Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, owned by Ventive Hospitality and operated by Hilton under the Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand, will host its Michelin Master Series 2026 from 19 October to 7 December 2026, bringing three Michelin-starred chefs to the Maldives for 12 culinary experiences across the resort.

Part of Ventive Hospitality’s five-resort, 515-key Maldives portfolio, the series will feature Chef Theodor Falser, Chef Simon Hulstone and Chef Gabriela Filca, with each residency combining chef-led dining, tasting menus, wine experiences and culinary interactions across the resort’s distinctive dining venues. Ventive’s Maldives portfolio comprises Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, the three Anantara properties at Dhigu, Veli and Naladhu Private Island, and Raaya by Atmosphere.

Three chefs. 12 experiences. One culinary calendar.

• Theodor Falser (19–24 October): Sunset Soirée; seven-course dinner at Ithaa; Champagne Cruise; five-course beachfront dinner with Maldivian lobster and Ruinart Champagne
• Simon Hulstone (16–21 November):  Sunset Soirée; seven-course dinner at Ithaa; five-course Wine Cellar dinner with wine pairings; five-course beachfront dinner
• Gabriela Filca (1–7 December): Sunset Soirée; tasting menu at Ithaa; four-course beachfront dinner with Maldivian lobster; interactive culinary masterclass

The series opens with Theodor Falser, chef behind the Michelin-starred Johannesstube in South Tyrol. Falser took over the restaurant in 2014 and earned its Michelin star within his first year. His culinary philosophy is rooted in nature, seasonal ingredients and South Tyrolean produce, with his “Taste Nature” concept drawing heavily from the landscapes of the Dolomites.

From 16–21 November, Simon Hulstone will bring more than three decades of culinary experience to the island. Chef-proprietor of The Elephant in Torquay, which has held a Michelin star for more than 20 consecutive years, Hulstone is a Roux Scholar, former UK National Chef of the Year and two-time Great Britain representative at the Bocuse d’Or. His approach also extends to sustainable sourcing, with produce for The Elephant supported by his 90-acre farm and regional producers.

The series concludes with Gabriela Filca, Chef de Cuisine at Nebo Restaurant & Lounge at Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa. At 23, Filca became one of the youngest women to lead a Michelin-starred kitchen; Nebo retained its Michelin star under her leadership, while she was named Gault&Millau’s Great Chef of Tomorrow and received Croatia’s Michelin Young Chef Award.

The programme will make use of some of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island’s most recognisable culinary settings.

The chefs will host seven-course tasting menus at Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, the world’s first undersea restaurant, located five metres beneath the Indian Ocean and seating just 14 guests. The resort’s Wine Cellar, located two metres underground, houses 18,000 bottles across up to 800 labels and will host Simon Hulstone’s five-course wine-paired dinner.

The programme will also extend to the beach and open waters, with a sunset Champagne cruise aboard the Majesty Yacht, beachfront dinners featuring local Maldivian lobster, and a culinary masterclass with Filca exploring modern techniques and the creative process behind her cuisine.

Food and beverage is an increasingly important value driver within luxury hospitality, contributing not only to guest experience but also to the overall economics of a resort. Across our international portfolio, F&B and other services contributed 40% of revenue in Q1 FY27, while our Maldives resorts delivered a 15% year-on-year increase in same-store TRevPAR in FY26. Culinary programming such as the Michelin Master Series allows us to build on this strength by bringing recognised culinary talent to our destinations, creating additional reasons for guests to choose our resorts while deepening the value and differentiation of the overall stay,” said Ranjit Batra, Chief Executive Officer, Ventive Hospitality Ltd.

The Michelin Master Series 2026 reinforces Conrad Maldives Rangali Island’s position as a destination where culinary programming, destination-led dining and high-value guest experiences form an integral part of the resort proposition.

Cover photo (R-L): Theodor Falser, Simon Hulstone and Gabriela Filca.

JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort welcomes an exceptional celebration of Vietnamese cocktail craftsmanship from September 17 – 19, as The Enigma Mansion brings its distinctive approach to modern mixology to the shores of the Maldives.

Recognised among Asia’s 50 Best Bars, The Enigma Mansion has been redefining the cocktail experience since 2022, blending Vietnam’s rich regional flavours with contemporary techniques and an unwavering commitment to hospitality. The bar ranked No. 93 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list, alongside recognition from Top 500 Bars and Tatler Vietnam.

