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Chef Akira Back goes to new extremes at PER AQUUM

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Chef Akira BackMaldives.net.mv – He’s tackled the slopes as a professional snowboarder. He’s trained with master chefs Nobu Matsuhisa and Masaharu Morimoto. He’s championed his own cutting-edge cuisine, exploring a Korean twist on Japanese fine dining. And he’s won the hearts, and palates, of top celebrities. His fans including the likes of Eva Longoria, Taylor Swift, Pink, The Olsen Twins, Wilmer Valderamma, Kelly Osbourne, Ryan Kwanten, Joe Jonas and David Arquette.

When he arrives in the Maldives this April, Chef Akira Back will take on his newest thrilling challenge. PER AQUUM’s Maldivian resorts welcome Chef Akira to hit the waves, source the freshest catch and wow four groups of lucky diners as they join him for a private dinner in jungle treetops or deep underground beneath the heart of an iconic island.

On the evenings of 20 and 21 April at PER AQUUM Niyama and on 25 and 26 April at PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi, Chef Akira will create a 12-course tasting menu highlighting some of his favourite exotic ingredients and techniques along with never-before-seen preparations of fresh Maldivian seafood. Sheared baby zucchini recreate vibrant emerald scales atop Maldivian white fish. Umami drenches cold water lobsters. Tiny root vegetables grow in a Seoul Garden. Micro shiso and fresh truffles add herbaceous and earthy tones to his signature tuna ‘pizza’.

While visiting the islands, Chef Akira will indulge his adventurous streak as a veteran extreme sportsman by riding the waves and joining in the surprisingly dramatic spectacle of Maldivian pole-and-line fishing. As the ship crests on the waves, fishermen using traditional sustainable methods send tuna soaring through the air. Baited into a feeding frenzy with expert techniques, the surface-dwelling tuna latch onto special barbless hooks and are propelled arcing overhead before sliding off onto the deck in a haul that can bring in several tonnes in a single outing.

No stranger to adrenaline and sportsmanship – nor globetrotting – Akira’s backstory is as fascinating as his innovative plates. Born in Korea, he moved to Aspen as a 15-year-old. Plunged into a strange country where he couldn’t speak the language, he learned English by watching James Bond movies and made friends by skateboarding and snowboarding. He decided that if he couldn’t speak English yet, the best way to make friends was by boarding. Akira found himself a quick learner at snowboarding and was soon excelling at big jumps and challenging stunts. After gathering fame – and a series of injuries – he threw himself into a new passion, studying with top Asian chefs and then opening a collection of restaurants: Yellowtail at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Kumi at nearby Mandalay Bay, and self-titled Akira Back restaurants in Jakarta, Delhi and Seoul.

Possessing a mountain of awards and honours, he has also graced a number of television shows, including the Food Network’s Iron Chef America where he battled Iron Chef Bobby Flay, NBC’s ‘The Today Show’, Food Network’s ‘The Best Thing I Ever Ate’, Cooking Channel’s ‘United Tastes of America’ and KBS’s ‘Success Mentor’ airing in Korea.

Chef Akira’s private dinners at PER AQUUM Niyama will be held in its treetop Asian avant-garde restaurant, Nest. At PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi, he’ll host his first night at over-water Salt, descending on the second night to the underground wine cave, Vinum. Dinner prices start at USD 220++ per person, depending on the venue.

This ‘Forces of Nature’ special appearance unfolds as part of PULSE, PER AQUUM’s stream of immersive experiences from A-list affairs to intimate celebrations. To reserve the experience or see more of this year’s PULSE line-up, visit peraquum.com/pulse.

Drink

Milaidhoo Maldives celebrates International Men’s Day with ‘Gentlemen & Cocktails’

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Milaidhoo Maldives will mark International Men’s Day with a cocktail-making competition for male guests, as the resort celebrates its tenth anniversary this November.

The occasion will also recognise the contributions of the men involved in the resort’s development and operations over the past decade. Since its establishment, Milaidhoo has maintained a focus on Maldivian hospitality and cultural traditions, with its original vision continuing to influence the guest experience.

As part of the celebrations, the resort will host Gentlemen & Cocktails, an interactive cocktail-making challenge at Compass Pool Bar.

The event will begin with a workshop led by the bar’s bartenders, who will introduce participants to the fundamentals of cocktail preparation. Following the workshop, participants will compete to create their own signature cocktails using a selection of ingredients.

Each participant will receive a black box containing secret ingredients, which must be incorporated into their creation. They will also be required to select an additional herb, vegetable or aromatic ingredient from the resort’s Chef’s Garden.

Participants will have a limited amount of time to prepare their cocktails, with their partners serving as judges. The creations will be assessed based on flavour, presentation and originality.

The winning cocktail will be featured as the Cocktail of the Day at Compass Pool Bar for one week. The winning couple will also be entitled to unlimited servings of their creation for the remainder of their stay.

