North Malé Atoll, Maldives – 24 February 2025 - The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands proudly unveils the fourth edition of its highly anticipated Masters of Crafts series, a celebration of Culinary Masters and Behind the Bar showcases set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldives. This year's lineup promises to elevate gastronomy and mixology to unparalleled heights, welcoming an extraordinary roster of world-renowned chefs and bartenders from some of the most iconic restaurants and bars across the globe.  

The 2025 series debuted on 14 February with an exclusive two-night experience featuring Chef David Yárnoz of Spain's El Molino de Urdániz, bringing the celebrated flavours of Northern Spain's Navarre region to the Maldives. With an elegant and immersive start to the resort's acclaimed series, Chef Yárnoz—holder of two Michelin stars and a Green Michelin Star—curated a menu that reflected his signature blend of tradition and innovation. This unforgettable dining experience set the stage for a spectacular line-up of global culinary and mixology talent.

Throughout the year, guests will have a rare opportunity to engage with some of the world's most decorated talents in the industry, including Berlin's Chef René Frank from Coda, Athen's Vasilis Kyritsis from Line, London's Remy Savage from A Bar with Shapes for a Name and Bar Nouveau, among others.

Building on the success of past editions—which have featured industry luminaries such as Overstory with Harrison Ginsberg—this year's Masters of Crafts series is set to surpass all expectations. As The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands continues to transform luxury hospitality, the Masters of Crafts series stands as a testament to the resort's commitment to innovation, culture, and world class experiences.  

The Stars of the 2025 Masters of Crafts Series Include:

14–15 February: Chef David Yárnoz, El Molino de Urdániz,

Chef David Yárnoz, a distinguished Culinary Master holding two Michelin stars and one Green Michelin Star from Spain, is celebrated for his exceptional talent in blending tradition with innovation. With extensive background in prestigious kitchens across Europe, Chef Yárnoz crafts dishes that honour the rich culinary heritage of his native Navarre while embracing modern techniques. As the visionary behind El Molino de Urdániz, his renowned restaurant, he curates a forward-thinking experience that is as deeply rooted in Spanish flavours.

13–15 March: Chef Simone Caponnetto and Bar Manager Alessandro Mengoni, Locale Firenze

Locale Firenze, an acclaimed bar and restaurant in the heart of Florence, is known for seamlessly fusing contemporary Italian cuisine with timeless elegance. Under the guidance of Chef Simone Caponnetto, the restaurant has garnered praise for its innovative dishes, showcasing the finest locally sourced ingredients. Meanwhile, the bar, ranked No. 36 on The World's Best Bars 2025 list, is celebrated for its innovative cocktails, expertly crafted using rare and carefully selected ingredients, all while staying true to Italy's rich culinary heritage.

26–27 April: Chef René Frank, Coda

Berlin-based pastry chef René Frank, a two Michelin-starred talent, has made a name for himself with his inventive approach to desserts. His career, shaped in the kitchens of the world's most renowned restaurants, has established him as a pioneer of modern pastry, continuously pushing the boundaries of flavour, technique, and presentation while deconstructing the concept of traditional desserts. As the visionary behind Coda, Berlin's first dessert-only restaurant, he revolutionizes classic pastry-making by transforming unexpected ingredients into multisensory masterpieces, entirely forgoing artificial sugar, and elevating patisserie to an entirely new culinary level.

8-10 June: Vasilis Kyritsis, LINE

Nestled in the heart of Athens, Line is a contemporary cocktail bar and has swiftly risen to the forefront as a leader in innovative mixology. Head Bartender Vasilis Kyritsis has earned acclaim for blending cutting-edge techniques with a deep respect for local ingredients and flavour that are both sophisticated and playfully inventive. Ranked No. 6 on The World's Best Bars 2025 list, Line offers more than just drinks – it curates an immersive storytelling experience, where every cocktail is a harmonious fusion of modern artistry and timeless elegance.

27 October–3 November: Chef Max Strohe, Tulus Lotrek

Michelin-starred Chef and author Max Strohe, has carved a distinguished name for himself in the world of modern gastronomy, recognized for his innovative approach to fine dining. With a career shaped in some of the world's most prestigious kitchens, Chef Strohe's expertise shines in every dish he creates. As the creative force behind Tulus Lotrek, his acclaimed restaurant in Berlin, Chef Strohe transforms the finest seasonal ingredients into elegant, contemporary and French-inspired cuisine, delivering offering a refined and unforgettable culinary journey.

26–30 November: Remy Savage, A Bar with Shapes for a Name and Bar Nouveau

London's A Bar with Shapes is a pioneering cocktail destination where innovation and artistry seamlessly merge, guided by the visionary leadership of Mixologist Remy Savage, founder of Drink More Art. Renowned for its bold, unconventional approach to mixology, each cocktail is a sensory and visual masterpiece, pushing the boundaries of creativity. The venue draws inspiration from the Bauhaus movement, fostering a space where guests and staff alike engage in the art of flavour, encouraging a community of learning and collaboration. Bar Nouveau, opened in 2023 in Paris, pays homage to the Art Nouveau movement, offering a dual experience where cocktails crafted from industrialized ingredients are reimagined in their natural, artisanal form.

For more information on The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and reservation enquiries, please visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives For real-time updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Click here for image library.

###

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 four 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.  

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.