Gastronomy
Hulhule Island Hotel wins Best Culinary Establishment again at the Culinary Challenge 2016
Maldives Olympians along with Mr. Utkarsh Faujdar – General Manager, HIH and the Winners of Best Culinary Establishment – 2016
Maldives.net.mv – Come August and we are in for Culinary Competitions at Maldives. However, the Culinary Team at HIH remains quality focussed round the year to be able to win laurels in these competitions. It keeps abreast with the ever changing trends in food and beverage industry, challenging their own previously set benchmarks and creative skills.
This year has been no different for HIH Culinary Team. At the recently concluded FHAM Culinary Challenge, Hulhule Island Hotel bagged the most prestigious award of the ‘Best Culinary Establishment – 2016’.
Team Hulhule Island Hotel’s tally of winning medals in various categories was extremely impressive with a total of 4 Top Honours’ Trophies, 5 Gold Medals, 9 Silver Medals, 18 Bronze Medals and a plethora of Return Tickets, Certificates, Cash Prizes and goodies.
This being the 7th time Hulhule Island Hotel, Maldives was adjudged the ‘Best Culinary Establishment’ in Maldives, is a testament to the exceptional quality of food and beverage offered.
To celebrate the success of these achievements at the Culinary Challenge, commemorating the 16th Anniversary of HIH and aligning it with the participation of Maldives in the recently concluded Rio Olympics, a special function was organized at the Ballroom of HIH on August 30, 2016. The dignitaries gracing the occasion were the national heroes who represented the Maldives at the Olympics – Mr. Hassan Saaid, excelled at 2015 Indian Ocean Island Games & 2016 South Asian Games and Ms. Aminath Shajan, excelled at the South Asian Games & is the current national record holder in swimming. Mr. Marzooq, General Secretary of Maldives Olympic Committee and Mr. Ismail Farhan, the National Swimming Coach were also in attendance.
It was indeed motivating for the enthusiastic team of HIH to hear from these national heroes on being successful in their career. Mr. Hassan Saaid, Maldives National Athlete at Rio Olympics said, ‘If you have a goal set in mind and if you work hard for that, there is no way you cannot reach that goal. Hard work and focus is important’. Ms. Aminath Shajan, Maldives National Swimmer at Rio Olympics said, ‘There is no shortcut to success! You have to put in a lot of effort with the focus of what you are to achieve’. Mr. Marzooq gave an emotional speech on how struggle and hard work leads to success while thanking HIH for inviting, recognizing and encouraging the Maldives Olympic Squad.
Mr. Utkarsh Faujdar, General Manager HIH congratulated the Culinary Challenge Winners and addressed the entire Team HIH to seek inspiration from the Olympians present, he thanked and congratulated the Maldives Olympic Squad as well. Apart from Mementos presented to the Maldives Olympic Squad, Mr. Utkarsh Faujdar offered Mr. Saaid and Ms. Shajan with complimentary dinner vouchers for Thursday weekend buffet at the signature restaurant Uduvilaa and membership of swimming pool and gymnasium at HIH.
The celebration ended on an equally enjoyable note with Maldivian short-eats, Sharubath on offer and loads of casual interaction and selfies between the celebrity Olympians of Maldives and the jubilant Team HIH.
Photo courtesy Hulhule Island Hotel. Seated (L to R): Mr. Ravi – Executive Chef, HIH, Mr. Mare’ – General Secretary, Maldives Olympic Committee, Mr. Hassan Saaid – Olympian representing Maldives, Mr. Utkarsh Faujdar – GM, HIH, Ms. Aminath Shajan – Olympian representing Maldives, Mr. Ismail Farhan – National Swimming Coach & Mr. K.K. Bajpai – F&B Manager, HIH
On 22nd February, in celebration of National Margarita Day, SO/ Maldives turns up the island energy with an exclusive Tequila Tasting, Margarita Experience and beachfront Bar Takeover reaffirming its position as the Maldives’ most modern lifestyle luxury brand. Vibrant, design-led and socially vibrant, SO/ Maldives transforms the occasion into more than a cocktail celebration it becomes a full-sensory journey set against turquoise waters and powder-soft white sands.
A Curated Tequila Journey with Adonai Reyna
Leading the experience is Adonai Reyna, MMI Spirits Ambassador and one of the region’s most decorated mixology talents. With 16 years of experience across Dubai’s most renowned venues and accolades including Winner Havana Club México, Top 25 World Class UAE, Silver Trophy CME UAE and Winner Crystal Head Vodka Mexico, Reyna brings world-class craftsmanship to the shores of the Maldives.
Guests will join him for an immersive tequila tasting experience that delves into the heritage of Mexico’s iconic agave spirit. From understanding the terroir and production secrets to discovering the nuanced flavour profiles of blanco, reposado and aged expressions, the tasting goes beyond the glass. It is a refined exploration of culture, craft and complexity a sensorial journey designed for modern luxury travellers.