The International Men’s Day celebrations form part of Milaidhoo Maldives’ tenth anniversary year, recognising the people who have contributed to the resort’s development and its approach to hospitality.

Through the cocktail-making competition, the resort aims to provide guests with an interactive experience while commemorating International Men’s Day.

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Sirru Fen Fushi welcomes back Chef Tristan Brandt for exclusive festive dining experiences

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Following a successful residency at Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, the resort’s acclaimed Sirru Icons Series welcomes back Chef Tristan Brandt, one of Europe’s most acclaimed culinary talents and formerly Germany’s youngest two-Michelin-starred chef, for an exclusive festive season residency.

Renowned for his contemporary interpretation of French gastronomy, Chef Tristan has earned international recognition for combining classical technique, exceptional ingredients, and global influences to create refined dining experiences. Having trained under some of Germany’s most respected culinary masters, including Harald Wohlfahrt, and led acclaimed restaurants across Germany and Switzerland, he continues to be recognised as one of Europe’s leading culinary figures.

Set against the backdrop of the Maldives’ pristine natural beauty, Chef Tristan’s return residency offers guests a rare opportunity to experience the cuisine of one of Europe’s leading chefs in an intimate island setting.

As part of The Constellations of Moments, Sirru Fen Fushi’s festive season programme, Chef Tristan’s return brings a world-class gastronomic dimension to a season dedicated to celebration, discovery, and meaningful connections beneath the Maldivian sky.

Following the success of their previous collaboration, Chef Tristan Brandt will once again join forces with Sirru Fen Fushi’s Executive Chef Girish Sharma for an exclusive Six-Course Four Hands Dinner at Azure Restaurant on 29 December 2026. Showcasing Chef Tristan’s signature blend of French culinary craftsmanship and international influences alongside locally inspired flavours, the evening promises a refined gastronomic journey celebrating creativity, technique, and exceptional ingredients. Set within Azure’s elegant overwater setting, guests will enjoy an immersive dining experience where each course reflects the artistry and vision of two accomplished chefs.

To welcome the New Year, Chef Tristan will present an exclusive Signature Four-Course Dinner at Azure on 2 January 2027. Carefully curated to reflect his celebrated culinary philosophy, the menu will showcase refined flavour compositions, sophisticated techniques, and exceptional ingredients inspired by modern French gastronomy and global influences. The experience offers guests a rare opportunity to discover the creativity and precision that have earned Chef Tristan international acclaim.

Located within one of the Maldives’ largest natural lagoons, Sirru Fen Fushi offers a distinctive blend of luxury, nature, and discovery. Through the Sirru Icons Series, the resort continues to bring internationally acclaimed talents to the island, creating meaningful experiences that connect guests with exceptional people, cultures, and ideas.

Building on the success of his previous residency, Chef Tristan’s return further reflects Sirru Fen Fushi’s commitment to curating exceptional experiences through long-standing collaborations with internationally acclaimed talents.

Set within the tranquil beauty of the resort’s natural island surroundings, Chef Tristan Brandt’s residency promises unforgettable moments where elevated gastronomy meets barefoot luxury, offering discerning travellers an extraordinary culinary experience in one of the Maldives’ most inspiring destinations.

For further information and reservations, please visit the resort’s official website or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.

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Drink

JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll partners with RED Bar for mixology takeover

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JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort has announced a three-night bar takeover in collaboration with RED Bar, New Delhi, from 25 to 27 November 2026, featuring mixologist Virender Singh.

Titled The Craft of the Cocktail, the collaboration will bring RED Bar’s approach to mixology to three venues across the resort, offering guests a series of cocktail experiences in different island settings.

Located in Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, RED Bar is recognised for its approach to contemporary cocktail creation, incorporating a range of ingredients, flavours and techniques. The venue was featured on the 2025 list of India’s 30 Best Bars and has participated in guest shifts and bar takeovers internationally.

Leading the collaboration will be Virender Singh, who has eight years of experience in beverage creation. His approach to mixology focuses on ingredient combinations, flavour pairings and experimentation with cocktail-making techniques.

“At JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, we believe that exceptional experiences are shaped by creativity, craftsmanship, and a sense of discovery,” said Arup Chakraborty, Director of Food & Beverage.

“This collaboration offers our guests the opportunity to experience RED Bar’s approach to cocktails across three distinctive settings on the island. We look forward to welcoming Virender Singh and sharing these experiences with our guests.”

The takeover will take place across three evenings, beginning at Nikkei Bar, where guests can sample signature cocktails at the resort’s overwater bar while overlooking the Indian Ocean.

The second evening will be hosted at JW Garden, featuring a garden-to-glass concept incorporating fresh ingredients and tropical flavours.

The collaboration will conclude at Wahoo Bar, where the cocktail experience will move to a beachfront setting.

The event forms part of JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort’s efforts to introduce international culinary and beverage talent to the Maldives through guest collaborations and dining experiences.

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