The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is hosting a two-night takeover with the most awarded restaurant in Northern Spain’s Navarre region: Molino de Urdániz.

With four Michelin stars, two Repsol Suns and one Green star behind his name, David Yárnoz is the culinary revolutionist at the two Michelin-starred Molino de Urdániz. Tucked between the Irati Forest and Baztan Valley, this former miller’s stone house reimagined is a venue steeped in history and gastronomic innovation, helmed by Yárnoz for two decades.

Bringing his acclaimed artistry to the Indian Ocean for Valentine’s weekend, an elegant tasting menu will evoke Yárnoz’s signature ‘cuisine of balance’. This ethos harnesses the rhythms of nature from the small cosmos of Molino de Urdániz, the rural territory’s traditions and local ingredients.

Marking Yárnoz’s first residency in the Maldives, he creates a six-course tasting menu deeply rooted in Spanish flavours with a Maldivian twist. The gastronomic journey will include; Ajo Blanco, Mud crab, dried fruits and ginger, Reef fish with seaweed and meunière sauce, Guinea fowl with seasonal mushrooms, foie gras and aged balsamic, closing with Toasted milk, black beer ice cream and truffle.

The chef will be accompanied by members of his long standing team including head of dining and sommelier Jaione Echarri and Chef Andrés Ruiz, collaborating with the resort’s Executive Chef, Pedro Samper. The visit will feature an exclusive masterclass for up to 15 guests, where the restaurant’s team will uncover the inspiration and stories behind each dish.

“We are honoured to welcome Chef Yárnoz and his team to our Masters of Crafts programme this year,” says Resort Manager Dan Drebing. “Having the opportunity to showcase his culinary mastery to our guests fills us with immense pride. Our shared commitment to sustainable gastronomy and a balanced approach to creating exceptional experiences for our discerning guests makes this partnership truly special.”

“My team and I look forward to presenting an unrepeatable experience for guests at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands,” Yárnoz adds. “To be able to celebrate the local flavours of our quiet corner of Navarre in one of the world’s most exquisite ocean settings, marrying contrasting cultures and taste notes fuels our innovative senses at Molino de Urdániz.”

CREDITS
Photography: © Roberto Villamayor (Food) © Christopher Cypert (Hotel)