Gastronomy
Six Senses Laamu hosts a trio of celebrity chefs for cxclusive culinary events in the Maldives
Maldives.net.mv – At a series of events during September and October 2013, Six Senses Laamu will be presenting a culinary coup, with three celebrity chefs introducing their respective unique cuisines. The dining events and learning experiences will be exclusively for guests of the resort.
Set in two periods, the first will be from 11th to 17th September and will feature the renowned TV chef and author Paul Merret, together with Anton Manganaro from London’s prestigious BAFTA 195 Piccadilly venue. They will create signature dinners at LEAF, and cooking classes at Zen.
The second sector of culinary events will be from 9th to 16th October 2013, and will feature Chef Joe Barza – innovative advocate of new Lebanese cuisine. He will also be presenting signature dinners at LEAF and a cooking class at Zen.
The venue for these memorable menus is LEAF restaurant, a symphony of rustic wood and palm-thatched roof perched above the resort’s organic garden. Maldivian fishermen and farmers are the source for many of the local ingredients. Guest participation at dinner is US$135++ per person.
Cooking classes will be held at Zen, on the upper deck of the unique overwater village, which also offers inspiring tropical vistas over the translucent lagoon waters. Class attendance is US$130 per person.
Special accommodation packages are offered, and for a minimum seven-night stay there is a savings of 15% off the best available rate, with breakfast included. An additional 10% savings applies to bookings made sixty days or more in advance of the arrival date. More details are available at http://www.sixsenses.com/
More about our Celebrity Chefs:
Chef Paul Merret has an impressive background in the restaurant world having worked with some of London’s top chefs, including Peter Kromberg and Gary Rhodes.
Paul’s media career began with a one off appearance on Channel 4’s Light Lunch. Since then Paul has been involved in many television projects including a ten-part BBC2 series named The Best, three series of Ever Wondered About Food on BBC1, Family Supercooks and most recently presenting Economy Gastronomy on prime time BBC2. Alongside this, Paul has been a regular contributor on Market Kitchen, ITV’s Sunday Feast, Perfect and Saturday Kitchen as well as appearing on both BBC Breakfast and GMTV.
Paul is also a keen author and his first book, Using The Plot was published in 2007. Economy Gastronomy followed, which has its foundation in the BBC Television series of the same name, which was hosted and written by Paul alongside Allegra McEvedy. Paul is currently writing his third book.
Paul now owns and runs The Victoria Public House – Dining Room and Hotel near Richmond Park in West London, which won Best London Gastro Pub 2011 in the Great Pub Awards.
Chef Anton Manganaro started his culinary career at the Royal Garden Hotel with David Nichols, formerly of the Ritz and now at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Hotel. Since then he has worked with many of the well-known chefs of our time, including Gunther Schlender of Rue St Jacques, Paul Gayler of Inigo Jones and The Lanesborough, as well as Gary Rhodes and Anton Mosimann.
For five years he worked with Paul Merrett at Interlude and the Greenhouse achieving a Michelin star. He also travelled the world working in private households before he headed up the kitchen at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, where he has been head chef for the last 7 years.
Anton prides himself in using only the freshest, and most seasonal ingredients and supports many charities and organisations to promote wellbeing in farming and sustainability. Whilst he enjoys the exciting innovations of contemporary cuisine, he places great emphasis on his classical background.
After 21 years in the industry he is very keen to pass on his knowledge to the next generation of up-and-coming chefs. He works with students of West Thames College who train alongside his team in the BAFTA 195 Piccadilly kitchen.
Chef Joe Barza is an innovative advocate of new Lebanese cuisine. He earned his degree at the School of Hotel Management in Beirut, Lebanon and has become a Master Chef specialising in Lebanese cuisine. He has more than twenty-two years of professional cooking and kitchen management experience, leadership qualities and professionalism, backed by a consistent record of achievement.
Trained by Pierre Pomel, Marc Veyrat, Jean-Pierre Jacob, Pierre Marin and Chicho Sultano, Joe Barza has become a teaching instructor himself as well as a training and development specialist.He has worked alongside Paul Bocuse, Alain Ducasse, Pierre Gagnaire, Joel Robluchon and Alfons Schuhbeck. In 2008, Chef Barza was the head of the delegation at the Bocuse d’Or.
Chef Barza has become a name synonymous worldwide with progressive Lebanese Cuisine. Globally recognised, with a perfect balance of passion, wittiness and creativity he brings a mix of tradition and modernism, elegance and warmth to Laamu’s dining experiences. He combines simplicity and innovation where he uses alternative ingredients instead of usual ones, to create new recipes.
