This Easter, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will turn its gaze skyward as award-winning astronomer Tom Kerss arrives for a special celestial residency from April 4 to 12. The celebrated sky explorer joins the resort’s Masters of Crafts programme to guide guests through the wonders of the night sky, transforming the Easter period into an immersive journey through astronomy, storytelling, and discovery.
Kerss, a former astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich and Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, has become one of the world’s leading voices in observational astronomy and astrotourism. Known for his expeditions chasing the Northern Lights and for bestselling books including Northern Lights, Diamonds Everywhere, and Unknown Universe, he has inspired thousands of enthusiasts to explore the cosmos through both science and imagination.
From the Maldives’ rare vantage point, where both northern and southern constellations can be observed, Kerss will lead guests on a journey across the galaxies. His Easter programme is inspired by Lepus the Hare, a constellation found beneath Orion that is steeped in myth and folklore and often associated with the origins of the Easter bunny.
A Journey Through the Night Sky
Across the week-long residency, guests will be invited to experience the night sky in new and extraordinary ways. Stargazing sessions on the beach will unfold beneath open skies, offering a planetarium-style perspective as Kerss introduces celestial patterns, legendary star lore, and the science behind the constellations.
Guests will also venture onto the water for open-ocean stargazing aboard the resort’s yacht, where Champagne receptions accompany uninterrupted views of the heavens reflected across the Indian Ocean.
For those eager to capture the cosmos, astrophotography workshops will demonstrate how to photograph the night sky using both professional cameras and smartphone techniques. The Maldives’ remote setting and wide southern sky provide ideal conditions for documenting the stars.
Conversations with the Cosmos
Alongside these outdoor experiences, Kerss will host a series of intimate talks exploring some of the universe’s most extraordinary phenomena.
In Seven Wonders of the Sky, he introduces events that have captivated astronomers for centuries, from the Northern Lights and total solar eclipses to the appearance of great comets. Another session, The Moon & You, explores the profound ways Earth’s natural satellite has shaped human history, culture, and scientific discovery.
Guests will also encounter Diamonds Everywhere, a visually rich presentation inspired by Kerss’ bestselling book, which delves into the mysteries and curiosities of the universe while posing questions that continue to fascinate astronomers today.
Stargazing for the Next Generation
The residency will also invite younger guests into the world of astronomy through a series of interactive programmes designed for Ritz Kids.
During Sky Safari, children will explore the animal shapes hidden among the constellations, discovering how ancient star charts transformed the heavens into a celestial zoo. Another session, We Are Stargazers, introduces young explorers to the role astronomy played in shaping early civilisations and cultural storytelling.
Easter Celebrations Beneath the Stars
The celestial programme unfolds alongside the resort’s Easter festivities, which blend gastronomy, music, and seasonal celebration.
On April 4, a Gala Dinner at the iconic EAU Bar will showcase signature dishes from across the resort’s culinary venues, from Cantonese and Lebanese to Italian, Japanese, and Maldivian flavours. Later in the week, an Easter carnival brings beachside festivities to life, while a starlight concert dinner features live music performed from an overwater stage beneath the night sky.
Families will also enjoy a traditional Easter egg hunt, adding a touch of playful wonder to the island’s celebrations.
Throughout the residency, the search for Lepus the Hare becomes a thread woven through the resort experience. Illustrations by celebrated children’s artist Anni Betts appear across the island, from the Mystique Garden to the Culinary Island, bringing the constellation’s mythology to life.
Together, the programme transforms Easter at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands into something far beyond a holiday celebration. It becomes an invitation to rediscover the sky, to explore the stories written among the stars, and to experience the universe from one of the most extraordinary vantage points on Earth.
