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Michelin starred Italian chef Carmelo Greco at Coco Bodu Hithi

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Renowned for the resorts’ sophisticated and relaxed dining atmosphere, Coco Bodu Hithi is pleased to announce the arrival of visiting Michelin starred chef, Carmelo Greco. Arriving to Maldives on 18th March 2017, Greco will be spending 2 weeks at Coco Bodu Hithi, during which he will be creating exclusive dinners and interactive master classes for the resident guests. Greco’s reinterpretation of Italian cuisine has been surprising taste buds for over three decades.

Born in Sicily, Greco grew up in Piedmont and discovered his love for culinary pleasures in his uncle’s hotel and restaurant. After attending hotel management school, Greco worked in the legendary restaurant Da Guido under the experienced head chef Lidia Vanzino Alciati. Greco admires his recently deceased mentor who was one of the first people to have an impact on his cooking style: “Lidia was the grande dame of Piedmontese gastronomy. With her respectful behaviour towards traditional Italian cuisine, which she cultivated and reinterpreted, she contributed to the history of Italian cooking”.

After years of improving his skills in Italy, Greco came to Germany at the age of 20 and proved to have plenty more to offer than typical Italian pizza and spaghetti. After three years, Greco and his partner opened restaurant Osteria Enoteca. Word got around quickly that being a guest of Carmelo Greco meant experiencing first-class Italian cuisine that could not be found in Germany before, earning the restaurant a Michelin star in 1996. In November 2010, Greco opened his own restaurant in Frankfurt, Ristorante Carmelo Greco. The menu shares classic Italian recipes dear and near to Greco’s heart. He explains. “We only work with the best and freshest ingredients, which is also why our menu constantly changes according to the general state of the market.”

Greco constantly gathers inspiration from regular visits to star chefs’ restaurants. For Greco, cooking is an ever evolving process and a never ending search for new flavour combinations. He states, “I want to keep cooking, experimenting with ingredients and making my friends and family happy with delicious food until I am over the age of eighty, if possible.” Greco’s signature creations include his Filetto Rossini with Fassona beef, a creamy Tortelli Carbonara and Amatriciana, and a rich Vitello Tonnato, some of which will be offered in his menu at Coco Bodu Hithi.

It is with a passion to deliver fresh and flavourful creations that he arrives at Coco Bodu Hithi next year, bringing with him the classic tastes of Italy to the sunny beaches of Maldives.

 

Drink

Golden hour bliss with Zoe London and Giorgio Chiarello at Dhigali Maldives

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This November, Dhigali Maldives will transform its iconic Haali Bar into a lively stage for music and mixology, as British DJ Zoe London and Italian Flair Bartending Champion Giorgio Chiarello join forces for an unforgettable sunset residency from 11 to 15 November 2025.

Each evening, Zoe London will take to the decks, delivering her distinctive mix of house, classic remixes, and uplifting energy to the shores of the Raa Atoll. With more than 15 years’ experience performing at venues such as Soho House and The Ned, as well as at prestigious events including the Formula 1 Paddock Club and festivals like Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, and Latitude, Zoe’s sets promise the perfect soundtrack to golden hour in paradise.

As the sun slips beneath the horizon, guests will be treated to masterfully crafted cocktails from Giorgio Chiarello, Italy’s most decorated Flair Bartender. Renowned for his captivating performances and expertise in American-style mixology, Giorgio will present a bespoke menu featuring three classic cocktails alongside three of his own original creations, each prepared with precision and flair at Haali Bar.

Nestled in the heart of the remote Raa Atoll, Dhigali Maldives is an exclusive Premium All-Inclusive resort that seamlessly blends contemporary minimalist design with the island’s natural beauty. From overwater villas and beachfront suites to snorkelling adventures, fine dining, and rejuvenating spa rituals, the resort offers an immersive and refined escape. With its vibrant house reef just steps away, every element is designed for effortless relaxation and indulgence.

