Food
Glorious Gourmet Experiences at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi

Maldives.net.mv – The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi offers a glorious array of gourmet experiences from around the globe and their newest offering will delight wine connoisseurs and gourmands alike. Flavour’s restaurant overlooking the radiant blue of the Indian Ocean houses The Wine Cellar. Offering 180 degree views of the ocean, this stunning wine cellar has launched its Wine Academy 2015. Created by the creative F&B team the Wine Academy offers adventurous and unique wine and food pairings, designed to stimulate the palette and create a sensory journey through the world of wine.
Wine Cellar
The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi’s wine cellar occupies an enviable position, suspended above the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Designed to satisfy the tastes of the international guests who visit the island, the wine cellar is home to almost 2000 bottles spanning 80% of the wine regions globally.
With an impressive library of vintages dating back to 1982, the wine cellar houses some extraordinary producers and unexpected gems. The sommelier team are on hand to make suggestions and guide guests through this unique collection of wines.
Wine Academy
The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi hosts the Wine Academy which is available for all in-house guests. This private wine & canapés offers a frank and honest conversation about the best ways to sample wines. More than just a traditional tasting, this wine academy focuses on the importance of glass ware and how this can affect the taste and feel of the wines in addition to sensual food and wine pairings which offer an incredible taste adventure.
Available daily, the food and wine pairings have been carefully chosen to stimulate unusual notes and flavours in the wine. Wine and food pairings include:
– 2011 False Bay Vineyards Rose with fresh strawberries
– NV Moet & Chandon served in a champagne glass with Claire De Lune Oyster
– NV Moet & Chandon served in a red burgundy glass with assorted roasted nuts
– 2012 Penfolds Koonunga Hill served in a Chablis glass with smoked salmon canapé
– 2009 Cossetti Barbera D’asti Doc served with beef bresaola
– NV Trivento Birds & Bees Sweet Wine with spicy chicken supreme & chocolate macaroon
The wine academy is available from $120/ £77 per person and can be booked directly by any in-house guests at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi.
Wine Cellar Dinner
In addition to the incredible wine Academy, The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi also hosts an 8 course dinner which takes place in the wine cellar overlooking the Indian Ocean. Surrounded by old and new wines, this dinner is a must try for wine lovers.
F&B Director Ian Lovie brings his unique gourmet experience from both East and West to blend seasonal produce and local seafood combined with the highest culinary standards. This remote island experience pairs wines of the world with exquisite French inspired cuisine. Be guided through a mouth-watering journey of 8 carefully considered courses such as :
Pate De Campagne
Country pate, figs cornichons, toast with 2009 JLS Cuvee Traditionnelle, Gewurztraminer – France
& Flétan
Spanish Jack, Artichokes, extra virgin, basil, tomatoes, lemon juice, pink sea salt with 2012 Laurenz V Singing – Gruner Veltliner – Austria
The wine pairings are inspired by the freshest of produce from the finest Australian Blackmore Beef to Line caught Tuna infused with Himalayan Black salt and fresh vegetables from the markets of Bangkok.
Lovie notes, “Our gourmet is paired with fine wines from around the globe, both world renowned wines and boutique wineries from the new world have a place at our mahogany table overlooking the Indian Ocean.”
The Wine Cellar Dinner is available from $440 per person.
Cooking
The St. Regis Maldives announces exciting culinary journey with renowned Chef Jolly

Over the turquoise waters of the Dhaalu Atoll, a rare culinary voyage is about to unfold as The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort welcomes the celebrated Chef Surjan Singh, fondly known as Chef Jolly, for two-month pop-up residency from mid-October to mid-December 2025. This immersive celebration of Indian cuisine coincides with the festive spirit of Diwali, blending tradition with contemporary flair in a truly unforgettable island setting.
A beloved TV personality on MasterChef India, Chef Jolly brings over 30 years of culinary expertise to this special collaboration. Celebrated for his ability to blend royal Indian heritage with everyday comfort food, he unveils a vibrant menu inspired by his travels, culinary roots, and the rich tapestry of the Indian subcontinent.



Guests can expect standout creations such as Lamb Ghee Roast served on Malabar Bread Tacos, Cafreal Tiger Prawns, and his signature Butter Chicken. Each dish will be accompanied by fragrant biryanis, hand-rolled breads, toasted spices, and house-made chutneys—all carefully plated to evoke both nostalgia and discovery. A bespoke cocktail list brings further depth to the experience, with Indian-inspired blends such as The Great Indian and Imli Margarita, along with thoughtfully curated wines and low-ABV selections.
“Food is memory. It’s emotion. It’s a journey,” shares Chef Jolly. “To bring the vibrancy and soul of Indian cuisine to The St. Regis Maldives is a true privilege. Each dish tells a story, one of tradition, reinvention, and joy.”
As part of this collaboration, Marriott Bonvoy members have the exclusive opportunity to bid on an extraordinary Marriott Bonvoy Moments experience. The package includes a five-night stay for two guests in an Overwater Villa with Pool from October 19 to 24, with daily breakfast at Alba, a private six-course wine-paired dinner hosted by Chef Jolly himself, and a curated wellness experience featuring a signature massage and the renowned Blue Hole hydrotherapy journey at Iridium Spa. Round-trip seaplane transfers from Malé International Airport are also included, creating a seamless luxury journey from arrival to farewell.

