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Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi partners with renowned Chef Dave Pynt to elevate Maldives culinary experience
Hilton’s iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand has announced the launch of its exclusive barbecue grill restaurant, The Ledge by Dave Pynt at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.
Chef Dave Pynt is the culinary mastermind behind Singapore’s Burnt Ends restaurant, which has been awarded one Michelin star and most recently ranked No. 10 on the San Pellegrino Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants List 2019.
“In line with Waldorf Astoria’s pioneering legacy of culinary excellence and innovation, Dave Pynt’s unrivalled style of cooking is set to deliver an unparalleled dining experience for our guests at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. An expert in his field, Dave brings an innovative spin to food preparation, a unique flavour and a distinct ambience,” Daniel Welk, Vice President of Luxury and Lifestyle for Asia Pacific at Hilton, was quoted in a statement, as saying.

King Crab and Garlic Brown Butter. PHOTO/ WALDORF ASTORIA

(R-L) Hokey Pokey Sundae, Guyana Swizzle, and Umeshu. PHOTO/ WALDORF ASTORIA
The Ledge will feature Dave Pynt’s signature custom-built four-ton dual cavity oven and elevation grills fired by sustainable Jarrah wood – enabling the use of various techniques including smoking, slow roasting, hot roasting, baking and grilling. It will be a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch of poolside favorites during the day and the place to go for the finest cut of succulent, wood-fired meats and fine wine in the evening.
“We are excited to launch this restaurant with Waldorf Astoria in the Maldives. Our style of food and service is the perfect fit for dining by the pool and beach, against a stunning Maldivian backdrop,” Dave Pynt said.

Steak Frities, Fish and Chips. PHOTO/ WALDORF ASTORIA

Grissini and Ikura. PHOTO/ WALDORF ASTORIA
Highlights at The Ledge by Dave Pynt include:
- Dry Aged OP Rib: a 45-day, dry-aged beef rib
- Lobster Roll, a brioche bun stuffed with freshly grilled lobster and lobster aioli
- Local Grouper, a grilled whole grouper served with a fresh cucumber and yuzu salad and a green sauce
“We are delighted to bring Waldorf Astoria’s illustrious heritage of personal service and culinary expertise to the Maldives. Through exceptional dining concepts like The Ledge by Dave Pynt, we look forward to transforming the Maldives experience for our guests and ensure they leave with memories that last a lifetime,” Etienne Dalançon, General Manager at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, said.

Local lobster. PHOTO/ WALDORF ASTORIA

Local grouper. PHOTO/ WALDORF ASTORIA
Set to open on July 1, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, a 122 all-villa resort, is a short 30-minute yacht journey away from Velana International Airport and will offer the ultimate in space and exclusivity. Spanning three islands in South Male Atoll, the resort marks the return of Hilton’s iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts’ brand to the Maldives.
The resort will boast a total of 11 exceptional, specialty dining venues — the variety of which is a first in the Maldives. From elevated treetop-dining concept at Terra and exquisite food and wine pairings nestled amongst boulders at The Rock to authentic Middle Eastern cuisine at Yasmeen and impeccably prepared crispy Peking duck fresh out of the first wood-fired oven in the Maldives, guests will enjoy a plethora of world-class dining options at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.
For more information or to make reservations, please visit www.waldorfastoriamaldives.com or call +960-4-000300.
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Women at heart of kitchen: Milaidhoo Maldives marks International Women’s Day through gastronomy
At Milaidhoo Maldives, International Women’s Day is observed as more than a calendar occasion; it is recognised as a meaningful celebration of the women whose talent and dedication shape the character of the resort’s intimate island experience.
This year, Milaidhoo highlights not only the women across its wider team, but also the five female chefs who play an integral role within its kitchen brigade. Culinary artistry remains central to the Milaidhoo experience, reflecting both heritage and creativity. Across the resort’s collection of dining venues, from island-inspired fine dining to relaxed beachfront cuisine, food is presented as a narrative of place and people. Menus are conceived as inspiration rather than prescription, with chefs tailoring each dish and dining moment to the individual tastes and curiosities of guests.
On 8 March from 19.00, the resort’s female culinary team will take over the open kitchen at Shoreline Grill, hosting a specially curated International Women’s Day dinner. Designed and executed by five chefs, the evening brings together flavours drawn from their individual traditions and culinary perspectives. More than a dining event, the experience is intended as a moment of connection and shared celebration, reflecting the intimate gastronomic gatherings for which Milaidhoo is known.
International Women’s Day Menu (Available at Shoreline Grill – Sunday 8 March from 19.00):
- Sate Lilit: Balinese seafood satay, gently spiced and grilled over charcoal, served with warm peanut sauce – Chef Bintang, Indonesia
- Pumpkin & Coconut Velouté: Roasted pumpkin soup with toasted pumpkin seeds, curry leaf oil and crisp garlic croutons – Chef Saaha, Maldives
- Curry-Poached Maldivian Coral Lobster: Locally sourced lobster with drumstick mashuni and coconut–passionfruit dressing – Chef Michelle, Maldives
- Thai A5 Wagyu Striploin: A5 Wagyu with confit lotus root, green papaya salad and Thai coconut red curry reduction – Chef Prew, Thailand
- Baobab & Chocolate Harmony: Baobab mousse, dark chocolate crémeux, peanut crumble, caramelised pineapple and mango gel – Chef Yemuria, Zimbabwe
Each dish reflects a personal culinary story, drawing inspiration from the charcoal grills of Indonesia and the spice markets of Thailand to the flavours of Zimbabwe and the rich culinary heritage of the Maldives. Together, the menu celebrates diversity and the shared pleasure of dining.
At Milaidhoo, meaningful luxury is defined through connection to place, tradition and people. This International Women’s Day, guests are invited to mark the occasion through an evening of exceptional gastronomy that honours the women at the heart of the Milaidhoo experience.
For reservations or further details on Milaidhoo’s culinary offerings, guests may visit the resort’s Culinary Experiences page or contact the reservations team at welcome@milaidhoo.com.
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From shoreline to hotpot: New dining experiences at Sun Siyam Iru Veli
Sun Siyam Iru Veli has unveiled two new dining experiences this February: the beachfront Sunk in Sand Dining Experience and the interactive Hotpot Lunch and Dinner. Designed to enhance the island’s Privé collection offering, the new concepts centre on intimacy, shared moments, and flavour-led exploration, launching alongside the resort’s Valentine’s and Lunar New Year celebrations.

