From September 19 to 22, 2025, the Fari Islands Archipelago in North Malé Atoll will host the first-ever Fari Islands Festival, an extraordinary four-day celebration showcasing the finest in global music, contemporary art, gourmet cuisine, wellness experiences, and environmental appreciation. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Indian Ocean, this immersive festival offers discerning travellers a rare opportunity to engage with globally renowned creatives and thought leaders while enjoying the luxurious hospitality of some of the Maldives’ most prestigious resorts.
A key highlight of the festival will take place at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, where the world-famous Tokyo-based culinary collective WAGYUMAFIA will make its Maldives debut. Founded by visionary chef Hisato Hamada, WAGYUMAFIA is internationally acclaimed for its precision, storytelling, and innovative approach to Japanese wagyu beef. Known for hosting ultra-exclusive, invite-only dining experiences in cities such as Tokyo, Hong Kong, and New York, the collective will present a one-night-only dining event at IWAU, the resort’s signature Japanese restaurant, on September 20, 2025.
The restaurant IWAU—meaning “celebrate” in Japanese, offers an intimate, open-air setting where culinary artistry meets seasonal ingredients and refined techniques. The serene and design-forward space provides a perfect platform for WAGYUMAFIA’s bold reinterpretation of traditional Japanese cuisine. This once-in-a-lifetime dinner experience is available for two fortunate couples as part of the exclusive Marriott Bonvoy Moments, further enhancing the bespoke luxury offered by the resort.
The full Marriott Bonvoy Moments package includes:
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A three-night stay in an Ocean Pool Villa at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands from September 19 to 22, 2025
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Return luxury speedboat transfers from Velana International Airport
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Daily breakfast at La Locanda
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Curated lunches and dinners at the resort’s signature dining venues
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A private dinner for two at Fari Marina Fiesta
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Full access to the Fari Islands Festival
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Priority reservations for all festival activities
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Exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities with participating artists and talent
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An evening hosted by award-winning mixologists from 50 Best Bars, Danico and Nutmeg & Clove at Fari Beach Club
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Guaranteed reservation at the exclusive WAGYUMAFIA dinner at IWAU on September 20
Adding cultural prestige to the festival, the program includes performances and showcases by globally celebrated artists, such as Rupi Kaur, the celebrated Canadian poet and illustrator, as well as Amarta, an iconic installation by renowned light artist James Turrell. The event promises to be an extraordinary fusion of art and expression, supported by one of the most serene natural environments in the world.
To offer broader access to this spectacular celebration, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is also offering the Fari Islands Festival Package, open for reservation by all guests. This curated experience includes:
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Three-day access to the full Fari Islands Festival lineup
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A luxurious villa stay at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
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Round-trip luxury shared speedboat transfers
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Daily lunch and dinner at the resort’s acclaimed restaurants
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Two specially hosted dinners at select venues in Fari Marina Village on September 19 and 21
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Two bespoke Fari Islands Festival experiences selected from an exclusive menu of offerings
Both packages reflect the collaborative spirit and creative excellence that define the Fari Islands Festival. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, along with its neighboring luxury properties, Patina Maldives and The Capella Maldives (opening soon)—form the Fari Islands Archipelago, a hospitality and lifestyle destination designed for modern travellers seeking connection through curated cultural experiences, refined wellness, and environmental harmony.
The event reinforces the Maldives’ reputation not only as a world-class beach destination but also as a rising hub for international cultural tourism. The Fari Islands Festival is set to draw high-value visitors and cultural enthusiasts from around the world, further diversifying the country’s tourism offerings beyond sun and sand.
Marriott Bonvoy members can bid for the exclusive WAGYUMAFIA dinner and Fari Islands experience until August 21, 2025, through the Marriott Bonvoy Moments platform.
To learn more and book, visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives. For real-time updates, follow The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands on Instagram and Facebook.
Fast Facts
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Event: Fari Islands Festival 2025
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Dates: September 19–22, 2025
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Location: Fari Islands, North Malé Atoll, Maldives
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Host Resort: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
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Culinary Highlight: WAGYUMAFIA Exclusive Dinner at IWAU (Sept 20)
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Book by: August 21, 2025 (for Marriott Bonvoy Moments bidding)
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