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Local culinary talents battle in first Adaaran Dhivehi Rahathah Challenge, Adaaran Club Rannalhi takes trophy

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Four teams from all Adaaran resorts engaged in a tough battle Saturday to win the first ever Adaaran Dhivehi Rahathah Challenge trophy.

Associates from all five resorts run by Adaaran competed in resort level competitions held at Adaaran Select Meedhupparu on November 4 and Adaaran Club Rannalhi on November 8. The winners and runner-ups were selected to form four two-member teams that competed at the day-long grand finale held at Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi on Saturday.

The local chefs and culinary enthusiasts prepared authentic Maldivian dishes using locally available ingredients such as tuna, coconut, papaya, bilimbi and noni fruit.

After two intense sessions of cooking and plating, the second team from Adaaran Club Rannalhi emerged victorious, with its members Yousuf Ali and Abdulla Zaheen taking the first ever Adaaran Dhivehi Rahathah Challenge trophy. The two teams from Adaaran Select Meedhupparu were named the second and first runner-up.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Badhiya Gunatilake, the Chief Operating Officer at Adaaran Resorts, said the annual competition was introduced in order to explore traditional Maldivian cuisine and to bring them to the tables of guests who visit Adaaran resorts. It will in turn develop the talents of young Maldivian chefs and those who wish to pursue a career in food and beverage, he added.

“I’m so proud to be here. We’re strong believers in developing people. We really concentrate on making our raw cut diamonds into best cut diamonds,” Gunatilake said.

“We’re very proud of Maldivian culture and the tastes of Maldives. During this competition, I’ve seen our young associates passionately share stories about how their mothers cooked food and the different dishes they used to eat.”

Bjorn van der Horst, the Corporate Director of Food and Beverage at Aitken Spence Hotels and Resorts, hailed the participants’ talent and creativity as phenomenal. He noted the fusion of local ingredients and western plating techniques by the participants to give a modern look and feel to traditional Maldivian cuisine.

“An interesting aspect of Maldivian cuisine that we can explore in the future is the regional cuisine. There are subtle differences in the way traditional dishes are prepared across the atolls. Travellers can just come and explore the cuisine, let’s say in Baa atoll, Raa atoll or the southernmost Addu atoll,” the Michelin starred chef said.

 

Hemantha Ratnayake, a Consultant for the Rooms Division and Learning and Development Department of Adaaran Resorts, also highlighted the importance of promoting Maldivian cuisine to the guests.

“Many countries promote their cuisine. In countries like India and Thailand, their cuisine is more famous than the country itself,” he said.

Adaaran, a subsidiary of Sri Lankan blue chip conglomerate Aitken Spence, runs five resorts in the Maldives, including Adaaran Club Rannalhi, Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, Adaaran Prestige Vadoo and Adaaran Prestige Water Villas.

Adaaran Select Meedhupparu is a fabulous four-star property located in the northern Raa atoll. Surrounded by powder soft beaches and sublime turquoise lagoons, the award-winning resort invites guests to surrender to their senses and bask in the majesty of the tropical island surroundings. Guests can relax in the sumptuous Mandara Spa and try their hand at a number of exciting water sport activities, including scuba diving, windsurfing and water-skiing.

The island of Meedhupparu is also home to Adaaran Prestige Water Villas, a five-star resort with 20 luxury water villas.

Set in the South Male Atoll, Adaaran Club Rannalhi has 100 standard bungalows, which are tastefully adorned with tropically themed furnishings and bedding, and 30 water bungalows that offer a luxurious experience comprising of a private sun deck overlooking the stunning aquamarine ocean. The resort features three spectacular dining venues and a host of recreational activities, including diving, snorkelling and water-skiing.

Located in North Male Atoll, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi is blessed with thriving vegetation and pristine waters, and offers 165 land villas and 37 ocean villas. Set in 83 acres of lush tropical beach on Lhohifushi island, the resort’s design enables it to blend into its surroundings.

Accessible by a short 15-minute speedboat ride from the main Velana International Airport, Adaaran Prestige Vadoo offers 50 water villas with private spas, plunge pools and a glass-bottomed bathroom lounge with a view of marine life. Guests can take a dip in the outdoor pool or spa pool or go for an in-room spa treatment.

