Fari Islands Festival Makes Waves in the Maldives
Wednesday 28th of May 2025
This September, the Maldives will welcome a new cultural highlight with the launch of the Fari Islands Festival. Held from 19 to 22 September 2025 across Patina Maldives and The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, the four-day event brings together global creatives and thought leaders in a celebration of connection, creativity and conscious living.
More than just a luxury getaway, the festival is designed as an immersive experience that invites guests to engage deeply with art, nature, wellness and community. The inaugural edition will feature renowned voices including Canadian poet and illustrator Rupi Kaur, British DJ Kim Turnbull and Tokyo’s acclaimed fine dining group Wagyumafia.
Celebrating Creativity and Conscious Living
The festival’s programme has been carefully curated to offer something unique and thoughtful. Guests can expect an inspiring blend of intimate performances, guided discussions, wellness rituals and hands-on workshops.
Leading the artistic programming is Rupi Kaur, who will host a series of readings and conversations that explore self-expression, emotional truth and the power of storytelling.
On the sonic front, DJ Kim Turnbull will craft a soundscape for the islands, curating ambient tracks and live sets that reflect the natural rhythm of the Maldivian environment.
A Festival of the Senses
Food and drink take on a theatrical dimension with Wagyumafia presenting their signature Kobe beef experience through a limited number of exclusive dinners. Guests will also be treated to cocktails from Singapore’s Nutmeg and Clove, where every drink tells a story through flavour and craftsmanship.
Wellness with Intention
Health and wellbeing are central to the festival. Guests can take part in daily breathwork and movement sessions through the Bamford Experience, led by wellness guide CJ Jones-Leake and supported by sustainability advocate and former athlete Anthony Mullally. These sessions offer grounding and rejuvenation, blending physical practices with mindful reflection.
Deepening Connection with Nature
For those drawn to the ocean, marine biologist and National Geographic Explorer Gibbs Kuguru will lead snorkelling excursions and workshops focused on marine conservation. In collaboration with the Olive Ridley Project, the activities aim to build greater awareness and respect for the underwater ecosystems surrounding the islands.
Two Resorts One Vision
The festival is set across the Fari Islands, home to two distinct yet connected resorts. Patina Maldives embraces creativity and transformative experiences, while The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is rooted in heritage, design and the natural flow of life. The shared vision of both resorts is to provide a fluid, meaningful and collaborative guest experience.
At the centre of the islands is Fari Marina Village, a vibrant space that unites both resorts with curated offerings in art, food and design. Guests are encouraged to move freely between locations and engage in the full scope of the festival programming.
Anthony Gill, General Manager of Patina Maldives, shares, “This festival is an extension of our vision for Patina—inviting guests to connect meaningfully with the world around them.”
Kartik Kapur, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, adds, “The Fari Islands Festival reflects our deep respect for nature and the beauty of human connection. It’s an opportunity to pause, reflect and be inspired.”
As the Maldives continues to evolve as a destination, the Fari Islands Festival introduces a new chapter—where travel isn’t just about luxury, but about purpose, presence and participation.