Gastronomy
Dining with the Stars at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Maldives.net.mv – Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is showcasing a series of unique culinary experiences to excite and inspire its guests’ gastronomical journey over the coming months, further enhancing the resorts’ array of outstanding offerings.
From 8 to 20 October 2015, Vilu Restaurant and Bar will be collaborating with Cloudy Bay Wines to offer an innovative menu dedicated to the tender variety of white asparagus. Guests will be invited to enjoy a specially curated set and a la carte menu where white asparagus takes centre stage alongside culinary delicacies such as black truffle, marinated scallops and Maldivian lobster; with each course expertly paired with wines from acclaimed winery Cloudy Bay from Marlborough, New Zealand. Prices for the six course set menu start from $225 per person included paired wines from Cloudy Bay and a la carte dishes start from $15 with paired wines from only $10 per glass.
From 26 to 31 October 2015, renowned Swedish chef Michael Elfwing from award winning Australian restaurant Cape Lodge, will feature at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island’s globally renowned restaurant Ithaa Undersea Restaurant for the very first time. Ithaa, an architectural marvel that sits five metres below the ocean surface with 180 degree panoramic views of the coral garden, is the perfect setting for Elfwing to showcase his Australian Swedish influenced molecular gastronomy. Highlights of this creative menu will include malossol imperial caviar, seared foie gras with hazelnut espuma, steamed reef fish with lobster and leek terrine, topped off with desserts featuring unusual elements such as crispy parsnip and manjari and Evian water emulsion. Guests can sample Michaels’ culinary creations over a four course lunch with a choice of main dish ($220 per person) or a seven course dinner with a choice of main dish and a glass of rosé champagne ($350 per person).
From 17 to 21 November 2015, Michelin Starred Chef, Stéphane Gaborieau, of Le Pergolèse in Paris, will be bringing his creative talents to two of the resort’s dining venues. At Vilu Restaurant & Bar (17-21 November 2015), guests can enjoy Stéphane’s specially devised set-menu, whilst for wine connoisseurs the set menu at The Wine Cellar (17 & 20 November 2015) has been carefully paired with complementary wines by the resorts’ Head Sommelier, Kamal Malik. Following a successful event held at Conrad Hong Kong in June 2015, Stéphane will now be gracing the Maldives with his culinary delights for the very first time.
The announcement of these innovative culinary experiences adds to the roll call of culinary milestones at the resort, including the one year anniversary of Ufaa restaurant, taking place in September. The popular restaurant, which means ‘happiness’ in Maldivian, marks a successful first year of innovative Chinese cuisine, curated by celebrity chef Jereme Leung. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has also recently won two prestigious accolades at this year’s annual World Travel Awards in the highly coveted categories of Indian Ocean’s Leading Culinary Hotel and Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel, further strengthening the resort’s culinary credentials.
These events mark an exciting new culinary direction for Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, following the recent announcement of a new Executive Chef, Marco Amarone. From 1 October 2015, Marco will be bringing his wealth of culinary experience to the kitchens of the resort, taking guest’s food and beverage experiences to the next level. Marco joins Conrad Maldives from his homeland of Italy, where he co-owned a restaurant with the Marcopolo Group of Restaurants, Cuneo.
Photos courtesy of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Drink
Le Méridien Maldives Resort’s La Vie: Reimagined adults-only bar, pool experience

Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa unveils La Vie, a refreshed concept for its adults-only bar and pool, formerly known as Riviera Bar. Framed by breathtaking ocean views, La Vie embodies the French philosophy that “life is too short to drink bad wine,” offering a refined yet relaxed escape for guests to Savour The Good Life.
Nestled along the pristine shores of Thilamaafushi Island in the Lhaviyani Atoll, La Vie invites guests to indulge in a thoughtfully curated selection of rosé wines and rosé-inspired cocktails, perfectly capturing the vibrant essence of golden hour. Adding a touch of indulgence, the signature Sidecar Sorbet, a refreshing rosé-infused treat, offers a delicate balance of flavour and a cool escape from the tropical warmth.
At Le Méridien Maldives, every moment is worth savouring, from everyday connections to life’s most special celebrations. La Vie is an invitation to embrace the French joie de vivre and appreciate life’s simple pleasures. Whether lounging by the pool or soaking in the beachfront serenity with a crisp glass of Whispering Angel rosé, La Vie is a destination designed for leisurely indulgence.

