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Gili Lankanfushi appoints Aldo Cadau as Executive Chef
Gili Lankanfushi has appointed Aldo Cadau as the resort’s new Executive Chef.
Chef Aldo joins the Gili Lankanfushi team in an exciting phase of the island’s gastronomic journey, as he spearheads developments in the resort’s restaurants, news of which will be announced in Spring 2018.
Chef Aldo will oversee operations of the Main Restaurant and Gili Lankanfushi’s other dining destinations, By The Sea — a Japanese fine-dining restaurant specialising in exquisite sushi, Fini Foni — a poolside ice cream parlour and the Overwater Bar, in addition to destination dining experiences and in-room villa dining.
In addition to running the resort’s restaurants, Chef Aldo will be in charge of the island’s imaginative evening dining experiences, including Passage through India and Mediterranean Spice Souk, as well as the Gili Tasting Journey, a unique experiential introduction to the Gili Wine and Dine offering.
Hailing from Sardinia, Chef Aldo’s culinary passion started in his mother’s kitchen, helping her make fresh pasta, pastries and bread. His father reared pigs and sheep and taught him how to make prosciutto sausages and cheese, instilling the importance of food’s provenance from a very early age.
Inspired by his upbringing, Chef Aldo continued his culinary journey and trained at the Hotel Institute in Arzachena, Italy. From there, he quickly moved up the ranks in some of the world’s finest restaurants from Hotel Cervo, Restaurant La Mola, Baia-Blu and Aqua in his homeland, and subsequently trained at Four Seasons Hotel Milan, Italy.
From Italy, he went further afield to Japan, the UK and Russia, followed by his first two years in the Maldives at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru.
After his first stint in the Maldives, he travelled to the Middle East for two years, working at the Four Seasons Hotel Doha, Qatar and assisting with the opening of the Four Seasons Hotel in Saint Petersburg and Qasr Al Sarab Resort by Anantara in Abu Dhabi.
Prior to joining Gili Lankanfushi, Chef Aldo was Executive Chef at Jumeirah Dhevanafushi (now rebranded as Dhevanafushi Maldives Luxury Resort Managed By AccorHotels) in the Maldives.
Bringing a wealth of international influences and impeccable standards of service to Gili Lankanfushi, Chef Aldo looks forward to introducing sand oven cooking techniques to the island, the first of its kind in the Maldives, inspired by the subterranean cooking techniques he learnt in the Middle East. Chef Aldo will also continue to develop Gili Lankanfushi’s impressive Organic Vegetable Garden, one of the largest in the Maldives, to expand the raw, vegan and vegetarian options available for guests.
“Having worked with Aldo previously, I am very excited for him to bring his wonderful culinary –talent and culture to the island. He has an intrinsic respect for food and ingredients while being a natural creative, always delivering memorable dining experiences for his guests. We look forward to working with him to grow Gili Lankanfushi’s reputation as one of the Maldives finest gourmet destinations,” David Stepetic, General Manager of Gili Lankanfushi, was quoted in an announcement, as saying.
Set on the private island of Lankanfushi in the North Male Atoll, Gili Lankanfushi Maldives is an intimate coral island in a sparkling lagoon, with jetties threading across the water out to spacious villa accommodations, where ultimate privacy can be found. This luxury resort is just a 20-minute speedboat ride from the main Velana International Airport.
At Gili Lankanfushi, an idyllic personal hideaway is one of 45 spacious, rustic overwater villas crafted from natural wood and glass. A palette of sparkling blues paints the horizon, the ocean stretching to infinity wherever on the island. The open design, with indoor and outdoor living space, allows guests the freedom to be themselves, the sound of the sea and warm breeze soothing all senses.
Featured
Sheraton Maldives commemorates World Mental Health Day with holistic wellness experiences
On October 10th, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa will host a day dedicated to mindfulness, relaxation, and self-care in honour of World Mental Health Day. This special event provides guests with the opportunity to focus on their well-being through a series of carefully curated activities set against the stunning backdrop of the resort’s peaceful island paradise.
In today’s fast-paced world, prioritising mental health has become more essential than ever. Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa recognises the importance of nurturing the mind as a crucial aspect of overall wellness. This year, the resort has created a holistic experience that blends the calming influence of nature with professional guidance to promote balance and tranquility.
The day’s activities will begin at the resort’s Yoga Pavilion with a transformative Sound Healing session. Participants will have the chance to experience the calming effects of sound therapy, which aims to soothe the mind, balance energy, and encourage deep relaxation. Following this session, guests are invited to attend an insightful Wellness Talk at Jalsa, where knowledgeable speakers will share practical strategies for enhancing mental wellness in a supportive atmosphere.
As the day progresses, guests can reconnect with nature during a guided Nature Walk led by the Resort Botanist. This exploration of the island’s vibrant flora and fauna allows participants to fully immerse themselves in the serene natural beauty that surrounds them. The walk serves as a reminder of the healing power of nature and its ability to restore a sense of balance.