Together, Zoe London and Giorgio Chiarello will infuse the island’s evenings with rhythm, flavour, and artistry, creating an immersive fusion of music and mixology framed by the serene backdrop of the Indian Ocean.

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Cooking

Theme nights at Kula: The Standard, Maldives turns up the heat with gobal buffet glow-up

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Kula, the breezy all-day dining spot at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, is doing what it does best: keeping things deliciously unpredictable. Starting Sunday, 3rd August, the team will be rolling out weekly theme nights that serve up serious flavor and curated vibes.

By day, Kula is your go-to for buffet-style bites with a side of ocean views and jungle-chic greenery. By night, it’s a full-on flavor parade, with chefs whipping a new theme menu for every day of the week. The daily-changing lineup globe-trots from India’s spice markets to Mexico’s street stalls, with pit stops in Italy, the Maldives and beyond. Expect open kitchens, live cooking stations and playful decorations to get you in the mood.

On Monday, ease in with a Peru-Mex Fiesta—a Latin mashup of Mexican, Peruvian and Caribbean flavors that hits every tropical note. Come Tuesday, it’s time for a wild ride through Asia’s finest street stalls, from India’s and Sri Lanka’s spices to Thailand’s tang and Indonesia’s sizzle. Wednesday is surf & turf territory: burger patties and sizzling kebabs cozied up next to net-fresh seafood in a BBQ showdown. Thursday goes full wok mode with stir-fried everything, plus fresh sushi and sashimi. Friday brings it back home with Maldivian Night where island-inspired salads, curries and seafood are served up by Kula’s team in traditional gear. And just when you think the week peaked, Taste of Italy rolls in on Saturday with pasta, pizza and risotto. Wrap it all up on Sunday with Fisherman’s Catch – net-fresh ocean bounty barbecued, poached or served as ceviche.

Nanda, Executive Chef at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, said: “Curating the new Kula theme nights was like creating a world tour through food. Each evening brings a fresh energy—whether it’s the fiery Latin vibes of Monday or the soulful taste of home on Maldivian Fridays. It’s more than just a buffet; it’s a culinary experience, meant to spark curiosity and conversation. We’ve layered in authentic flavors, live action stations, and a whole lot of heart.”

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Drink

Joos gets juicier: The Standard, Maldives unveils fresh new menu

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Joos Café at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives is flipping the beach bite game with a sizzling menu makeover that is equal parts delicious, healthy and totally Joos’d up.

The new à la carte lineup serves fresh cravings like the Turkey Club House – a slow-roasted turkey sando stacked with crispy turkey bacon, ripe tomato, Swiss cheese and the signature maple mayo, wrapped in artisan schiacciata flatbread or a soft tortilla. It’s the classic clubhouse, but cooler. The new Kale & Quinoa Bowl, meanwhile, is a plant-based nutritional powerhouse – gluten-free, vegan and deeply satisfying. Massaged kale, fluffy quinoa, creamy avocado, crunchy edamame, seasonal berries and a zesty citrus dressing give it all a sparkle.

And because balance is everything, Joos Café is also throwing its burger-shaped hat in the ring: the new signature Butcher’s Burger is entering the Hard Rock Cafe’s Annual World Burger Competition in Malé. It is stacked high with a juicy Angus patty flame-grilled and lacquered in rich teriyaki sauce, crispy onion rings, homemade bilimbi hot sauce, fried egg, beef bacon and tangy pickles. Smoky, spicy, sweet, crispy, creamy, it’s giving everything and then some.

Nanda, Executive Chef at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, said: “The new Joos Café menu is a love letter to feel-good food. We’ve taken familiar favorites and given them a bold island twist—big flavors, real ingredients, and that signature Joos energy. Whether it’s the Butcher’s Burger that’s making waves or the Kale & Quinoa Bowl that hits the reset button, every dish is crafted to nourish and excite. It’s food that fuels your vibe—whatever time of day you drop in.”

Slide into the all-day Joos café for coffee, pastries, wraps, salads and the kind of lazy breakfasts that spill into lunch. Everything comes tableside or poolside (your call).

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