FULL PROGRAMME FOR INAUGURAL EDITION OF FARI ISLANDS FESTIVAL AT PATINA MALDIVES AND THE RITZ-CARLTON MALDIVES UNVEILED
- Flora Gandolfo
- Jul 30
- 8 min read
Where Purpose Meets Possibility: from 19 to 22 September 2025, the Fari Islands Festival invites guests to one extraordinary celebration designed to awaken every sense
Born from the Fari Islands' founding vision as "The Home of Island Artistry", where 'Fari' ("beautiful" in Dhivehi) captures not just scenic wonder but the deeper beauty of cultural connection, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives and Patina Maldives unite in their shared commitment to unveil the complete programme for the inaugural Fari Islands Festival, taking place from 19 to 22 September 2025.
This groundbreaking three-day celebration brings together global visionaries alongside “Fari Voices” — a curated community of regional changemakers who are reshaping their respective fields — promising to inspire and connect across the Fari Islands archipelago, where creativity and consciousness shape a new kind of celebration.
Set within two visionary resorts — Ritz-Carlton Maldives and Patina Maldives — and shaped by five interconnected pillars: Culinary Artistry; Sonic Immersion; Nature Amplified; Body, Mind & Soul; and Creative Artistry, the festival reflects Fari Islands' founding spirit of celebrating nature, craft and connection. By embracing cultural, ecological and emotional intelligence, the Fari Islands Festival seeks to redefine what a luxury gathering can stand for while giving back to the community that makes these waters home.
Fari Islands: An Evolving Canvas of Connection and Craft
Newly revealed highlights include collaborations with celebrated names across wellness, conservation, culinary and design.
Nature Amplified: Renowned marine scientist and National Geographic Explorer Gibbs Kuguru joins forces with the internationally acclaimed Olive Ridley Project— a pioneering organisation dedicated to protecting sea turtles and their habitats across the Indian Ocean through rescue, rehabilitation, research, and education. Guests will have the opportunity to support the initiative directly through donations, amplifying the impact of their experience and becoming advocates for marine stewardship in their home environments.
Culinary Artistry: Nutritionist and wellness advocate Rosemary Ferguson will host two intimate wellness-focused lunches, one at Wok Society, Patina Maldives and another at La Locanda, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives. Centred around seasonal balance and nourishment for the final quarter of the year, her offerings extend to guests who join her lunches with wellness access at the Health Club by Rose and curated juices available throughout the festival at Fari Marina Village.
Mixology Artistry: Danico Bar, one of Paris’ most influential cocktail destinations listed on World’s 50 Best Bars, will take over the islands’ bars with their signature flair. Alongside nightly showcases, guests are invited to a rare cocktail masterclass featuring their iconic Chicha Morada, offering an insider look into world-class craft.
Body, Mind & Soul: Allies of Skin, the celebrity-loved brand trusted by the likes of Victoria Beckham and Hailey Bieber, will offer wellness experiences led by founder Nicolas Travis and their Signature Transformative Facial by Leyen Tran, which combines healing massage techniques and reiki for lasting rejuvenation.
Creative Artistry: Singapore-based STPI Creative Workshop and Gallery will host a series of beginner-friendly craft sessions at both resorts, creating moments of joyful expression through tactile hands-on artistry that sparks new perspectives guests can carry back to their communities.
A Daily Rhythm of Discovery
Each morning begins with a grounding Wellness by Bamford ritual, inviting guests to arrive in presence and intention. Days unfold into ocean excursions with Gibbs Kuguru and Olive Ridley Project, creative workshops with STPI, wellness moments curated by Rosemary Ferguson and meaningful dialogues with Fari Voices’ regional changemakers.
Throughout the festival, guests will find fresh juices by Rosemary at Fari Marina Village, while cocktail enthusiasts can discover the craft of world-class mixology through exclusive sessions hosted by Danico or Nutmeg & Clove.
These daily rituals invite guests to slow down, engage deeply, and take away more than memories — nurturing a sense of purpose that extends far beyond the islands, fostering cultural understanding and inspiring actionable change in daily life.
Evenings of Immersion and Reflection
As daylight fades, the islands transform into vibrant gatherings that weave together sound, space, and story. The opening night begins with internationally celebrated poet, author, and artist Rupi Kaur — whose profound works on love, loss, trauma, and healing have touched millions worldwide — delivering a special performance at Skyspace Amarta, an art installation by James Turrell.
The second evening unfolds at EAU Bar at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, where Kim Turnbull's DJ set merges with guest bar takeovers from Danico and Nutmeg & Clove, creating a spirited convergence of sound and flavour.
The festival reaches its crescendo on the final evening at Fari Marina Village with the Fari Marina Fiesta, featuring a live set by French multi-instrumentalist and electronic music virtuoso FKJ (French Kiwi Juice), known for his soulful blend of jazz, funk, and electronic sounds that create deeply immersive musical journeys, followed by a closing performance from Rupi Kaur beneath the stars.
Where Two Worlds Flow as One
Just as the Fari Islands broke the traditional "one island, one resort" model to create an interconnected archipelago, Patina embodies artistic curiosity and forward-thinking luxury, while The Ritz-Carlton offers timeless refinement guided by the rhythm of the Circle of Life. Together, they form a rare destination where guests are encouraged to pause, feel, and connect — supported by the pioneering Fari Campus, a revolutionary hospitality initiative that represents the Maldives' first dedicated island for staff accommodation, education, and community development. More than just housing, Fari Campus embodies a commitment to investing in people through comprehensive skills development and career advancement opportunities for local Maldivian talent.
