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Amilla Fushi adds Mystique Garden to magical destination dining locations

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The evolution of the island dining experience continues apace at maverick Maldivian home from home, Amilla Fushi, with the unveiling of its newest destination dining space: the magical Mystique Garden.

Wreathed in banyans and coconut palms in the lush heart of the island, this hidden, lantern-lit glade is a reflection of the fresh, creative approach of Amilla’s chefs, offering guests an enchanting new personalised private dining experience with a dash of Amilla’s signature sparkle.

Guests entering the Mystique Garden can let their imagination run wild with a bespoke menu tailored to their personal tastes by a dedicated private chef, or delve into Amilla’s carefully crafted, family-style destination dining set menus. Mouthwatering options include a succulent Seafood BBQ where oysters, prawns, squid and reef fish take centre stage; an Asian inspired feast featuring Peking duck, Hong Kong noodles and a Royal Tandoori selection; or an Arabian grill showcasing shrimp majboos, lahem meshwi, kofta, shish taouk, lamb ouzi and fish sharmola. The vibrant Vegetarian BBQ menu includes gnocchi, wild mushroom risotto, mixed tandoori with fruit chat, BBQ baked sweet potato and marinated vegetable skewers.

Providing a fairytale, festival-inspired sylvan counterpoint to the Robinson Crusoe vibes of destination dining on the island’s sandbank, the new Mystique Garden is the latest chapter in the story of culinary creativity currently unfolding at Amilla.

The resort also recently announced a year-long series of pop-up residencies by some of the hottest names in the business, kicking off with a four-stage partnership with Gordon Ramsay’s celebrated Bread Street Kitchen at Barolo Grill at Baazaar. The first Bread Street Kitchen pop-up is underway right now, with three more confirmed for October 16-27, December 19 to January 10 and March 23 to April 7, 2018.

The upcoming calendar of residencies further underlines Amilla’s deserved reputation for culinary excellence and creativity, complementing the sophisticated, gourmet Emperor General Store café-deli, the carefully curated fine wines and artisanal cheeses at the island’s The Wine Shop and Cellar Door. Amilla’s fabulous 60-cover, signature over-water restaurant Feeling Koi — brainchild of the resort’s curator and CEO of the Small Maldives Island Co., Mark Hehir — showcases a selection of artfully crafted sushi, nigiri and sashimi in Japanese-inspired minimalist surroundings, with a private open-air dining room and open deck seating by the water’s edge and an open kitchen.

Located in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Amilla Fushi offers guests a choice of 71 rooms with the smallest measuring a generous 200 square metres, and the largest a palatial 3,000 square metres. The Javvu Spa, located in the silent, verdant garden of the Wild Grove, offers 15 treatment rooms as well as yoga and fitness pavilions.

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Grégory Doyen brings his sweet artistry to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is continuing its acclaimed Tastemaker Series, a curated programme of exceptional collaborations with world-renowned chefs, artists, and creative visionaries, with the arrival of Chef Grégory Doyen, one of the most distinctive talents in contemporary pastry art.

Born in Burgundy, France, into a family of artists, Chef Doyen discovered his passion for pastry during childhood, turning his family kitchen into his first studio. A graduate of the prestigious École Nationale Supérieure de la Pâtisserie, his career spanning two decades has taken him through Michelin-starred kitchens and international stages, earning him recognition as a leading figure in modern patisserie.

Renowned for his sculptural desserts and refined French craftsmanship, Chef Doyen’s creations merge technical precision with emotional expression, transforming pastry into a form of edible art. His innovative approach has led to collaborations with some of the world’s most iconic luxury maisons—including Cartier, Marc Jacobs, La Prairie, Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Vacheron Constantin, and Hermès—alongside bespoke commissions for Range Rover and Vogue. Often described as the creator of fashion-desserts, he is celebrated for infusing haute couture sensibility into the timeless artistry of French patisserie.

Guests at The St. Regis Maldives are invited to immerse themselves in Chef Doyen’s world of delicate textures and visual poetry through a special festive programme. On 10 December, he will conduct an intimate pastry masterclass, offering participants rare insight into his creative process and sculptural finesse. That evening—and throughout the festive season—his desserts will take centre stage at ALBA, the resort’s signature dining venue, where a curated dessert collection will be presented daily from 10 December to 7 January, offering a decadent celebration of the holiday season.

The residency’s highlight will unfold on 11 December at Decanter, where Chef Doyen will collaborate with the resort’s Executive Chef for a six-course, four-hands wine-pairing dinner, showcasing a symphony of refined flavours and masterful artistry.

