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”.
Following his first visit earlier this year, award-winning Danish chef Jesper Koch returns to Vakkaru Maldives from 26 October to 5 November 2026, bringing the next chapter of his collaboration with the resort directly to guests.
Chef Jesper first visited Vakkaru in July, spending nearly two weeks working closely with the resort’s culinary and service teams. Centred on knowledge sharing and collaboration, his time on the island laid the foundation for this autumn’s programme and a series of dining experiences created for guests.
At the heart of his second visit will be three five-course tasting-menu evenings on 29 October, 1 November and 3 November, held at Vakkaru Reserve, the resort’s award-winning wine cellar. Home to one of the Maldives’ most exceptional wine collections, Vakkaru Reserve spans 680 Old and New World labels and has been recognised with Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence for six consecutive years.
Working alongside the resort’s culinary team, Chef Jesper will bring together his Danish and Nordic culinary roots with the flavours and character of the Maldives, incorporating local ingredients, produce from Vakkaru’s Organic Farm, locally sourced seafood and regional influences where they naturally complement each dish. Separate wine and non-alcoholic pairing options are also being developed to accompany the menus.
The programme will begin on 27 October with a cocktail reception, offering guests the opportunity to meet Chef Jesper and welcome him back to the island before the series of dinners begins.
For Chef Jesper, his return is an opportunity to build on the connection established in July. “My first visit gave me the opportunity to spend time with the team, exchange ideas and experience the spirit of Vakkaru first-hand. Returning now feels like a natural continuation of what we started. I am looking forward to being back in the kitchen and, most importantly, to sharing our work with guests through these dinners.”
Teddy Susanto Wiryawan, General Manager of Vakkaru Maldives, added: “Chef Jesper’s first visit allowed us to establish a strong connection and lay the foundations for this collaboration. His return now brings that work to our guests. These evenings will offer them the chance to experience his distinctive approach to cooking and discover what can emerge when two culinary teams come together with a shared passion for hospitality.”
Regarded as one of Denmark’s most influential gastronomic figures, Chef Jesper brings more than three decades of experience spanning hospitality, gastronomy and entrepreneurship. He is known for combining Nordic culinary traditions with contemporary techniques and a distinctive approach to flavour.
His career has earned him wide recognition, including leading Restaurant Syttende to Michelin recognition, being named Danish Chef of the Year, representing Denmark at the Bocuse d’Or competition, receiving an Honorary Diploma from the Danish Gastronomic Academy, and being recognised as “Chef’s Chef” by the Danish Gastronomy Foundation. He is also widely known as a long-standing judge on the Danish edition of MasterChef.
Set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Vakkaru Maldives continues to bring new perspectives to its dining experiences through collaborations with leading culinary talent from around the world. Chef Jesper’s return marks the next stage of a partnership that began with an exchange of ideas and now comes to life at the table.
For further information about the resort, please visit vakkarumaldives.com or contact reservations@vakkarumaldives.com to make a reservation.
VARU by Atmosphere has unveiled the Kaagé Progressive Maldivian Cookbook, bringing the flavours and culinary heritage of the Maldives to life through an immersive new experience. As part of the island experience, guests can enjoy private cooking masterclasses, offering a hands-on connection to authentic local flavours and the opportunity to take home the beautiful cookbook as a memento.
At Kaagé, the award-winning speciality restaurant, guests embark on a culinary journey through the history and traditions of the Maldivian islands. Time-honoured local recipes are paired with modern culinary techniques, allowing the distinctive flavours of the Maldives to be recreated in kitchens around the world.
Held on 20th August, the exclusive cookbook launch event brought together journalists, culinary influencers and resort guests, who joined the resort’s chef team for an interactive masterclass. The session explored local ingredients including skipjack tuna, coconut and fiery Scotch bonnet chillies, offering participants an authentic taste of Maldivian culinary traditions.
“These immersive cooking classes are now a permanent part of your resort experience. Kaagé is a tribute to the vibrant culinary identity of the Maldives,” says Maurice Van Den Bosch, General Manager at VARU by Atmosphere. “Through our cookbook and masterclasses, we invite you to connect deeply with island culture. We look forward to sharing these traditions with you.”
VARU by Atmosphere is a naturally Maldivian island escape in North Malé Atoll, just a 45-minute speedboat journey from Malé. Blending authentic Maldivian culture with contemporary elegance, the resort offers an intimate island experience centred around warm hospitality, vibrant dining, wellness and immersive experiences. From its distinctive overwater villas and unique overwater cellar to its island-inspired cuisine and commitment to sustainability, VARU by Atmosphere celebrates the essence of the Maldives while offering a refined and relaxed tropical retreat.
The Kaagé Progressive Maldivian Cookbook is available exclusively to participants of cooking masterclass. To discover more or reserve your spot, visit www.varu-atmosphere.com or contact reservations@varu-atmosphere.com.
SUSHISAMBA Dubai, the multi-award-winning dining destination perched 51 floors above The Palm Jumeirah, is taking its renowned energy to the shores of the Indian Ocean. From Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27 September 2026, SUSHISAMBA Dubai arrives at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands for an exclusive three-night pop-up at EAU Bar, spotlighting Dubai’s thriving hospitality scene on an international stage.
Highlighting Dubai’s status as a global dining capital, this island takeover brings together two powerhouses of luxury hospitality. Running nightly from 7PM to 10PM with two dinner seatings, the pop-up features a curated dining experience led by Brand Chef Kitak Lee, brought to life by live performances from SUSHISAMBA’s iconic samba dancers, a signature element that made the venue one of Dubai’s most sought-after spots, for an unforgettable celebration by the sea.
Set against the pristine oceanfront backdrop of EAU Bar at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, a ultra-luxury resort known for its legendary Aris Meeha service, immersive Maldivian traditions, and world-class epicurean offerings across its island destinations, guests will experience SUSHISAMBA’s signature blend of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian culture. The exclusive pop-up will feature a bespoke menu of signature dishes crafted with the highest standards of culinary artistry, complemented by SUSHISAMBA’s bar team serving craft cocktails infused with exotic ingredients.
“This collaboration marks an exciting milestone as we take the electric spirit and culinary excellence of SUSHISAMBA Dubai to one of the world’s most spectacular luxury destinations,” said Brand Chef Kitak Lee. “We look forward to bringing our signature blend of flavours, theatrical energy, and world- class hospitality to EAU Bar for three unforgettable nights.”
Whether dining under the stars or enjoying inventive mixology by the ocean, guests can expect an immersive journey defined by elevated dining, dynamic entertainment, and the unmistakable SUSHISAMBA spirit.
Event Details:
Venue: EAU Bar, at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
Dates: September 25–27 2026
Seating Schedule:
Friday, September 25:
- First Seating: 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
- Second Seating: 8:30 PM–10:30 PM
Saturday, September 26 & Sunday, September 27:
- First Seating: 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
- Second Seating: 8:30 PM–10:30 PM
For bookings and more information, please contact the reservations team at +960 400 0999 or maldives.reservations@ritzcarlton.com, or visit The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands website here.
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