Leading the experience is Bien Ngoc Vu, known as Will — Co-Founder and General Manager of The Enigma Mansion. An award-winning bartender, entrepreneur, and beverage innovator, Will was crowned World Class Vietnam Champion in 2021 and is a multiple-time national bartending champion. His approach to cocktail craft is rooted in creativity, regional ingredients, and advanced techniques, helping shape the evolving cocktail culture of Vietnam while establishing The Enigma Mansion as a destination for innovative beverage experiences.

Joining Will is Jason Le Quang Truong, Head Bartender at The Enigma Mansion and a Saigon-based bartender celebrated for his inventive approach to modern mixology. At the heart of the bar’s beverage program, Jason brings together regional ingredients, refined presentation, contemporary techniques, and thoughtful flavour development to create distinctive cocktails that reflect the character of Vietnam.

Guests are invited to join this exclusive three-day showcase, where each evening reveals a new dimension of Vietnamese cocktail artistry. At Nikkei Bar, golden hour comes alive with an exclusive sunset activation and uniquely crafted cocktails that spark connection. The next evening unfolds in JW Garden, where freshly picked ingredients from the resort garden transform into refined creations. The finale at Wahoo Bar offers an elegant beachfront setting, where tropical cocktails meet a breathtaking horizon for a serene close to the experience.

“We are delighted to welcome The Enigma Mansion to JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort. This collaboration reflects our commitment to curating exceptional beverage experiences that celebrate global craftsmanship,” said Arup Chakraborty, Director of Food & Beverage.“By bringing inventive cocktails to our signature venues, guests will experience not only creativity and innovation but also the artistry and passion that define world–class hospitality in the Maldives.”

This partnership invites guests to discover the artistry behind each pour through a distinctly contemporary lens. From the precision of modern techniques to the richness of regional ingredients, every cocktail becomes an expression of place, craftsmanship, and discovery.

For more information, please visit the resort’s official website.

JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort is set to unveil a renewed identity for Riva on 30 August 2026, repositioning the restaurant as a Mediterranean dining destination under the culinary direction of Executive Sous Chef Cristiano Goattin.

Meaning “shore” in Italian, Riva’s new concept draws on the relationship between the Mediterranean and the Maldives, with a menu combining Mediterranean culinary traditions, Maldivian seafood and produce grown on the island.

Leading the culinary transformation is Italian chef Cristiano Goattin, whose career spans more than two decades across hotels, resorts and restaurants in the Gulf and Asia. His experience includes roles with Marriott, Jumeirah, Hilton and The Luxury Collection.

Drawing on his Italian background and international experience, Goattin has developed Riva’s menu around Mediterranean techniques, regional ingredients and produce sourced from the Maldives.

“Riva represents both a personal and professional journey,” said Goattin. “It is about bringing the spirit of Mediterranean to the Maldives in a way that feels genuine, rooted in place, and mindful of the environment. My goal is to create dining experiences that are simple, honest, and memorable, where guests can taste the connection between two shores.”

The menu places Maldivian seafood alongside Mediterranean ingredients including Greek olive oils, Sicilian lemons and aged balsamic, complemented by fresh herbs and greens grown at the resort’s JW Garden.

Among the dishes are Signature Seafood Stew and Half Lobster Tagliatelle, with the menu designed to combine traditional Mediterranean flavours with ingredients available locally and regionally.

The restaurant’s interiors have also been developed to reflect its Mediterranean direction, incorporating whitewashed textures, weathered wood and blue accents. An open-air deck provides an oceanfront setting for sunset dining, alongside indoor seating.

Srikanth Devarapalli, General Manager of JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, said the transformation forms part of the resort’s approach to developing its dining experiences.

“We believe that luxury is ever-evolving, and we are continually innovating our offerings to create experiences that feel fresh, meaningful, and deeply connected to our destination. At Riva, the sea becomes a bridge between two shores, bringing together the vibrant soul of the Mediterranean and the tranquil beauty of the Maldives. Through simple, honest flavors, warm hospitality, and unforgettable oceanfront settings, we invite guests to slow down, savor the moment, and celebrate life’s most meaningful connections,” said Devarapalli.

The renewed Riva will begin welcoming guests under its Mediterranean concept from 30 August.