To conclude the day, a calming Sunset Yoga session will be held at Anchorage Beach. With the breathtaking Maldivian sunset as the backdrop, participants will have the opportunity to find inner peace and tranquility, ending the day in a state of complete relaxation.
By commemorating World Mental Health Day, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa encourages reflection, relaxation, and rejuvenation. This day highlights the importance of mental well-being and the value of community support. Through this celebration, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa invites guests to embrace a journey towards a balanced and fulfilling life, embodying the resort’s commitment to hospitality and connection in every experience.
Events
Italian and Spanish media experience Maldivian paradise on exclusive journey with Atmosphere Core
From September 28th to October 4th, 2024, Atmosphere Core hosted an exclusive media trip to the Maldives for ten prominent journalists and PR professionals from Spain and Italy. The group experienced the serene and captivating lifestyle of two stunning private islands—OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi and RAAYA by Atmosphere—both renowned for their distinctive hospitality, thoughtfully curated holiday plans, and the unique “Joy of Giving” philosophy.
“At Atmosphere Core, we believe in a more creative approach to media trips,” said Euan Blake, Assistant Vice President of Communications. “The Italian and Spanish markets have been expanding for the Maldives, with a notable increase in room nights and revenue compared to last year. Over the past two years, we’ve been building strong relationships in these regions, and this journey through our islands aims to leave journalists with not only cherished memories but also lifelong friendships.”
The trip began at OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, a lively four-star resort just 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. Journalists were welcomed with breathtaking lagoon views and vibrant social gatherings at the X360 Bar. A standout experience was the customised Martín Códax Wine Masterclass at the Element X restaurant, led by Ms. Celina, a representative of Bodegas Martín Códax, and Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wines at Atmosphere Core. Representing 600 winemaking families from northern Spain, Ms. Celina guided the group through an exquisite multi-course wine tasting, featuring a selection of wines perfectly suited for the tropical climate and fresh seafood.
This was followed by an unforgettable underwater dining experience at the Only BLU restaurant and a visit to the neighbouring “island of love,” OBLU SELECT Lobigili, where they enjoyed a chic lunch at Ylang Ylang. The island’s lively, party atmosphere provided the journalists with a full immersion into the vibrant and relaxing resort lifestyle.
Next, a scenic seaplane journey transported the group to RAAYA by Atmosphere—a picturesque escape offering a blend of fairytale island charm and authentic Maldivian experiences. The 45-minute flight over the stunning atolls’ turquoise waters set the stage for their arrival in paradise, presenting the perfect introduction to the Maldives’ breathtaking beauty.
At RAAYA, the journalists experienced an ideal mix of energy and tranquility. A private dinner atop a secluded watchtower, inspired by the legendary sailor Seb, captured the essence of the resort’s castaway theme. The group explored the island’s natural wonders, took part in customised activities, and dined at RAAYA’s signature restaurants, including Seb’s Shack, Ampers&nd, and the Italian-inspired The Village.
Throughout their stay at both islands, the media guests were treated to rejuvenating spa therapies and wellness sessions at ELE|NA Ayur, Atmosphere Core’s signature spa and wellness brand. This immersive journey offered the journalists a true taste of tropical luxury, intertwining indulgence and adventure into every experience. Their stories are sure to inspire countless Spanish and Italian travellers to discover the hidden treasures of OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi and RAAYA by Atmosphere firsthand.
Featured
NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort maintains prestigious Gold Certification for environmental responsibility
NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort has successfully maintained the prestigious Gold Certification for Green Growth, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental excellence. This marks the second consecutive time the resort has achieved this recognition, highlighting its dedication to responsible tourism and eco-friendly practices.
As a luxury resort in the Maldives, NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort understands the delicate balance between offering exceptional guest experiences and protecting the environment. The Gold Certification acknowledges the resort’s efforts to maintain that balance through continuous improvements in operations that contribute to the well-being of both guests and the planet.
Key initiatives contributing to this achievement include:
- Renewable Energy Integration: The resort has significantly reduced its carbon footprint through the use of solar power and energy-efficient systems, paving the way for cleaner energy solutions throughout the property.
- Waste Management: A zero plastic policy and waste segregation systems have been implemented to minimise contributions to landfills while promoting recycling and composting practices.
- Water Conservation: The resort’s desalination and grey-water recycling programs ensure efficient water use, providing fresh water for daily operations while reducing wastage.
- Marine Conservation: Coral restoration projects and eco-friendly marine activities encourage guest participation in preserving the local marine environment.
NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort extends its gratitude to the dedicated team, guests, and partners who have played a critical role in maintaining its sustainability standards. Their support has been instrumental in achieving this milestone, and the resort looks forward to working together toward the goal of obtaining the Platinum Certificate.
For NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort, sustainability is more than just a certification; it is a core value that shapes every aspect of its operation. The resort is excited about the future as it continues its journey towards a greener, more responsible world.
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