Featured
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
Featured
‘Eutopia: The Infinite Bloom’ comes to Sun Siyam Vilu Reef this festive season
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé Collection within the House of Siyam, has announced its festive programme, “Eutopia: The Infinite Bloom”, which will run from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027.
The seasonal programme features activities and experiences for guests of all ages. Dining will take centre stage with Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve gala dinners by the water, exclusive Chef’s Table experiences and seafood barbecues on the beach.
The evening entertainment programme will include live acoustic performances, island DJ sets, aerial dance shows and Maldivian cultural performances.
During the day, guests will be able to explore the resort’s lagoon through activities such as house reef snorkelling, sunset Jet Car rides and sandbank excursions. The Spa will offer wellness rituals and couples’ therapies, while younger guests can take part in gingerbread decorating, a fashion show and Santa’s arrival on the beach.
“Eutopia is our invitation to celebrate and embrace nature, meaningful moments, and the relaxed luxury that defines Sun Siyam Vilu Reef through our festivities,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager.
“From unforgettable ocean adventures to starlit beach celebrations, every experience has been thoughtfully designed to create lasting memories that will continue to flourish long after the season ends.”
The programme will culminate with a New Year’s Eve celebration on the beach on 31 December, featuring live music, midnight toasts and a fireworks display over the water.
The resort’s festive programme is available to view online, with bookings open for stays between 22 December 2026 and 7 January 2027.
Awards
Sun Siyam Iru Veli earns top wedding destination honour at TTM Awards
Fresh from being named Best Honeymoon Destination in 2025, Sun Siyam Iru Veli was recognised as Best Wedding Destination at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards & Gala 2026, held at Crossroads Maldives on 27 August. The award further reinforces the resort’s commitment to celebrating romance in all its forms.
Surrounded by turquoise lagoons and white-sand beaches, Iru Veli provides a natural setting for couples seeking an intimate island retreat. Every villa features a private pool, while secluded beaches, private sandbanks and a 24-hour all-inclusive dine-around experience offer guests privacy and flexibility throughout their stay.
The resort hosts celebrations of different scales, ranging from barefoot ceremonies by the ocean to larger events encompassing the entire island. Dedicated wedding planners work closely with each couple to personalise every element, ensuring that both the ceremony and the wider stay reflect their individual story.
This flexibility extends beyond the resort’s wedding packages. Simple Romance, Grand Gesture and Sandbank Magic provide couples with a starting point, with each celebration customisable through décor, dining, wellness, entertainment and island experiences. For occasions requiring complete exclusivity, full-island buyouts allow the resort experience to be tailored around the couple and their guests.
The celebrations can continue beyond the ceremony through candlelit dinners beneath the stars, spa rituals for two, sunset cruises and time spent together across the island. These experiences enable couples to shape the occasion around their preferences, with personal moments unfolding throughout their stay.
“Every couple arrives with a different story and a different vision for their celebration. There is no template here. From intimate ceremonies for two to full-island celebrations with family and friends, our role is to create moments that feel completely personal. That is exactly what our team does. They listen first and then create a ceremony that truly reflects the couple. This award is a testament to the dedication and care they put into making every moment memorable,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager of Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.
The annual TTM Awards & Gala brings together travel professionals and hoteliers to recognise achievements across the Maldivian hospitality industry. Iru Veli’s latest award further strengthens its position among the Maldives’ leading destinations for weddings and romantic escapes.
Action
Chef Jake Norman and Molly O’Donoghue join Niva Dhigali for November programme
Niva Dhigali Maldives will welcome visiting chef Jake Norman and British pickleball champion Molly O’Donoghue for a curated programme of island experiences this November, bringing together dining and active wellbeing in the Maldives.
Norman began his culinary career making pizza in the markets of Guadalajara, Mexico, before working in several London restaurants, including St John, Ottolenghi and Sabor. He now leads the kitchen at Updown Farmhouse in Kent, where his cooking focuses on seasonal ingredients, live-fire techniques and Mediterranean influences.
On 18 November, Norman will host an exclusive dinner at Faru, presenting a menu that combines Mediterranean flavours with influences from Mexico and the Middle East, while incorporating ingredients sourced from the Maldives.
The shared dining experience will feature Indian Ocean produce, grilled dishes and smoky flavours, with a menu designed to reflect the setting and encourage guests to dine at a relaxed pace.
The programme will also include pickleball sessions hosted by British champion Molly O’Donoghue. A national champion in mixed and women’s doubles, as well as a European champion in mixed doubles, O’Donoghue first discovered the sport while studying in Australia. She has since competed internationally and worked to introduce the sport to players around the world.
At Niva Dhigali, O’Donoghue will conduct beginner sessions and advanced coaching, giving guests of different skill levels the opportunity to learn, play and develop their technique.
Located in Raa Atoll, Niva Dhigali Maldives is surrounded by tropical vegetation, a lagoon and the Indian Ocean. The November programme, featuring Norman’s dining experience and O’Donoghue’s pickleball sessions, forms part of the resort’s approach to offering guest experiences centred on food, wellbeing and the island environment.
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