Atmosphere Kanifushi will host its sixth Just Veg Festival in October

Atmosphere Kanifushi, a resort in the Maldives, said it will hold the sixth edition of its Just Veg Festival from Oct. 4 through Oct. 9, continuing an event built around vegetarian fine dining and guest experiences on the island.

The 2026 edition will center on a “Family Style” format led by Chef Fabrizio Marino, according to the resort. The concept is designed around shared dishes, seasonal produce and a communal table service that the property says reflects a broader shift in luxury dining toward simpler presentations and more social meals.

The festival has become one of the signature food events at the resort, which has promoted itself as an early mover in upscale vegetarian dining in the Maldives. This year’s program will combine Mediterranean influences with flavors from the Indian Ocean region, using techniques such as open-fire cooking, smoking, citrus infusions and fermentation.

Marino said the menu is meant to focus less on technical complexity and more on generosity and connection at the table. In comments released by the resort, he said diners increasingly want authenticity and shared experiences, and that the Maldives offers a fitting setting because of its natural environment and cultural influences.

Ram Bhoyroo, the resort’s general manager, said the event also reflects Atmosphere Kanifushi’s effort to link food, sustainability and immersive guest programming. The festival is scheduled ahead of the year-end holiday travel season, a key period for high-end resorts across the Maldives.

Among the dishes planned are antipasti for sharing, fire-cooked vegetable preparations, regionally inspired recipes and desserts served at the center of the table. The resort said the festival will be integrated into its Kanifushi Plan for guests staying at the property during those dates.

The announcement comes as resorts across South Asia and the Indian Ocean continue to invest in destination dining as a way to stand out in a competitive luxury travel market. Vegetarian and plant-forward menus have gained more visibility in recent years, especially at high-end properties seeking to appeal to travelers interested in wellness, sustainability and local ingredients without giving up a premium culinary experience.

Atmosphere Kanifushi is part of Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, a brand under Atmosphere Core. The company says it has more than 16 properties in its portfolio and plans additional openings in India, Italy, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Atmosphere Core currently operates nine resorts in the Maldives and one heritage hotel in India.

Bookings for the October festival are now open through the resort.