The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will host an exceptional celebration of Italian gastronomy and mixology from February 26 to 28, 2026, welcoming Michelin-starred Chef Maurizio Bufi and acclaimed mixologist Rama Redzepi from Italy’s Grand Hotel Fasano on Lake Garda. Set against the pristine, palm-fringed shores of the Maldives, the collaboration brings the refined flavours and atmosphere of northern Italy to one of the world’s most sought-after island destinations, offering guests an immersive sensory journey that blends culinary artistry, elegant craftsmanship, and the resort’s signature spirit of refined luxury.
Renowned for his modern Mediterranean cuisine rooted in Italian tradition, Chef Maurizio Bufi is celebrated for creating dishes defined by clarity, lightness, and understated elegance, allowing each ingredient to express its natural character. His culinary philosophy is deeply influenced by his upbringing in Puglia, where a strong connection to vegetables, seasonality, and respect for produce shaped his approach to cooking. Over the course of his distinguished career, Chef Bufi has worked in diverse culinary environments, from Lake Como to cruise ships and Switzerland, before establishing himself at Lake Garda, where he earned his first Michelin star at Villa Giulia and, in 2024, secured a Michelin star for Restaurant Fagiano at the Grand Hotel Fasano. Today, his cuisine is recognised for combining technical precision with sustainable sourcing and a contemporary interpretation of Italian heritage.
As the first Culinary Maestro of 2026 at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, Chef Bufi will present two exclusive four-course dining experiences at the resort’s Italian restaurant, La Locanda, an overwater venue offering open-sky dining and panoramic ocean views. On February 26, guests will be introduced to “Dalla Terra” (from the earth), a refined vegetarian menu where vegetables take centre stage across every course, including dessert. Highlights include a delicate risotto featuring lemon, burrata, and a subtle hint of licorice, demonstrating Chef Bufi’s ability to transform simple ingredients into sophisticated compositions. This menu is paired entirely with cocktails rather than wine, allowing flavours and textures to unfold through an innovative dialogue between cuisine and mixology.
Chef Bufi returns on February 28 with a second four-course menu that explores seafood, fish, and meat, showcasing combinations such as squid with sweetbreads and cashews, and beef ravioli served with shiitake mushrooms, barley miso, and orange. A curated selection of fine wines accompanies this menu, while both evenings begin with a series of amuse-bouchées designed to awaken the palate and set the tone for a memorable dining experience. Dining at La Locanda mirrors the romance and ambience of Lake Garda’s Il Fagiano, where shimmering lights reflect on tranquil waters, while guests savour the flavours of Italy in the heart of the Maldives.
Complementing Chef Bufi’s cuisine is Rama Redzepi, Bar Manager and Mixologist at the Grand Hotel Fasano, who will take over the resort’s EAU Bar for three evenings as part of the Behind the Bar 2026 series. Born in Pristina and raised in Italy from the age of 13, Rama brings a multicultural perspective to his craft, shaped by experiences across Europe and mentorship from leading figures in Italian cocktail culture, Remo Pizzolito and Samuele Ambrosi. His bar at the Grand Hotel Fasano is home to an extensive collection of more than 70 gins and 30 tonic waters, reflecting his passion for innovation, balance, and storytelling through cocktails.
At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Rama Redzepi will present four signature creations inspired by destinations and cultural narratives. “Il Tramonto Sul Lago” captures the landscapes and sunsets of Lake Garda, “Midori No Sakura” draws inspiration from Japan and the tea ceremony, “From Jalisco to Benaco” traces a journey from Mexico to northern Italy, and “Total Branco” pays homage to Porto, the birthplace of port wine. These cocktails will be featured at EAU Bar during the resort’s Defining Moment ritual, where the transition from day to night is celebrated in an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication, echoing the spirit of Rama’s summer terrace at La Terrazza overlooking the waters of Lake Garda.
Together, Chef Maurizio Bufi and Rama Redzepi represent the culinary and mixology excellence of the Grand Hotel Fasano, where Restaurant Fagiano has been recognised with a Michelin star since 2024 and Rama’s Bar received the “Best Hotel Bar in Lombardy” award from Gambero Rosso in 2020. Their collaboration at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands reflects a shared philosophy centred on craftsmanship, creativity, and the seamless harmony between food and drink.
For global travellers seeking meaningful experiences that transcend traditional dining, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands continues to position itself as a destination where international masters of their craft bring world-class artistry to life in an extraordinary island setting. The February 2026 culinary residency promises to be a highlight of the resort’s annual calendar, offering guests an opportunity to explore Italian flavours, culture, and innovation while immersed in the natural beauty and refined luxury of the Maldives.
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