North Male Atoll, Maldives – September, 2024 – The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is delighted to announce a new Executive Chef in Pedro Samper. Joining the resort’s exceptional stable of gastronomic talent, Chef Pedro brings over two decades of culinary leadership, creativity, and passion for excellence honed from some of the globe’s most prestigious hotels, resorts and Michelin-star restaurants across Asia, the Middle East and Europe
At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, Samper will lead the culinary vision across the resort’s seven dining outlets ensuring the delivery of unique, sustainable, and culturally enriching menu concepts. In addition, Chef Pedro will oversee the destination’s renowned culinary collaborations, ensuring The RitzCarlton Maldives, Fari Islands continues to be a premier destination for world-class dining, blending global influences with local tradition.
Chef Pedro joins the property from his latest tenure as Executive Chef at Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore, where he successfully guided the pre-opening team through its launch phase. Prior to this, Samper’s illustrious career spans Executive Chef residencies at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, The St. Regis Maldives, The Langham Hong Kong, The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, and acclaimed Michelin-star restaurants across Spain and Japan.
Born and raised in San Sebastián, Spain, surrounded by the region’s rich epicurean heritage and some of the world’s most influential restaurants, Chef Pedro’s academic training took him into the sciences before embarking on his career in the culinary arts. Inspired by a gastronomically vibrant childhood and passion for cooking, his professional calling as a chef soon became clear, yet his academic background evident in his philosophy - his focus on sustainability and careful sourcing of ingredients.
Chef Pedro’s culinary career began in his hometown, cutting his teeth at Basque Restaurant and Casa Urola, where he immersed himself in the traditions of Basque cuisine. These early experiences provided a solid foundation in both classic techniques and local flavours, which together with his time at Kokotxa, Martin Berasategui and Quique Dacosta shaped his own philosophy. Samper’s journey subsequently took him internationally, working in Tokyo under the culinary mastery of Chef Yamamoto at three Michelin-star RyuGin, and as Executive Chef opening the two Michelin-star Zurriola’s first overseas outpost in Hong Kong.
Renato De Oliveira, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands comments, “We’re thrilled to welcome Chef Pedro to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. With a wealth of international expertise and truly aligned sensibilities, we look forward to driving forward our gastronomic vision.”
On his new appointment, Samper adds, “I am honoured to be joining the Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, truly raising the bar for innovative luxury in the region. The Maldives represents an extraordinary canvas for creativity, where I look forward to curating the most memorable dining experiences for guests. My ultimate aspiration is to leave a lasting legacy of culinary innovation and excellence.”
For more information on The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and reservations enquiries, please visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives
About The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
The property is ideally located at Fari Islands, in the North Malé Atoll of the Maldives, a 45- minute journey by speedboat or a 10-minute seaplane flight from Malé International Airport. The resort designed by Kerry Hill Architects is shaped by the Maldivian sun and shored by the Indian Ocean, featuring a series of 100 interconnected villas, its design-masterpiece Ocean Villas hovering over a turquoise lagoon. With white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and coral reefs the destination is abundant with marine life. Guest villas at The Ritz Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands range in size from one to three bedrooms, with legendary service refined by an Aris Meeha, butler. The property offers a choice of outstanding culinary venues, under Executive Chef Pedro Samper, serving an array of international and local cuisines, in addition to a full suite of fitness and recreational facilities including Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program, and a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa introducing Bamford to the region. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands forms part of an archipelago that features three world-class hospitality brands inclusive of The Ritz-Carlton. Guests have access to a picturesque Fari Marina – the archipelago’s communal beating heart. Built around a vibrant Beach Club, Fari Marina features charming boutiques and a handpicked selection of dining options.
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