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Fari Islands Festival adds Milind Soman, Sean Wotherspoon and National Geographic

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The Fari Islands Festival returns from 13 to 15 August 2026, bringing together Patina Maldives, Fari Islands and The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands for a second edition. The festival expands its 2026 programme with the addition of Milind Soman, DJ FS Green and National Geographic, joining festival headliner Rosamund Pike alongside an exceptional collective of artists, chefs, designers and cultural voices from around the world.

Spanning three days and two resorts, the festival continues its exploration of art, wellness, gastronomy and nature, moving through a natural daily rhythm from sunrise rituals and ocean experiences to thought-provoking conversations, communal gatherings and performances into the night.

Sean Wotherspoon

Globally recognised designer and cultural tastemaker Sean Wotherspoon—known for iconic collaborations with Nike, Adidas, Porsche and Gap—will lead a collaborative art residency during Fari Islands Festival, bringing his vibrant, sustainability-focused aesthetic to the islands.
At the centre of the residency is a large-scale, reef-inspired sculpture, built collectively across the festival as guests contribute to the piece under Sean’s direction. Once complete, the installation will be placed in the Fari Islands lagoon as part of ongoing coral regeneration efforts—continuing to evolve as marine life takes hold over time.
Sean will also take over the Fari Artist Atelier with a dedicated pop-up, featuring an exclusive Fari Islands merchandise collection alongside limited pieces designed especially for festival guests from both resorts.

Milind Soman—Festival Wellness Collaborator

Joining Sean is the endurance icon Milind Soman – a national swimming champion turned one of India’s most recognisable public figures, Soman has spent three decades pushing at the edges of what endurance means.
For the Fari Islands Festival, he’s teaming up with iRunners, the Maldives’ leading running community, to host a morning 5km and 10km Charity Island Run on
13 August.

The collaboration centres on iRunners’ flagship event, the Maldives Half Marathon. Since 2022, it’s drawn runners from across the region and beyond to cover 21.1 kilometres through Malé, with the Indian Ocean as a constant
backdrop. But it’s never really just been about the race—the volunteers, supporters and local residents lining the course make it feel more like a citywide celebration. Each edition runs under iRunners’ Protect the Reef campaign, and in 2026, proceeds will fund a coral restoration project in Villingili—so every kilometre run ends up doing something for the marine environment that makes the Maldives worth visiting in the first place.

2026 Festival Lineup

Joining this year’s music programme alongside Sébastien Tellier and NOTEP is internationally acclaimed Dutch DJ and producer FS Green, one of Amsterdam’s finest talents. He began making beats at the age of 15, quickly developing a serious career that saw him win the StateAwards for both ‘Best Producer’ and ‘BestDJ’in 2010. Rooted in hip-hop, his sound moves fluidly between electronic music, Afrobeats, dancehall and house, with a versatility that has made him a specialist across genres–from UK bass to Jersey club. His production credits include collaborations with artists such as Mahalia, Blanco, Sevdaliza and Major Lazer.

FS Green will headline the final evening with a special beachfront performance, transforming the shores into an open-air celebration beneath the stars. Also featured is Thai multidisciplinary artist NOTEP, whose immersive performances blend music, nature and storytelling to create moments of reflection and connection.

This year’s programme also welcomes a visiting National Geographic Explorer, offering guests a unique opportunity to explore the natural world through the lens of observation, storytelling and conservation. Alongside Olive Ridley Project, experiences throughout the festival will centre on the Maldives’ remarkable marine ecosystems, biodiversity and ongoing conservation efforts.

The festival’s culinary and wellness programme brings together an equally impressive line-up. Michelin-starred chef Samuel Lee of Parisian neo-bistrot SENsation joins Tokyo’s WAGYUMAFIA for standout dining experiences, while Dry Wave Cocktail Studio—No. 5 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025—joins Michter’s Whiskey for narrative-led cocktail experiences, alongside curated spirits sessions from Sei Bellissimi’s Danilo Pozone.

