Gastronomy

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island brings the best chefs and winemakers to its shores this year

Published

11 years ago

February 20, 2015

Maldives.net.mv – For decades, travellers have been coming to the Maldives in search of sublime sun and unrivalled natural beauty, but now Conrad Maldives Rangali Island gives another reason to tempt holidaymakers to its shores – their taste buds. This year, some of the world’s best chefs and winemakers are descending on the luxury resort to give guests an unparalleled dining experience with their gourmet gastronomy. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island continues to be at the forefront of destination dining with some 12 restaurants and bars all distinguished by the diversity of cuisine and uniqueness of settings.

A food destination of firsts, being the first to understand that a remote location need not prohibit fine dining and good wines, the resort continues to tantalise guests’ taste buds with the best food and wine experiences not seen before in the country. Whether it’s sipping handpicked wine presented by biodynamic burgundy pioneer Vincent Giardin, enjoying a teppan dinner of fresh lobster under the stars at Koko Grill presented by Conrad Tokyo teppan Chef Nobuyasu Kamiko or crossing the bridge of Chinese Art and French Wine at Ufaa by Jereme Leung; these are tempting experiences worth travelling for.

Krug Ambassade at Ufaa by Jereme Leung

The Maldives’ first authentic Chinese restaurant has been handpicked to become the islands nation’s first Krug Ambassade restaurant. Ufaa joins an elite international network of exceptional restaurants including the UK’s iconic Fat Duck and Murano, Dinner at The Mandarin Oriental and l’Hôtel Georges V in Paris. Leung’s carefully crafted authentic and contemporary Chinese flavours featured are a perfect complement to Krug Champagne’s philosophy of quality and timeless taste preferred amongst luxury travellers. Krug Grand Cuvée will be available by the glass and the bottle.

Conrad Tokyo features at Koko Grill

Guests will be treated to the cosmopolitan flavours of Tokyo in a meeting of two hotel greats. Head Japanese chef at Conrad Tokyo’s renowned Kazahana restaurant Nobuyasu Kamiko will showcase his culinary flair from March 2 to 15, 2015 at Conrad Maldives’ beach-front teppanyaki restaurant Koko Grill. Complemented with matching sake by Conrad Maldives head sommelier Kamal Malik, the eight-course menu is a must-try for the gourmet traveller and combines elements from Kamiko’s Japanese cuisine such as scallops wrapped with bamboo leaf and grilled lobster with shiro-miso denaku. The price for this one-off experience is $250 per person including eight courses and a glass of sparkling sake.

Vincent Giardin, producer of fine burgundies

Prepare your palate on March 30, 2015 as top burgundies from fine wine producer Vincent Giardin are showcased alongside a five-course dinner at The Wine Cellar, priced at $295 per person. Another five-course dinner with Vincent Giardin-paired burgundies is planned at over-water restaurant Mandhoo on April 2 for $255. Both evenings will be hosted by Marco Bruno Caschera, Brand Ambassador of the Vincent Giardin estate. With winemaking in his blood after being born into a family who have produced wines since the 17^th Century, Vincent prides himself on producing biodynamic fine wines with no pesticides, chemical fertilizers and weedicides. He harvests by hand and demands a high standard which propels him one of the best in the world.

Chinese Art meets French Wine at Ufaa by Jereme Leung

An artistic marriage of East meeting West, April 18, 2015 will mark Ufaa by Jereme Leung’s first winemaker dinner in collaboration with boutique winery Pont Des Arts, an exclusive, limited collection of wines created with the support of the finest winemakers from France and greatest artists from China. Presented by Thibault Pontallier one part of the duo behind Pont Des Arts, Pontallier, son of Paul Pontallier, Managing Director of Chateau Margaux will present a selection of wine from Bordeaux and Burgundy with vintages ranging from 2010 – 2012. Each vintage features art from renowned Chinese artists Zao Wou – Ki and contemporary artist Yue Minjun. The wine has been expertly been matched to a specially designed menu by Conrad Maldives Executive Chef and Ufaa namesake, Jereme Leung. Cost is $275 per person.

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Drink

Thundi Beach Bar debuts at OBLU NATURE Helengeli

Published

13 hours ago

August 17, 2026

m@ldives

Renowned as one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house-reef destinations, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO continues to attract divers and snorkelers from around the world. With direct access to thriving marine life, strong currents that draw pelagic species, and proximity to some of the atoll’s most sought-after dive sites, the island offers an immersive underwater experience for both seasoned divers and casual explorers alike.

Building on this exceptional positioning, the resort has unveiled Thundi Beach Bar, a tranquil new beachside addition designed for effortless relaxation and refreshment just steps from the shoreline.

Set between two stunning oceanfronts, Thundi Beach Bar offers a serene, barefoot retreat where guests can unwind while soaking in uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. Open daily from 10:00hrs to 13:00hrs and 15:00hrs to 19:00hrs, the bar presents a curated selection of beverages under the OBLU Island Plan™, including unlimited beers, wines, soft drinks, canned juices, tea, and coffee.

Perfectly positioned for convenience, Thundi Beach Bar is an ideal stop for guests enjoying Helengeli’s vibrant house reef. Whether returning from a snorkeling session or spending the day in and around the water, guests can easily drop by for a quick drink or refreshing pause without straying far from the beach.

