News
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands introduces spectacular line-up for 2025 Masters of Crafts series
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has unveiled a stellar line-up for the fourth edition of its highly anticipated Masters of Crafts series, featuring the acclaimed Culinary Masters and Behind the Bar showcases. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldives, this year’s edition promises to elevate gastronomy and mixology to unparalleled heights, welcoming an extraordinary roster of world-renowned chefs and bartenders from some of the most iconic restaurants and bars across the globe.
This exclusive event series will present a seamless fusion of international culinary and mixology excellence, sustainability-focused concepts, and a deep appreciation of local ingredients. Guests will have a rare opportunity to engage with some of the world’s most decorated talents in the industry, including Spain’s Chef David Yárnoz from El Molino de Urdániz earlier in February, Berlin’s Chef René Frank from Coda, Athen’s Vasilis Kyritsis from LINE, London’s Remy Savage from A Bar with Shapes for a Name and Bar Nouveau, and many more.
Building on the success of the past series’ previous editions which featured notable figures like industry icon Overstory with Harrison Ginsberg, this year’s line-up is set to surpass all expectations. As The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands continues to transform luxury hospitality, the Masters of Crafts series stands as a testament to the resort’s commitment to innovation, culture, and world class experiences.
The Stars of the 2025 Masters of Crafts Series Include:
Chef David Yárnoz, El Molino de Urdániz, 14th -15th February
Chef David Yárnoz, a distinguished Culinary Master holding two Michelin stars and one Green Michelin Star from Spain, is celebrated for his exceptional talent in blending tradition with innovation. With extensive background in prestigious kitchens across Europe, Chef Yárnoz crafts dishes that honour the rich culinary heritage of his native Navarre while embracing modern techniques. As the visionary behind El Molino de Urdániz, his renowned restaurant, he curates a forward-thinking experience that is as deeply rooted in Spanish flavours.
Chef Simone Caponnetto and Bar Manager Alessandro Mengoni, Locale Firenze, 13th to 15th March
Locale Firenze, an acclaimed bar and restaurant in the heart of Florence, is known for seamlessly fusing contemporary Italian cuisine with timeless elegance. Under the guidance of Chef Simone Caponnetto, the restaurant has garnered praise for its innovative dishes, showcasing the finest locally sourced ingredients. Meanwhile, the bar, ranked No. 36 on The World’s Best Bars 2025 list, is celebrated for its innovative cocktails, expertly crafted using rare and carefully selected ingredients, all while staying true to Italy’s rich culinary heritage.
Chef René Frank, Coda, 26th – 27th April
Berlin-based pastry chef René Frank, a two Michelin-starred talent, has made a name for himself with his inventive approach to desserts. His career, shaped in the kitchens of the world’s most renowned restaurants, has established him as a pioneer of modern pastry, continuously pushing the boundaries of flavour, technique, and presentation while deconstructing the concept of traditional desserts. As the visionary behind Coda, Berlin’s first dessert-only restaurant, he revolutionizes classic pastry-making by transforming unexpected ingredients into multisensory masterpieces, entirely forgoing artificial sugar, and elevating patisserie to an entirely new culinary level.
Vasilis Kyritsis, LINE, 8th to 10th June
Nestled in the heart of Athens, Line is a contemporary cocktail bar and has swiftly risen to the forefront as a leader in innovative mixology. Head Bartender Vasilis Kyritsis has earned acclaim for blending cutting-edge techniques with a deep respect for local ingredients and flavour that are both sophisticated and playfully inventive. Ranked No. 6 on The World’s Best Bars 2025 list, Line offers more than just drinks – it curates an immersive storytelling experience, where every cocktail is a harmonious fusion of modern artistry and timeless elegance.
Chef Max Strohe, Tulus Lotrek, 27th October to 3rd November
Michelin-starred Chef and author Max Strohe, has carved a distinguished name for himself in the world of modern gastronomy, recognized for his innovative approach to fine dining. With a career shaped in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, Chef Strohe’s expertise shines in every dish he creates. As the creative force behind Tulus Lotrek, his acclaimed restaurant in Berlin, Chef Strohe transforms the finest seasonal ingredients into elegant, contemporary and French-inspired cuisine, delivering offering a refined and unforgettable culinary journey.
Remy Savage, A Bar with Shapes for a Name and Bar Nouveau, 26th to 30th November
London’s A Bar with Shapes is a pioneering cocktail destination where innovation and artistry seamlessly merge, guided by the visionary leadership of Mixologist Remy Savage, founder of Drink More Art. Renowned for its bold, unconventional approach to mixology, each cocktail is a sensory and visual masterpiece, pushing the boundaries of creativity. The venue draws inspiration from the Bauhaus movement, fostering a space where guests and staff alike engage in the art of flavour, encouraging a community of learning and collaboration. Bar Nouveau, opened in 2023 in Paris, pays homage to the Art Nouveau movement, offering a dual experience where cocktails crafted from industrialized ingredients are reimagined in their natural, artisanal form.
News
The Standard Maldives curates sustainability-focused Earth Hour programme
The Standard, Maldives invites guests to switch off, slow down and come together for an evening that celebrates sustainability through atmosphere, flavour and connection. On 28 March 2026, the resort will dim non-essential lighting across the island, transforming the night into a thoughtfully curated experience where low light sets the mood and meaningful moments take centre stage. From 6.00 PM to 8.30 PM, guests are encouraged to enjoy dinner earlier in the evening at any of the resort’s restaurants as the island begins to power down. As darkness falls, The Standard, Maldives offers a series of experiences designed to show that saving energy can feel effortless—and still be vibrant.
The evening’s culinary highlight is a Japanese Affair Set Dinner, served beachside at Kula Beach from 6.30 PM to 9.30 PM, priced at USD 85 per person. Refined flavours, open skies and the natural ambience of the shore come together for a dining experience that proves everything tastes better under the stars.
As the lights go out, the energy shifts to Todis Beach, where guests are invited to go off the grid with glow-in-the-dark cocktails and mocktails, available àla carte from 8.30 PM to 9.30 PM. A ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ offer encourages guests to sip, glow and keep the night going, proof that low power does not mean low spirit. The atmosphere is elevated further with a bonfire and live, unplugged acoustic guitar performance, creating an intimate setting for conversation, storytelling, stargazing or quiet reflection. With rhythms guided by nature rather than electricity, the evening embodies the essence of Earth Hour in a way that feels relaxed and social.
By blending conscious choices with carefully crafted experiences, The Standard, Maldives reinforces its commitment to sustainability while staying true to its ethos of elevated yet unpretentious hospitality.
News
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives expands villa offering with multi-bedroom residences
At a time when travel is increasingly shaped by shared moments, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives introduces a new collection of multi-bedroom villas that go beyond space—offering thoughtfully designed amenities that transform how families and friends experience the Maldives together.

