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.
Food
OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi invites guests to break fast island-style this Ramadan
OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi invites guests, residents, and visitors to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan with meaningful Iftar gatherings, just a short 15-minute speedboat journey from Velana International Airport. Designed for colleagues, friends, and families to come together in a relaxed island setting, the resort offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere to share the blessings of the season over a thoughtfully curated Iftar spread.
Hosted daily throughout Ramadan, from 18th February to 19th March at Element X restaurant from 06:00 — 07:15 PM, the Iftar experience features an extensive buffet showcasing traditional Maldivian flavours alongside popular regional favourites. Guests can enjoy juice, dates, mixed dry fruits and nuts, yoghurt, Maldivian short eats, a selection of main courses, and desserts, offering a wholesome and festive dining experience in the spirit of Ramadan.
The experience is well suited for corporate gatherings and family groups, with special packages available for group reservations, and guests are encouraged to confirm their bookings at least 24 hours in advance. Convenient speedboat transfers make the island easily accessible for those joining the evening gathering.
This Ramadan, gather your loved ones and share the joy of togetherness over a memorable island Iftar experience at OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi.
For details and bookings, please call +960 934 2685 / +960 934 2550, or email fbreservations.ailafushi@coloursofoblu.com.
Cooking
Baros Maldives’ The Lighthouse to present Duval-Leroy champagne pairing experience
Baros Maldives invites guests and discerning epicureans to an exclusive Champagne pairing dinner at The Lighthouse, the island’s iconic fine-dining restaurant, on 4 March 2026. Hosted for one evening only by Louis Duval-Leroy, family representative and Brand Ambassador of Maison Duval-Leroy, the intimate five-course experience celebrates the harmony between refined gastronomy and Champagne craftsmanship.
Perched above the Indian Ocean with panoramic ocean views, The Lighthouse is synonymous with Baros’ culinary philosophy. Long regarded as a benchmark for fine dining in the Maldives, the restaurant is known for its elegant setting, considered menus, and a focus on precision and technique. This one-night collaboration brings together Baros’ culinary team and the heritage of one of Champagne’s notable family-owned houses.
Founded in 1859, Maison Duval-Leroy is recognised for its Chardonnay-driven style, contemporary approach, and commitment to terroir and sustainability. Independent and family-owned for six generations, the House has been a pioneer in responsible viticulture, becoming the first Champagne house to achieve ISO 9002 certification in 1994, followed by Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne certification in 2015.
Representing the sixth generation, Louis Duval-Leroy brings both heritage and a modern perspective to the estate. With a background in business and extensive commercial experience, he has developed close relationships with chefs and sommeliers across the international fine-dining community. During the evening, he will personally guide guests through each cuvée, sharing insights into the philosophy, craftsmanship, and stories behind every Champagne.
The five-course menu has been carefully curated to complement the character of each pairing. Highlights include Smoked Goat Cheese Parfait with golden beets, paired with Duval-Leroy Brut Réserve; a Black Cod Mosaic matched with Brut Rosé Prestige Premier Cru; and a Lemon Meringue Tart served alongside Prestige Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs.
The Duval-Leroy Champagne Pairing Dinner offers an opportunity to experience Baros Maldives through destination dining, heritage Champagne, and an oceanfront setting.
With limited seating available, advance reservations are recommended. For bookings and enquiries, please contact +960 664 2672 or email reservations@baros.com.
Drink
St. Regis Maldives Vommuli welcomes Glynn Purnell for Tastemaker Series
Glynn Purnell, the Michelin-starred chef, restaurateur and television personality known as “The Yummy Brummie”, will bring his modern British cooking to the Indian Ocean this April as part of the Tastemaker Series at St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort.
With a career spanning more than 35 years, two Michelin-starred restaurants and a long-standing presence on British television, Purnell’s residency will take place from 3 to 6 April. His ingredient-led approach will be presented through a curated programme that includes a signature tasting dinner, an intimate cooking class and a closing experience hosted at The Whale Bar, offering guests the opportunity to engage with his cuisine in an informal setting.
Purnell began his culinary career at the age of 14 through a hotel kitchen work placement before refining his skills at the Metropole Hotel and at Simpson’s Restaurant, where he contributed to the restaurant’s first Michelin star. His professional training also includes working alongside chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Gary Rhodes and Claude Bosi, as well as experience in Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe. Purnell later made history by earning Birmingham’s first Michelin star for Jessica’s in 2005, followed by a Michelin star for Purnell’s, which the restaurant has retained since 2009.
In addition to his restaurant work, Purnell is a well-known figure on British television. He has won Great British Menu twice and has returned to the programme as a mentor. His television appearances also include Saturday Kitchen, and he co-presented My Kitchen Rules UK alongside Rachel Allen on Channel 4.
Recognised for combining technical precision with an approachable style, Purnell’s residency forms part of the St. Regis Maldives’ 2026 Tastemaker Series, a programme designed to showcase international culinary talent through immersive guest experiences. His emphasis on seasonal, responsibly sourced ingredients and sustainable practices aligns with the resort’s broader commitment to considered luxury and culinary quality.
Set on Vommuli Island, the residency offers guests the opportunity to experience contemporary British gastronomy in a distinctive island setting, with rare access to one of the UK’s most influential chefs.
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