Kickoff of the Inaugural Fari Islands Festival featuring a gastronomic showcase at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
The Fari Islands Festival is set to make its debut from September 19 to 22, 2025, at the luxurious The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and Patina Maldives. This groundbreaking four-day event promises a celebration of cultural connection, creativity, and luxury, with a strong emphasis on ecological and emotional intelligence[1][2][5].
The festival is organised around five core thematic pillars: Culinary Artistry, Sonic Immersion, Nature Amplified, Body, Mind & Soul, and Creative Artistry[1][2].
During the festival, guests can look forward to immersive programs designed to inspire transformation and meaningful exchange across the islands[1][2]. Special hosted dinners are planned on September 19 and 21 at select venues in Fari Marina Village[4]. Daily lunches and dinners at the resort’s signature restaurants, including IWAU and restaurants helmed by Chef Pedro Samper, serving dishes from all continents and local cuisine, are included in exclusive packages[4].
Notable events include wellness lunches by nutritionist Rosemary Ferguson focusing on seasonal nourishment and wellness at two resort venues[2]. FKJ, renowned for his blend of funk, jazz, and electronic music, will headline the closing night’s Fari Marina Fiesta with a live set[3]. Kim Turnbull, a multi-genre DJ affiliated with NTS Radio, will perform sets at the EAU Bar and Fari Beach Club as part of guest bar takeovers[3].
Rupi Kaur, the celebrated Canadian poet and spoken word artist, will deliver a special performance during the festival[3]. Unique collaborations spotlighting marine conservation include National Geographic Explorer Gibbs Kuguru working with the Olive Ridley Project, engaging guests in turtle rescue and rehabilitation efforts[2]. Exclusive culinary experiences such as a notable collaboration with WAGYUMAFIA, known for world-class dining, will also be part of the celebration[4].
Guests can book the Fari Islands Package, offering festival access, luxury villa stays at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, daily meals, round-trip speedboat transfers, and curated festival experiences[4]. The festival embodies the Fari Islands’ founding ethos as "The Home of Island Artistry," where the name "Fari" means "beautiful" in Dhivehi, emphasising nature, craft, and cultural connection[1][2].
Located in the North Malé Atoll, a 45-minute speedboat ride or a 10-minute seaplane flight from Malé International Airport, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands offers a unique blend of luxury and sustainability. The resort's design was inspired by the Maldivian sun and the Indian Ocean, and it comprises a series of 100 villas, including the Ocean Villas that appear to float over a turquoise lagoon[6]. The resort's naturalists lead the sustainability initiatives, and it is committed to social and environmental responsibility through Community Footprints, a program for social and environmental responsibility[7].
For more information and updates, visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives or follow The Ritz-Carlton Maldives on Instagram and Facebook. Guests can also book their stay through Marriott Bonvoy, a travel program that offers members exclusive experiences, free nights, or elite status recognition[8].
At the Fari Islands Festival, attendees can expect to explore five thematic pillars: Culinary Artistry, Nature Amplified, Body, Mind & Soul, Creative Artistry, and Sonic Immersion, immersing themselves in a blend of cultural connection, creativity, and luxury. During the celebration, guests can indulge in food-and-drink offerings from various continents and local cuisine, as well as participate in home-and-garden focused events, with the festival embodying the Fari Islands' commitment to nature, craft, and cultural connection.