The Lazuli Bar Takeover: Where Sunset Meets Spirit
As golden hour approaches, the celebration shifts to the iconic coloured pool bar at Lazuli Beach Club the social heart of the island. Framed by white sand beaches and endless ocean views, Lazuli delivers effortless barefoot sunset vibes with a Riviera-inspired twist.
Under glowing Maldivian skies, Adonai Reyna takes over the bar with a bespoke Margarita menu crafted using premium tequilas, fresh tropical ingredients and innovative mixology techniques. Each cocktail is a statement balancing authenticity with contemporary flair, perfectly aligned with SO/ Maldives’ fashion-forward aesthetic.
The coloured pool bar becomes the centre of attention, drawing guests together in a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere where music flows, cocktails sparkle and the shoreline becomes the ultimate dancefloor.
At SO/ Maldives, experiences are designed to blend global culture with island glamour. The National Margarita Day takeover is a natural extension of the brand’s identity vibrant, creative and unapologetically stylish.
Whether guests are tequila connoisseurs, sunset seekers or social explorers, 22nd February promises an unforgettable celebration where Mexican heritage meets Maldivian rhythm.
For more information or to book your perfect getaway, please visit so-maldives.com or contact so.maldives.reservations@so-hotels.com.
Milaidhoo Maldives is hosting a wine pairing dinner celebrating Provençal elegance and gastronomy on 4 March 2026 at the resort’s Shoreline Grill. The evening will feature wines from Château Minuty and will be hosted by Sébastien Nore, Global Strategy and Export Director of Château Minuty, offering guests insight into the winery’s heritage and approach to fine winemaking.
Originally from Limousin, France, Nore brings extensive experience in the international beverage industry. His career includes roles with Kronenbourg Wineries and PepsiCo France, followed by senior leadership positions at Diageo and Baron Philippe de Rothschild. He has played a key role in expanding Château Minuty’s global presence and currently oversees the winery’s strategy, sales, communication and marketing, with a focus on innovation and the refined character of Provençal rosé.
During the dinner, guests will enjoy a curated selection of Château Minuty wines, paired with a bespoke menu created by the Shoreline Grill culinary team. The featured wines include:
- Château Minuty M de Minuty Rosé Magnum 1.5L – Artist Edition 2024
- Château Minuty Prestige Rosé 2024
- Château Minuty Rosé et Or 2024
- Château Minuty 281 2024
Beyond this event, the dinner reflects Milaidhoo Maldives’ wider commitment to gastronomy. The resort’s Gourmet Plan is designed for guests with a strong interest in food and wine, offering personalised, multi-course dining experiences throughout their stay. Each menu is crafted to highlight the relationship between carefully selected ingredients and complementary wines, with an emphasis on authenticity and balance.
The Château Minuty dinner marks the fourth wine-focused event hosted by Milaidhoo Maldives this year, underscoring the resort’s ongoing focus on curated culinary experiences. The evening is positioned as a sensory journey, combining refined flavours, thoughtful pairings and a convivial island setting.
Sun Siyam Iru Veli has unveiled two new dining experiences this February: the beachfront Sunk in Sand Dining Experience and the interactive Hotpot Lunch and Dinner. Designed to enhance the island’s Privé collection offering, the new concepts centre on intimacy, shared moments, and flavour-led exploration, launching alongside the resort’s Valentine’s and Lunar New Year celebrations.
The newly introduced Sunk in Sand Dining Experience was officially unveiled during the Valentine’s celebrations, beginning with a beachfront breakfast concept. Guests can begin their day with a curated breakfast served directly on the shoreline, seated within the sand itself with uninterrupted views of the horizon. Complemented by a bottle of sparkling wine, the experience offers an intimate setting surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maldivian coastline. Priced at USD 250 per couple for breakfast, the concept extends beyond morning dining, allowing guests to reserve the experience at any time of day, including specially curated sunset and evening moments.
The new Hotpot Lunch and Dinner further expands the resort’s culinary offerings, with a selection of premium ingredients, aromatic broths, fresh seafood, meats, and vegetables. This dining experience centres on shared dining and interactive enjoyment. Guests may choose between a Vegetarian Hotpot at USD 99 or a Meat & Seafood Hotpot at USD 155. Launched alongside the island’s Lunar New Year celebrations, the offering provides visitors with an opportunity to experience flavours traditionally associated with the festive season, aligning the dining concept with the cultural highlights observed at the resort.
Together, these new dining experiences reflect Sun Siyam Iru Veli’s continued focus on diversifying guest experiences through thoughtful culinary innovation. By pairing immersive settings with flavour-led concepts, the resort continues to evolve its dining landscape while creating moments that complement both seasonal celebrations and everyday island stays.
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