For a more immersive experience, Rosé + Petit Plates introduces an experiential dining concept where bite-sized dishes are expertly crafted to pair with select rosé wines. Designed for sharing, this culinary journey encourages guests to discover a variety of flavours, from exquisite Gambas Al Pil, to sharing platters and Patatas Bravas with a signature twist — making each visit to La Vie a celebration of taste, connection, and discovery.
As the sun dips below the horizon, La Vie transforms into the ultimate golden hour retreat. Guests can sip on chilled rosé, soak in the stunning Maldivian sunset, and enjoy live music performances that set the tone for a sophisticated yet laid-back evening. Elevating the experience, exclusive happenings such as Sip & Paint sessions invite guests to unleash their creativity while enjoying handcrafted cocktails and curated offers.
Maintaining its adults-only exclusivity, La Vie provides a stylish yet effortless setting for guests to unwind and embrace the serene spirit of the Maldives. Whether seeking a tranquil afternoon or an enchanting evening under the stars, La Vie at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is where indulgence meets inspiration.
This summer, Le Méridien Maldives invites guests to embrace the season in an idyllic island setting. A tropical retreat where European elegance meets Maldivian charm, the resort caters to couples, families, and solo travellers alike, offering a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. From world- class diving and marine discoveries to exceptional dining and cultural experiences, every guest can find their own slice of paradise. Amidst it all, La Vie stands as the ultimate serene escape, inviting guests to slow down, sip, and savour every golden moment.
Cooking
Michelin magic in Maldives: Chef Wassim Hallal’s spring residency at Soneva Fushi

Danish chef Wassim Hallal will be hosting an exclusive residency at Soneva Fushi’s Flying Sauces from March 17 to May 12, 2025, bringing his two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Frederikshøj, to the world’s first fine dining zipline experience. As spring unfolds in the Maldives, guests will have the opportunity to soar along a 200-meter zipline route to reach an elevated dining platform, where breathtaking views, intuitive service, and Hallal’s masterful culinary creations await.
A pioneer of modern Nordic cuisine, Hallal’s passion for gastronomy has driven him to redefine fine dining in Denmark. His culinary journey began at a young age, leading him to refine his craft in some of Europe’s most prestigious kitchens. Under his leadership, Frederikshøj in Aarhus has earned two Michelin stars, recognized for its innovative approach, precision, and use of the finest seasonal ingredients.
During his highly anticipated spring residency at Soneva Fushi, Hallal will bring the essence of Frederikshøj to the Maldives, offering an unforgettable tasting experience that merges contemporary Nordic techniques with the island’s exceptional organic produce. His culinary philosophy pays tribute to the natural world, shaped by his environment and the evolving landscape of modern gastronomy. His style masterfully balances the refinement of French haute cuisine with the boundary-pushing creativity of New Nordic cooking, infused with global influences that drive his innovation.
At Frederikshøj, his commitment to excellence is evident in the meticulous selection of the finest local ingredients. A true culinary craftsman, he embraces experimentation, constantly redefining flavour, texture, and technique to create dishes that leave a lasting impression. Each plate serves as a canvas—an expression of creativity, refinement, and evolution—always seeking to push the boundaries of what is possible.
While in the Maldives, Hallal and his team will seamlessly blend Frederikshøj’s distinctive culinary ethos with Soneva Fushi’s organic seasonal produce, crafting a two-Michelin-starred dining experience designed to surprise, delight, and linger in the memories of guests long after the final course.
Food
Savour extraordinary with Chef Ollie Dabbous at Coco Bodu Hithi

Coco Bodu Hithi, a serene island escape where elegant design meets natural beauty, is set to welcome Britain’s most wanted Chef Ollie Dabbous to share his culinary excellence from 10 to 12 April.
A distinguished name in the culinary world, Chef Ollie Dabbous was the co-founder and executive chef of Hide restaurant in Piccadilly. Hide was awarded a coveted five stars in the Evening Standard, GQ restaurant of the year, as well as a Michelin star, all within six months of opening. He is also the former Michelin-starred chef/owner of the highly esteemed restaurant Dabbous, and author to ‘Essential’ and ‘Dabbous: The Cookbook’, which was titled as the Best Chef Cookbook in the 2015 World Gourmand Cookbook Awards. After years of honing his craft in some of the world’s top kitchens such as Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Hibiscus, Mugaritz, Noma, L’Astrance, and Pierre Gagnaire, Chef Ollie also appeared as a chef mentor on BBC1’s MasterChef: The Professionals in 2019.
Coco Bodu Hithi, proud recipient of the ‘Best Service’ award by Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2025, invites guests to indulge in an extraordinary dining experience with Chef Ollie Dabbous, as he presents his signature ingredient-led cuisine. The island will carefully source premium ingredients to complement his exquisite six-course dinner, perfectly paired with fine wines. Chef Ollie will craft unforgettable dining experiences, blending creativity with his avant-garde culinary creations.
Dubbed as a “gourmet getaway” in the Maldives, the resort regularly hosts Michelin Star Chefs who craft extraordinary dining moments, further elevating the culinary journey curated by Group Culinary Director and Michelin Star-awarded Chef, Martin Cahill.
To take advantage of this once in a lifetime experience, reserve you dream vacation in the Maldives with Coco Summer Escape offer and enjoy 40% savings along with a complimentary meal plan upgrade for an even more indulgent stay at Coco Bodu Hithi. For further queries and reservations, contact reservations@cococollection.com or visit www.cococollection.com.
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