The Maldives is set to host a groundbreaking cultural experience as The Ritz-Carlton Maldives and Patina Maldives unveil the inaugural Fari Islands Festival, a pioneering three-day event that transcends traditional luxury travel from September 19-22, 2025. Rooted in the vision of ‘Fari’ — meaning “beautiful” in Dhivehi — the festival promises an immersive journey that celebrates creativity, connection, and conscious living.
Designed around five interconnected pillars — Culinary Artistry, Sonic Immersion, Nature Amplified, Body, Mind & Soul, and Creative Artistry — the festival represents a bold reimagining of luxury experiences. By integrating cultural, ecological, and emotional intelligence, the event aims to inspire meaningful engagement and create lasting impact.
Highlights of the festival include groundbreaking collaborations with global thought leaders and changemakers, offering guests unprecedented opportunities for personal transformation. Keynote participants include:
Marine Conservation: National Geographic Explorer Gibbs Kuguru will partner with the Olive Ridley Project, providing guests with unique marine conservation experiences and opportunities to support sea turtle protection efforts.
Wellness Innovation: Renowned nutritionist Rosemary Ferguson will curate exclusive wellness-focused lunches at Wok Society and La Locanda, emphasizing holistic nutrition and seasonal balance.
The festival’s programming extends beyond traditional entertainment, offering deeply meaningful experiences. World-class mixologists from Danico Bar will lead cocktail masterclasses, while STPI Creative Workshop will host hands-on art sessions encouraging creative expression.
Evening events promise extraordinary moments of cultural immersion. The opening night features internationally acclaimed poet Rupi Kaur performing at the stunning Skyspace Amarta installation. Subsequent evenings will showcase musical performances by electronic virtuoso FKJ and curated DJ sets that blend global sounds and local rhythms.
Central to the festival’s ethos is a commitment to community and sustainability. The innovative Fari Campus — a groundbreaking hospitality initiative — supports local Maldivian talent through comprehensive skills development and career advancement programs.
“This festival is more than an event; it’s an invitation to engage with purpose,” explains Anthony Gill, General Manager of Patina Maldives. “We’re creating experiences that transform guests into agents of positive change.”
Guests can book their transformative journey at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives or Patina Maldives. For more information, visit the official Fari Islands website.