“At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, we honour beauty in detail and depth,” shares Oscar Postma, General Manager. “The Fari Islands Festival reflects that spirit — a space where creativity, connection and culture come to life.”
“This festival is our shared invitation to engage with presence and purpose,” adds Anthony Gill, General Manager of Patina Maldives. “It’s about exploring new perspectives through taste, movement, stories and encounters that transform you into an agent of positive change.”
More than a curated itinerary, the Fari Islands Festival reflects Fari Islands' commitment to honouring people, place and possibility. This means giving back to the Maldives by strengthening cultural bridges, supporting sustainable systems, and empowering guests to become informed advocates for the communities and ecosystems that make these islands extraordinary.
Reserve a stay at Fari Islands Festival at The Ritz Carlton Maldives or Patina Maldives.
Experience the journey on Instagram or visit fari-islands.com.
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ABOUT FARI ISLANDS
Fari Islands is an elevated Maldivian resort experience that celebrates nature, craft and connection. Anchored by three world-class hospitality brands, Fari Islands is in the North Malé Atoll of the Maldives, a 50-minute speedboat journey from Malé International Airport. The archipelago also features the picturesque Fari Marina, built around a vibrant Fari Beach Club, charming boutiques and a selection of handpicked, upscale food and beverage options. Spaces have been masterfully designed by renowned architects from Studio Mk27 (by Marcio Kogan), Kengo Kuma & Associates, and Kerry Hill Architects, to bring about a delicate balance of serene and social. One of the islands is home to a thoughtful hospitality campus; Fari Campus is a dedicated island for staff with a focus on community, education, and engagement, and is the first of its kind in the Maldives.
ABOUT THE RITZ-CARLTON MALDIVES, FARI ISLANDS
The property is ideally located at Fari Islands, in the North Malé Atoll of the Maldives, a 45- minute journey by speedboat or a 10-minute seaplane flight from Malé International Airport. The resort designed by Kerry Hill Architects is shaped by the Maldivian sun and shored by the Indian Ocean, featuring a series of 100 interconnected villas, its design-masterpiece Ocean Villas hovering over a turquoise lagoon. With white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and coral reefs the destination is abundant with marine life. Guest villas at The Ritz Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands range in size from one to three bedrooms, with legendary service refined by an Aris Meeha, butler. The property offers a choice of outstanding culinary venues, under Executive Chef Pedro Samper, serving an array of international and local cuisines, in addition to a full suite of fitness and recreational facilities including Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program, and a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa introducing Bamford to the region.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands forms part of an archipelago that features three world-class hospitality brands inclusive of The Ritz-Carlton. Guests have access to a picturesque Fari Marina – the archipelago’s communal beating heart. Built around a vibrant Beach Club, Fari Marina features charming boutiques and a handpicked selection of dining options.
For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives, and for real-time updates, follow the resort on Instagram and Facebook.
ABOUT THE RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL COMPANY, LLC
Delivering the Gold Standard in service in coveted destinations around the world, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC currently operates more than 120 hotels in over 35 countries and territories. From iconic urban destinations to stretches of paradise in untouched corners of the earth, The Ritz-Carlton offers the opportunity for true discovery and transformative escapes that stay with guests long after they depart. Committed to thoughtful innovation, The Ritz-Carlton encompasses two groundbreaking brand extensions, Ritz-Carlton Reserve and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a collection of rare estates set apart from the world, where personalized care and cultural immersion are paramount. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection translates the brand’s legendary service and hospitality for sea, reimagining the ultra-luxury cruising category. For more information or reservations, visit the company website at www.ritzcarlton.com, for the latest company updates, visit news.marriott.com and to join the live conversation, use #RCMemories and follow along on Facebook, X, and Instagram. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR). The Ritz-Carlton is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com. The Ritz-Carlton is committed to supporting the destinations where it operates through Community Footprints, the company’s social and environmental responsibility program.
ABOUT PATINA MALDIVES, FARI ISLANDS
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands is the inaugural flagship property from sophisticated new lifestyle brand Patina Hotels & Resorts, the latest hospitality concept by Capella Hotel Group. Designed by renowned Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan, Patina Maldives offers 90 contemporary one-to-three-bedroom Beach and Water Pool Villas, alongside 20 Fari Studios, all of which embody a harmony of sanctuary and stimulation. Set in the Fari Islands archipelago in North Malé Atoll, guests can immerse themselves in a new expression of island life through thoughtful tailormade wellness journeys, interactive music programmes, captivating culinary experiences, and bask in the light-filled James Turrell Skyspace pavilion – all while embracing the vibrant social scene that emanates from the destination.
For more information, visit patinahotels.com/maldives-fari-islands/
ABOUT PATINA HOTELS & RESORTS
Patina Hotels & Resorts is the transformative luxury brand of Capella Hotel Group. Pioneering a fresh perspective in luxury hospitality, Patina is a destination within the destination, highlighting the energy and common passions that bring like-minded people together and foster meaningful connections with themselves and their surroundings. Patina embodies an evolving journey, transforming moments into lasting marks for the guests just like the Patina Effect. Following Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, and Patina Osaka, the brand continues its thoughtful expansion with Patina Tianjin and Patina Sanya, marking the brand's debut in mainland China, where creative perspectives open minds and leave Infinite Imprints.
For more information, visit patinahotels.com
For further press information and images for Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, please contact:
Christina Dendrinou (christina@frogandwolfpr.com), Leanne Barton (leanne@frogandwolfpr.com), Nat Frogley (nat@frogandwolfpr.com) or Flora Gandolfo (flora@frogandwolfpr.com) at Frog & Wolf PR.
For further press information and images for The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, please contact:
Kate Hall (kate@gallivantpr.com) at Gallivant PR.
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