Wellness by Bamford returns as the festival’s wellness partner for a second year, with sound healer Stephanie Waxberg and aromatherapist Louise Riby leading immersive wellbeing experiences, joined by Noble Panacea for sessions centred on longevity and holistic wellbeing.

Together, these collaborations reinforce the festival’s ambition to create experiences that extend beyond entertainment, encouraging guests to engage with ideas, people, and the place in meaningful ways.

“The festival has always been about curiosity – bringing together remarkable people whose work inspires fresh ways of thinking and connecting,” says Anthony Gill, General Manager, Patina Maldives.

“Asthe festival draws closer, the excitement continues to build,” says Oscar Postma, General Manager of The Ritz- Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. “This year’s exceptional programme has come together beautifully, and we can’t wait to see it all come to life across Fari Islands as we welcome guests for another unforgettable edition.”

Reserve a stay at Fari Islands Festival at The Ritz Carlton Maldives or Patina Maldives. 

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Ifuru Island Maldives celebrates 3rd anniversary with fashion, dance and music

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On 1st December 2026, Ifuru Island Maldives will mark its 3rd anniversary with “Global Harmony,” a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity and connection, bringing people together through the universal languages of fashion, dance and music.

Created around the message “Different cultures. One rhythm. One Ifuru.”, Global Harmony celebrates the many cultures, traditions and individual expressions that come together on one island.

The concept recognises that people may come from different countries, speak different languages, follow different traditions and express themselves in different ways, yet when those differences come together, they can create something extraordinary.

For Ifuru Island Maldives, the anniversary is not only an opportunity to celebrate another year. It is a moment to celebrate the people, cultures and shared experiences that continue to shape the spirit of Ifuru.

A Celebration Without Borders

At the heart of Global Harmony will be a creative fusion of fashion, dance and music, with different segments drawing inspiration from cultures, countries and styles from around the world.

Moving beyond the format of a traditional fashion show, the anniversary celebration is envisioned as a continuous performance in which fashion and movement become part of the same story.

Models will take to the stage in looks inspired by different parts of the world, with each fashion sequence transitioning naturally into a dance performance reflecting the culture, energy or character represented.

A traditional inspired look may lead into cultural movement, which can then evolve into a contemporary or fusion performance. As the evening progresses, individual styles and influences will begin to merge, building towards one collective finale.

The result will be a visual representation of the idea behind Global Harmony: different cultures and different styles finding one rhythm together.

Different Cultures. One Rhythm.

The 3rd anniversary theme reflects the international spirit of island life.

Every day, people from different backgrounds meet at Ifuru Island. Guests, team members, friends and partners each bring their own stories, traditions, personalities and experiences.

Global Harmony turns that diversity into the centrepiece of the anniversary celebration.

Rather than presenting cultures separately, the concept focuses on the beauty that emerges when they interact. Fashion becomes movement, movement follows music, and individual performances gradually become one shared celebration.

The finale will bring the different cultural and creative influences together, symbolising unity without losing individuality.

It is a message that feels particularly meaningful for Ifuru: people do not need to be the same to belong together.

Celebrating the Spirit of One Ifuru

The 3rd anniversary on 1st December will celebrate not only Ifuru Island’s journey, but also the community that has grown alongside it.

From memorable holidays and celebrations to friendships and shared island moments, the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the experiences that have become part of Ifuru’s story while looking forward to those still to come.

Through Global Harmony, the island will celebrate not simply another year, but the connections created along the way.

Against the natural backdrop of the Maldives, fashion, dance and music will come together to create an anniversary experience filled with colour, energy, movement and cultural expression.

As each individual performance becomes part of something bigger, the evening will ultimately return to one simple message: “Different cultures. One rhythm. One Ifuru.”

EVENT DETAILS

  • Celebration: Ifuru Island Maldives 3rd Anniversary
  • Theme: Global Harmony
  • Date: 1 December 2026
  • Location: Ifuru Island Maldives
  • Concept: A fusion of cultural fashion, dance and music
  • Tagline: “Different cultures. One rhythm. One Ifuru.”