A testament to The St. Regis legacy of exceptional taste and global collaboration, the Tastemaker Series at The St. Regis Maldives unites leading talents from gastronomy, art, and design in one-of-a-kind experiences that celebrate creativity and craftsmanship amid the breathtaking surroundings of Vommuli Island. From Michelin-starred chefs to visionary mixologists and artisans, the series continues the St. Regis tradition of curating the extraordinary—where innovation, tradition, and indulgence converge in the most exquisite of island settings.

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Journey Through the Vines: Dusit Thani Maldives launches two-night culinary collaboration

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Dusit Thani Maldives has announced ‘A Journey Through the Vines,’ a two-night wine dinner series presented in collaboration with Ilaria Felluga and Liquid Concept. The events will take place at the resort’s beachfront restaurant, Sea Grill.

On 25 October 2025, the programme will begin with the Old-World Wine Dinner. Guests will experience a curated multi-course menu paired with celebrated vintages from Europe’s renowned wine regions. The evening will highlight the enduring connection between Old World terroir and fine dining.

The second event, the Ilaria Felluga Wine Dinner, will be held on 27 October 2025. Hosted by Ilaria Felluga, sixth-generation leader of her family’s distinguished wineries and recognised by Forbes as an Italian Excellence Under 40, the evening will feature her family’s signature wines. Each vintage will be paired with a specially designed island-inspired menu that reflects both tradition and innovation.

Both dinners offer discerning travellers the opportunity to enjoy world-class wines alongside bespoke menus in the setting of Baa Atoll, complemented by the distinctive Thai-Maldivian hospitality of Dusit Thani Maldives.

Jean-Louis Ripoche, Area General Manager of Dusit Thani Maldives, commented: “We are proud to offer our guests the opportunity to savour two distinct wine journeys in the idyllic setting of Baa Atoll. Partnering with Ilaria Felluga and Liquid Concept allows us to showcase exceptional vintages alongside inspired cuisine, creating memorable evenings that celebrate both heritage and innovation.”

Situated within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Dusit Thani Maldives combines Thai heritage with Maldivian warmth, offering a strong sense of place. The Journey Through the Vines series reflects the resort’s commitment to delivering immersive culinary experiences for luxury travellers in the Maldives.

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Milaidhoo Maldives marks Chefs Day with ‘Around the World in Five Courses’ culinary journey

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Milaidhoo Maldives is set to celebrate International Chefs Day 2025 with a momentous dining experience, “Around the World in Five Courses”. This special one-night-only event invites guests to join us on a culinary journey that honours the talent, passion and creativity of the chefs who make every meal at Milaidhoo Maldives a unique experience.

The evening begins with a guided tour of the Chef’s Garden, where guests can explore the bountiful herbs, fruits and vegetables that are grown right here on the island. It’s a chance to see firsthand how Milaidhoo embraces fresh, local ingredients and the thoughtful care that goes into every dish (and cocktail).

As the sun sets, guests will gather at The Shoreline Grill, our beachfront restaurant, for a five-course tasting menu that takes them around the world. From the bold spices of Thailand and India to the rich, soulful flavours of Zimbabwe, the refined elegance of Sri Lanka and of course, the freshest Maldivian ingredients, each dish celebrates a different corner of the globe. This special menu reflects the diversity of Milaidhoo’s kitchen, where our team of chefs’ hails from five different countries, each bringing their own unique traditions and culinary influences to the table.

But this night is about more than just food, it’s about the people behind the dishes. Milaidhoo’s culinary team is a close-knit family, united by a shared passion for food. On International Chefs Day, we come together to celebrate not just the food, but the stories, cultures and traditions that inspire it. Guests will have the chance to chat with the chefs throughout the evening, learning about the personal journeys and inspirations behind each course.

Cluster Executive Chef, Ken Gundu from Botswana shares, “A meal is about sharing a moment together, one that lingers in our memories long after the last bite. What truly excites me is the dedication of our team, each member goes above and beyond to delight our discerning guests. Our team is dedicated to creating memorable experiences, often surprising our guests with dishes outside the menu and tailoring each meal to their preferences. We believe that no request is too much and we strive to make every moment around the table exceptional.”

At Milaidhoo, food is more than just a meal. It’s a chance to connect, both with the island and with each other. Our culinary experiences are crafted with care, each dish an invitation to slow down and savour the moment. “Around the World in Five Courses” isn’t just a dinner; it’s a celebration of the artistry and passion of our chefs and a chance to experience the flavours that unite us all.

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