The newly introduced Sunk in Sand Dining Experience was officially unveiled during the Valentine’s celebrations, beginning with a beachfront breakfast concept. Guests can begin their day with a curated breakfast served directly on the shoreline, seated within the sand itself with uninterrupted views of the horizon. Complemented by a bottle of sparkling wine, the experience offers an intimate setting surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maldivian coastline. Priced at USD 250 per couple for breakfast, the concept extends beyond morning dining, allowing guests to reserve the experience at any time of day, including specially curated sunset and evening moments.

The new Hotpot Lunch and Dinner further expands the resort’s culinary offerings, with a selection of premium ingredients, aromatic broths, fresh seafood, meats, and vegetables. This dining experience centres on shared dining and interactive enjoyment. Guests may choose between a Vegetarian Hotpot at USD 99 or a Meat & Seafood Hotpot at USD 155. Launched alongside the island’s Lunar New Year celebrations, the offering provides visitors with an opportunity to experience flavours traditionally associated with the festive season, aligning the dining concept with the cultural highlights observed at the resort.

Together, these new dining experiences reflect Sun Siyam Iru Veli’s continued focus on diversifying guest experiences through thoughtful culinary innovation. By pairing immersive settings with flavour-led concepts, the resort continues to evolve its dining landscape while creating moments that complement both seasonal celebrations and everyday island stays.
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Maagiri Hotel invites guests to celebrate Ramadan with daily Iftar
Maagiri Hotel has announced the availability of a daily Iftar experience throughout the holy month of Ramadan, inviting families, friends and corporate groups to gather and break their fast in a welcoming setting.
The Iftar buffet will be available every day during Ramadan and will feature a selection of traditional Ramadan dishes alongside international cuisine. Prepared by the hotel’s culinary team, the buffet will include local specialities, Middle Eastern favourites and a range of global offerings designed to cater to diverse preferences.
In addition to its daily Iftar service, Maagiri Hotel has introduced early booking benefits for corporate groups. Groups of 1 to 49 guests will be eligible for a 10 per cent discount, while groups of 50 guests and above will receive a 15 per cent discount. These corporate rates are available for bookings confirmed on or before 18 February.
The Ramadan Iftar programme reflects Maagiri Hotel’s focus on providing shared dining experiences centred on tradition, hospitality and togetherness during the holy month.
Guests and corporate organisers may make reservations or seek further information by calling 331 8484 or 722 8484, contacting the hotel via Viber on 722 8484, or emailing events@maagirihotel.com.
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