Gastronomy
Uduvilaa Restaurant, HIH wins laurels at World Luxury Restaurant Awards 2016

Maldives.net.mv – Uduvilaa restaurant has been on the list of ‘must visit’ for tourists visiting Maldives and likewise it is a popular restaurant for residents of Male’ for celebrating special occasions, entertaining business associates or just for pure gastronomical pleasure.
At the 2016 World Luxury Restaurant Awards Annual Gala Event, hosted in Switzerland on June 18, 2016 Hulhule Island Hotel won laurels as Uduvilaa was declared the Global Winner in Eclectic Cuisine and Continent Winner (Asia) in Asian Cuisine. Representatives of luxury restaurants from 38 countries participated in this event. First the Country awards were presented, followed by Continent Winners and finally the much deserved Global awards.
Uduvilaa restaurant was adjudged the Continent Winner under Asian Cuisine. There was another interesting category of Eclectic Cuisine, offering diversity to an eatery menu and Uduvilaa restaurant outscored many top restaurants being the Global Winner under this category.
Uduvilaa is an example of elaborate experience with excellent cuisine, service, location, ambience, décor and finer details. Uduvilaa sits atop the Deluxe wing with a charming team of hostesses and stewards ushering you to the chic and serene ambience, surrounded by breathtaking panoramic view.
The refreshing cold towels, smart illuminated menus, hygienic door handles at the rest rooms, tea timer and squeeze accessory for tea lovers, signature beverages like Uduvilaa Scotch whisky sourced from producers as far away from the ‘glens’ of Scotland add to the overall enriching dining experience, pleasantly coupled with personalised service and best of Chef’s creations in diverse cuisines ranging from Asian, Chinese, Continental, Indian, Japanese, Maldivian and Thai. The adjoining Sunset Deck is a cozy setting for a beverage, while overlooking the skyline, the nearby and distant islands and the deep shimmering waters of the Indian Ocean.
Hulhule Island Hotel has won plentiful international awards over the past few years ‘World’s Leading Airport Resort’ being the most prestigious one for three years consecutively. Utkarsh Faujdar, General Manager said, “We are humbled to be the Winners at World Luxury Restaurant Awards and this indeed is a recognition of the superlative efforts of our team, striving to offer the best of the quality to our esteemed guests.”
Uduvilaa, the 4th storey picturesque restaurant is considered as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ for Hulhule Island Hotel (HIH), Maldives. Uduvilaa had excelled at an international platform by bagging the prestigious ‘Best Hotel Restaurant Staff Worldwide 2015’ at the Hotel of the Year Awards 2015.
Cooking
Michelin-starred Chef Iside De Cesare joins The St. Regis Maldives for exclusive culinary experience

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, an exclusive luxury retreat situated on a private natural island, has partnered with Michelin-starred Chef Iside De Cesare to provide Marriott Bonvoy members with an exceptional culinary experience.
Through the exclusive Marriott Bonvoy Moments program, members have the opportunity to bid on a five-night stay for two in an overwater villa from March 25-30, 2025. This extraordinary package includes a private six-course dinner with wine pairings, curated by Chef Iside De Cesare, allowing guests to savour her Michelin-starred cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Additionally, the package offers a daily breakfast with breathtaking views of the Maldivian waves, a signature spa treatment, and a Blue Hole hydrotherapy pool experience at the award-winning Iridium Spa, along with return seaplane transfers.
Chef Iside De Cesare is a distinguished Italian culinary expert renowned for her Michelin-starred restaurant, La Parolina, located in Trevinano. Her cuisine strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savoury, emphasising seasonality, simplicity, and the use of high-quality, local ingredients. Her expertly crafted dishes reflect a dedication to innovation while remaining rooted in traditional Italian flavours. With a strong commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and sustainability, her philosophy aligns seamlessly with The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort’s dedication to refined dining, sophisticated indulgence, and environmental conservation.
Upon arrival, the winning bidder will be welcomed at a special reception and introduced to the serene surroundings of the resort. On March 27, guests will embark on a culinary journey with Chef Iside De Cesare, experiencing her exquisite creations and a unique interpretation of Italian cuisine. Marriott Bonvoy members are invited to bid for a chance to indulge in Chef Iside De Cesare’s Michelin-starred cuisine while enjoying an unparalleled luxury escape at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort.
Featured
Savour love and flavour at Coco Bodu Hithi’s culinary events this February

