Gastronomy
Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort Takes Dining to New Levels
Maldives.net.mv – The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort, has unveiled innovative menus for guests passionate about dining, ahead of the resort officially opening on 1 August, 2015.
“Our concept is to offer guests a holiday-defining dining experience with exquisite menu offerings from the Indian Ocean as well as international signature dishes prepared and presented in an uncomplicated yet sophisticated way,” says Jed Archdeacon, Executive Chef and Director of Food & Beverage, at the Outrigger. “We want the Outrigger island setting, taste and service to be a highlight, maybe the highlight of the whole holiday experience.”
Apart from taste, table-side service is key. For example, the salt and charcoal baked chicken is marinated for 24 hours in wild mushrooms and truffle, then baked until the dough becomes hard. It is then cracked open at the table with a hammer for the guests.
The signature breakfast will be the salmon and truffle scrambled eggs served with shaved truffles and salmon caviar.
Seafood lovers have much to look forward to. Indian Ocean dishes include Maldivian lobster, steamed grouper, baked jobfish and oysters (with a choice of coriander chutney or vodka granita) and Peruvian ceviche (local job fish served with freshly made coconut cream, island-grown lime, and Konotta garden herbs).
“Our dishes and cocktails celebrate Indian Ocean, regional and international influences,” says Archdeacon. “Whatever is available locally is featured on our menus – for example, freshly caught line reef fish, yellowfin tuna and lobster. Regional spices, herbs and flavours such as passion fruit, lemongrass and coconut are also recurring themes in our preparation.”
Iconic international favourites made with flair also feature. Guests can opt for Tasmanian salmon, Australian Black Angus beef fillet, achari lamb, and Sri Lankan jumbo prawns, among others.
The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort has four innovative outlets: Blue Salt for international and regional dining; Poolside dining overlooking the ocean; the Nala Rah teppan and sushi bar (“exquisite fusion and interactive dining with stunning ocean and island views,” says Archdeacon); and in-villa dining with the option of a personal chef and butler.
The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort is located in the stunning atoll of Gaafu Dhaalu, 340 kilometres south of Malé. The Outrigger is accessible via a 55-minute flight to Kaadedhdhoo Airport, followed by a 30-minute luxury speedboat journey. Check-in takes place aboard the boat, leaving guests free to enjoy a unique sense of arrival at the idyllic island.
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Drink
Lily Beach announces guest bartender residency featuring Vyacheslav Kasitsyn
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced an exclusive guest bartender residency featuring Vyacheslav Kasitsyn, one of the most prominent figures in Moscow’s contemporary bar scene, from 2nd to 10th May 2026.
Vyacheslav is the Bar Manager of The Carlton Lounge & Bar at The Carlton, Moscow, one of the city’s most sophisticated social destinations. He began his career at the award-winning City Space Bar, recognised both in Russia and internationally, before contributing to a number of standout bar and restaurant projects at Lucky Group.
Renowned for crafting modern classics with precision and narrative depth, Vyacheslav’s cocktails reflect refined technique, contemporary elegance, and a strong sense of place. Each creation tells a story-balancing innovation with timeless style, elegance and style.
During his residency at Lily Beach, guests will experience a curated cocktail menu inspired by Moscow’s dynamic bar culture, reimagined within the island’s luxury setting. Exclusive evening showcases and limited-edition signatures will highlight his artistry.
This special collaboration underscores Lily Beach’s commitment to delivering elevated culinary and beverage experiences -where global expertise meets barefoot Maldivian luxury.
At Lily Beach the Platinum Plan seamlessly unites exceptional dining with premium inclusions, creating one of the Maldives’ most distinguished all-inclusive experiences. Guests indulge in diverse buffet and à la carte offerings across multiple restaurants, complemented by an extensive selection of premium wines, spirits, signature cocktails, and a replenished minibar. Elevating the culinary journey further, Les Turquoise d’Aqua proudly received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2024, underscoring the resort’s commitment to world-class wine curation. From elegant beachfront dinners to relaxed overwater settings, every moment is thoughtfully crafted to deliver refined flavour, variety, and effortless luxury.
For reservations and further information, please visit the resort’s website.
Cooking
Kandolhu Maldives announces culinary collaboration with Chef Fabrizio Zanetti
Following a season of culinary collaborations, Kandolhu Maldives has announced that Executive Chef Fabrizio Zanetti will visit the resort this October for a series of dining events.
The resort said the programme would offer guests an opportunity to experience Zanetti’s cuisine through a number of exclusive dining experiences.
Originally from St Moritz, Zanetti has led the kitchens at Hotel Suvretta House in St Moritz for more than a decade. The five-star Suvretta House, built in 1912 by Swiss hotelier Anton Bon, recently opened a new 4,670-square metre spa for the 2025-2026 winter season.
Zanetti has also worked at Michelin-starred establishments including Baur au Lac in Zurich and Savoy Grill in London. His work has been recognised with 17 points in the Gault-Millau Guide 2025 and the Mérite Culinaire Suisse award. In 2024, he was also named Gault-Millau Rising Star of the Year.
The collaboration at Kandolhu Maldives will begin on Wednesday, 14 October, with a three-course à la carte lunch at The Market.
A four-course dinner will follow on Saturday, 17 October, at Olive Restaurant. The evening will begin with a meet-and-greet with Chef Zanetti before dinner is served.
On Wednesday, 21 October, Olive Restaurant will also host a five-course Wine and Dine event, which will include a personal introduction from the chef.
Kandolhu Maldives said each evening event at Olive Restaurant would be limited to 22 guests, offering an intimate dining setting overlooking the Indian Ocean. The resort has encouraged guests to reserve early for the programme.
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