The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands unveils its highly anticipated Masters of Crafts program for 2026 in an inspired year-long celebration of artistry and innovation. From Michelin mastery by a collective of visiting Culinary Maestros, the finesse of the 50 Best in the Behind the Bar spotlights, restorative rituals of the resort's signature Essence of Balance wellness programming, to adventure, music and art. Residencies invite guests to engage with craft at its highest expression in one of the world’s most extraordinary locations.

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United by a shared pursuit of excellence, inspirational masters will present fresh perspectives for guests in 2026. From learning to surf with a big wave champion, exploring stories of the night sky with an aurora chaser, indulging in the world’s finest sips and Michelin menus, to exclusive access to acclaimed artists and innovative wellness practitioners exploring the resort’s signature Blue Prescription, ‘leaving better’ is high on the agenda.

Reflecting The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands’ commitment to transformative travel and cultural exchange, the 2026 program brings together an exceptional circle of collaborative partners in a thoughtfully designed calendar unfolding throughout the year:

22-25 January – The Essence of Balance, Blue Horizons with Jacy Cunningham

LA-based movement coach and founder of the ‘Jacy Method’, Jacy Cunningham, returns to host a fourday training series based on his signature practice designed to find healing and connection through movement. Guests can join slick HIIT sessions exploring topics of resilience, inner strength, stability, lightness and freedom. Taking place at the resort’s Mystique and Uthuru Gardens, beachside and at its award-winning spa, grounding Indian Ocean vistas will also engage the resort’s Blue Prescription philosophy.

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22, 23 & 25 January – Sound for the Soul with Madison Mcferrin

Fresh from her latest album and collaboration with Tyler the Creator, singer, songwriter, and producer Madison Mcferrin will present three magical performances celebrating her neo-soul, R&B, and jazzinflected harmonies - a soulful, genre-bending soundscape. From a sunset gathering, an enchanting candlelit concert, to a laid-back morning coffee session, each musical moment thoughtfully curated to echo the island’s rhythm and spirit

26 & 28 February – Culinary Maestro & Behind the Bar: Chef Maurizio Bufi and Rama Redzepi, Ristorante Il Fagiano and Rama’s Lounge Bar

From the shores of Lake Garda and Grand Hotel Fasano an exquisite pairing will host a mouth-watering event for all the senses. The first Culinary Maestro of 2026, Puglia chef Maurizio Bufi - of the Michelinstarred Il Fagiano - will bring award-winning regional Italian flavors to the resort’s popular Italian venue La Locanda for two nights. Guests will enjoy an exclusive menu showcasing Chef Bufi’s signature dishes with a twist, while head mixologist Rama Redzepi will kick-start the Behind the Bar 2026 edition with cocktail pairings. Guests will sip on a menu of Rama’s award-winning signatures from the shores of Lake Garda in his three-night takeover at La Locanda in La Dolce Vita style.

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21-24 March – Boenga Flowers by Harijanto

Blooming into Spring in time for National Flower Day, multi-award-winning floral designer Harijanto Setiwan introduces his master floristry to the Fari Islands, hosting a series of events including workshops, a botanical afternoon tea and culinary spectacle of edible flowers with a botanical cocktail pairing. Kids can also join the fun in a workshop for mini VIPs, and Harijanto’s legacy will see in-villa Boenga floral arrangements of local flowers and sustainably sourced materials supporting the destination’s reduced carbon footprint.

5-12 April – Celestial Wonder with Astronomer, Aurora Chaser and Author Tom Kerss

In between chasing auroras around the world, Tom Kerss will invite guests to explore the Maldives’ unique vantage point to view both northern and southern constellations in intimate stargazing events on land and water. Not just for adults, little ones will discover the unique constellations visible in the Maldives and the legendary stories behind each one. From amazing animals and brilliant birds to monsters and monster-slayers – guests will learn about incredible star patterns and the science, history and myths surrounding them.

23-26 April – Harriet Mandak, The Connected Collective Retreat

A three-night retreat designed for couples looking to nurture conscious partnerships in the hands of mindset mentor Harriet Mandak. Guided workshops will explore intentions, shared goals and life planning, with activities including cooking classes, sunset vision walks and couples’ massages in paradise.

6-8 June – Behind the Bar: The St. Regis Bar, Punch Room Tokyo, Bar Sathorn

To kick-start the resort’s 5th anniversary celebrations, a trio of 50 Best Asia talent, and a Marriott International bar collaboration, gathers The St. Regis Bar from The St. Regis Jakarta, ranked #22, Punch Room Tokyo from The Tokyo Edition Ginza, ranked #36, and Bar Sathorn from The W Bangkok, ranked #48. Each night a fresh bar takeover will also give guests the opportunity to mix with decorated artisans in intimate workshops.

July – Surf Retreat with Nic von Rupp

With his trademark touch of Portuguese flair and German strength, Nic Von Rupp is one of the world’s leading big wave surfers. Fresh from his championship at the 2025 Tudor Nazaré Big Wave Challenge in Portugal, von Rupp returns to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands for the Maldives’ optimal surf season. Adults and children from 6+, of all abilities, can enjoy surf coaching with the champion around the atoll’s surf points.

26-31 October – Culinary Maestro: Jean-Philippe Blondet, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester

Chef Jean-Philippe Blondet joins the Autumn Festival from the three-Michelin star London favorite. Guests will enjoy refined haute cuisine across two nights at the resort’s Beach Shack restaurant to the sounds of the Indian Ocean lapping and sand under toes.

22-30 November – Culinary Maestros: Edible Alchemy

Alexis Goertz, of the pioneering founders in fermentation, will touch down on Maldivian shores for Thanksgiving curating a five-day program of probiotic experiences for guests. Goertz will share the healing power of gut-friendly foods through workshops, tastings and hands-on sessions that nourish from the inside out.

4-5 December – Behind the Bar: Moebius

Ranked #7 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list, Moebius will be transporting its crowd-pleasing libations from its hip warehouse locale in central Milan straight to the EAU bar. Guests can expect two nights of mixology mastery from the venue founded by Lorenzo Querci in 2019. The Pesto Martini and Seed Negroni are pours to watch!

5 December – Essence of Balance: Virginia Gambardella

Italian entrepreneur, author and mindfulness advocate known for inspiring positive personal transformation and self-awareness, and founder of the popular Tressessanta podcast, will host an exclusive mindfulness session by the ocean. Plugging in to the resort’s Blue Prescription through her expert lens guests will engage the healing power of blue vistas, followed by an alcohol-free cocktail masterclass by Moebius.

For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives and for real-time updates follow the resort on Instagram and Facebook.