Michelin-Starred Chef Maurizio Bufi & Mixologist Rama Redzepi at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

29 January, 2026

This February, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands orchestrates a breathtaking symphony of flavors, transporting the soul of Italy’s Lake Garda to its pristine, palm-fringed shores. From February 26 to 28, 2026, the resort’s acclaimed Masters of Crafts and Behind the Bar series welcomes a formidable culinary duo: Michelin-starred Chef Maurizio Bufi and award-winning Mixologist Rama Redzepi from Italy’s legendary Grand Hotel Fasano.

Prepare for an epicurean journey where modern Mediterranean cuisine meets avant-garde mixology, all set against the iconic overwater villas and turquoise lagoons of the Fari Islands archipelago. This is more than a dinner; it’s a sensory narrative where each dish and cocktail tells a story of Italian roots, contemporary precision, and Maldivian beauty.

The Masters of Craft: A Duo Forged on Lake Garda

About Chef Maurizio Bufi: The Poet of Puglian Flavors

Hailing from Italy’s sun-drenched Apulia region, Maurizio Bufi’s cuisine is a heartfelt homage to his homeland. His culinary philosophy is built on a trilogy of seasonality, sustainability, and sublime simplicity. After honing his skills from Lake Como to the high seas, Bufi earned his first Michelin star at Villa Giulia on Lake Garda. In 2024, his restaurant Fagiano at Grand Hotel Fasano was awarded a Michelin star, cementing his status as a maestro of modern Italian cuisine.

His style is characterized by clear flavors, elegant lightness, and a profound respect for ingredients. Vegetables, a cornerstone of Apulian cooking, play a starring role, treated with the same reverence as premium seafood and meat. For Bufi, technique never overshadows taste—it only serves to elevate the innate purity of the finest Italian products.

About Mixologist Rama Redzepi: The Alchemist of the Bar

Rama Redzepi, Bar Manager at Grand Hotel Fasano for over 12 years, is a virtuoso of spirits. Born in Pristina and raised in Italy from age 13, his multicultural background infuses his creations with global inspiration. Mentored by Italian bar legends Remo Pizzolito and Samuele Ambrosi, Rama’s expertise is unparalleled. His bar, awarded “Best Hotel Bar in Lombardy” by Gambero Rosso, stocks an astounding collection of over 70 gins and 30 tonic waters.

Rama doesn’t just make drinks; he crafts liquid narratives. For this event, he has designed a series of bespoke cocktails to accompany Chef Bufi’s menus, replacing wine for a revolutionary pairing experience that unlocks new dimensions of flavor.

The Culinary Event: Two Unforgettable Evenings at La Locanda

Set within the resort’s stunning overwater Italian restaurant, La Locanda, guests will dine beneath a canopy of stars, with the gentle sound of the Indian Ocean below. The setting mirrors the romantic ambiance of Lake Garda’s Il Fagiano, creating a perfect fusion of Italian and Maldivian sense of place.

Evening One: February 26 – “Dalla Terra” (From the Earth)

A groundbreaking four-course vegetarian menu where vegetables claim the spotlight from appetizer to dessert. This is a celebration of the earth’s bounty, redefining plant-based fine dining.

• Experience: An exclusive 4-course menu paired not with wine, but with specially crafted cocktails by Rama Redzepi.

• Highlight Dish: Chef Bufi’s signature Risotto with lemon, burrata, and a hint of licorice—a masterpiece of balance and texture.

• The Pairing: Rama’ cocktails are designed to complement, contrast, and elevate each vegetarian course, creating a harmonious dialogue between kitchen and bar.

Evening Two: February 28 – “Il Mare e La Terra” (The Sea and The Land)

A return to classic form with a sophisticated four-course menu featuring seafood, fish, and meat, showcasing Bufi’s versatility and deep understanding of flavor profiles.

• Experience: A 4-course menu paired with a curated selection of exquisite wines.

• Highlight Dish: Innovative creations like Squid paired with sweetbreads and cashews, or Beef ravioli with shiitake mushrooms, barley miso, and orange.

• The Commencement: Both evenings begin with a series of artisanal amuse-bouchées from the kitchen, designed to prepare and delight the palate.

Behind the Bar: Rama Redzepi’ Signature Cocktails at EAU Bar

Concurrent with the dinners, the EAU Bar will host a three-night takeover as part of the Behind the Bar 2026 series. Here, Rama will present his signature creations, each a cocktail with a passport.

• Il Tramonto Sul Lago: Inspired by the breathtaking sunsets over Lake Garda.

• Midori No Sakura: A delicate nod to Japan and the artistry of the tea ceremony.

• From Jalisco to Benaco: A spirited journey from the agave fields of Mexico to the shores of Lake Garda.

• Total Branco: An homage to Porto, the birthplace of port wine.

Visit during the resort’s iconic Defining Moment ritual at sunset, and experience the magic as day turns to night, glass in hand.

Your Invitation to a Once-in-a-Lifetime Culinary Journey

This February, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands offers a rare opportunity to witness the convergence of two Italian masters in one of the world’s most extraordinary settings. It’s where the craftsmanship of Lake Garda meets the unparalleled luxury of the Maldives.

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Ready to secure your place at this exclusive culinary event?
Contact The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands to reserve your table for these exceptional evenings on February 26 and 28, 2026. Explore special stay packages that include access to the Masters of Crafts series and experience the full splendor of the Fari Islands.

BOOK NOW

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