Bandos Maldives Kicks Off Festive Celebrations
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has announced the appointment of a new Executive Chef, 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 Ritz Carlton 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.”
