VARU by Atmosphere has unveiled the Kaagé Progressive Maldivian Cookbook, bringing the flavours and culinary heritage of the Maldives to life through an immersive new experience. As part of the island experience, guests can enjoy private cooking masterclasses, offering a hands-on connection to authentic local flavours and the opportunity to take home the beautiful cookbook as a memento.

At Kaagé, the award-winning speciality restaurant, guests embark on a culinary journey through the history and traditions of the Maldivian islands. Time-honoured local recipes are paired with modern culinary techniques, allowing the distinctive flavours of the Maldives to be recreated in kitchens around the world.

Held on 20th August, the exclusive cookbook launch event brought together journalists, culinary influencers and resort guests, who joined the resort’s chef team for an interactive masterclass. The session explored local ingredients including skipjack tuna, coconut and fiery Scotch bonnet chillies, offering participants an authentic taste of Maldivian culinary traditions.

“These immersive cooking classes are now a permanent part of your resort experience. Kaagé is a tribute to the vibrant culinary identity of the Maldives,” says Maurice Van Den Bosch, General Manager at VARU by Atmosphere. “Through our cookbook and masterclasses, we invite you to connect deeply with island culture. We look forward to sharing these traditions with you.”

VARU by Atmosphere is a naturally Maldivian island escape in North Malé Atoll, just a 45-minute speedboat journey from Malé. Blending authentic Maldivian culture with contemporary elegance, the resort offers an intimate island experience centred around warm hospitality, vibrant dining, wellness and immersive experiences. From its distinctive overwater villas and unique overwater cellar to its island-inspired cuisine and commitment to sustainability, VARU by Atmosphere celebrates the essence of the Maldives while offering a refined and relaxed tropical retreat.

The Kaagé Progressive Maldivian Cookbook is available exclusively to participants of cooking masterclass. To discover more or reserve your spot, visit www.varu-atmosphere.com or contact reservations@varu-atmosphere.com.

SUSHISAMBA Dubai, the multi-award-winning dining destination perched 51 floors above The Palm Jumeirah, is taking its renowned energy to the shores of the Indian Ocean. From Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27 September 2026, SUSHISAMBA Dubai arrives at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands for an exclusive three-night pop-up at EAU Bar, spotlighting Dubai’s thriving hospitality scene on an international stage.

Highlighting Dubai’s status as a global dining capital, this island takeover brings together two powerhouses of luxury hospitality. Running nightly from 7PM to 10PM with two dinner seatings, the pop-up features a curated dining experience led by Brand Chef Kitak Lee, brought to life by live performances from SUSHISAMBA’s iconic samba dancers, a signature element that made the venue one of Dubai’s most sought-after spots, for an unforgettable celebration by the sea.

Set against the pristine oceanfront backdrop of EAU Bar at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, a ultra-luxury resort known for its legendary Aris Meeha service, immersive Maldivian traditions, and world-class epicurean offerings across its island destinations, guests will experience SUSHISAMBA’s signature blend of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian culture. The exclusive pop-up will feature a bespoke menu of signature dishes crafted with the highest standards of culinary artistry, complemented by SUSHISAMBA’s bar team serving craft cocktails infused with exotic ingredients.

“This collaboration marks an exciting milestone as we take the electric spirit and culinary excellence of SUSHISAMBA Dubai to one of the world’s most spectacular luxury destinations,” said Brand Chef Kitak Lee. “We look forward to bringing our signature blend of flavours, theatrical energy, and world- class hospitality to EAU Bar for three unforgettable nights.”

Whether dining under the stars or enjoying inventive mixology by the ocean, guests can expect an immersive journey defined by elevated dining, dynamic entertainment, and the unmistakable SUSHISAMBA spirit.

Event Details:

Venue: EAU Bar, at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

Dates: September 25–27 2026

Seating Schedule:

Friday, September 25:

• First Seating: 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
• Second Seating: 8:30 PM–10:30 PM

Saturday, September 26 & Sunday, September 27:

• First Seating: 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
• Second Seating: 8:30 PM–10:30 PM

For bookings and more information, please contact the reservations team at +960 400 0999 or maldives.reservations@ritzcarlton.com, or visit The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands website here.

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives invites guests to discover the island as a dining destination, where distinct culinary concepts, thoughtful cuisine and extraordinary settings come together. From Japanese precision, Italian craft and the coastal flavours of the Middle East and Mediterranean to barefoot dining on a secluded sand cay and intimate meals in a private pool villa, each experience offers a different way to taste the island.

Across the resort, menus draw on local catch delivered by neighbouring fishermen, island-grown herbs, and fresh fruits and vegetables sourced weekly from a nearby producer, supporting local agriculture while reducing food miles. The resort’s multicultural culinary team also brings diverse perspectives to the table, with chefs and service teams trained to accommodate evolving dietary preferences and requirements, including vegan, keto, allergies and food intolerances.

Beyond the restaurants, The Shack, reached by a five-minute speedboat journey, offers picnics, sunset barbecues and bespoke twilight dinners on a secluded sand cay. Every Thursday, the Shack Flair Sundowner adds crafted cocktails and flair bartending against the colours of the Maldivian sunset.

“Our dining experiences are most memorable when the setting, menu and service come together seamlessly. We let the island inspire experiences that feel deeply personal, while reflecting how we care for our destination through supporting nearby producers, using more local ingredients and creating meaningful connections with place,” said Thomas Weber, General Manager.

Private dining extends this philosophy further. Floating Breakfast and Floating Lunch with Champagne bring indulgence to the privacy of a villa, while beach and villa settings can be transformed for proposals, family celebrations, barbecues and chef-led tastings, with menus personalised around individual tastes and dietary needs.

“Our culinary approach is about creating a sense of place through every plate. By incorporating locally sourced produce alongside local seafood and island-grown ingredients, we support the community while reducing the distance ingredients travel. With our diverse culinary team and continued training, we can also thoughtfully adapt menus for vegan and keto preferences, allergies, intolerances and other dietary requirements without compromising flavour, quality or creativity,” said Frank Wackerhagen, Executive Chef.

“The expectations of today’s guests are constantly evolving, and our role is to evolve with them. Our chefs and service teams welcome guests from different cultures and backgrounds, each with their own preferences and dietary needs. Our teams are trained to understand these requirements and adapt each experience thoughtfully, ensuring guests never feel they are compromising on flavour, quality or choice,” said Danilo Paolella, Director of Food & Beverage.

Together, the resort’s restaurants, destination dining settings and private experiences give guests the freedom to dine differently throughout their stay, from breakfast overlooking the water and leisurely island lunches to sundowners and dinners beneath the Maldivian sky.
Selected experiences require advance reservation and are subject to weather, tide and operational conditions.

For more information or to discover the resort’s dining experiences, visit www.alilakothaifarumaldives.com.