Gastronomy
Uduvilaa Restaurant at Hulhule Island Hotel wins Best Restaurant Hotel Staff Worldwide
Maldives.net.mv – Uduvilaa, the picturesque restaurant located at Hulhule Island Hotel, Maldives (HIH) has excelled at the international level by bagging the prestigious Best Hotel Restaurant Staff Worldwide 2015 from Hotel of the Year Awards 2015.
Uduvilaa, meaning ‘the sky amongst the clouds’ has a very superlative association with whatever it is associated to. Be it the cuisine, the service, the location, the ambience & décor and the attention to detail. It is no wonder that it is regarded as the poshest address in and around Male’ for the culinary experience suited for a special occasion or for just a dine-out.
HIH, which by itself is a short ride from the international airport has Uduvilaa nestled on the top-storey of the hotel’s Deluxe Wing. As you step into the restaurant, you already start feeling the vibes that you are in for a wonderful experience. Charming hostesses lead you to your dining table and at first you are in a dilemma whether to appreciate the restaurant’s chic and modern ambience or the natural, panaromic and almost 360 degree views through the floor to ceiling windows! After a while you realize that the rich teak and warm purple interiors not only blend but complement the beautiful views on the other side of the glass.
After the ‘magic’ refreshing towels are blossom opened in front of you, your amusement and excitement has just begun, since the same are closely followed by smart, illuminated menus which make the menu reading experience so much comfortable and pleasurable. Talking about the contents of the menu, any food enthusiast can safely comment that it is arguably the most elaborate menu that he/she has gone through. Just to give you a feel, 28 main courses are in addition to the most recommended award winning dishes right on page one, followed by a plethora of soups & salads and with a completely different set of menu specifically for desserts.
The beverage selection again spoils you for choice. Uduvilaa boasts of its own signature beverages, produced in tandem with producers from as far away as Scotland to make a perfect blend, matching with the overall Uduvilaa culinary experience. Guests are encouraged to visit-by the large refrigerated storage of beverages from around the world and the drinks menu consists of a variety of refreshing choice for any time of the day. Best varieties of tea and coffee are on offer as well with the tea timer and squeeze option for tea bags to extract the real flavor. The adjoining Sunset Deck is a cozy setting for an aperitif while enjoying the views of the harbour, the near & distant islands and the shimmering waters of the Indian Ocean. Well, even distant islands come near to you, thanks to the high powered binocular strategically fitted in here for guests’ convenience.
To be honest, by the experience so far, one’s expectations out of the food quality and taste would be sky high! And, the team of Chefs deliver spot-on, beautifully crafted pieces of art as the guests’ meal. Course by course, the taste buds just thank you upon every morsel consumed. The service is efficient yet unobtrusive, discreet and highly personalized! To give an instance, when the crew sense that a guest is feeling the air-conditioning to be a little too cold, in comes a warm pashmina stole on a beautiful wooden tray so that your experience is unperturbed.
If this were not enough and talking about the extent to which the restaurant displays attention to detail, a visit to its cloakroom not only takes one by a pleasant surprise but also raises the personal awareness about hygiene. The washroom doors, while you exit are fitted with an automated plastic film lining cartridge, which after every use refreshes itself in a manner that the plastic film lining, which has come in contact with visitor who has just exited, disposes itself and is flawlessly replaced by a fresh lining. An exceptionally worthwhile feature but seldom used at hotels.
Overall, if you are looking for a complete dining experience for yourself and for your guests and are looking for some extra wow touches and moments of truth, just place yourself into Uduvilaa and enjoy the superlative restaurant experience.
Hulhule Island Hotel has won numerous international awards in the past few years, the most prestigious being ‘World’s Leading Airport Resort’ over last three years. Utkarsh Faujdar, General Manager said, “The superlative team has played a major role in the overall success of hotel and winning the prestigious ‘Best Hotel Restaurant Staff Worldwide 2015’ is definitely well deserved”.
Today, Hard Rock Cafe will kick off its annual World Burger Tour competition in celebration of Hard Rock International Founders’ Day. Hard Rock Cafe chefs from around the world were challenged to develop unique burger creations that showcase elements from their regional cultures and personal taste. These innovative recipes will be available exclusively for guests to try, including the Island Spiced Coconut & Curry Burger at Hard Rock Cafe Maldives, from June 14 through August 5. For example, guests at Hard Rock Cafe Rome can choose the Lasagna Burger with Ragu Bolognese and bechamel, those visiting Atlantic City can try the Jersey Shore Burger that features a house-made blueberry maple aioli and provolone.
Island Spiced Coconut & Curry Burger, developed by Chef Nikhil Gopinathan at Hard Rock Cafe Maldives, is made with two smashed & stacked beef burgers, seasoned and seared medium-well, layered with homemade Curry Mayo, arugula, coconut flakes, cucumber, tomato, provolone cheese, chimichurri cheese sauce, topped with shredded fried potato mixed with homemade Island Curry Powder and is inspired by the vibrant culinary traditions of the Maldives, melding local flavors and spices to create a truly tropical experience.
This year’s competition marks an exciting first for Hard Rock, with the addition of chef, content creator and brand partner Olivia Tiedemann as both a mentor and judge. She has worked closely with participating chefs throughout the competition, sharing her culinary expertise and burger-crafting techniques to help elevate each recipe.
“Working with these talented chefs from around the world has been incredibly fun. Each one brought such passion and creativity to their recipes, and I’m amazed by how they’ve transformed classic burger concepts with their unique local influences and personal stories,” said Olivia Tiedemann.