Drink
THE OZEN COLLECTION and Champagne Guy Charbaut return with annual Champagne Week
For six years, a remarkable partnership has quietly flourished between two houses—one rooted in the limestone slopes of Champagne, the other cradled by the turquoise waters of the Maldives. This October, THE OZEN COLLECTION once again welcomes the esteemed family-owned Champagne house, Champagne Guy Charbaut, for its annual celebration from 19th to 25th October 2026. What began as a meeting of philosophies has evolved into one of the most anticipated events in the Maldivian luxury calendar—a week where rare vintages, world-class gastronomy, and island elegance converge in a symphony of flavour and tradition.
Founded in 1936 in the UNESCO-listed village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Champagne Guy Charbaut has spent nearly a century perfecting the alchemy of terroir and tradition, crafting cuvées that reflect the elegance of the French countryside’s limestone slopes. This dedication to authenticity and craftsmanship mirrors THE OZEN COLLECTION’s philosophy of redefining luxury through curated, meaningful experiences. What began as a meeting of philosophies in 2021 has blossomed into a tradition that reinvents itself each year—a union that Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wines at Atmosphere Core, describes as “the very essence of what modern luxury should be: a harmonious dialogue between heritage and innovation”.

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO | 19th to 21st October
The celebrations commence at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO with The Benthic Bubble Soirée at M6m, the Maldives’ most celebrated underwater restaurant. On the evening of 19th October, guests will indulge in an exclusive dining experience six metres beneath the lagoon, where each course is thoughtfully paired with a bespoke Champagne, surrounded by the silent dance of reef sharks and eagle rays.
On 20th October, the vibrant spices of TRADITION INDOCEYLON take centre stage in the beloved Champagne & Spice dinner—a bold symphony of Franco-Indian flavours where the warmth of South Asian cuisine meets the precision of French winemaking. This guest-favourite event returns year after year, celebrated for its daring pairings and unforgettable sensory journey.
The Maadhoo chapter concludes on 21st October with Brunch Royale at THE PALMS, a masterclass in the theatrical art of sabrage followed by a lavish Champagne brunch where bubbles flow as freely as the ocean breeze.
OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI | 23rd to 25th October
The celebration continues at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, beginning on 23rd October—World Champagne Day—with an unforgettable over-water dining experience at ORIGINƎ, where ocean-inspired delicacies are elevated by rare vintages from the Guy Charbaut cellar.
On 24th October, the Champagne & Spice dinner returns at SAFFRON, once again proving the irresistible alchemy of Indian warmth and French finesse. This event has become a hallmark of the collaboration, showcasing how the complexity of spice harmonises with the nuanced profiles of fine Champagne.
The series culminates on 25th October with The Sabrage Sundowner at OZAR—a dazzling poolside soirée where golden hour meets golden bubbles. Guests will enjoy Champagne tastings, live entertainment, and a sunset celebration that captures the very essence of Maldivian luxury.

A Beloved Tradition, Included in Every Stay
What makes this annual celebration truly unique is its seamless integration into THE OZEN COLLECTION’s all-encompassing holiday plans. All Champagne events are included on a complimentary basis for guests staying under the INDULGENCE™ Plan at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and the RESERVE™ Plan at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI. Curated menus, Champagne-paired dinners, and exclusive tastings are woven into the guest experience without additional charge—a testament to the resorts’ philosophy of effortless, worry-free luxury.
Beyond the events, guests may discover the Maison’s exceptional range at both resorts—from the enveloping Cuvée de Réserve ‘Old Vines’ Brut to the expressive Rosé 1er Cru Brut—each bottle an invitation to elevate the everyday into the extraordinary.
As Xavier Charbaut reflects on the enduring partnership: “What began as a meeting of philosophies has blossomed into a tradition that reinvents itself each year. These shores have become a second home for our Champagnes, where the salt-kissed air seems to amplify their vibrancy. As we raise our glasses to six years of shared excellence, we see not an endpoint, but a horizon brimming with possibilities.”

Beyond the Celebration: A Legacy of Learning
Each year, this enduring partnership extends beyond the shores of the Maldives. As part of the collaboration, future sommeliers and wine enthusiasts from THE OZEN COLLECTION travel to France to explore the historic grounds of Maison Guy Charbaut and the broader Champagne region. These immersive journeys offer a rare opportunity to deepen their understanding of the land, the craft, and the philosophy behind each bottle—enriching the intimate bond between both houses and ensuring that the knowledge and passion shared across borders continue to inspire generations of hospitality professionals.
Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wines at Atmosphere Core, adds “What we share with the Charbaut family is more than a wine programme—it is a meeting of philosophies rooted in authenticity, heritage, and a passion for excellence. This year, our guests can expect an even more immersive celebration, with rare vintage tastings, underwater aged Champagne, intimate masterclasses, and culinary experiences that honour the artistry behind each cuvée. Ultimately, this is about connection—to the land, to the craft, and to the people who make it all possible.”
Elevate your escape with an exceptional offer. Book direct to enjoy up to 20% savings—your seamless journey to unforgettable luxury begins here.
Drink
Eri Maldives helps couples fall in love all over again
Nobody needs a reason to fall in love with their partner all over again, but it’s romantic to keep finding one, season after season. UK wedding platform Bridebook found that a fifth of couples now wait until their first anniversary to take their honeymoon – giving finances time to settle after the wedding itself. Anniversary trips and vow renewals form a huge part of romantic travel as a result, with couples opting for longer stays than their wedding day ever allowed, now that joint finances can stretch further.
At Eri Maldives, it’s a moment that finally gets the spotlight it deserves – with a second telling to fit however couples want to approach it: planned in secret as an add-on, or built into a special occasion celebration.

Here’s our take to the occasions worth considering, and which of Eri’s three ceremonies suits each.
The Five-Year Reckoning
For couples who married between 2020 and 2022, this is an easy one. Many of those ceremonies were scaled back, livestreamed, or held with a guest list of two witnesses and a registrar on a screen. Five years on, that cohort is now reaching a natural milestone, Eri’s Waves of Love (from £1,235++) comes in as an overdue wedding they didn’t quite get: a proper beachfront ceremony led by the resort’s own Ceremony Master, Bodu Beru drummers announcing the moment, a ring exchange sealed with a symbolic certificate, and a champagne toast, closing with a romantic dinner set up right on the sand.
The New Chapter & the Quiet Comeback
Not every renewal is tied to a date on the calendar. Some follow a health scare, a stretch of distance, a difficult financial year. Others follow a quieter kind of shift altogether, whether it be an empty nest, a retirement, or relocation. For couples a little further along, Eternal Love (from £1,457++) builds on the same considered ceremony as Waves of Love, layer in touches this stage calls for: a candlelight dinner on the beach in place of the standard set-up, a rose petal shower, a bottle of Prosecco already waiting in the room, and a 45-minute healing aromatherapy treatment for the couple, with traditional Maldivian sarongs presented as a keepsake for having come through it together.

The Anniversary That Deserves an Upgrade
The 10th, the 25th, the one that ends in a zero – and milestones that carry real weight, for couples who’ve spent decades putting everyone else first. Ocean Kiss (from £1,755++) is Eri’s most extensive package, turning planned activities into day-to-night itineraries, with a five-course destination dining beachfront feast with lobster and wine, a floating or lagoon breakfast the morning after, and a full hour of Balinese massage for two.

Beyond the Ceremony
However the occasion is marked, each package can be tailored with additional romantic excursions and entertainments, including private sunset cruise with champagne and canapés, a duo band or DJ for the evening, a drone-filmed highlight reel of the day, and – for those chasing a truly out-of-this-world backdrop – a three-minute fireworks display.
Whether it’s booked quietly or planned together from the very start, the island simply asks one thing of its guests: turn up, and let the rest take care of itself. Visit erimaldives.com/renew-your-vows-in-paradise to start planning.
Cooking
The Standard, Maldives celebrates Wellness Month with spa and culinary experiences
The Standard, Maldives, by Hyatt invites guests to embrace the art of mindful living with a month- long celebration dedicated to wellness, vitality, and self-care. Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and the resort’s signature laid-back island energy, Wellness Month blends nourishing cuisine, mindful movement, and restorative spa experiences into a thoughtfully curated programme designed to help guests reconnect, recharge, and rediscover balance. Throughout August, a month globally recognised for promoting healthy living and holistic wellbeing, the vibrant island retreat presents a collection of wellness-focused experiences centred around two of the resort’s most beloved venues: Joos Café and The Standard Spa, the resort’s overwater wellness sanctuary, dedicated to relaxation and renewal.