More than just larger accommodations, the new Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villas and Boduge Residence are designed as fully immersive living spaces, where every detail — from outdoor dining areas to intuitive service — enhances connection, comfort, and ease.
Where the Villa Becomes the Experience
In these new villas, the experience begins the moment guests arrive — not just across the island, but within their own private space.

Designed for effortless group living, each villa integrates social spaces, private retreats, and experiential amenities that allow guests to shape their stay around how they want to spend time together.

Thoughtful Features Designed for Families & Groups
At the heart of each villa is a generous private pool and sundeck, creating a natural gathering point — whether for morning swims with children, relaxed afternoons, or sunset moments with friends.

The villas introduce a stronger emphasis on outdoor lifestyle living, with expansive decks and, in the Boduge Residence, a dedicated BBQ area — ideal for:
- Family-style dinners under the stars
- Celebratory gatherings
- Casual, shared meals without leaving the villa

Perfect for multi-generational families or groups, each stay is supported by a dedicated villa host, ensuring:
- Seamless coordination of activities and dining
- Personalised touches for celebrations
- Effortless day-to-day comfort
This level of service allows guests to focus on time together, rather than logistics.

Understanding the needs of group travellers, the villas feature king and twin bedroom combinations, making them ideal for:
- Families with children
- Friends travelling together
- Mixed-age groups

The Boduge Residence’s ability to connect to a neighbouring villa further enhances flexibility, creating a rare three-bedroom private island setup.
Spacious indoor lounges and dining areas allow groups to come together comfortably — whether for:
- Movie nights
- Shared meals
- Quiet downtime away from the sun
The addition of features such as a kitchenette and maid’s room in the Boduge Residence makes it especially suited for longer stays and extended family travel.
Designed to Bring Everyone Together — Naturally
Architecturally, the villas reflect Alila’s eco-minimalist philosophy, where open-plan layouts, natural materials, and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions create a calming, intuitive flow.
Spaces are intentionally designed to feel neither overly formal nor overly structured — allowing guests to move freely between connection and privacy throughout the day.

A Seasonal Invitation to Travel Together
Complementing its expanded villa offering, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives introduces a Maldives Summer Escape offer, encouraging families and groups to plan ahead and experience these new villas with added value and exclusive privileges.
The offer is particularly suited for longer stays, school holidays, and milestone celebrations, making it easier to bring everyone together in one place.

