Gastronomy
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island brings the best chefs and winemakers to its shores this year
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 17th 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.
Drink
Atmosphere Core celebrates 100th wine masterclass with Bottega Gala Gold event
A standout achievement in the Maldives’ experience-led hospitality scene, Atmosphere Core has completed its 100th Wine Masterclass as part of the resorts’ signature Holiday Plan. Held at Atmosphere Kanifushi on 6 December 2025, the landmark centenary event, Bottega Gala Gold, offered guests a rare opportunity to meet and engage directly with representatives of one of Italy’s most celebrated sparkling wine makers, while discovering the stories, terroir and craftsmanship behind the label.
What began in September 2021 with a Champagne Guy Charbaut masterclass at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO has since evolved into one of the region’s most distinctive wine-hospitality initiatives. Spanning nine island resorts, all the complimentary wine masterclasses invited in-house guests to enjoy hosted tastings and immersive encounters directly with the company’s partner winemakers.
Over the past four years, Atmosphere Core has forged pioneering partnerships with five terroir producers. Champagne Guy Charbaut (1er Cru Champagne) masterclasses have been held annually since 2021; Bodegas Viñátigo (Canary Islands) since 2022; Glenelly Estate (Stellenbosch) since 2023; Martín Códax (Galicia) since 2024; and, most recently, Bottega SpA a fourth-generation Italian estate, whose masterclasses debuted in 2025. Each partner was selected for its authenticity, expressive terroir, and craftsmanship, qualities increasingly sought by today’s global traveller.

From formal masterclasses and intimate vineyard-style dinners to lively sundowners and gala tastings, Atmosphere Core’s wine experiences showcase the versatility of its partners and the culinary team’s evolving sommelier expertise. In an innovative approach within the industry, all 100 events have been included within the resorts’ signature Holiday Plans.
Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wine at Atmosphere Core, said, “We set out to build a wine culture that allows us to be outrageously creative with the way we pair wines with culinary experiences and tell stories, while being vigorously disciplined in our selection, partnerships, training, and service. Reaching our 100th Wine Experience reminded us why we started. To make wine knowledge accessible, to spark curiosity, and to give generously to our guests and colleagues. That mindset, the Joy of Giving, is what has shaped every single one of these 100 moments.”
Atmosphere Core’s award-winning wine program is designed around three dimensions: in-resort experiences for guests, in-vineyard expeditions for culinary teams, and in-market events with travel and media partners. Together, these threads create an impactful wine culture.
Partner winemakers travel to the Maldives to host masterclasses, while the resort’s culinary teams journey to their vineyards in Europe and South Africa, deepening mutual understanding. Guest feedback has also highlighted the rarity of such terroir-driven offerings being built into a resort island holiday, as curiosity for authentic wines continues to grow globally.
With the successful milestone of its 100th Wine Masterclass now achieved, Atmosphere Core looks ahead to an expanded calendar of planned wine experiences, with the 2026 program currently in development. As the wine program evolves, the Joy of Giving remains at its core, ensuring guests always have something new to discover, one expressive bottle and one memorable story at a time.
Cooking
TAPASAKE Maldives marks first anniversary with Luca Cinalli guest mixology night
TAPASAKE Maldives, the destination restaurant set in the private island of One&Only Reethi Rah, will be welcoming internationally renowned mixologist Luca Cinalli to celebrate its 1 Year Anniversary with an exclusive dining experience. On 20th December, Cinalli joins the restaurant’s resident Chef Ahmed Jameel for an immersive cocktail experience, elevated by a one-night five-course anniversary menu.
The first of its kind since the inception of One&Only Reethi Rah, TAPASAKE Maldives re-opened on 20th December 2024 and features breathtaking ocean views, bold contemporary design, and dining experiences and a beverage program that unite the precision of Japan and the soul of the Mediterranean in a flowing exchange of flavour, texture, and culture. In addition to the original restaurant in the Maldives, TAPASAKE also operates in Dubai, Mauritius, and Montenegro.
