The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands Opens Arabesque Restaurant in Fari Marina Village

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has announced the opening of Arabesque, the latest culinary experience located on the Fari Islands, an archipelago on the north-eastern tip of North Malé Atoll. The eye-catching tribute to a traditional Bedouin tent, Arabesque invites diners on a journey from Lebanon to North India at Fari Marina Village.

The addition of this restaurant is just one of seven distinct culinary venues available at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands which strikes the perfect balance between high-end dining, beachfront luxury, and wellness-centred menus.

*Image: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands*

A pleasant eight-minute journey in a dhoni, a traditional wooden boat, from the resort island to Fari Marina Village, brings guests to a sunken dining room, with hanging lanterns and colourful fabrics, sets the scene for shareable mezze platters, tandoor-grilled meats and iconic street fare. Dishes are offered alongside flavorful hookahs, Turkish coffee, Moroccan tea and creative cocktails.

We are looking forward to the continued expansion of our culinary landscape at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. This one-of-a-kind island archipelago featuring three luxury private resorts and marina village offers guests an array of meaningful experiences as well as culinary options. The culinary journey continues with the opening of Arabesque and looks ahead to the opening of Tum Tum, a food truck serving light Asian delights; the perfect welcome stop in the middle of a day of shopping and exploration at the Fari Marina Village.
Mark Hehir, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands.

Arabesque is led by Chef Mohammed Negm Eldin who is continuing to embrace island life having previously served at Landaa Giraavaru in addition to several other internationally acclaimed restaurants alongside Michelin star chefs.

I am very proud to lead the talented team here at Arabesque and to be a part of expanding the culinary footprint here at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. We look forward to welcoming guests from the resort and the moment they arrive at Arabesque, we plan to take them on a culinary journey full of exciting flavors and textures that this type of cuisine is known for.
Chef Mohammed Negm Eldin said.

The menu is inspired by Lebanese and North Indian cuisine and includes signature dishes like Estacoza, a fresh grilled lobster, topped with a creamy tahini butter sauce and delicate saffron threads. Arabesque is also known for its hot mezzeh options like Qarids Kozbarya comprised of fresh prawns, sun-ripened cherry tomatoes, olives, and notes of coriander and Tandoor options like Chicken Tikka or Tandoori Bharwan Aloo.

Guest can end their meals with exquisite dessert options including Mahalabia, a delicate milk pudding topped with caramelized figs and served with a side of floral rose pastel ice cream.

For more information on The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and reservations inquiries, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/Maldives.

Feature image by The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO is diving headfirst into a new chapter for women in scuba by launching International PADI Women’s Dive Month this July. In partnership with TGI Maldives, ELE|NA Ayur Spa, and marine biologist Luca Melodia, the resort has transformed the annual PADI Women’s Dive Day on July 19 into a month-long celebration of underwater exploration and holistic wellness.

Matt Wenger, PADI Regional Manager for the Maldives, sees the extended celebration as a natural evolution of the sport’s growing inclusivity.

“As a leading PADI certified dive centre in the Indian Ocean, the team at TGI Maldives brings exceptional expertise in introducing ocean enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds to the wonders of scuba diving. This July, by extending our PADI Women’s Dive Day celebration into a month-long event at the truly stunning OBLU NATURE Helengeli resort, we aim to welcome even more newcomers to the sport while also offering advanced certifications for existing enthusiasts”.

Expanding Access to Diving for Women and Families

Building on the momentum of receiving the 2024 “PADI Outstanding Contribution to Women’s Diving” award, OBLU NATURE Helengeli and TGI Maldives continue to expand access to diving for women and families. As a result, they aim to create more inclusive opportunities for travelers to connect with the ocean in one of the world’s most biodiverse marine environments.

Located on a remote island in the Malé Atoll, OBLU NATURE Helengeli offers a rare combination of accessibility and adventure. Its house reef lies just meters from the shoreline, while nearby dive sites draw both beginners and experienced divers. Throughout the month, the resort invites solo female travelers, adventurous families, and friend groups to take part in a curated itinerary of dive sessions, wellness activities, and marine talks—all included under the resort’s comprehensive OBLU Island Plan™.

Diving and Wellness Combined for an Unforgettable Experience

TGI Maldives, the resort’s long-standing dive partner, brings more than 40 years of experience to the program. The dive center has consistently supported women in diving, and this year, it offers exclusive discounts on all dives booked by women. That includes the PADI Discover Scuba Dive, a beginner-friendly program that welcomes even non-swimmers into the sport. Meanwhile, experienced divers can join guided excursions into the Indian Ocean to uncover the region’s lesser-known underwater treasures.

In addition to diving, ELE|NA Ayur Spa has introduced more than 18 different wellness activities, scheduled throughout the month. The program includes sunrise yoga, aqua aerobics, and core stability classes—each designed to improve flexibility, stamina, and breath control, all essential elements for divers. Moreover, women who book any dive with TGI Maldives also receive a discount on two signature spa therapies: the Coconut Shell and Sand Bundle massages. These treatments draw on traditional Maldivian healing techniques and use only sustainable, locally sourced ingredients.

TGI Maldives Operations Manager Greta Marcelli shared the inspiration behind this year’s expanded Women’s Dive Month.

“There’s nothing like seeing guests’ emotions after their first dive. While we celebrate women in diving year-round, PADI Women’s Dive Month in July provides a platform to offer more reasons to join us in paradise. Partnering with the ELE|NA Ayur spa team and Marine Biologist Luca Melodia, we are creating an unforgettable and educational journey. We aim to bring together women, friends, and families for an immersive escape. Guests will enjoy diving, spa wellness classes, and all-inclusive dining. It’s a soulful island adventure into the aquatic world and beyond.”

To celebrate, OBLU NATURE Helengeli offers a 20% discount on fully inclusive stays of four nights or more during July. Women who book PADI dive courses through TGI Maldives receive 20% off all certifications throughout the month, while ELE|NA Ayur Spa matches that discount on its signature Coconut Shell and Sand Bundle treatments for female guests.

With its combination of world-class diving, award-winning wellness, and a mission to uplift women in the sport, OBLU NATURE Helengeli is turning July into more than just a getaway—it’s a gateway into the ocean’s wonders.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands Opens Arabesque Restaurant in Fari Marina Village

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