Gastronomy
Two-Star Michelin Chef Heiko Neider to Cook at Anantara and Naladhu Maldives

Maldives.net.mv – Anantara and Naladhu Maldives are thrilled to welcome Two-Star Michelin Chef Heiko Neider to their kitchen for a one-night guest chef appearance on February 22, 2015. Delighting epicurean travellers staying at Naladhu, Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Veli Resort & Spa in South Male Atoll, Chef Heiko will create an exquisite eight-course tasting menu, exclusively at The Living Room in Naladhu.
The driving force since 2008 at The Restaurant in The Dolder Grand, Zurich, Chef Heiko is renowned for his fresh and innovative gourmet cuisine, and was awarded two Michelin stars in 2011. Further accolades include the Gault Millau since 2012 and for Chef Heiko personally in 2014 he was awarded the titles of “Best German Chef abroad” by Gault Millau Germany and “Le Grand Chef du Guide Bleu” by Guide Bleu 2014/15 for his culinary creations.
After training at the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten (Hamburg ) Heiko Nieder went to Le Canard Josef Viehhauser in Hamburg in 1994, and in 1995 to the Zur Traube for Dieter L. Kaufmann, Grevenbroich. In 1997 he joined Vau in Berlin. In 2002, he came as a chef in the l’ Orquivit in Bonn, where he was awarded the Michelin Guide of 2005 with his first Michelin star.
“Having watched documentaries on Chef Heiko, I admire his dedication to perfection, being under pressure every day to deliver a two-star Michelin experience,” compliments Torsten Richter, Cluster General Manager of Naladhu and Anantara Resorts in South Male Atoll. “Chef Heiko has a contemporary plating style, which is in keeping with the elegant surrounds of The Living Room and sophistication of Naladhu. It is an honour for us that Chef Heiko will be making this special appearance, cooking exclusively for just 16 guests. It will be truly a memorable evening, and one which places The Maldives high on the international map for culinary excellence.”
Featured
Janice Wong brings edible art to OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

For those with a refined sweet tooth and a love for the Maldives, THE OZEN COLLECTION has announced an exclusive collaboration with celebrated pastry virtuoso Janice Wong. The renowned chef will be present at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO from 24th to 26th April 2025, transforming the island into a hub of culinary innovation. Guests will have the opportunity to experience bespoke dessert creations, interactive workshops, and captivating chocolate installations.
During her residency, Chef Wong will unveil her signature edible chocolate wall art—an impressive three-metre-tall masterpiece crafted from sustainably sourced chocolate. Designed to reflect the Maldives’ vibrant marine ecosystem, the installation will feature intricate coral-inspired designs, with 100 ‘reef-like’ cavities containing hand-painted bonbons for guests to enjoy. In addition to this centrepiece, she will host live dessert stations at the resort’s overwater venues, offering delicacies such as Yuzu Meringue Clouds and Salted Caramel Lava Spheres, carefully paired with sommelier-selected dessert wines.
On 24th April, a four-hands gourmet dinner at the underwater restaurant M6m will showcase a collaboration between Chef Wong and OZEN LIFE MAADHOO’s Executive Chef Alok. This exclusive event, limited to just 40 guests, will present a dessert degustation menu that reimagines Maldivian flavours through modernist techniques and locally sourced ingredients.
Younger guests will also have the chance to explore their creativity through daily chocolate art workshops, where Chef Wong will guide families in crafting edible masterpieces using chocolate crayons, rice paper, and miniature canvases. Each child will leave with a personalised creation and a keepsake brochure detailing the week’s activities.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Chef Wong expressed her inspiration from the Maldives’ natural beauty. She noted that her goal at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is to blur the lines between art, nature, and gastronomy, creating lasting impressions both on the palate and in memory.
All experiences will be seamlessly integrated into the resort’s INDULGENCE™ Plan, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the festivities. From sunset bonbon tastings to private consultations with Chef Wong, the programme exemplifies THE OZEN COLLECTION’s commitment to Refined Elegance, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
Cooking
Celebrity Chef Jord Althuizen brings his BBQ mastery to Coco Bodu Hithi

Coco Bodu Hithi, an authentic Maldivian retreat located approximately a 35-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, is set to offer guests a unique opportunity to experience the flavours of the grill with celebrity chef and best-selling culinary author from the Netherlands, Chef Jord Althuizen, from February 24 to 26 this year.
Renowned for its stunning barbecues under the stars, the resort, which was awarded the title of ‘Indian Ocean’s Most Romantic Resort’ at the 2024 World Travel Awards, welcomes Chef Jord during what is often considered the “most romantic month” of the year. Best known for earning the Whole Hog BBQ’er title in 2014, he has received multiple accolades for authoring four best-selling BBQ cookbooks in 2016 and 2017.
Recognised by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, Coco Bodu Hithi invites guests to indulge in an extraordinary dining experience featuring Chef Jord Althuizen’s expertise in grilling. With his dedication to perfection, diners can expect a remarkable culinary journey showcasing freshly caught seafood and the finest meats from around the world.
Frequently referred to as a “gourmet getaway” in the Maldives, the resort regularly hosts Michelin-starred chefs who create unforgettable dining experiences. These exclusive events are further enhanced by the expertise of Group Culinary Director and Michelin Star-awarded Chef Martin Cahill.
Guests can look forward to savouring Moroccan Fire Fish, Indian Asado Cooked Lamb Parathas, or Texas-Style Short Ribs, complemented by expertly paired wines for a truly immersive gastronomic experience.
Cooking
Fushifaru Maldives hosts ‘Sweet Escape’ with celebrity Chef Damiano Carrara

On 15th January 2025, Fushifaru Maldives delighted dessert enthusiasts with ‘Sweet Escape,’ an exclusive dessert-tasting experience curated by renowned Italian celebrity chef Damiano Carrara. The event proved to be a resounding success, captivating guests with exquisite flavors and artistic excellence.
Damiano Carrara, widely recognised as a leading figure in the culinary world, impressed attendees with his expertise and charm. Known for his role as a judge on Bake Off Italia and co-host of Cake Star, he has earned a reputation for his dedication to pastry craftsmanship. In 2024, he further cemented his celebrity status by winning Pechino Express, a popular Italian reality adventure show, alongside his brother Massimiliano.
During the tasting, guests indulged in five handcrafted petit four desserts, each exemplifying Carrara’s renowned artistry and innovation. Every creation presented a story of elegance and finesse, offering a unique exploration of flavour and texture.
In addition to the event, Carrara took the opportunity to relax and enjoy the island with his family, describing his stay at Fushifaru as “really amazing” and expressing how much they enjoyed their time there.
The success of ‘Sweet Escape’ has further reinforced Fushifaru Maldives’ reputation as a premier destination for extraordinary dining experiences, leaving guests with unforgettable memories during their stay on this exquisite island.
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