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Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives wins awards & accolades at the International Culinary Challenge Maldives 2016
Maldives.net.mv – Holiday Inn Resort® Kandooma Maldives – for the 2nd consecutive year, hauled the most medals and awards during the recently concluded Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge 2016 held at Maldives September 4th – 7th 2016.
Holiday Inn Resort® Kandooma Maldives Executive Chef Vincent Tan, together with his Culinary Brigade of 14 Chefs and 2 Bar Mixologists recently participated in the 12th Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge 2016 – dubbed as the ultimate culinary challenge held in Male, Maldives.
For the 2nd consecutive year Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives hauled the most medals and awards offered during the competition. The team’s accolade reached a first ever 28 medals which included 8 Gold, 13 Silver & 7 Bronze and 4 “Best in Class” awards. Each team participant brought back medal’s that justifies their hard work and passion which reflects on their well-deserved medals and awards.
The “Best in Class” awards were given for the following categories: Dessert, Creative Asian Dish, Perfect Steak and Omelet and Tea Challenge. 1st, 2nd & 3rd place for the “Perfect Steak” and “Perfect Omelet” Challenge was a clean sweep from the Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. This category tests the chef’s basic skills; technique, temperature control and timing.
A new category this year was the “Tea Challenge” which Holiday Inn Resort bagged the 1st and 2nd place respectively. Jasmine Pham who topped the Challenge has won herself complimentary air ticket, accommodation and 3-day training at TWG Tea Institute in Singapore.
Chef Ronnel Go, the Resorts Executive Sous Chef received the award being placed in the top 3 “Most Outstanding Chef in Maldives” – an award that more than 500 chefs from over 40 hotels and resorts who participated in the competition sought for.
“I congratulate and give thanks to the whole culinary team, competitors and staff that without their passion, teamwork and support, achieving these great results would be impossible. A big gratitude for our General Manager and management’s support and encouragement. It really helps to motivate the staffs to perform well in the competition! I was very happy with the results this year as there were many first timers in the team, their hard work really paid off. And our results this time was far better than last year in terms of quantity and quality of awards achieved by the team.” Chef Vincent Tan said.
Meanwhile, Joseph Della Gatta, the Resort General Manager expressed his appreciation on the latest accomplishments by the Resort Culinary Team. “I am so proud on the team’s success in this year’s Culinary Challenge. They have demonstrated gastronomic greatness and excellence, I look forward on having the award winning dishes on the Resort menus to be sampled by our guests”, said Joseph.
Holiday Inn Resort® Kandooma Maldives’ delegation includes chefs Vinh Co, Min, Rungsimet, Ronnel, Dat, Kalim, Hui, Chee Ken, Phuong, Laiju, Cam Nga, Yen & Lucas and the Resort Mixologists, Jasmine and Dinesh.
NH Maldives Kuda Rah has announced a line-up of Easter celebrations for guests, featuring a day of activities and dining experiences at its resort in South Ari Atoll.
The programme is designed to cater to families and travellers of all ages, combining interactive sessions, culinary offerings and outdoor activities across the island.
The day will begin at Sea Spray Restaurant with the “Flu y Bunny Breakfast Bash”, which will include live pancake stations and themed breakfast selections. Guests will also have the opportunity to take part in the “Egg Decoration Extravaganza”, an activity focused on creating decorated keepsakes.
Midday activities will continue at Glow Bar with “Bliss Cupcake Creations”, an interactive baking session led by the resort’s culinary team. An “Egg Hunt Adventure” will also be organised, allowing guests to search for hidden items across the resort.
In the evening, the resort will host an Easter Beach Dinner at Sunset Beach, offering a menu of seasonal dishes and international cuisine in a beachfront setting.
The resort team stated that the Easter programme is designed to provide opportunities for connection and shared experiences among guests.
NH Maldives Kuda Rah also noted that the activities align with its “Live Local” initiative under Minor DISCOVERY, which focuses on delivering local and experiential elements within guest stays.
Further details on the Easter programme are available through the resort’s official website.
This Easter, Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa invites guests to experience a vibrant island celebration inspired by a Tropical Jungle theme from 4–13 April 2026. Set against the stunning natural beauty of the Maldives, the program blends art, gastronomy, entertainment, wellness, and family-friendly experiences for an unforgettable holiday escape.
The festivities include a variety of signature experiences, beginning with a lavish Easter Breakfast at ONU Marché and the cheerful arrival of the Easter Bunny for families and young guests. As the day unfolds, guests can gather for sunset cocktails at Bodumas Beach before enjoying a grand Easter Dinner featuring seasonal favorites and a curated selection of festive dishes.
A highlight of this year’s celebration is the residency of Maldivian watercolor artist Shimha Shakeeb, whose exhibition Stories of the Maldives will showcase vibrant works inspired by island landscapes, architecture, and everyday life. Guests will also can join art workshops and creative sessions led by the artist throughout the Easter week.
The celebrations continue with the energetic Sun & Splash Pool Party at Latitude 5.5, featuring tropical beats from a live DJ, poolside games, refreshing cocktails, and a vibrant lunch buffet. Evenings across the island will come alive with themed dining experiences, live music, dancers, and DJ performances, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the holiday period.
Guests can also unwind with curated wellness experiences at the resort’s spa, enjoy romantic dining moments such as the Secret Garden experience, or take part in family-friendly activities designed for all ages. The Easter festivities conclude with Orthodox Easter celebrations and a final Sun & Splash Pool Party on 13 April, bringing the island-wide celebration to a joyful close.
For any reservations or inquiries: Resort.Kuredhivaru.Reservations@ennismore.com or +960 656 3000.
This Easter, Ifuru Island Maldives invites guests to experience “The Sweet Side of Wonder,” a playful seasonal celebration inspired by the imaginative spirit of Ifuru’s Chocolate Factory. Designed for travellers of all ages, the Easter programme blends festive traditions, indulgent treats, and joyful island experiences set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldives.
Throughout the celebration, guests can enjoy a thoughtfully curated programme that combines colourful festivities with the relaxed luxury of island life. From chocolate-inspired culinary creations crafted by the resort’s talented chefs to vibrant social gatherings and creative activities, the Easter festivities promise memorable moments for families, couples, and groups of friends.
A highlight of the celebration is the lively Sugar Rush Easter Parade, bringing a burst of colour, music, and festive energy to the island as guests gather to celebrate the spirit of Easter together. On Easter Sunday, families can also take part in the much-anticipated Easter Egg Hunt, where young explorers set off across the island in search of hidden treats and sweet surprises.
Families can also look forward to a variety of engaging experiences designed especially for younger guests. From creative workshops and playful island games to interactive activities inspired by the sweet spirit of Ifuru’s Chocolate Factory, children are invited to explore, create, and celebrate in a joyful and imaginative setting.
“Easter is a wonderful opportunity to create joyful moments for our guests,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “With ‘The Sweet Side of Wonder,’ we wanted to bring together playful imagination, indulgent flavours, and the relaxed beauty of our island to create a celebration that guests of all ages can enjoy.”
With its vibrant atmosphere, Premium All-Inclusive offering, and spectacular island setting in Raa Atoll, Ifuru Island Maldives provides the perfect destination for travellers seeking a unique Easter escape.
Guests can explore the full Easter programme, including festive events, family-friendly activities, and special celebrations, by visiting Easter Programme 2026.
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