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.
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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