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LUX* South Ari Atoll hosts Super Chef competition to select team for Hotel Asia culinary challenge

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Chefs at LUX* South Ari Atoll showcased their skills on Sunday as they once again competed for a chance to represent the resort at the upcoming Hotel Asia International Culinary Challenge.

Titled LUX* Super Chef 2018, 10 chefs contested in the Hot Cold Kitchen category while two participated in the Pastry Kitchen category. Participants include Chef De Partie Mazanur Rahman, Commis I Junaddy Petrus, Chef De Partie Deanna Danisa Naidoo, Demi Chef De Partie Welmore Rolex Menguillo, Chef De Partie Marlon Clement Harridge, Chef De Partie Dinesh M Gunarathna M. Mudiyanselage, Commis I Ananda Setiawan, Commis I Parvesh Bisht, Commis I Sanatha Kumara Meegoda Kankanamga, Commis I Ravindra Singha Rana, Chef De Partie Jobelle Duejada Dela Roca, and Commis II Krishna Prasad Pandey.

Participants of LUX* Super Chef 2018 competition. PHOTO/ LUX*

Chef Krishna Prasad Pandey, whose dish also fetched the special Jury’s Award, was crowned the champion. Chef Dinesh M. Gunarathna M. Mudiyanselage secured the second spot as well as the Most Creative Award conferred by the jury, while Chef Welmore Rolex Menguillo finished third.

In addition to the chance to represent LUX* South Ari Atoll at the Hotel Asia International Culinary Challenge in September, the three were presented with cash prizes from the resort’s management as well as gifts such as tablets and smartphones from suppliers.

During the second edition of LUX* Super Chef competition held at the overwater East Market restaurant, contestants in the Hot Cold Kitchen category were given a black box containing 10 compulsory ingredients, including salmon, scallops, fennel seeds, tenderloin, cauliflower and potato amongst others, for the starter and the main course. For the contestants in the Pastry Kitchen category, compulsory ingredients for the dessert consisted of white chocolate, cream cheese, passion fruit, vanilla and sweet paprika powder, while they were allowed to use any ingredient of their choosing to make the bread.

A contestant during the LUX* Super Chef 2018 competition. PHOTO/ LUX*

All the contestants were given three and a half hours to plan, prepare and cook their two courses, with each asked to produce four plates per course; two for blind judging, one for the show table and one for the chef’s judging.

In addition to two chefs in the kitchen who analysed cooking techniques, hygiene and work flow on the spot, an eight-member judging panel was presented with the final dishes for blind judging based on taste, texture and presentation.

Jury members evaluate the dishes prepared during LUX* Super Chef 2018 competition. PHOTO/ LUX*

Jury members evaluate the dishes prepared during LUX* Super Chef 2018 competition. PHOTO/ LUX*

At the closing ceremony, General Manager Jonas Amstad hailed the enthusiasm shown by the team to successfully organise the competition for the second year. He stressed on the need to continuously improve individual skills of each team member.

“We are pleased to have hosted this event setting a benchmark for our group and other properties. We aim to take this to a higher level next year in which both properties of LUX* in the Maldives will participate. Our team is happy to share their talents. We will be sending the winners of this event to the Asia Culinary Challenge in August 2018,” Jonas said.

General Manager Jonas Amstad (R) poses for a photo with one of the winners of LUX* Super Chef 2018 competition. PHOTO/ LUX*

This year’s edition of the Hotel Asia exhibition is scheduled to be held from September 10-12 with the culinary challenge taking place from September 9-12 at the main Dharubaaruge convention centre in capital Male. The culinary challenge has established itself as the premier culinary event in the Maldives, attracting chefs from local and international resorts whose work and creativity are evaluated by experts, including celebrated chefs from the world over.

Cutting-edge designer villas and world-class dining can be found only a 30-minute seaplane flight away from the main Velana International Airport, making LUX* South Ari Atoll one of the most exciting resorts in the Maldives.

With 187 private villas dotted at the water’s edge along four kilometres of powder fine beach or perched on stilts above a crystal clear lagoon, these spacious pavilions and villas bring an entirely original vibe of coastal, beach house chic to the Maldives.

Excellent eating and drinking is always a cut above the rest at LUX*, and at LUX* South Ari Atoll, there is authentic South East Asian street food in the Maldives’ only over-the-water gourmet night market and world-class Chinese cuisine at East, along with the Japanese restaurant Umami, which offers live teppanyaki and dazzling selection of sakés.

While the resort has a PADI-certified dive centre, two infinity pools, a floodlit tennis court, a fitness centre and a renowned spa which hosts a wellness concierge and a menu of indulgent treatments, what sets the property apart from its neighbours are surprises, or better known as #ReasonstogoLUX. Designed to create lasting memories for guests, these ‘reasons’ can range from island-roasted coffee in Café LUX* to impromptu movie screenings at cinema paradise and the chance to hang your wishes on the Tree of Wishes.

