Fari Islands, Maldives, 26 May 2025 – Patina Maldives and The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands have joined forces to launch the Fari Islands Festival - a celebration of culture, creativity, and conscious living – taking place from 19 -22 September 2025. This inaugural edition will bring together world-leading contemporary creatives and thought leaders including Canadian poet and illustrator Rupi Kaur, British DJ Kim Turnbull, and Tokyo-born fine food movement Wagyumafia, establishing the Fari Islands Festival as a distinctive new moment in the Indian Ocean's cultural calendar.

This unique partnership brings together two leading resorts in a shared commitment to shaping a more inspired and mindful Maldivian experience, set within the serene and forward-thinking Fari Islands archipelago.

An Invitation to Engage with Depth and Intention

Conceived not as a spectacle but as an experience of resonance and reflection, the Fari Islands Festival invites discerning guests to immerse themselves in a world of ideas and artistry.

The 4-day programme has been thoughtfully composed to offer guests the opportunity to connect with contemporary thought leaders, creators and innovators in ways that are immersive, considered and wholly original.

Creative Artistry: Internationally celebrated poet Rupi Kaur will lead the festival's creative discourse, delivering a series of intimate readings and reflective dialogues that explore language, emotion and personal truth.

Body, Mind and Soul: The Bamford Experience, hosted by wellness expert CJ Jones-Leake alongside sustainability advocate and former professional athlete Anthony Mullally, offers a daily rhythm of grounding rituals, including breathwork, movement and integrative therapies.

Nature Amplified: National Geographic Explorer and shark scientist Gibbs Kuguru, in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project, leads a series of explorations designed to deepen awareness of the Maldives' marine ecosystems. Through guided snorkelling trips, conservation workshops and reflective discussions, guests will be invited into a renewed relationship with the ocean.

Sonic Immersion: British DJ and creative force Kim Turnbull curates the island's sonic identity, shaping ambient soundscapes and live performances that align with the gentle cadence of the natural environment.

Culinary Exploration: Gastronomy becomes performance with Wagyu Mafia, whose celebrated Kobe beef ritual will be presented through a limited series of curated dinners. Meanwhile, award-winning cocktail studio Nutmeg and Clove will reimagine the island's bar culture through sensorial storytelling and spirited artistry.

A Festival Rooted in Place

The festival is hosted across the Fari Islands, a rare example of architectural clarity and community-led design. At the heart of the archipelago lies Fari Marina Village, a shared destination that seamlessly connects both resorts through curated experiences in dining, design, and the arts.

The Fari Islands is the only destination in the Maldives where two distinct resort philosophies coexist in effortless harmony. Patina Maldives, an expression of transformative luxury and artistic curiosity, encouraging guests to look beyond the moment and create lasting memories. In gentle contrast, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives embodies heritage, craft and natural flow, guided by the principle of the Circle of Life.

Together, they offer a fluid experience of rare depth, with guests invited to cross between both resorts, engaging in a dynamic yet intimate cultural programme crafted to nourish both inner and outer worlds.

“Patina Maldives was created as a place of purposeful presence, where guests are invited not only to passively experience but to participate. This festival extends that vision, encouraging guests to connect actively and meaningfully with ideas, artists and the natural world.” shares Anthony Gill, General Manager of Patina Maldives.

“At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, we honour the rhythm of nature and the richness of human connection. The Fari Islands Festival reflects that ethos, a gathering where culture, creativity and community come together with intention. It is an invitation to slow down, to listen deeply and to be moved by the beauty of meaningful exchange.” adds Oscar Postma, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives.

Reserve a place at Fari Islands Festival at Patina Maldives or The Ritz Carlton Maldives.

Further programme reveals to follow - expect more exceptional names to be announced in the weeks ahead.

Experience the journey on Instagram.

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High-res images can be downloaded here.

PRESS CONTACT

Christeena Thiruvinkal (christeena.thiruvinkal@patinahotels.com)
Director of Marketing & Communications, Patina Maldives

Svenja Rehbein (Svenja.rehbein@ritzcarlton.com )
Director of Marketing & Communications, Ritz Carlton Maldives

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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.

For more information, visit fari-islands.com.

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