The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Unveils Masters of Crafts Residencies for 2026

From Michelin-starred chefs to big-wave surfing icons, the luxury resort curates a year-long celebration of mastery across cuisine, wellness, art and adventure

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has announced its highly anticipated Masters of Crafts Residencies for 2026, unveiling a year-long programme that brings together world-renowned chefs, mixologists, artists, wellness experts and adventurers.

Designed as a celebration of mastery in its purest form, the curated calendar invites guests to engage with exceptional talent across gastronomy, culture, wellness and exploration, set against one of the world’s most extraordinary island destinations.

Rooted in the resort’s commitment to transformative travel and cultural exchange, the 2026 programme reflects The Ritz-Carlton Maldives’ evolving vision of luxury as experience, education and meaningful connection.

A Global Celebration of Craft at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives

United by a shared pursuit of excellence, the Masters of Crafts Residencies present a diverse range of disciplines, from Michelin-starred cuisine and world-class mixology to floristry, astronomy, wellness and elite-level surfing. Each residency has been designed to offer guests direct access to leading figures in their fields, fostering creativity, learning and inspiration.

The programme also aligns with the resort’s signature Blue Prescription, a holistic philosophy focused on wellbeing through nature, balance and the restorative power of the ocean.


The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands - Lagoon Pool Villa
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands – Lagoon Pool Villa

Culinary Maestros and Behind the Bar Highlights

Food and drink take centre stage throughout 2026, with a series of acclaimed culinary and cocktail residencies.

February – Italian Michelin Mastery

The year opens with Chef Maurizio Bufi, of Michelin-starred Ristorante Il Fagiano, who will bring refined Puglian flavours to La Locanda across two exclusive evenings. Accompanying him, award-winning mixologist Rama Redzepi launches the Behind the Bar series with a three-night cocktail takeover inspired by Lake Garda.

June – Asia’s 50 Best Bars Collaboration

Celebrating the resort’s fifth anniversary, The St. Regis Bar Jakarta, Punch Room Tokyo and Bar Sathorn Bangkok unite for a rotating series of bar takeovers and workshops, spotlighting Asia’s most influential cocktail destinations.

Autumn and Winter Culinary Highlights

Later in the year, Jean-Philippe Blondet of Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester brings three-Michelin-star finesse to the Beach Shack, while fermentation pioneer Alexis Goertz introduces probiotic-focused culinary experiences over Thanksgiving.

December concludes with Milan’s Moebius, ranked among The World’s 50 Best Bars, delivering two nights of innovative mixology.


The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands - EAU Bar
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands – EAU Bar

Artistry, Nature and Transformative Experiences

Beyond gastronomy, the programme embraces creativity and exploration in all its forms.

Floristry, Stargazing and Surfing

March sees multi-award-winning floral designer Harijanto Setiwan transform the resort with immersive workshops and botanical experiences. In April, astronomer and aurora chaser Tom Kerss invites guests of all ages to explore the night sky from the Maldives’ rare vantage point, blending science with storytelling.

During peak surf season in July, big-wave champion Nic von Rupp returns to lead surf coaching sessions for adults and children, offering access to the atoll’s renowned breaks.

Wellness, Connection and Conscious Travel

Wellbeing remains central to the Masters of Crafts vision. April welcomes Harriet Mandak for a couples-focused retreat centred on conscious partnerships, while December features mindfulness advocate Virginia Gambardella, whose oceanfront session integrates meditation, self-awareness and alcohol-free mixology.

Together, these experiences reflect The Ritz-Carlton Maldives’ philosophy of leaving guests feeling restored, inspired and connected.

A Year of Meaningful Luxury

With its carefully curated 2026 Masters of Crafts calendar, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands continues to redefine luxury hospitality through depth, creativity and authentic cultural exchange.

For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives.

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