A Taste of Navarre in the Maldives: Chef Yárnoz to Lead Exclusive Residency at Ritz-Carlton
Tuesday 14th of January 2025
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, is set to host an extraordinary culinary event this February as part of its 2025 Masters of Crafts programme. On February 14-15, the resort will welcome renowned Chef David Yárnoz, the celebrated mastermind behind the Michelin-starred Molino de Urdániz in Northern Spain, for a two-night residency. This event promises a unique fusion of Spanish flavours with a Maldivian twist, showcasing Yárnoz's innovative culinary artistry.
Chef Yárnoz, who holds four Michelin stars, two Repsol Suns, and a prestigious Green star, has revolutionized the dining scene at Molino de Urdániz, a historic miller's house nestled between the Irati Forest and Baztan Valley. For over two decades, his restaurant has been a beacon of gastronomic excellence, blending local Navarre traditions with innovative techniques. His first-ever residency in the Maldives is set to offer an unrepeatable culinary experience in one of the world’s most exquisite settings.
During the two-night event, guests will enjoy an exclusive six-course tasting menu that exemplifies Yárnoz's signature "Cuisine of Balance." The menu is a harmonious celebration of nature's rhythms, incorporating locally sourced ingredients from both the Navarre region and the Maldives. Dishes include Ajo Blanco with mud crab, reef fish with seaweed and meunière sauce, guinea fowl with seasonal mushrooms, foie gras, and balsamic, and a decadent toasted milk dessert with black beer ice cream and truffle.
Chef Yárnoz will be joined by his trusted team, including Head of Dining and Sommelier Jaione Echarri and Chef Andrés Ruiz. Together with the Ritz-Carlton Maldives’ Executive Chef Pedro Samper, they will collaborate on a gastronomic experience that blends their distinct culinary philosophies. For an added treat, a limited masterclass will offer 15 guests the chance to dive deeper into the stories and inspirations behind each dish, led by the award-winning team.
Dan Drebing, Resort Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, expressed his excitement: “We are thrilled to welcome Chef Yárnoz and his team to our Masters of Crafts programme. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to sustainable gastronomy and the creation of exceptional, immersive experiences for our guests.”
Chef Yárnoz echoed this enthusiasm, saying, “My team and I are excited to bring a taste of Navarre to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives. We look forward to merging contrasting cultures and flavours, creating an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the beauty of both our Spanish heritage and the Maldivian paradise.”
The event will take place at the resort's Beach Shack restaurant, set against a breathtaking backdrop of white sand and endless ocean vistas. Guests will be treated to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to savor world-class cuisine while surrounded by the luxury and natural beauty of the Maldives. This collaboration between Chef Yárnoz and The Ritz-Carlton Maldives promises to be an unforgettable highlight of the resort’s prestigious Masters of Crafts season.