THE RITZ-CARLTON MALDIVES, FARI ISLANDS presents a collaboration with artist Liu Bolin and Maison Ruinart, 27–30 November

      The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands announces an exclusive art residency featuring the renowned Chinese artist and photographer Liu Bolin, known as “the Invisible Man,” and Maison Ruinart — the world’s first Champagne House and a pioneer of art collaborations. From 27 to 30 November, resort guests will be able to immerse themselves in a series of unique performances, exhibitions, Ruinart champagne tastings and immersive gastronomic dinners set against the picturesque landscapes of the Maldives. The highlight of the program will be a new work by Liu Bolin — a philosophical performance on the shores of the Fari Islands that continues his collaboration with Maison Ruinart. The work will symbolize a dialogue between nature, culture and art — a central idea for both The Ritz-Carlton Maldives and Ruinart.

      The program will open on 27 November in the resort’s architectural masterpiece — the EAU Bar — where guests will find mesmerizing Ruinart-style décor and an exclusive bar featuring two large-scale works by Liu Bolin from the winemaker’s collection. In the evening, guests will witness an open rehearsal that will serve as a prologue to the artist’s main performance on 30 November. Guests will also enjoy Ruinart Hour — Ruinart champagne accompanied by creative canapés inspired by the house’s aesthetic.

      At the same time, The Estate, the resort’s signature residence, will open an immersive exhibition of ten works, including the Reveal the Invisible series. Liu Bolin will hold an intimate session with guests in an open-discussion format, as well as a workshop offering a unique opportunity for collaborative creation.

      On 28 November at sunset, the Beach Shack restaurant will host an exclusive tasting of Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2010 and 2013, followed by the Ruinart Artist Dinner, where the presentation of dishes will reflect Bolin’s signature camouflage techniques. The menu, perfectly paired with the wines, will include refined items: Fine de Claire oyster with pickled cucumber and black caviar as an amuse-bouche paired with Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Second Skin; Maldivian octopus with roasted cauliflower purée and passion fruit sauce accompanied by Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2010; and sea bass with Japanese sea urchin served with Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2009.

      On 29 November, guests can join Liu Bolin at The Estate for a hands-on workshop where they will personally decorate eco-friendly Ruinart Second Skin packaging, followed by a tasting of Ruinart Rosé and Dom Ruinart Rosé 2009. The evening will continue at the resort’s Summer Pavilion restaurant, which will present a unique pairing of Cantonese cuisine and Ruinart champagnes. Guests can expect exquisite dishes: abalone and sea cucumber Chaozhou-style paired with Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Second Skin; Hong Kong–style king crab with Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2013; and for dessert — soft ice cream and crème brûlée served with Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2010.

      The series of events on the final day, 30 November, will open with a meeting with Liu Bolin that will include an autograph session and a showing of his iconic works, followed by a final Ruinart tasting dedicated to Dom Ruinart 2010 and Dom Rosé 2009.

      Shaped by the elements — wind and waves — the EAU Bar will be the setting for the program’s culmination — Bolin’s live performance as part of the daily sunset ritual, Defining Moment. Against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean, to the sound of Maldivian Bodu Beru drums and the flames of the sunset ceremony, Liu Bolin will perform his signature act of disappearance — an art performance in which his body is painted to fully dissolve into the surrounding landscape. This ephemeral installation, a dialogue between human, nature and art, embodies Bolin’s key message about the fragility of the world around us and humanity’s connection with nature.

      “The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has always sought to be a place of transformative experiences,” comments Oscar Postma, the resort’s General Manager. “By welcoming Liu Bolin and Maison Ruinart to our shores, we bring together contemporary art, cultural dialogue and exceptional gastronomy in one of the most inspiring corners of the planet.”

      Current information about The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is available on social media and on the hotel’s website ritzcarlton.com/Maldives

      About The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

      The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is located in the Fari archipelago in North Malé Atoll. The journey from Malé International Airport takes 45 minutes by speedboat or 10 minutes by seaplane. Inspired by the Maldivian sun and the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, the resort was created by the design firm Kerry Hill Architects. It offers 100 villas ranging from one- to four-bedroom, including the famed Ocean Villas. White sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and coral reefs teeming with marine life will leave an unforgettable impression. Legendary service is provided by personal butlers Aris Meeha. Guests can enjoy superb restaurants led by Chef Pedro Sampera with a wide selection of international and local dishes. The resort also offers a full range of sporting, wellness and educational programs. The signature spa, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, was the first in the region to enter into a partnership with the skincare brand Bamford. In addition, guests have access to the picturesque Fari Marina — the heart of the Fari archipelago — which includes a beach club, charming boutiques and top-class restaurants.

      Current information about The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is available on social media and on the hotel’s website ritzcarlton.com/Maldives