The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands welcomes another season of global talent in its signature Masters of Crafts program. Some of the world’s most talented masters of food and drink, wellness, adventure and environmental innovation will be visiting the resort for curated guest experiences.
In 2023, two Michelin Star British chef Tom Sellers with decorated bartenders from Singapore’s Vijay Mudaliar of Native, to Malaysia’s Jungle Bird and celebrity crystal healer Emma Knowles were part of the program.
Behind the Bar
The resort’s signature Behind the Bar series opens on 8th March and runs through to 6th December. The program will showcase international mixology talent, sustainability-focused concepts, and a celebration of local ingredients.
Guests will have access to some of the world’s most decorated drinksmiths with a line-up including; Stockholm’s Hampus Thunholm from Röda Huset from 8th to 13th March, Paul Aguilar & Maros Dzurus from HIMKOK from 5th to 6th April, Republic from Singaporeon from 24th to 25th July.
The second half of 2024 will bring Bangkok’s Matteo Cadeddu from Opium from 9th to 10th August, New York’s Harrison Ginsberg from Overstory from 18th to 9th September, Berlin’s Damien Guichard from Wax On from 22nd to 23rd November and Paris’ Hyacinthe Lescoet from The Cambridge Public House from 5th to 6th December.
Summer of Renewal
This Easter, from 27th March to 2nd April, New York based meditation practitioner and contemplative guide Kirat Randhawa, will share practical tools for self-care in transformative sessions. From 23rd to 27th May, an immersive wellness retreat will bring together global gurus of practice with The Essence of Balance – Elemental Harmony.
California-based international yoga teacher Josh Kramer brings the grounding element of earth with his celebrated practice blending Iyengar and vinyasa flow. Movement instructor and founder of the Jacy Method, Jacy Cunningham introduces his powerful method of physical movement representing the adaptability of water, while sound healer and Reiki master Nicole Rutsch will harness the intellect of air and the power of nature’s vibrations.
New York’s Jackie Stewart will channel transcendence of spirit with guided meditation and Nicole Berrie, founder of cult wellness guide, Bonberi, will be onsite with a plant-based menu of her most celebrated dishes representing the transformative element of fire. And from 19th to 23rd July, celebrity healer and founder of the sound healing school The Copper Vessel, Susy Markoe Schieffelin, will take residency with a soothing practice guided by the moon.
From 15th to 20th August, the Summer transformation continues with movement guidance from celebrated practitioner and founder of Project Woman, Abi Adams. During two programs, guests will embark on an emotional journey and exploration of hormonal balance with tools of meridian dance, rhythm meditation, music, yoga and creative writing.
Surfing Retreats
This year will see the introduction of two retreats partnering with championship surf heroes Nic von Rupp and Victor Bernardo. During the Maldives’ optimum surf season of June and July, the escapes led by von Rupp and Bernardo will allow guests to ride and master the four most popular waves in the North Malé Atoll, comprising Chicken, Cokes Surf Break, Honkeys and Jailbreak.
Nic Von Rupp is one of the top ‘big wave’ surfers in the world. Two-time finalist of ‘World Surf League Big Wave Performance of the Year’, von Rupp will be at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands from 4th to13th June.
Brazilian big wave surfer, who has been surfing from the age of four and with global accolades under his belt, will lead a guest retreat from 1st-7th July.
Gastronomical experiences
From 27th July to 3rd August, two Michelin Star and one Michelin Green Star, Chef Bruno Verjus brings a taste of his Paris restaurant Table by Bruno Verjus to the Fari Islands. Guests will also have the opportunity to join Verjus in an exclusive masterclass, and for the winning bidders of the Marriott Bonvoy Moments’ package, the chance to embark on a big game fishing excursion.
From 10th to 12th August, Chef Pam Soontornyanakij, Asia’s Best Female Chef 2024, who is the first and youngest female chef to receive both a Michelin Star and ‘Opening of the Year’ award from the Michelin guide in the same year, will present a bespoke menu of her progressive Thai-Chinese cuisine in an exclusive two-night residency at Summer Pavilion.
The two Michelin Star and 18 Gault Millau points’ Chef Rolf Fliegaulkf, founder and Executive Chef of Switzerland’s Ecco, will take over the resort’s Beach Shack with a creative menu, from 12th to 14th November,.
Visiting Heroes
From 8th to 18th April, legendary ocean explorer, film maker and conservationist Jean-Michel Cousteau will be returning to the resort in continuation of the Ambassadors of the Environment program and to conduct a residency.
Cousteau will host several presentations focused on marine biology, lead a number of dives with guests including coral regeneration, and chair a thought-provoking panel discussion alongside marine biologists and representatives from the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy. A Marriott Bonvoy Moments’ experience will be available to two guests via bid application, which closes on 23rd March.
Joining the Visiting Heroes series, climate activist and Forbes 30 under 30 for social impact, Saad Amer will play a pivotal role in the development of the resort’s sustainability agenda this year. A UN consultant and named ‘most influential voice in ESG’ by WWD, Amer will be launching new sustainability initiatives while undertaking educational programming with local islands and schools as part of the resort’s Community Footprints program.