The Maldives is set to host a groundbreaking cultural experience as The Ritz-Carlton Maldives and Patina Maldives unveil the inaugural Fari Islands Festival, a three-day immersive celebration that transcends traditional luxury travel from September 19-22, 2025. Rooted in the vision of ‘Fari’ – meaning “beautiful” in Dhivehi – the festival promises to be a transformative journey of creativity, connection, and conscious exploration.
Designed around five interconnected pillars – Culinary Artistry, Sonic Immersion, Nature Amplified, Body, Mind & Soul, and Creative Artistry – the festival represents a pioneering approach to luxury travel that goes beyond mere entertainment, focusing instead on meaningful engagement and personal transformation.
Highlights of the festival include extraordinary collaborations with global thought leaders and changemakers:
Nature Conservation Spotlight: National Geographic Explorer Gibbs Kuguru will partner with the Olive Ridley Project to bring marine conservation into focus, offering guests unique opportunities to support sea turtle protection and marine ecosystem preservation.
Wellness and Nutrition: Renowned nutritionist Rosemary Ferguson will curate intimate wellness experiences, including specialized lunches at Wok Society and La Locanda that emphasize seasonal balance and holistic nourishment.
Culinary and Mixology Experiences: World-class destinations like Paris’s Danico Bar will take over island bars, offering exclusive cocktail masterclasses and nightly showcases that blend artistry and flavor.
The festival’s daily rhythm promises a carefully curated experience of discovery and personal growth. Mornings begin with Wellness by Bamford rituals, followed by ocean excursions, creative workshops, and meaningful dialogues with regional changemakers.
Evening events will feature extraordinary performances, including:
- An opening night performance by internationally acclaimed poet Rupi Kaur at Skyspace Amarta
- A musical journey with French electronic artist FKJ at the Fari Marina Fiesta
- Unique DJ sets and bar takeovers featuring global talents
Beyond entertainment, the Fari Islands Festival embodies a deeper mission of cultural connection and sustainable development. Supported by the innovative Fari Campus, the event represents a commitment to community empowerment and local talent development in the Maldives.
“This festival is our shared invitation to engage with presence and purpose,” says Anthony Gill, General Manager of Patina Maldives. “It’s about exploring new perspectives that transform guests into agents of positive change.”
Travelers can reserve their transformative experience at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives or Patina Maldives, promising not just a vacation, but a profound journey of discovery and connection.
