The 2026 edition features a ‘Family Style’ dining concept, centred on flavours and the joy of sharing.
Atmosphere Kanifushi is celebrating the return of its iconic Just Veg Festival, now in its sixth year, which will take place from 4 to 9 October 2026. This landmark celebration reaffirms the resort’s position as a pioneer of haute vegetarian cuisine in the Maldives, bringing together culinary narratives from around the world, immersive island experiences and mindful dining.
This year’s festival, led by renowned chef Fabrizio, is centred around the ‘Family Style’ concept. Based on togetherness, simplicity and the use of exceptional ingredients, the concept transforms every meal into a shared experience around the table, where guests are invited to gather, connect and enjoy carefully crafted vegetarian dishes designed for sharing, reflecting the warmth and joy of dining in company.
Chef Fabrizio is known for his refined approach to vegetarian cuisine, in which he combines his Mediterranean roots with international influences. His philosophy, centred on the ingredients, emphasises simplicity, balance and flavour, enhancing vegetables through techniques such as cooking over an open flame and fermentation.
“Haute cuisine is changing,” says chef Fabrizio Marino. “Today’s diners are looking for something more meaningful than mere complexity. They want authenticity, generosity and experiences that bring people together. ‘Family Style’ is my interpretation of contemporary luxury: a table where exceptional ingredients are shared in an atmosphere of warmth, conversation and genuine hospitality. The Maldives, with its natural riches and myriad cultural influences, offers the perfect setting to tell this story.”
Ram Bhoyroo, Managing Director of Atmosphere Kanifushi, adds: “As we celebrate the sixth anniversary of the Just Veg Festival, we are proud to continue creating meaningful dining experiences in the Maldives. This very special edition not only reinforces our commitment to innovative, ingredient-led cuisine, but also cements Atmosphere Kanifushi’s reputation as a destination where gastronomy, sustainability and immersive guest experiences come together seamlessly.”
The menu combines Mediterranean sensibilities with the flavours of the Indian Ocean and showcases seasonal produce through techniques such as cooking over an open flame, smoking, citrus infusions and dishes in which aromatic herbs take centre stage. Among the highlights are antipasti to share, creations prepared using fire and smoke, regionally inspired dishes and desserts served at the centre of the table. As part of the ongoing commitment to enriching the guest experience through the Kanifushi Plan, the Just Veg Festival offers carefully curated culinary moments for all guests staying at the resort.
As one of the highlights of the resort’s calendar and a prelude to the festive season, the Just Veg Festival reinforces Atmosphere Kanifushi’s commitment to innovative, sustainable and immersive gastronomy. Following six years of culinary excellence, the 2026 edition promises to be the most immersive yet, bringing people together through the universal language of food in one of the world’s most spectacular island settings. Guests can now book their stay to be part of this exceptional celebration on the island.
About Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts is a carefully curated collection of unique properties, inspired by local culture and set in distinctive surroundings. From remote islands to the heart of cities, A New Experience Awaits, as each resort and hotel offers personalised brand experiences, aligned with one of the seven sub-brands in its portfolio. This collection of unique, award-winning destinations captures the essence and authenticity of each location, offering an exceptional blend of bespoke elegance and genuine local discoveries. With an expanding portfolio of more than 16 exclusive properties in some of the world’s most inspiring destinations, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts invites the most discerning travellers to create unforgettable moments in settings of unrivalled beauty and sophistication.
Upcoming openings by Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts
Hotels and resorts in Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chandragiri, Coorg, Darjeeling, Guwahati, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Kannur, Kufri, Kurseong, Mirik and Shirdi, in India; Piedmont, in Italy; Banepa, in Nepal; and Tangalle, in Sri Lanka.
About Atmosphere Core
Atmosphere Core is a leading hotel company in South Asia, with strong international partnerships and an ambitious expansion plan across Asia and Europe. Its founding philosophy, Joy of Giving, ensures a deep and authentic connection with each destination and its people. Its international partners find a wide variety of distinctive brand experiences across THE OZEN COLLECTION, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, COLOURS OF OBLU and ONE Atmosphere, enriched by sustainable stays, simple and streamlined solutions, and innovative, intuitive services. This carefully curated selection of destinations awakens all the senses and creates revitalising experiences that guests treasure and to which they long to return time and time again.
Source: HOPSCOTCH TOURISM SPAINS