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Amilla Fushi, Finolhu win regional, continental titles at World Luxury Restaurant Awards

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Amilla Fushi’s Feeling Koi restaurant has won a regional award at the recently concluded World Luxury Restaurant Awards, as its sister property Finolhu’s Kanusan restaurant received a continental title.

At the gala ceremony of World Luxury Restaurant Awards, which took place at the JW Marriott Hanoi hotel in Vietnam on July 22, the Feeling Koi restaurant at Amilla Fushi was named the best Luxury Hotel Restaurant in Indian Ocean, while the Kanusan restaurant at Finolhu was presented with the award for the best Luxury Theme Restaurant in Indian Ocean.

Feeling Koi, the breathtaking overwater signature restaurant at Amilla Fushi, offers authentic modern Japanese dining presented in a playful, Latin-influenced style. Shared dishes are prepared using the finest quality ingredients, and they feature simple yet exquisite presentation with a Latin twist. Bringing an informal and laid-back Izakaya-style dining to the Indian Ocean archipelago, Feeling Koi infuses the Japanese gastropub concept with warm service and a generous pinch of signature Amilla pizzazz.

The restaurant features a Japanese-inspired minimalist design, a private open-air dining room and open deck seating by the water’s edge, an open kitchen and a climate-controlled Sake library/private dining room. The 1 OAK Lounge serves a selection of signature cocktails crafted to suit the stunning tropical setting. The lounge bar downstairs is the perfect destination for an intimate dessert, post-dinner drinks or grooving to live DJs until late. It also hosts a selection of Japanese whiskeys and is a superb way to round off the evening.

Feeling Koi restaurant at Amilla Fushi. PHOTO/ AMILLA FUSHI

Located on the tip of island with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, Finolhu’s premium dining venue of Kanusan spans two dining areas: a relaxed indoor dining space, and an open lower deck which encapsulates the archetypal Maldivian experience of being surrounded by the sights and sounds of the sea.

Centred around a stunning duck oven, Kanusan’s open kitchen puts its cuisine centre stage, embracing the theatricality of its Asian spirit. Classic favourites such as Mandarin roasted duck and Larb Gai are given a refreshing Kanusan twist, while newly created unique signature dishes include steamed snapper and lobster, black truffle roast duck and sliced blue abalone in Kanusan sauce.

Seating up to 60 guests, Kanusan also features a vibrant overwater bar area.

With over 100,000 votes cast for 1,000 entrants in 78 categories this year, the World Luxury Restaurant Awards recognise restaurants across the globe for their culinary excellence and memorable experiences, as well as assessing the quality of the atmosphere and service. The awards aim to provide luxury restaurants with increased recognition as well as introduce them to potential new guests, both local and international. Votes come from both guests and industry experts, thus providing a balanced and unbiased outcome based on the food experience as a whole.

Accessible by a 30-minute scenic seaplane flight from the Maldives’ main Velana International Airport, Amilla Fushi offers a choice of 59 houses that sit gracefully over crystal clear waters, nestled among lush tree tops or hugging the shores of pristine white sand. Additionally, the resort offers eight spectacular four to eight bedroom Beach Residences ideally suited to large families, groups of friends and VVIPs seeking the ultimate in space and privacy.

Bringing a timeless sense of style to the pristine lagoons and rich waters of the Maldives’ Baa atoll, Finolhu, which opened in  June 2016, is a refined, retro-inspired island paradise for the fun-loving beach-erati, and an unexpected revival of the halcyon days of the classic chic getaway. With its retro themed Maldives island concept, Finolhu, run by The Small Maldives Island Co., caters to guests seeking fun and adventure on a party atmosphere.

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Michelin-Star magic: Chef Igles Corelli to host exclusive culinary week at Lily Beach Resort

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Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announce an exclusive culinary collaboration with renowned Italian chef and Gambero Rosso TV personality, Michelin-Star Chef Igles Corelli. This special event will take place from 11th to 18th August 2025, bringing Corelli’s award-winning expertise and distinctive culinary philosophy to the Maldives for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Chef Igles Corelli rose to national and international prominence during the 1980s and 1990s as the head chef of the legendary Il Trigabolo in Ferrara, where he earned two Michelin stars and played a pivotal role in ushering in a new era of Italian cuisine. He later founded La Locanda della Tamerice, which earned another Michelin star, and served as executive chef of Atman, further solidifying his reputation for innovation and excellence in the culinary world.