The exclusive event features the creativity of Luca Cinalli, originally from Lanciano, a small fishing town in Italy, and now globally acclaimed for his work with The World’s 50 Best Bars, including Nightjar and Oriole in London. Guests can experience his inventive and masterful flavours, honed by over 20 years of experience in the hospitality, food and beverage, and bar industries. Cinalli will be collaborating with the restaurant’s Chef de Cuisine, Ahmed Jameel, a native of the Maldives whose culinary work is rooted in balancing both traditional and contemporary Japanese techniques.

Set against the soothing vistas of the azure Indian Ocean, the exclusive cocktail pairing is the leading attraction of the evening’s anniversary celebrations, where expertly paired signature cocktails curated by Cinalli and the TAPASAKE team pair beautifully with dishes like Black Cod Medallion and Sakura Tea-Smoked Wagyu Short Rib. Each cocktail draws inspiration from different elements of TAPASAKE – from its diverse culinary influences and contemporary overwater design to the iconic golden sunsets that have become synonymous with the restaurant. Wave Kiss, for example, is reminiscent of watching waves break over the reef, recreated as an umami-rich liquid foam. TAPASAKE Chocolate, on the other hand, bridges the sweet yet distinctive palates of Japan, the Mediterranean, and the Maldives, blending sake chocolate liqueur and pistachio.
“We are excited to celebrate this momentous occasion with Luca Cinalli at TAPASAKE Maldives,” says Jan B. Tibaldi, General Manager of One&Only Reethi Rah. “With Luca’s creative flair influenced by his years working with The World’s 50 Best Bars paired with our team’s unrivalled service and deep connection with the island, this evening promises a truly special celebration of a remarkable first year.”
The dinner will be held exclusively on 20 December at TAPASAKE Maldives, which will be open from 7.00pm to 10.30pm.
For pre-bookings and more information, please email guest.information@oneandonlyreethirah.com or call +960 664 8800. For more information about the resort, please visit oneandonlyreethirah.com.
Cooking
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort welcomes Chef Renzi Gianluca for Tastemaker series collaboration
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues its celebrated Tastemaker Series with an exclusive culinary collaboration featuring acclaimed Italian Chef Renzi Gianluca. Taking place across three days, the immersive experience invites guests to discover Chef Gianluca’s contemporary interpretation of Italian gastronomy through thoughtfully curated dining moments and an interactive masterclass.
The collaboration will be highlighted by two intimate guest dinners on 21 January 2026 and 23 January 2026, where Chef Gianluca will present a bespoke menu inspired by his culinary heritage, seasonal ingredients, and refined technique. On 22 January 2026, guests are invited to deepen their appreciation of Italian cuisine during an exclusive masterclass led by the chef, offering insight into his creative philosophy and signature approach.
Set on a private island in the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is renowned for its striking architecture, secluded villas, and exceptional dining experiences. The resort is home to a diverse culinary portfolio, including Alba, its signature Italian restaurant; Orientale, celebrating Asian flavours; the overwater Whale Bar; and Cargo, a destination for Indian Ocean-inspired cuisine under the stars. Each venue reflects the brand’s commitment to refined craftsmanship, immersive storytelling, and memorable moments at the table.
Chef Renzi Gianluca’s residency builds upon the resort’s ongoing Tastemaker Series, which has recently welcomed distinguished culinary talents such as Chef Gregory Doyen, Chef Alexander Herrmann, and Chef Jolly. These collaborations underscore The St. Regis Maldives’ position as a leading epicurean destination, offering guests rare access to globally celebrated chefs and elevated gastronomic experiences in an extraordinary setting.
With its seamless blend of luxury, culture, and culinary artistry, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to redefine destination dining in the Indian Ocean.
For more information and details, please visit www.stregismaldives.com.
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