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Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa welcomes new Executive Chef, Sous Chef

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa has appointed Juan Pablo Iametti as Executive Chef and Luca Piergiovanni as Sous Chef.

Chef Pablo. PHOTO/ PARK HYATT
Chef Pablo brings 26 years of culinary experience to Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa and was previously the Chef de Cuisine at Grand Hyatt Amman. Hailing from Switzerland, his gastronomic journey started strongly, with wins at culinary competitions such as Jeunes Restaurateur’s d’Europe Suisse as best student-cook in Switzerland, ExpoGourmand’s annual Young Tournament Chef, Master Tournament, Pasta Category, and Master Tournament, Gran Finale.
Throughout his career, his passion for cooking has brought him to positions with several renowned hotels and restaurant brands such as Ristorante Grotto Della Salute, Switzerland, Blue Bay Reef Oasis Resort and Spa, Egypt, Grand Hyatt Dubai Andiamo Italian Restaurant and Hyatt Regency Santiago, Chile.
“With his extensive experience in upscale large operations and with a focus on quality, he was the clear choice to further enhance the culinary culture at the resort. No stranger to Mediterranean, Asian, Arabic and Latin American cuisines, Chef Pablo brings with him a vast experience and diverse styles of delectable food,” an announcement by the resort read.
“The resort looks forward to his creativity and leadership in the kitchen.”

Chef Luca. PHOTO/ PARK HYATT
Italian Chef Luca joins Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa from ZUMA Restaurant in Rome where he was the Sous Chef. His culinary career began as an intern at La Pergola, Hilton, Rome Cavalieri and then progressed to Castello Di Fighine and Gusto, both by Heinz Beck Restaurant.
To further develop his skills and techniques, his culinary passion allowed him to expand his experience at a variety of different restaurants all over the world, such as Therasia Resort, Palazzo Dama and Sayonara Restaurant.
Chef Luca’s journey has now led him to Hadahaa, and with him he brings a variety of spectacular dishes,” the resort said.
Tucked away from the teeming resorts of the dense northern atolls on a private island in Gaafu Alif Atoll, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa has more than 30 pristine dive sites to explore, all filled with rich marine life, including resident turtles and black-tip sharks. Diving enthusiasts will be spoilt at Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa as the resort boasts pristine waters, owing to its ongoing conservation efforts, which include banning motorised water sports and coral reef monitoring.
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa currently features 50 villas — 36 on land and 14 over the ocean. Whether nestled within the island’s tropical greenery or elevated above the water, the villas are steps away from an idyllic beachfront, giving guests direct access to this area or the house reef. All spaces feature floor-to-ceiling windows and doors that lead to a private deck, with some villas inclusive of a private plunge pool.
The resort offers luxurious amenities, a host of recreational activities, and relaxing and rejuvenating treatments.
Since the five-star resort welcomed its first guests in 2009, it has undergone several refurbishments to offer guests a rare escape to a barefoot luxury experience. Most recently, it has launched two new luxury villa categories, including the resort’s two-bedroom family villas and villas with deluxe private pools.
Excursions
Marine encounters: spinner dolphins at Canareef Resort Maldives

At Canareef Resort Maldives, one of the most popular experiences for guests is the dolphin tour. The abundant presence of dolphins in the surrounding waters ensures that each cruise offers a remarkable encounter with these marine creatures, creating lasting memories for visitors.
Every dolphin tour at Canareef provides an opportunity to observe pods of dolphins gliding and leaping across the waves. Guests often describe the sight of spinner dolphins darting through the clear ocean as a defining image of the Maldives’ natural marine beauty.
Morning cruises and sunset tours alike are guided by experienced staff, who share insights as dolphins appear in their natural environment. Many guests recount moments when dolphins swim alongside the boat, a spectacle that creates a unique sense of connection.
The activity is regarded as more than just an excursion; it is considered a celebration of nature and a highlight of a stay at Canareef. It allows guests to experience the Maldives in a way that underlines why dolphins are seen as ambassadors of the islands.
For travellers seeking encounters with dolphins amid turquoise waters, Canareef presents an ideal opportunity. The resort also offers seasonal promotions, including early booking discounts for the remainder of this summer, next winter, and summer 2026.
Featured
Maldives beaches rated among world’s best for rest and rejuvenation

Following a rise in searches for ‘calmcations’, long-haul travel specialists Travelbag have revealed the best destinations for a tranquil escape in 2025, with the Maldives named among the world’s most serene beachside getaways.
According to Travelbag, 72 per cent of British travellers go on holiday to relax and recharge, while 47 per cent seek experiences that help them feel more grounded and mindful. Searches for the term ‘calmcation’ – holidays focused on peace, quiet, and switching off – have doubled in the past three months, reflecting a growing shift away from busy itineraries towards more restorative travel.
To identify the most relaxing destinations, Travelbag analysed 36 global locations and ranked them against key serenity indicators, including noise and light pollution, cleanliness, the quality of green spaces, and local travel congestion.
Queenstown, New Zealand, secured first place as the world’s ultimate destination for tranquillity. Framed by the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu, the town recorded exceptionally high scores for cleanliness (91.7) and quality of green spaces (94.4), alongside low levels of travel congestion and minimal noise and light pollution.
The Seychelles followed in second position, celebrated for its unspoiled natural beauty and exceptionally low noise and light pollution score of 16.7. Its islands, including La Digue, Praslin and Silhouette, remain havens of peace and natural charm.
Cairns, Australia, rounded out the top three, combining tropical serenity with well-maintained green spaces and an impressive cleanliness score of 69.6.
Also ranking among the top global destinations is the Maldives, long regarded as one of the world’s premier escapes for those seeking peace and seclusion. With its iconic turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and private island resorts, the country continues to attract travellers in search of restorative experiences.
According to Travelbag’s analysis, the Maldives achieved an impressive average beach rating of 4.63, placing it alongside the world’s leading beachside destinations. Beaches such as Bikini Beach, Baros Beach, and Reethi Beach were highlighted as examples of the country’s serene appeal.
Danny Hugill, Destination Executive for the Maldives at Travelbag, commented: “The Maldives is one of our most cherished destinations – an idyllic collection of tiny islands that offer unmatched opportunities to unwind. Long celebrated as a top honeymoon destination, it remains the ultimate place to escape, slow down, and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.”
The findings underline the Maldives’ continued appeal in a market increasingly shaped by wellness, mindfulness, and relaxation. While destinations such as New Zealand and the Seychelles excel in specific indicators of serenity, the Maldives’ unique combination of luxurious seclusion, natural beauty, and consistently high-rated beaches ensures its position as a global ‘calmcation’ favourite for 2025.
Featured
October at Soneva: culinary journeys, wellness retreats and world-class guests

As the golden light softens the edges of the day and autumn arrives in the Maldives, Soneva’s resorts are inviting families to embrace a slower pace. Surrounded by settings where jungle meets shoreline and barefoot living is part of everyday life, October brings immersive experiences, diverse dining and guest appearances designed to create memorable moments.
Soneva is renowned for its sense of space – and this October, that space is offered as a place to connect, explore and dream. Guests are accommodated in expansive villas, whether set above the water or nestled within the forest, with each generation free to follow their own rhythm. Younger visitors are welcomed at The Den, where activities include chocolate-making, coral reef discovery and storytelling beneath the stars. Adults are offered opportunities such as sailing excursions, wine tastings by the beach and relaxed days defined by a tropical tempo.
The Soneva Stars programme in October features a notable guest line-up. Tennis player Andy Murray will lead sessions on the courts, Olympic swimmer Therese Alshammar will conduct family swimming classes, and British astronaut Tim Peake will introduce guests to stargazing alongside stories from his career in space. The atmosphere is intended to remain relaxed, with experiences that are both engaging and uncommon.
Culinary experiences remain central to the Soneva offering. October’s highlights include Michelin-starred chefs joining the Soneva Stars programme: Tim Siadatan of Trullo and Padella will appear at Soneva Fushi for the first time, while Chet Sharma of Bibi will prepare a Diwali dinner at both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani. Dining venues range from Flying Sauces, a treetop experience reached by zipline, to So Hands On by Chef Akira, an intimate six-seat sushi counter crafted in sake-finished pine. At Soneva Secret, each villa includes a private chef, offering a personalised dining experience.
For guests seeking tranquillity, October also marks the return of the SOUL Festival at Soneva Fushi, taking place from 9 to 13 October. This retreat gathers global figures in wellness, movement and transformation, offering barefoot rituals, sunrise breathwork and reflective discussions.
October at Soneva is framed by golden hours and starlit nights, with experiences designed to be shared across generations.
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