The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands announces a landmark residency bringing together two cultural icons – acclaimed Chinese performance artist and photographer, Liu Bolin known as The Invisible Man, and Maison Ruinart, the first established Champagne house and a pioneer of artistic collaboration since the 19th century. From November 27–30, guests will be invited to witness a series of exclusive performances, exhibited artworks, curated Ruinart Champagne tastings, and immersive dining experiences, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldivian archipelago.

Liu Bolin, celebrated for his thought-provoking camouflage installations, a comment on man’s relationship to his surroundings, addressing issues of environment and cultural identity, will stage a live artistic performance on the shores of the Fari Islands. In this new work, and in continuation of Bolin’s creative partnership with Maison Ruinart, the event highlights both The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Island’s and Ruinart’s long-standing dialogue between nature, culture, and craftsmanship.

A Living Canvas by the Ocean

The program opens on November 27 at the resort’s design masterpiece EAU Bar in a show-stopping Ruinart takeover featuring a spectacular custom made Ruinart bar, and two large-scale artworks from the
Ruinart commission by Liu Bolin. The opening night will invite guests to witness Bolin’s artistry in an intimate live rehearsal — a prelude to his defining performance on the November 30 – while enjoying a ‘Ruinart Hour’ Champagne reception with creatively paired canapés. the opportunity to join a creative workshop with the artist himself throughout the residency. 

Curated Tastings & Spectacular Gastronomic Dining Experiences  

Across three days, the landmark partnership will present a sequence of champagne-led tastings and  culinary pairings through an art lens:  

• November 28 – As the sun sets, the resort’s Beach Shack restaurant will host an exclusive tasting  of Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2010 & 2013, followed by a Ruinart Artist Dinner with artistic  plating echoing Bolin’s camouflage works. Paired menu highlights will include; Fine De Claire  Oyster, salted cucumber and Oscietra caviar amuse-bouche, with a Ruinart Blanc de Blancs  Second Skin, locally caught Maldivian octopus, roasted cauliflower purée and passion fruit  reduction, with a Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2010, and Sea Bass and Japanese Sea Urchin with  Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2009.  
• November 29 – Guests will join Liu Bolin at The Estate in a hands-on workshop, painting  Ruinart’s eco-designed second skins, followed by a Ruinart Rosé and Dom Ruinart Rosé 2009  tasting. The evening continues at the resort’s Summer Pavilion, presenting an exceptional pairing  of Cantonese-focused dishes with Ruinart Champagnes. Guests can expect Chaozhou cured  abalone & sea cucumber with Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Second Skin, Hong Kong style typhoon  shelter king crab with Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2013, and the ‘Big Red Robe’ soft serve and  créme brûlée with Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2010. 
• November 30 – A reflective dialogue with Liu Bolin, including a book signing and showcase of  iconic works, precedes the final Ruinart tasting exploring Dom Ruinart 2010 & Dom Rosé 2009.  The series concludes with Bolin’s live painted performance during the resort’s daily Defining  Moment ritual at EAU Bar, immortalised in a photographic artwork to be featured in the artist’s  future exhibitions. 

An Oceanic First 

Shaped by the ocean forces, wind and waves, in an elegant setting of outstanding architectural merit, EAU  Bar marks the most memorable location to witness Liu Bolin’s artistry in his final performance. As the sun  sets, the resort’s Defining Moment, a daily sundown ritual of Maldivian Bodu Beru drums and flaming  ceremony sets the scene. Against the Indian Ocean’s infinite expanse of sea and sky, the artist will stage  his iconic act of disappearance, his body live-painted to merge with the dramatic natural vistas. This  fleeting performance at sunset, a dialogue between man, nature, and art, embodies Bolin’s signature  message on the fragility of environment, leaving guests suspended in a moment where the boundaries  between landscape and humanity dissolve. 

For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives and for real-time updates follow the resort on  Instagram and Facebook