Based on Tiedemann’s input, sales performance and guests’ votes on social media, the top five burger recipes will be selected and announced later this summer. Then the five finalists will become available at Hard Rock Cafe locations globally for all fans to experience for a limited time before one final winner is selected.
“This is such a fun annual event where our chef gets to flex his creativity, and our guests get to try our new burger inspired by the vibrant culture of the Maldives for a limited time,” said Anna Melissa Olay, Manager – Hard Rock Cafe Maldives.
The first Hard Rock Cafe at Old Park Lane in London opened on June 14, 1971. Launching this competition on Founders’ Day celebrates how the brand has evolved over 54 years into an iconic entertainment, hospitality and lifestyle company with more than 300 Hard Rock Cafes and Rock Shops, Hotels, Resorts and Casinos worldwide.
Visit the cafe at The Marina at CROSSROADS Maldives to participate.
In a celebration of heritage and haute indulgence, the esteemed family-owned Champagne house, Guy Charbaut, based in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, joins forces with THE OZEN COLLECTION for the fifth consecutive year. From 20th to 26th October 2025, guests at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI will once again embark on a sensorial journey that unites rare vintages with world-class cuisine, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldives.
Founded in 1936, Champagne Guy Charbaut has spent nearly a century perfecting the alchemy of terroir and tradition, producing cuvées that reflect the elegance of the French countryside’s limestone slopes. This dedication mirrors THE OZEN COLLECTION’s philosophy, which redefines luxury through curated experiences. Together, the two have cultivated an annual tradition that celebrates life’s finer pleasures.
At OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, the festivities begin on 20th October with an exclusive underwater dining experience at M6m. Guests will enjoy both lunch and dinner, with each course thoughtfully paired with Champagne. The celebration continues on 21st October with the ‘Champagne & Spice’ dinner, featuring the vibrant flavours of TRADITION INDOCEYLON—a Franco-Indian fusion experience. The finale on 22nd October is marked by the Champagne Brunch Royale at THE PALMS, a lavish midday affair where Champagne flows effortlessly alongside gourmet offerings.
The celebration then moves to OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI from 24th to 26th October. It opens on World Champagne Day with an over-water dining experience at ORIGINƎ, where ocean-inspired delicacies are elevated by rare vintages. On 25th October, the ‘Champagne & Spice; dinner returns at SAFFRON, blending Indian warmth with French finesse. The series concludes on 26th October with the Sunset Pool-Party Champagne Extravaganza at OZAR, a dazzling event where golden hour light meets sparkling bubbles.
Xavier Charbaut reflects on the partnership with THE OZEN COLLECTION, noting that what began as a shared philosophy—terroir and tradition meeting curated moments—has evolved into a yearly tradition that reinvents itself. He describes the Maldives as a second home for their champagnes, where the environment enhances their vibrancy. Celebrating five years of collaboration, he hints at even more daring pairings, intimate encounters with rare vintages, and surprises yet to be unveiled.
The alliance between Champagne Guy Charbaut and THE OZEN COLLECTION transcends these annual events. At both resort destinations, guests can explore the full range of the Maison’s offerings—from the nuanced Cuvée de Réserve ‘Old Vines’ Brut to the expressive Rosé 1er Cru Brut. Each bottle offers an invitation to transform everyday moments into something extraordinary.
Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wines at Atmosphere Core, emphasizes that this union exemplifies modern luxury—a harmonious blend of heritage and innovation where every detail is meticulously curated. As Champagne Guy Charbaut and THE OZEN COLLECTION celebrate five years of partnership, their shared commitment to excellence promises an even more luminous future.
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has announced a festive season residency by one of the world’s most acclaimed culinary talents — Chef Tom Aikens — who will bring his signature two-Michelin-starred brilliance to the Indian Ocean from 26 December 2025 to 6 January 2026.
This exclusive collaboration marks a milestone for the luxury resort as it continues to elevate its gastronomic credentials with globally renowned talent. Supported by the expert team of chefs at the resort, Tom Aikens will take over The Lighthouse, InterContinental Maldives’ signature and iconic overwater restaurant, for a series of fine-dining experiences curated especially for the festive season, alongside masterclasses and a once-in-a-lifetime private yacht dining event.
The guest programme, available to all guests booking for this festive season, includes:
- 28 & 29 December – Tasting Menu at The Lighthouse crafted by Chef Aikens, showcasing his devotion to seasonality and modern European finesse
- 29 December – Interactive Cooking Class at The Collective where guests can join Tom for an exclusive hands-on session to learn professional techniques and prepare one of his signature dishes
- 1 January – Private Yacht Dining Experience available for two guests to welcome the New Year in unforgettable style with an intimate dinner hosted by Tom on the resort’s private yacht, featuring specially curated menus beneath the stars
- 2 & 3 January – Tasting Menu at The Lighthouse – a brand-new selection for returning guests and new diners
- 6 January – Island-style Buffet Dinner at Café Umi with Live Stations featuring a special dish created and presented by Tom for the occasion
When asked about the residency, Tom Aikens said: “I am excited to be partnering with InterContinental Maldives for what promises to be one of my most exciting collaborations to date and can’t wait to share some of my signature dishes with guests.
“It’s so important to me that both the staff and guests receive just as much out of this experience as I will. I’m looking forward to working with the talented team there, teaching them new techniques and sharing my preparation methods.
“Cooking and working in such a breathtaking, idyllic Maldivian setting is always going to be an incredible experience, and I have no doubt this will be an unforgettable trip.”
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