Gastronomy
Anantara Kihavah Villas brings San Pellegrino’s Fine Dining Lovers Guest Chef Series to the Maldives
Maldives.net.mv – Anantara Kihavah Villas welcomes Chef Tim Butler in a guest appearance at Sea Underwater restaurant for two nights. In association with Fine Dining Lovers, the event marks the launch of an exclusive series at Anantara resorts across the Maldives, which will feature culinary collaborations with San Pellegrino’s annual list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.
To mark this exciting alliance, bringing #25 from this year’s 50 Best list, Tim Butler from EAT ME restaurant in Bangkok will appear for two nights at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas. Likeminded food lovers will gather in the sublime ambiance of Sea underwater restaurant for an evening of exotic flavours and shared conversation on November 28 and 29. With seating limited to just 18 places each evening, it promises to be a rare and intimate opportunity, paving the way for future events in 2016.
“I have always wanted to go to the Maldives and I am delighted to share Anantara’s exemplary vision of guest experiences with our discerning diners and travel enthusiasts,” says Chef Tim Butler. “When I heard that my dishes will be served in Anantara’s own award-winning underwater restaurant, I could feel shivers of excitement at just the very thought of such a magical combination. I can’t wait to get there and work with everyone for two very special evenings.”
At the world’s only underwater wine cellar and restaurant Sea, Chef Tim will indulge guests with the wonders of his dishes that bring a mix of global ingredients, while his creativity brings a fresh, progressive feel to the menu. “The team at Anantara Kihavah is excited to welcome Tim to the Maldives and to mark the first of many exclusive Guest Chef events and collaborative guest experiences with San Pellegrino and Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants,” says Kihavah General Manager Jean-Marc Ma-Poon.
Among the signature dishes showcasing just why Chef Tim is ranked #25 in Asia, the seven-course menu will include KUMAMOTO OYSTER (sea urchin & yuzu), SHIMA AJI TARTAR (osetra caviar & blood orange), SEARED SCALLOP (white truffle & charred cauliflower) BLACKMORE WAYGU TATAKI (miso & wasabi), FOIEGRAS “TORCHON” (rabbit rillettes & black truffle), WOOD PIDGEON (morel mushroom & egg) and CHOCOLATE & CHILLI (praline & whiskey). Additionally, a menu of the finest spirits and wines will be selected by Kihavah’s Master Wine Guru, Nilesh Bootun and Executive Chef Gaspare Greco to complement the exclusive fine-dining event.
“As part of our strong partnership with Anantara, we are truly excited about this opportunity for one of our top Bangkok-based chefs from the prestigious list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, to cook this amazing Fine Dining Lovers event in the Maldives”, says Filippo Cassabgi, Area Manager for San Pellegrino.
Available to guests at Anantara Kihavah Villas as well as those staying at other resorts in Baa Atoll, this month’s one-of-a-kind offering can be booked by calling Anantara Kihavah Villas directly at +960 660 1020.
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.
-
Honeymoon1 week agoCentara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers secluded island experiences for couples
-
Awards1 week agoKuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
-
Awards1 week agoAngsana Velavaru achieves 4.8 rating in British Airways Customer Awards
-
Cooking1 week agoBaros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
-
Action1 week agoFour Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa to stage 14th edition of Surfing Champions Trophy
-
Drink1 week agoSirru Fen Fushi showcases mixology collaboration during Easter programme
-
Featured1 week agoGrand Park Kodhipparu to host lunar-themed experiences in May
-
Awards1 week agoCinnamon Dhonveli Maldives earns TUI Global Hotel Award recognition