Tucked away on its own private island, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is a destination that embodies barefoot luxury and discreet glamour. Its striking architecture, an elegant harmony of tropical modernism and local inspiration—blends seamlessly with the natural beauty of the atoll. The resort features 77 spacious villas, each offering panoramic ocean views or lush jungle surroundings, along with personalized St. Regis Butler Service. From restorative treatments at the award-winning Iridium Spa to yachting adventures aboard the resort’s private Azimut Flybridge, the experience is curated for those who seek both indulgence and escape.
This limited-time pop-up isn’t just a dining event, it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, heritage, and the unmatched power of storytelling through food. It’s where the timeless rituals of Indian hospitality meet the barefoot luxury of the Maldives.
Members can now bid for a Curated Culinary Experience with Chef Jolly and a five-night stay in at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort from now until 25 August through Marriott Bonvoy Moments. For more information, visit stregismaldives.com.
Cooking
Sustainability in bloom at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives’ newly transformed Spice Garden

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has unveiled its newly reimagined Spice Garden, a vibrant embodiment of sustainability, sensory exploration, and culinary innovation. Under the expert care of in-house horticulturist Zabih and the culinary guidance of Executive Chef Frank, the revitalised garden has become central to the resort’s garden-to-table ethos, shaping the evolution of the guest dining journey—most notably reflected in the enhanced Lazy Lunch menu.
Set within the resort’s grounds, the Spice Garden has undergone a significant transformation into a flourishing haven of organic herbs, spices, and edible plants, many of which now appear on the menu just hours after being harvested. This abundance of fresh, homegrown produce has redefined the resort’s culinary landscape, with seasonal ingredients and authentic flavours now taking pride of place, particularly in the Lazy Lunch offering.
The new direction has allowed for even greater incorporation of local harvests into the menu, with freshly picked herbs and vegetables enriching the taste and nutritional value of each dish. This approach also grants the chefs the freedom to adapt the menu according to the changing seasons, continuously presenting guests with something innovative and exciting.
To bring guests closer to this philosophy, Alila Kothaifaru has introduced a complimentary Spice Garden Walk, led by horticulturist Zabih. With his deep passion and careful stewardship, the garden has become a sensory-rich learning environment. Guests are encouraged to touch, smell, and taste a variety of tropical herbs and spices while learning about their origins, culinary uses, and environmental significance.
Zabih views the garden as an invitation to reconnect with nature, offering guests an experience that engages all the senses and fosters a deeper appreciation for the ingredients behind each meal. The garden walk and Lazy Lunch, though distinct experiences, together offer a comprehensive exploration of the journey from soil to plate.
Seasonal menus continue to draw inspiration from the garden, reinforcing the resort’s dedication to sustainability, wellness, and the use of locally sourced ingredients. General Manager Thomas affirms this vision, highlighting the Spice Garden as a symbol of the resort’s commitment to meaningful guest experiences. He notes that it reflects a broader aim to blend sustainability with cultural authenticity, offering visitors a more personal and enriching stay.
Whether strolling through the fragrant pathways of the garden or enjoying a sunlit lunch featuring ingredients harvested mere moments earlier, guests are invited to savour the harmony between cuisine, nature, and place—making every bite a celebration of the island’s rich natural abundance.
Cooking
Malaa – The Maldivian Café: NH Kuda Rah’s new culinary jewel

NH Maldives Kuda Rah has announced the launch of its newest food and beverage outlet, Malaa – The Maldivian Café. Now open to guests, the café offers a taste of authentic Maldivian cuisine alongside interactive Maldivian cooking classes.
Guests staying at NH Maldives Kuda Rah can delve into the country’s rich culinary traditions with guidance from award-winning Executive Chef Farish Mukhthar. With over 22 years of experience in the hospitality and culinary industries across five-star and ultra-luxury resorts in the Maldives, Chef Farish brings a deep-rooted passion and refined expertise to the resort. Trained under renowned European celebrity chefs, he has earned a strong reputation for his culinary artistry.
The café focuses exclusively on authentic Maldivian dishes, using locally sourced ingredients from nearby islands as well as the chef’s own garden within the resort. Cooking classes offer guests the opportunity to prepare classic Maldivian dishes, such as curry and local salads, under the guidance of Chef Farish—culminating in a delicious homemade lunch.
As fish (both fresh and smoked) is the staple of the Maldivian diet, it is often prepared with coconut and rice or roshi (Maldivian flatbread). Other traditional ingredients include breadfruit and sweet potato—versatile and starchy staples that feature in a wide range of local dishes. The cuisine is often boldly spiced, with the fiery Scotch bonnet chilli, locally known as githeyo mirus, playing a central role. This essential chilli, along with herbs grown organically in the resort’s garden, imparts a distinctive heat and fruity flavour to many Maldivian dishes.
While many resorts in the Maldives offer a wide array of international cuisine—ranging from Italian and Japanese to French and Indian—the opportunity to savour authentic local flavours can be one of the most memorable aspects of travel. Malaa – The Maldivian Café provides a unique and immersive dining experience for those curious about Maldivian culinary heritage and the fascinating stories behind its traditional ingredients.
This initiative is part of NH Hotels & Resorts’ broader effort to connect guests with meaningful local experiences through its Live Local programme, under the Minor DISCOVERY loyalty scheme. The programme is designed to offer curated, immersive activities and authentic cultural encounters, allowing guests to engage more deeply with their destination.
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