Gastronomy
Exotic Underwater Dining in Malé Atoll – at M6m, OZEN

Maldives.net.mv – OZEN by Atmosphere at Maadhoo opened its shores to the world on 15th July 2016 – as per promise! Located in South Malé atoll, OZEN is the 3rd inclusion within the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts portfolio.
A stunning Lifestyle Luxury resort, OZEN has also introduced a uniquely exclusive Luxury All‐Inclusive holiday plan – the Atmosphere INDULGENCE™, which offers the discerning traveler a blissful hassle‐free holiday experience, encompassing ALL aspects of a Luxury Holiday in the Maldives!
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, now renowned world‐wide for creating unique experiences, has now launched an Exotic Underwater Dining Experience at OZEN. Aptly named M6m (acronym for Minus Six Meters), the underwater restaurant in addition to offering some mesmeric views of the underwater world around, also offers gourmet, fine dining modern Seafood cuisine.
Led by the creative, passionate and young Executive Chef – Mr. Arun Katoch together with M6m’s very own Master Chef Mr. Chaitanya Sharma & his extraordinary culinary team, M6m strives to deliver some of the finest Modern Seafood cuisine in an absolutely mesmeric underwater space! The cuisine creation, vibrant design & amazing presentations showcase the exemplary use of fine‐dining cooking techniques with quality ingredients, whereby drawing a fine line between Gastronomy and Art!
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts launched its first resort in December 2013 as Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives – a 5‐star Premium All‐Inclusive resort, following which, opened a trendy & cool 4 Star Superior resort – OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli in November 2015. Both the resorts have been a roaring success since the start of operations and have established & positioned themselves as market leaders within their specific market segments.
For further information please visit: www.ozen‐maadhoo.com / www.facebook.com/ozenmaadhoo
Drink
Champagne Guy Charbaut returns to Maldives with THE OZEN COLLECTION

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.
Cooking
Intercontinental Maldives announces Tom Aikens as culinary star of 2025 festive season

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.”
Food
Michelin-starred Chef Darren Chin brings exclusive gourmet experience to The Nautilus Maldives

As part of its signature Masters for Masters series, The Nautilus Maldives is to host an exceptional gastronomic residency from 5th to 7th November 2025, featuring acclaimed Michelin-starred Chef Darren Chin. Renowned as one of Southeast Asia’s leading culinary voices, Chef Darren will present two bespoke dinners at Zeytoun and a sunset cocktail soirée at Naiboli Poolside Bar. This exclusive experience promises an evocative journey of taste and memory — where classical French technique meets Southeast Asian soul, shaped by the rhythm of the Indian Ocean.
Chef Darren’s culinary philosophy is rooted in heritage and a reverence for craftsmanship. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Paris with highest honours, he returned to Malaysia to find the celebrated DC Restaurant, a fine dining institution lauded for its precision, purity, and sense of place. Awarded a Michelin star in 2023 and retaining it in 2025 edition, his cuisine is guided by five pillars: exploration, sustainability, local sourcing, harmony, and a profound connection to origin. In 2025, he was appointed Chevalier (Knight) of the Ordre du Mérite Agricole by the French Republic — a national honour recognising his contribution to French gastronomy in Malaysia.
The Global Discovery Menu: A Modern Southeast Asian Narrative
During his three-night residency, Chef Darren will unveil his signature Global Discovery menu, a deeply personal interpretation of modern Southeast Asian gastronomy. Each of the two dinners will feature thoughtfully curated dishes that draw on the region’s diverse produce, from bold spices and delicate herbs to fermented notes and responsibly sourced seafood. Through subtle layers and nuanced flavour pairings, each course will unfold as a dialogue between tradition and reinvention, honouring the spirit of Malaysia as a multicultural mosaic while embracing creative freedom.
A Journey Across Island Settings
The culinary experience will be set in two atmospheric locations on the island. The dinners will be hosted at Zeytoun, The Nautilus’s overwater signature dining restaurant, where panoramic ocean views set a tranquil stage for intimate exploration. Guests will also be welcomed to Naiboli Poolside Bar during Nautilus Rising, a cocktail soirée featuring signature canapés by Chef Darren, a barefoot-chic evening framed by curated sounds, warm breezes and unhurried conversations.
A Shared Vision of Creative Freedom
“This collaboration is about more than cuisine,” says Chef Darren Chin. “It’s about creating space — for the ingredient, for emotion, for reflection. The Nautilus offers the perfect canvas for that kind of artistry — where each dish becomes a conversation between craft and place.”
“We are honoured to welcome Chef Darren to The Nautilus,” adds Adan Gomez, General Manager of The Nautilus. “His pursuit of integrity, refinement, and storytelling through cuisine resonates deeply with our philosophy of free-spirited experiences and timeless hospitality. Together, we invite our guests to a rare and meaningful culinary encounter.”
Event Details:
- Date: 5-7 November 2025
- Location: The Nautilus Maldives
For more information visit the resort’s website here. To book your stay, please contact hello@thenautilusmaldives.com.
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