WAGYUMAFIA to Headline Fari Islands Festival at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives
Wednesday 6th of August 2025
This September, the Maldives will welcome a new kind of festival as the Fari Islands Archipelago hosts the inaugural Fari Islands Festival from 19 to 22 September 2025. Set in the North Malé Atoll, the event will bring together celebrated names in music, art, wellness, and food for a four-day experience unlike any other in the region.
Among the key highlights is the Maldivian debut of WAGYUMAFIA, the renowned Tokyo-based culinary collective known for its innovative take on Japanese wagyu. Founded by self-taught chef Hisato Hamada, WAGYUMAFIA has earned global praise for its attention to craft, storytelling, and reimagining of traditional cuisine. The group will host an exclusive, one-night-only dinner for two lucky couples under the stars at IWAU, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives’ signature Japanese restaurant, on 20 September.
This exclusive dining experience is part of a premium package available only through Marriott Bonvoy Moments. The offer includes a three-night stay in an Ocean Pool Villa, roundtrip luxury speedboat transfers from Velana International Airport, and curated dining throughout the resort. Guests will also receive priority access to festival events, a private dinner during the Fari Marina Fiesta, and the rare opportunity to meet featured talent.
The festival itself will feature appearances from notable global creatives, including Canadian poet and illustrator Rupi Kaur, and an exhibition of James Turrell’s striking light installation Amarta. Adding to the energy will be world-class mixologists from award-winning bars Danico and Nutmeg & Clove, who will host a special evening at Fari Beach Club.
Dining at IWAU, which means “celebrate” in Japanese, will be a centrepiece moment. The open-air restaurant offers a minimalist setting that highlights seasonal ingredients and Japanese technique, making it the ideal stage for WAGYUMAFIA’s craft.
For guests seeking a broader experience, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is also offering the Fari Islands Package, which includes access to the full festival, elegant villa accommodation, all meals at signature restaurants, and two hosted dinners at select venues within Fari Marina Village on 19 and 21 September. Guests will also enjoy two customised experiences from the festival’s curated programme.
The Fari Islands Festival aims to blend luxury, creativity, and cultural exploration in one of the world’s most beautiful locations. It’s a bold new addition to the Maldives’ luxury calendar, offering meaningful experiences and world-class entertainment in a relaxed island setting.
Marriott Bonvoy members can now bid for the WAGYUMAFIA experience and festival stay through Marriott Bonvoy Moments until 21 August 2025.