“These new villas are not just about offering more space — they’re about rethinking how people can enjoy time together while still having complete privacy,” says Thomas Weber, General Manager, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives. “From secluded outdoor dining areas to dedicated hosts and flexible, thoughtfully designed layouts, every detail prioritizes discretion and personal space — making it easier for families and friends to connect, celebrate, and truly relax in their own private sanctuary on the island.”

A Private Island, Made for Shared Moments
With its house reef, proximity to Hanifaru Bay, and serene natural surroundings, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives continues to offer a deeply immersive destination experience.

The addition of these new multi-bedroom villas enhances that offering — creating a setting where the most meaningful moments happen not just around the island, but within the villa itself.
Family
Halcyon Private Isles Maldives curates immersive Easter programme
The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection invites guests to step into an imaginative island escape this Easter with Halcyon Days in Wonderland—a thoughtfully curated celebration unfolding from 29 March to 7 April 2026. Inspired by the poetic spirit of halcyon days and a whimsical reimagining of Alice in Wonderland, the experience transforms the resort’s two private islands into a world of curiosity, creativity, and quiet enchantment.
More than a traditional festive programme, Easter at The Halcyon is designed as an immersive passage—where time softens, discovery takes centre stage, and each moment is gently layered with storytelling, flavour, and sensory experiences.
At the heart of this year’s celebration is Alchemy of Flavours, a culinary residency by Chef Dmitry Eremeev of Mason Dallos. Throughout the Easter week, Chef Dmitry presents a series of refined dining experiences, from intimate sunset cocktail sessions and curated wine tastings to a signature Four-Hands Dinner alongside the resort’s culinary team at the Fire Pit. His approach blends artistry and technique, transforming each dish into a narrative that reflects both imagination and place. The residency culminates in exclusive dining moments, including a wine dinner and curated gastronomic journeys that highlight the resort’s evolving culinary identity.
The Easter programme unfolds day by day with a rich tapestry of experiences designed for both families and discerning travellers. Mornings begin with gentle rituals such as Island Morning Walks and guided snorkeling through vibrant house reefs—of which the resort is home to two—offering encounters with turtles, coral gardens, and the living rhythms of the Indian Ocean. Marine biology sessions and conservation-led explorations further deepen this connection, revealing the delicate ecosystems that surround the islands.
Creative expression flows throughout the week with hands-on workshops inspired by the Wonderland theme. Guests can take part in bunny origami, egg painting, coconut art, and mini canvas sessions, while younger travellers are invited into a playful world of discovery through treasure hunts, craft ateliers, and interactive games. Signature moments such as the White Rabbit Time Race, Easter Egg Piñata, and themed storytelling sessions bring a sense of whimsy and lighthearted adventure to the island.
Cultural immersion is woven seamlessly into the experience through Tales Painted in Sunlight, where local artists and storytellers share Maldivian folklore, crafts, and traditions. Guests can also learn Boduberu rhythms, explore the origins of Thaana script,
or visit nearby islands for an authentic glimpse into local life—reinforcing the resort’s philosophy of meaningful, place-driven experiences.
Wellness remains an integral part of the Easter journey with The Healer’s Hidden Garden, led by Ayurvedic practitioner Dr. Jubil P. Anil. Guests are invited to reconnect through bespoke therapies and complimentary consultations, designed to restore balance and harmony in tune with the island’s natural rhythms.
As the celebration builds, evenings transition into atmospheric gatherings—from sunset fishing rituals and dolphin encounters to beachfront cinema nights and starlit family feasts. The highlight arrives on Easter Sunday, 5 April, with a festive Easter Breakfast Buffet at Thari, followed by a day of curated island experiences that blend indulgence, relaxation, and celebration in equal measure.
The festivities conclude with a series of elegant finales, including an Easter Gala Dinner under lantern-lit skies, High Tea in Wonderland, and a Lobster Dinner by the sea at Yuzu—each moment crafted to leave a lasting impression of the season’s magic.
Set across two private islands and defined by its spirit of discovery and refined simplicity, The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives offers a distinctive Easter escape where storytelling, gastronomy, culture, and nature come together effortlessly.
For families, couples, and curious travellers alike, Halcyon Days in Wonderland is an invitation to wander, to wonder, and to experience Easter not as an occasion—but as a journey.
For any reservations or inquiries, guests are encouraged to contact the resort at ak.mlehp.reservations@marriott.com or +960 682 8800.
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