Coco Bodu Hithi, an authentic Maldivian retreat set in the crystal-clear waters of Malé Atoll, presents a gourmet getaway with a newly curated culinary journey designed for romance and indulgence.
Visitors can experience global flavours and exceptional wines from Bodegas Familia Zuccardi as Coco Bodu Hithi marks the beginning of the love season on 8 February. Zuccardi, known for its dedication to quality and sustainability, consistently produces award-winning wines that reflect the essence of Mendoza’s terroir. The winery has been recognised as a leader in the industry, securing the #1 ranking by ‘World’s Best Vineyards’ in 2019, 2020, and 2021, and earning a place in the Hall of Fame in 2022.
On 14 February, couples are invited to celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Eternal Shores Valentine’s Beach Barbecue. This special evening offers an opportunity to enjoy a carefully curated beachside barbecue under the stars, creating an unforgettable and intimate experience.
Throughout the year, the island hosts Michelin-starred chefs, celebrity talents, exclusive wine dinners, and unique dining experiences. This February, food enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting lineup, including the Art-of-Fire Culinary Journey from 24 to 26 February, featuring renowned Chef Jord Althuizen, celebrated for his Whole Hog BBQ. Guests will have the chance to savour a range of exceptional culinary offerings during their stay.
During this romantic season, visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of intimate experiences. The ‘From the Heart’ offerings include some of the island’s most enchanting activities, such as a private five-course dinner under the stars in a secluded pergola, a sunset cruise around the island, or a stay in a Beach Villa with Pool. This beachfront retreat provides the perfect blend of privacy and comfort, ensuring an elevated romantic escape.
Renowned for its romantic ambiance, the island has been recognised as the Best Luxury Honeymoon Resort in the Maldives by the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards 2024 and named among the Top 50 Honeymoon Resorts in the World by Weddings & Honeymoons Magazine in 2024.
Travellers looking to experience this Maldivian paradise can take advantage of the Coco Summer Escape offer, which includes a 40% discount and a complimentary meal plan upgrade, enhancing their stay at Coco Bodu Hithi.
Featured
Janice Wong brings edible art to OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

For those with a refined sweet tooth and a love for the Maldives, THE OZEN COLLECTION has announced an exclusive collaboration with celebrated pastry virtuoso Janice Wong. The renowned chef will be present at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO from 24th to 26th April 2025, transforming the island into a hub of culinary innovation. Guests will have the opportunity to experience bespoke dessert creations, interactive workshops, and captivating chocolate installations.
During her residency, Chef Wong will unveil her signature edible chocolate wall art—an impressive three-metre-tall masterpiece crafted from sustainably sourced chocolate. Designed to reflect the Maldives’ vibrant marine ecosystem, the installation will feature intricate coral-inspired designs, with 100 ‘reef-like’ cavities containing hand-painted bonbons for guests to enjoy. In addition to this centrepiece, she will host live dessert stations at the resort’s overwater venues, offering delicacies such as Yuzu Meringue Clouds and Salted Caramel Lava Spheres, carefully paired with sommelier-selected dessert wines.
On 24th April, a four-hands gourmet dinner at the underwater restaurant M6m will showcase a collaboration between Chef Wong and OZEN LIFE MAADHOO’s Executive Chef Alok. This exclusive event, limited to just 40 guests, will present a dessert degustation menu that reimagines Maldivian flavours through modernist techniques and locally sourced ingredients.
Younger guests will also have the chance to explore their creativity through daily chocolate art workshops, where Chef Wong will guide families in crafting edible masterpieces using chocolate crayons, rice paper, and miniature canvases. Each child will leave with a personalised creation and a keepsake brochure detailing the week’s activities.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Chef Wong expressed her inspiration from the Maldives’ natural beauty. She noted that her goal at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is to blur the lines between art, nature, and gastronomy, creating lasting impressions both on the palate and in memory.
All experiences will be seamlessly integrated into the resort’s INDULGENCE™ Plan, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the festivities. From sunset bonbon tastings to private consultations with Chef Wong, the programme exemplifies THE OZEN COLLECTION’s commitment to Refined Elegance, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
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