At the heart of the celebration is a four-week culinary journey available exclusively at Joos Café for USD 49 net per person. Designed to nourish the body, refresh the mind, and elevate overall wellbeing, each week introduces a new wellness theme through carefully crafted dishes, functional beverages, and guilt-free desserts.
Commenting on the initiative, Nandakumar Dharuman, Director of Culinary at The Standard, Maldives, shared: “Our goal was to create a wellness journey that feels inspiring rather than restrictive. By combining nutrient-rich ingredients, functional beverages, and thoughtfully crafted dishes, we invite guests to discover that healthy eating can be both nourishing and deeply enjoyable. Wellness, after all, should be a celebration of flavour and balance.”
The culinary journey begins with a refreshing focus on renewal and hydration, inviting guests to rebalance and recharge through a selection of light, nourishing creations designed to support natural vitality. Highlights include the Hydration Garden Bowl, paired with the revitalising Green Zen Elixir, while the naturally sweet Tropical Fruit Symphony provides a refreshing finish. Crafted with nutrient-rich ingredients and vibrant tropical produce, these dishes offer the perfect reset amid the idyllic surroundings of the Maldives.
As the wellness celebration progresses, the spotlight turns to the abundance and versatility of plant-based cuisine. Colourful seasonal vegetables, wholesome grains, and naturally nourishing ingredients come together in dishes that celebrate the power of plants while demonstrating that wellness can be both satisfying and exceptionally flavourful. Within the second week, guests can discover the Kale & Quinoa Bowl, complemented by the nutrient-packed Iron Boost Green Juice, before indulging in the wholesome yet decadent Guilt-Free Avocado Chocolate Cake.
The experience then evolves into a celebration of mindful indulgence, embracing the philosophy that self-care and culinary pleasure can exist in perfect harmony. Inspired by the simple joy of enjoying life’s luxuries without compromise, guests are invited in the third week to savour the fresh flavours of Mediterranean Caprese Bliss, paired with the vibrant Morning Glow Smoothie, before concluding with the velvety Coconut Wellness Brûlée. Thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented, each creation proves that indulgence can be every bit as nourishing as it is satisfying.
Bringing the journey to a close is a menu inspired by restoration, radiance, and inner vitality. Featuring ingredients selected for their rejuvenating benefits, guests can enjoy the fresh and flavourful Glow Tuna Niçoise, accompanied by the nutrient-rich Island Beet Beauty Smoothie. The experience concludes with the colourful and refreshing Radiance Fruit Platter, leaving guests feeling revitalised, energised, and glowing as Wellness Month draws to a close.
Complementing the resort’s wellness-focused gastronomy, The Standard Spa invites guests on a holistic journey of movement, mindfulness, and rejuvenation. Suspended above crystal-clear waters and surrounded by panoramic ocean views, the overwater wellness sanctuary has curated a schedule of experiences designed to nurture both body and mind throughout the month.
Guests can greet the morning with a series of complimentary wellness practices, including Heart Opening Yoga every Tuesday and Friday, Pranayama breathing sessions every Wednesday and Saturday, and Therapeutic Yoga every Thursday and Sunday. Practiced against the breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean, these sessions encourage mindfulness, flexibility, and inner balance while embracing the healing power of nature. As the day transitions into evening, guests are invited to continue their wellness journey with restorative experiences including Sound Healing Meditation on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays, as well as Chakra Balancing sessions every Tuesday. These immersive practices are designed to promote deep relaxation, emotional wellbeing, and energetic alignment.
Exclusively highlighted during Wellness Month, guests can further elevate their self-care journey with the spa’s signature Deep Relaxation Massage. Designed to release tension, improve circulation, and restore inner harmony, the treatment combines therapeutic massage techniques with carefully selected essential oils applied both topically and through inhalation to create a profound sense of tranquillity. Available at USD 150 for 60 minutes and USD 185 for 90 minutes, the experience offers a restorative escape inspired by the tranquil rhythms of island life. To extend the benefits beyond the treatment room, guests booking a minimum 60-minute session will receive a complimentary home-care product, allowing them to continue their wellbeing journey long after leaving the Maldives. Combining expert touch with the calming energy of the Indian Ocean, the treatment embodies The Standard Spa’s holistic approach to wellness and self-care.
From vibrant wellness cuisine and nourishing tropical flavours to deeply restorative spa experiences, this August, The Standard, Maldives offers a celebration of wellbeing that is as indulgent as it is inspiring. Guests are invited to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and discover a more mindful way of living while surrounded by the unparalleled beauty of the Maldives.
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