such as wellness, nature and exploration. Guests are informed of the selected title prior to arrival and may request a complimentary physical copy, which is delivered by the resort’s Island Curator. The programme is intended to create shared points of engagement among guests, encouraging discussion and interaction through a common reading experience.
From 1 May, selected areas of the resort will be designated as Book Nooks, offering spaces for reading and relaxation. These include shaded cabanas, a netted lounge area within the adults-only The Retreat, and an overwater jetty swing overlooking Maamunagau Lagoon.
The Beach Reads programme also incorporates a personalised approach. Guests are invited to share their reading preferences, including preferred genres and publications, through a pre-arrival form. These preferences are used to curate tailored reading selections, which are made available during their stay.
As part of the initiative, guests are offered plantable bookmarks as a keepsake. The biodegradable bookmarks are designed to be planted after departure, reflecting the resort’s approach to sustainability and providing a reminder of the reading experience during their stay.
Through the Beach Reads programme, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort positions reading as an integrated part of the guest experience, combining leisure, personal reflection and environmental awareness within the island setting.
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