Commenting on the launch, Alain Trefois, General Manager, shared: “At Helengeli, so much of the guest experience revolves around the ocean. Whether diving, snorkelling, or simply enjoying the reef. With Thundi Beach Bar, we wanted to create a space that feels naturally connected to these moments, offering guests a convenient and relaxed spot to pause, refresh, and continue their island journey without interruption.”

OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, an award-winning island resort, is located just a 50-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport. It offers 153 appealing villas, family-friendly amenities and private pool options. Guests stay on the OBLU Island Plan™, which curates a carefree, wholesome getaway with delectable world cuisine, wines and beverages, a nature-inspired kids club, unforgettable snorkelling, ELE|NA Ayur Spa, non-motorised watersports, ocean excursions and exciting daily and seasonal activities.

Drink

Atmosphere Kanifushi welcomes back BOTTEGA Gala Gold for second edition

Published

6 days ago

August 12, 2026

m@ldives

BOTTEGA Gala Gold returns to Atmosphere Kanifushi from 12 to 14 November 2026 after a successful debut last year. Created with Italian winery Bottega S.p.A., the three-day event gives guests the chance to enjoy wine-led dining experiences, relaxed lifestyle events and a grand Gala Gold celebration.

This year’s edition will be led by Dario Camilotto, Export Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, East Europe and Oceania at Bottega S.p.A., together with Elena Schipani, Bottega’s Head Sommelier. They will guide guests through the wine pairings, sharing the stories behind each selection and why they were chosen for the menu.

Sandro Bottega, President of Bottega S.p.A., said, “We’re delighted to return to Atmosphere Kanifushi for a second year. Sharing our wines with guests in the Maldives is always special, and this event is a chance to celebrate Italian winemaking in a setting that encourages people to slow down, taste and enjoy.”

As part of the Kanifushi Plan™, all experiences at the Just Veg Festival are complimentary for resort guests. Fine dining and lifestyle events are available on advance reservation due to limited seating, while the grand BOTTEGA Gala Gold celebration is open to all guests staying at the resort. BOTTEGA wines and Prosecco are also available year-round as part of the Kanifushi Plan™, allowing guests to enjoy these offerings throughout their stay.

The programme begins with two evenings at JUST VEG, the Maldives’ first fully vegetarian restaurant. Guests can expect a specially created tasting menu paired with a selection of Bottega wines, starting with a sparkling welcome and ending with a classic Italian finish. The pace changes the next day at PIER SIX. Here, Asian flavours, handcrafted dim sum and signature Bottega wines and cocktails set the scene for a relaxed afternoon by the water.

On 14 November, the celebration moves to SPICE for BOTTEGA Gala Gold. An expansive international buffet, live cooking stations, Bottega wines, signature cocktails and Italian liqueurs, along with a five-piece live band, set the stage for an unforgettable evening beneath the Maldivian stars.

Ram Bhoyroo, General Manager, Atmosphere Kanifushi said, “Guests are looking for more than great food and beautiful surroundings. They want experiences they can share and remember. BOTTEGA Gala Gold brings all of that together over three days in a relaxed island setting.”

“Atmosphere Kanifushi is the perfect setting to discover great wines in a relaxed way. Together with Bottega, we’re creating experiences that bring people together over exceptional wines, good food and memorable moments. That’s what the Atmosphere Core Wine Program is all about,” added Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wines, Atmosphere Core.

The celebrations don’t end in November. Guests visiting Atmosphere Kanifushi in December can also look forward to the resort’s spectacular Festive Extravaganza, featuring a vibrant calendar of seasonal dining experiences, live entertainment, themed celebrations and memorable moments designed to make the festive season truly unforgettable.

Food

SO/ Maldives adds Scooper Ice Cream Trolley to Lazuli Beach Club experience

Published

6 days ago

August 12, 2026

m@ldives

Paradise just got a little cooler and a lot more delicious.

Adding another playful touch to its signature Island Couture experience, SO/ Maldives has introduced its newest guest activation: the Scooper Ice Cream Trolley, now taking centre stage beside the pool at the vibrant Lazuli Beach Club.

Perfectly positioned beside the pool, the stylish trolley invites guests to take a break from the Maldivian sunshine and indulge in 10 delicious ice cream flavours, each offering its own little reason to stay poolside just a few minutes longer.

Set against the turquoise backdrop of Lazuli Beach Club, the activation brings a playful, nostalgic element to the resort’s contemporary approach to luxury. Guests can simply step away from their sun lounger and enjoy a cool treat without ever having to leave the poolside mood.

The experience is designed to be effortless and spontaneous a little moment of indulgence that perfectly complements the carefree energy of SO/ Maldives.

Whether enjoyed after a refreshing swim, shared between friends or captured in that perfect poolside photograph, the Ice Cream Trolley adds another delicious layer to the Lazuli Beach Club experience. And with the ocean sparkling just beyond the pool, cocktails in hand and ice cream within reach, there really is nowhere else to be.

Come for the pool. Stay for the ice cream.

For more information or to book your perfect getaway, please visit so-maldives.com or contact so.maldives.reservations@so-hotels.com or call +960 664-9100.