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Milaidhoo Maldives marks Chefs Day with ‘Around the World in Five Courses’ culinary journey

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Milaidhoo Maldives is set to celebrate International Chefs Day 2025 with a momentous dining experience, “Around the World in Five Courses”. This special one-night-only event invites guests to join us on a culinary journey that honours the talent, passion and creativity of the chefs who make every meal at Milaidhoo Maldives a unique experience.

The evening begins with a guided tour of the Chef’s Garden, where guests can explore the bountiful herbs, fruits and vegetables that are grown right here on the island. It’s a chance to see firsthand how Milaidhoo embraces fresh, local ingredients and the thoughtful care that goes into every dish (and cocktail).

As the sun sets, guests will gather at The Shoreline Grill, our beachfront restaurant, for a five-course tasting menu that takes them around the world. From the bold spices of Thailand and India to the rich, soulful flavours of Zimbabwe, the refined elegance of Sri Lanka and of course, the freshest Maldivian ingredients, each dish celebrates a different corner of the globe. This special menu reflects the diversity of Milaidhoo’s kitchen, where our team of chefs’ hails from five different countries, each bringing their own unique traditions and culinary influences to the table.

But this night is about more than just food, it’s about the people behind the dishes. Milaidhoo’s culinary team is a close-knit family, united by a shared passion for food. On International Chefs Day, we come together to celebrate not just the food, but the stories, cultures and traditions that inspire it. Guests will have the chance to chat with the chefs throughout the evening, learning about the personal journeys and inspirations behind each course.

Cluster Executive Chef, Ken Gundu from Botswana shares, “A meal is about sharing a moment together, one that lingers in our memories long after the last bite. What truly excites me is the dedication of our team, each member goes above and beyond to delight our discerning guests. Our team is dedicated to creating memorable experiences, often surprising our guests with dishes outside the menu and tailoring each meal to their preferences. We believe that no request is too much and we strive to make every moment around the table exceptional.”

At Milaidhoo, food is more than just a meal. It’s a chance to connect, both with the island and with each other. Our culinary experiences are crafted with care, each dish an invitation to slow down and savour the moment. “Around the World in Five Courses” isn’t just a dinner; it’s a celebration of the artistry and passion of our chefs and a chance to experience the flavours that unite us all.

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Michelin-starred dining experience with Alexander Herrmann at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is set to host two-Michelin-starred Chef Alexander Herrmann for an exclusive residency from 12 to 14 November, during which he will present his distinctive creativity, passion, and culinary expertise on the island’s pristine shores. Known for his innovative approach to modern gastronomy and his charismatic presence on German television, Herrmann has established himself as one of Europe’s most acclaimed chefs.

With a career spanning several decades, Herrmann has redefined fine dining at his eponymous restaurants in Bavaria, earning two Michelin stars and widespread recognition for his ability to balance culinary tradition with bold innovation. His refined techniques and narrative style of cooking are expected to deliver a memorable gastronomic journey for guests at The St. Regis Maldives.

During the residency, Herrmann will curate two six-course dinners at the resort’s signature venues, showcasing his celebrated culinary style. Guests will also be offered the rare opportunity to take part in an exclusive cooking masterclass, where the chef will share insights, techniques, and inspirations behind his award-winning creations.

The residency forms part of The Tastemaker Series, a newly launched initiative by The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, designed to provide guests with exclusive encounters with global figures from gastronomy, fashion, art, and design. The series celebrates creativity and culture, offering immersive experiences that allow guests to engage with the artistry and vision of leading international talents.

Situated on a private island in the Indian Ocean, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to uphold a reputation for sophistication through bespoke experiences and world-class culinary offerings. Chef Herrmann’s visit underscores the resort’s commitment to excellence, giving guests the chance to savour the craft of one of Europe’s most prominent chefs in a setting of unparalleled natural beauty.

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Barceló Whale Lagoon Resort unveils Maldivian Night dining experience

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Barceló Whale Lagoon Resort has introduced Maldivian Night, a weekly beachfront dinner experience that celebrates the rich heritage and authentic flavors of the Maldives.

Held every Wednesday from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM on the beach, this immersive evening showcases a carefully curated menu of traditional Maldivian dishes, including Maldivian Potato Gnocchi, Maldivian Fish Carpaccio, Grilled Local Snapper, and an assortment of local desserts.

Guests will be welcomed into an authentic island-inspired atmosphere featuring live Bodu Beru performances, cultural décor, and the soothing sounds of the ocean. To make the evening truly memorable, each guest will receive a complimentary Maldivian sarong and enjoy a local heritage video showcase during dinner.

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