Further details on the anniversary programme, performances and entertainment will be announced closer to the celebration.

Set amid the natural beauty of the Maldives, Ifuru Island Maldives brings together island living, dining, entertainment and memorable experiences in a destination shaped by freedom, connection and discovery.

With guests and team members from different parts of the world coming together on one island, Ifuru celebrates individuality, shared experiences and the connections that turn an island holiday into something more meaningful.

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Hideaway Beach Resort announces six-course dining experience with Chef Kanji Kobayashi

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This November, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa will welcome acclaimed Japanese Chef Kanji Kobayashi, owner-chef of Villa Aida in Wakayama Prefecture, for two exclusive evenings celebrating the artistry, seasonality and refined traditions of Japanese cuisine.

Taking place on 10 and 14 November 2026, the intimate culinary experience will feature a meticulously crafted six-course fine dining menu, offering guests the opportunity to discover Chef Kanji’s distinctive approach to Japanese gastronomy in the spectacular surroundings of Hideaway.

At the heart of Chef Kanji’s culinary philosophy is a deep respect for nature and the Japanese tradition of appreciating ingredients at their finest moment. Each course will showcase carefully selected seasonal produce through refined techniques and elegant presentation, creating a harmonious journey of flavour, texture and craftsmanship.

From delicately prepared seafood to thoughtfully composed signature creations, the menu will bring together authentic Japanese culinary traditions with Chef Kanji’s contemporary expression. Each dish will reflect a balance between simplicity and sophistication, allowing the character and seasonality of the ingredients to take centre stage.

The exclusive dinners form part of Hideaway’s commitment to creating exceptional gastronomic experiences, bringing distinguished culinary talent to its private island retreat in Haa Alifu Atoll. Against a backdrop of pristine beaches, lush tropical surroundings and the Indian Ocean, the evenings promise an intimate celebration of food and artistry.

With a limited number of seats available on each evening, advance reservations are highly recommended.

For gourmands, admirers of Japanese cuisine and travellers seeking an extraordinary addition to their Maldivian escape, Chef Kanji Kobayashi’s six-course dining experience at Hideaway promises two memorable evenings where seasonality, craftsmanship and Japanese culinary heritage come together in paradise.

Nestled within the lush tropical vegetation of Dhonakulhi Island, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers an exceptional island escape where luxury, privacy and personalised hospitality come together. With a diverse collection of restaurants and bars offering exquisite international cuisine and intimate private dining experiences, the resort caters to every culinary preference. Beyond gastronomy, guests can enjoy an extensive range of recreational activities, including tennis, padel, pickleball, golf, diving and exhilarating watersports, complemented by rejuvenating treatments at Hideaway Spa. Surrounded by pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and abundant natural beauty, Hideaway places guest happiness at the heart of every experience, ensuring that each stay is filled with memorable moments, thoughtful service and endless opportunities to explore, unwind and indulge.

For bookings, please click here.

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Dusit brings ‘Ocean Carnival’ and ‘Reef & Rhythm’ festive celebrations to Maldives

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This festive season, Dusit Hotels and Resorts invites travellers to experience two distinctive celebrations in the Maldives, united by a shared source of inspiration: the ocean.

At Dusit Thani Maldives, the festive season comes to life through Ocean Carnival, a joyful celebration inspired by the colour, movement and wonder of the underwater world.

Meanwhile, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives turns up the island energy with Reef & Rhythm, where the ocean meets music, flavour, culture and celebration. Together, the two programmes offer different interpretations of the festive season while sharing the warmth of Dusit’s Thai-inspired gracious hospitality and the natural beauty of the Maldives.

“While Dusit Thani Maldives and dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives each have their own distinctive character, both are deeply connected to the ocean and the spirit of the Maldives,” said Jean-Louis Ripoche, Area General Manager, Dusit Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives. “With Ocean Carnival and Reef & Rhythm, we wanted to create two festive experiences that reflect the personality of each resort while sharing the same sense of celebration, connection and discovery. Whether guests are looking for a vibrant island atmosphere or a more tranquil escape surrounded by nature, we look forward to welcoming them to celebrate this special time of year with us.”

Two islands, one ocean-inspired celebration

Located on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Dusit Thani Maldives sets the scene for a festive escape surrounded by a vibrant house reef and the tranquillity of its natural island setting. Its Ocean Carnival programme brings together festive dining, family activities, wellness experiences and live entertainment, culminating in a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration on the beach.

Just seven minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives offers a different rhythm. The lifestyle-focused, Premium All-Inclusive resort embraces its playful character with Reef & Rhythm, bringing together pool parties, beachfront dining, live bands, DJs, cultural experiences, family adventures and celebrations beneath the stars.

Ocean Carnival at Dusit Thani Maldives

The celebrations at Dusit Thani Maldives begin with the lighting of the Christmas tree at Sand Bar on 21 December, setting the stage for a programme of memorable island experiences.Festive highlights include a beachfront Lobster BBQ, a lively Bartender Flairing Show, Santa’s arrival on Christmas morning, and an elegant Christmas Family Set Dinner at Sea Grill.

The programme continues between Christmas and New Year with a pool party and the resort’s Jungle Night, transforming Coconut Grove into an immersive tropical setting with a playful Jurassic twist, BBQ dining, entertainment and the unmistakable rhythm of Maldivian Boduberu.

The season reaches its crescendo on 31 December. Guests will begin the evening with a New Year’s Eve cocktail reception before Market Beach transforms for the Ocean Carnival New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner & Party. A lavish gala buffet will be accompanied by live music, DJs and entertainment inspired by the movement and magic of the ocean, before a midnight fireworks display welcomes 2027 beneath the Maldivian sky.

Celebrations continue into the New Year, including an authentic Thai Street Food Market at Benjarong on 3 January, accompanied by a traditional Thai dance performance.

Feel the Reef & Rhythm at dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives

At dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, Reef & Rhythm follows the pulse of island life, with music and entertainment woven throughout the festive programme.

The season officially begins on 10 December with a sunset Christmas Cocktail Soirée and Tree Lighting Ceremony at SOI Beach. Christmas Eve brings a beachfront festive feast at Baraveli followed by live performances, Christmas celebrations and an LED party, while Christmas Day begins with Santa’s arrival before moving into a day of poolside music, beach games and tropical festivities.

Food takes centre stage throughout the season with experiences ranging from Streets of Thailand to Seafood, Sax & Champagne, an evening of fresh seafood, sparkling champagne and live saxophone melodies by the beach.

Maldivian culture also plays an important role in Reef & Rhythm. The resort’s Discover the 26 Atolls of the Maldives experience brings local traditions to life through arts and crafts, cultural performances and the rhythms of the islands.

Families can slow the pace with Cinema Under the Stars, while evenings across the resort feature an ever- changing soundtrack of live bands, DJs, solo singers, saxophone performances and visual shows.

On 31 December, SOI Beach becomes the heart of the celebration for the Reef & Rhythm New Year’s Eve Gala. Beginning with a sunset saxophone performance, the evening progresses through an international gala, live music and stage entertainment before the countdown to 2027. A DJ-led after-party then carries the celebration into the early hours of the New Year.

Celebrate the Maldives, your way

While each resort brings its own character to the festive season, both celebrations share a common spirit: bringing people together through memorable dining, music, culture and experiences shaped by their island surroundings.

For travellers seeking a vibrant, social and contemporary celebration close to Malé, Reef & Rhythm at dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives delivers a festive season filled with energy from morning until late into the night.

For those drawn to the natural beauty and laid-back luxury of Baa Atoll, Ocean Carnival at Dusit Thani Maldives offers an immersive festive escape where celebration, discovery and connection unfold against one of the Maldives’ most remarkable ocean settings.

From reef to rhythm, and from carnival colour to celebrations beneath the stars, Dusit invites guests to end 2026 and begin the New Year surrounded by the ocean.

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