In 2012, Chef Corelli introduced the concept of Circular Cooking on the Gambero Rosso Channel—a zero-waste culinary philosophy that aligns seamlessly with Lily Beach’s commitment to mindful, ingredient-focused cuisine.

Lily Beach is internationally celebrated for its pristine natural beauty, five-star hospitality, and world-class dining experiences. With a wide array of restaurants and bars, the resort offers something to please every palate—from refined à la carte dinners and vibrant live cooking stations to fresh, global cuisine served in relaxed, beachfront settings. Culinary highlights include gourmet international buffets at Lily Maa and signature overwater Asian fusion at Tamarind, each meal elevated by breathtaking ocean views and genuine Maldivian warmth.

During his stay, Chef Corelli will conduct a full-day training session with the resort’s in-house culinary team, culminating in a one-night-only Signature Dinner for guests. In addition, he will curate a daily ‘Dish of the Day’ featured on AQVA Restaurant’s lunch menu throughout the week.

This collaboration reflects Lily Beach’s ongoing dedication to providing exceptional gastronomic experiences. Guests will enjoy the rare opportunity to explore the artistry of a chef who has shaped the course of Italian cuisine and inspired generations of culinary professionals.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives’ South Ari Atoll, this culinary event promises a week of elevated dining, innovation, and unforgettable flavours.

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Ifuru Island Maldives’ Social House introduces authentic Indian Thali experience

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Ifuru Island Maldives has unveiled its newest culinary journey: the Indian Thali at Social House. This signature dining experience pays homage to the vibrant flavours, diversity, and cultural warmth of Indian cuisine, reimagined in the heart of the Maldives.

Inspired by Ayurveda’s Six Taste Theory, the Indian Thali is designed to provide a perfectly balanced meal that nourishes both body and soul. Guests can savour an array of authentic dishes that reflect India’s culinary soul, presented with the modern flair and island elegance that define Ifuru Island.

The Thali includes a generous spread of delights such as Jhinga Laziz, Butter Chicken, Boti Masala, Dal Makhani, Palak Paneer, Chana Masala, Tomato Rasam, served alongside Jeera Rice, Paratha, Mango Chutney, Masala Onion, Papadum, and a decadent Gulab Jamun Cheesecake.

“Crafting this Indian Thali has been a labour of love,” says Nadedja Bouacha, Executive Chef at Ifuru Island Maldives. “Each element is carefully prepared to honour India’s diverse culinary heritage while offering our guests a rich, comforting, and authentic experience in a setting as extraordinary as our island.”

The Indian Thali is now available at Social House, the resort’s popular dining venue known for blending global flavors with local flair and laid-back luxury.

Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or a first-time explorer, the Indian Thali at Ifuru Island is a celebration of culture, taste, and mindful eating.

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Gluten-free, vegan baking takes centre stage in Maldives with BBM, IREKS

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Renowned Master Baker Steven Selvamuthu from IREKS is currently in the Maldives, leading a specialised baking demo tour focused on gluten-free and vegan baked goods. The initiative, organised by Bestbuy Maldives (BBM), is running from May 3rd to 15th and is covering over 10 leading resorts along with professional bakers in Malé.

Through hands-on sessions and live demonstrations, Chef Steven is sharing innovative techniques and versatile recipes tailored to modern dietary trends, while also addressing real-world challenges faced by professional kitchens.

Sharing his experience so far, Chef Steven said: “The growing interest in gluten-free and vegan baking here is truly inspiring. Maldivian chefs are open-minded, eager to learn, and ready to embrace global trends without compromising on quality or flavour.”

This ongoing collaboration between IREKS and BBM reflects a shared commitment to professional development in the region’s foodservice industry. By introducing modern baking solutions and supporting skill-building at the grassroots level, the initiative is adding value to both local talent and resort kitchens.

A.V.S. Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer at BBM, added: “As consumer preferences evolve, we want to ensure that Maldivian chefs are equipped to meet those expectations with confidence. Our partnership with IREKS reflects BBM’s mission to bring world-class expertise and ingredients closer to the local culinary community.”

With rising demand for inclusive and health-conscious bakery options, the ongoing tour is playing a key role in empowering chefs across the Maldives to stay ahead in a rapidly shifting global food landscape.

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