IN SEARCH OF LEPUS THE HAAS WITH ASTRONOME TOM KERSS IN THE RITZ-CARLTON MALDIVES, FARI ISLANDS | News
This Easter, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands welcomes award-winning astronomer Tom Kerss as part of its Masters of Crafts program 2026. The master of the heavens takes a break from chasing auroras in the Northern Hemisphere and travels south in search of the original Easter Bunny: Lepus the Hare. From the Maldives’ unique vantage point – overlooking both the northern and southern constellations – Tom Kerss will guide guests through the galaxies, uncovering lesser-known constellations and the legendary stories behind them.
A former astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich and Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, Kerss has become one of the world’s leading voices in observational astronomy and astrotourism, widely recognized for making complex astronomical concepts both accessible and deeply inspiring. Kerss has guided thousands of people to view the Northern Lights and other rare celestial phenomena, including spectacular eclipses. His expeditions and lectures inspire a new generation of sky watchers, and his best-selling books – including Northern Lights, Diamonds Everywhere and Unknown Universe – have captivated readers around the world.
A calendar of celestial activities at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will open guests’ eyes to the wonders of the night sky from one of the world’s most breathtaking ocean environments. Adults and children will enjoy exclusive experiences on land and water, from guided workshops on telescope stargazing and astrophotography using smartphones to capture stunning celestial images, to lectures and lectures from a legendary celestial explorer, in addition to interactive sessions for junior stargazers at Ritz Kids.
During the holidays, people are looking for Lepus the Hare, one of the most underrated zodiac signs. Located beneath Orion’s feet, Lepus is home to a host of fascinating galaxies, as well as the Spirograph Nebula and the Globular Cluster M79. On land, and brought to life by the prolific children’s illustrator of Tom’s books, Anni Betts, guests can catch glimpses of Lepus across the island resort, from the magical Mystique Garden to the Culinary Island. The folklore legend tells of Ostara, the ancient Germanic goddess of spring, believed to be the origin of the Easter Bunny, who turned a bird frozen in winter snow into a radiant hare. In devotion to the goddess, the enchanted creature laid luminous, colored eggs in honor of her festival – a symbol of renewal, wonder and the magic of the season.
Calendar highlights from April 4 to 12 include:
Exclusive open-air planetarium-style stargazing and stargazing sessions on the beach, where guests can discover incredible star patterns – from amazing animals and brilliant birds to monsters and monster slayers – in addition to the science, history and myths surrounding them.
Open-water stargazing aboard the resort’s yacht, paired with a champagne reception, offers a serene perspective of the stars from the tranquility of the ocean.
Astrophotography Workshop – Thanks to its remote location and access to much of the southern sky, the Maldives offer exceptional astrophotography opportunities. Using professional cameras and smartphone techniques, guests can capture their own stunning celestial images.
In conversation with Tom Kerss:
Seven Wonders of the Sky, Tom introduces seven of the most breathtaking events that captivate astronomers around the world, including the Northern Lights, total solar eclipses, major comets and more. From periodic miracles to how these phenomena fuel the growing world of astrotourism.
The Moon & You – Guests will discover the profound ways the moon has shaped humanity, from cultures and calendars to our DNA. From busting myths to developing a deeper appreciation for Earth’s natural satellite, guests will also have the rare opportunity to touch a real piece of the moon.
Diamonds Everywhere – Drawn from Tom’s bestseller of the same name, this visually striking lecture explores some of the 101 astronomical curiosities covered. How thin are Saturn’s rings? Where did the Big Bang take place? Are there really diamonds everywhere? An inspiring journey designed to inspire wonder long into the night.
For the little ones:
Sky Safari – A journey through the stars to discover animals among the constellations, from exotic creatures to pets. Tom will test the junior guests’ animal knowledge as he reveals the weird and wonderful facts and faces of historical star maps. (Age 5+)
We Are Stargazers – This session explores how stargazing has shaped civilization and shows how ancient cultures embedded their stories and values in the sky. Using simple tools, children discover remarkable sights that offer clues about the cosmos – and ourselves. (Age 7+)
The Easter celebrations will bring days of pampering that fuel the resort’s star stories. On April 4, a gala dinner hosted at the design masterpiece EAU Bar, curated by the resort’s stable of exceptional chefs, will bring together signature dishes from all culinary corners of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, from Cantonese, Lebanese, Italian, Japanese to local Maldivian flavors.
The little ones will enjoy a traditional Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday, with an Easter Carnival on April 8 with the seasonal beachside celebrations at sunset, while on April 10 a starlit concert dinner delivers a treat for all the senses, with live music performed from an overwater stage in the resort’s insta-famous circular EAU Bar.
For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives