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Local tastes take centre stage as Hard Rock Cafe’s World Burger Tour arrives in Maldives

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Today, Hard Rock Cafe will kick off its annual World Burger Tour competition in celebration of Hard Rock International Founders’ Day. Hard Rock Cafe chefs from around the world were challenged to develop unique burger creations that showcase elements from their regional cultures and personal taste. These innovative recipes will be available exclusively for guests to try, including the Island Spiced Coconut & Curry Burger at Hard Rock Cafe Maldives, from June 14 through August 5. For example, guests at Hard Rock Cafe Rome can choose the Lasagna Burger with Ragu Bolognese and bechamel, those visiting Atlantic City can try the Jersey Shore Burger that features a house-made blueberry maple aioli and provolone.

Island Spiced Coconut & Curry Burger, developed by Chef Nikhil Gopinathan at Hard Rock Cafe Maldives, is made with two smashed & stacked beef burgers, seasoned and seared medium-well, layered with homemade Curry Mayo, arugula, coconut flakes, cucumber, tomato, provolone cheese, chimichurri cheese sauce, topped with shredded fried potato mixed with homemade Island Curry Powder and is inspired by the vibrant culinary traditions of the Maldives, melding local flavors and spices to create a truly tropical experience.

This year’s competition marks an exciting first for Hard Rock, with the addition of chef, content creator and brand partner Olivia Tiedemann as both a mentor and judge. She has worked closely with participating chefs throughout the competition, sharing her culinary expertise and burger-crafting techniques to help elevate each recipe.

“Working with these talented chefs from around the world has been incredibly fun. Each one brought such passion and creativity to their recipes, and I’m amazed by how they’ve transformed classic burger concepts with their unique local influences and personal stories,” said Olivia Tiedemann.

Based on Tiedemann’s input, sales performance and guests’ votes on social media, the top five burger recipes will be selected and announced later this summer. Then the five finalists will become available at Hard Rock Cafe locations globally for all fans to experience for a limited time before one final winner is selected.

“This is such a fun annual event where our chef gets to flex his creativity, and our guests get to try our new burger inspired by the vibrant culture of the Maldives for a limited time,” said Anna Melissa Olay, Manager – Hard Rock Cafe Maldives.

The first Hard Rock Cafe at Old Park Lane in London opened on June 14, 1971. Launching this competition on Founders’ Day celebrates how the brand has evolved over 54 years into an iconic entertainment, hospitality and lifestyle company with more than 300 Hard Rock Cafes and Rock Shops, Hotels, Resorts and Casinos worldwide.

Visit the cafe at The Marina at CROSSROADS Maldives to participate.

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Intercontinental Maldives announces Tom Aikens as culinary star of 2025 festive season

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InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has announced a festive season residency by one of the world’s most acclaimed culinary talents — Chef Tom Aikens — who will bring his signature two-Michelin-starred brilliance to the Indian Ocean from 26 December 2025 to 6 January 2026.

This exclusive collaboration marks a milestone for the luxury resort as it continues to elevate its gastronomic credentials with globally renowned talent. Supported by the expert team of chefs at the resort, Tom Aikens will take over The Lighthouse, InterContinental Maldives’ signature and iconic overwater restaurant, for a series of fine-dining experiences curated especially for the festive season, alongside masterclasses and a once-in-a-lifetime private yacht dining event.

The guest programme, available to all guests booking for this festive season, includes:

  • 28 & 29 December – Tasting Menu at The Lighthouse crafted by Chef Aikens, showcasing his devotion to seasonality and modern European finesse
  • 29 December – Interactive Cooking Class at The Collective where guests can join Tom for an exclusive hands-on session to learn professional techniques and prepare one of his signature dishes
  • 1 January – Private Yacht Dining Experience available for two guests to welcome the New Year in unforgettable style with an intimate dinner hosted by Tom on the resort’s private yacht, featuring specially curated menus beneath the stars
  • 2 & 3 January – Tasting Menu at The Lighthouse – a brand-new selection for returning guests and new diners
  • 6 January – Island-style Buffet Dinner at Café Umi with Live Stations featuring a special dish created and presented by Tom for the occasion

When asked about the residency, Tom Aikens said: “I am excited to be partnering with InterContinental Maldives for what promises to be one of my most exciting collaborations to date and can’t wait to share some of my signature dishes with guests.

“It’s so important to me that both the staff and guests receive just as much out of this experience as I will. I’m looking forward to working with the talented team there, teaching them new techniques and sharing my preparation methods.

“Cooking and working in such a breathtaking, idyllic Maldivian setting is always going to be an incredible experience, and I have no doubt this will be an unforgettable trip.”

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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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