Cooking
Velaa Private Island introduces personalised tasting menus
Velaa Private Island has introduced a personalised approach to dining with their bespoke tasting menus.
As an innovative response to the autocracy that usually comes part and parcel with a dictated tasting menu, Velaa’s signature Aragu restaurant now features tasting menus based on each guests’ personal preferences. This new approach adds an element of choice to the gourmet tasting dining experience.
At first, guests select from a simple list of about 16 sustainable and quality ingredients from around the world. Diners can choose to do a flight of three or five products out of the ever-changing list of products, which range from locally-produced Maldivian Lobster, Island Coconut or Line-Caught Reef Fish to foreign- sourced Tasmanian Ocean Trout, Bresse Chicken or Japanese Saga A5 Tenderloin.

Chef Gaushan de Silva. PHOTO/ VELAA
Then, lauded Chef Gaushan de Silva, who has previously worked at the two-Michelin-star Danish restaurant Noma and as the private chef to the royal family of Jordan, crafts an individual menu based on their favourite things.
“A lot of our guests wanted to enjoy a journey of a variety of flavours in different dishes, so we decided to implement this at Aragu restaurant,” Chef Gaushan said.

New Zealand Lamb, rib and saddle, with green pea and peach purée. PHOTO/ VELAA

Japanese Blue Fin Tuna with daikon and pickled ginger. PHOTO/ VELAA
Tucked away within the collection of islands that form the northern Noonu atoll, Velaa Private Island is elegantly positioned to overlook enchanting vistas of a cerulean ocean. Its name derived from generations of sea turtles that flock there to nest and hatch; it is comprised of 47 private villas, houses and exclusive residences. The resort also includes a Romantic Pool Residence which can only be reached by boat.
At Velaa Private Island, all details have been considered: each villa comes with a personal butler, all services offered can be tailored to personal specifications. Attention to detail everywhere is also impeccable: stone pavements from the desert in Jordan, Indonesian flowerpots, luxury wood panelling from Borneo, and glimmering Italian marble.
Velaa Private Island offers endless exclusive opportunities. These unique offerings include the Maldives’ first and only snow room, the largest and most extensive wine collection in the region, one of the few Maldivian resorts with a private submarine, an extraordinary kids’ club conceptualised as the world’s ideal kids’ club by the owner’s seven-year-old daughter, and the only resort in Asia with a My Blend by Clarins spa.
Personalising and tailoring the entirety of the island depending on specific requirements, there is no limit to ensure the ultimate experience. Guests can sit back in the knowledge that the island’s highly trained and dedicated butlers will cater to each and every whim. Whether it is watching a spectacular fireworks display within the Maldivian night sky, dancing into the early hours with an Al fresco live music event, stepping aboard the island’s private yacht for a glamorous sunset cruise or enjoying a private, open air cinema night, anything is possible. Other interactive activities perfect for private groups include gourmet cooking classes with one of the resort’s chefs or wine tasting within the Maldives’ largest wine cellar.
For those looking to get involved in some Indian Ocean adventure, Velaa’s high-tech water toys, including the hover board, jetpack and fly board serve as the definitive adrenaline rush. While discovering the wonders beneath the island’s welcoming waters, guests can learn to dive or simply snorkel the coral rainbow.
Cooking
Belgian Chef Wout Bru to bring exclusive dining experiences to Meyyafushi, Fushifaru Maldives
Acclaimed Belgian chef Wout Bru will bring his distinctive culinary vision to the Maldives for an exclusive residency across Meyyafushi and Fushifaru Maldives from 31 October to 7 November 2026, featuring two special dining experiences in celebration of Meyyafushi’s first anniversary.
Renowned for his modern-classical culinary philosophy, Chef Wout combines contemporary techniques with Mediterranean influences, placing quality ingredients and their natural flavours at the heart of his cuisine. His distinguished career includes international recognition in France and Belgium, with Le Grand Verre receiving its first Michelin star in 2023.
Chef Wout will personally host an exclusive dinner at Bubble Underwater Restaurant at Meyyafushi Maldives on 2 November 2026, followed by a second dining experience at Raakani Restaurant at Fushifaru Maldives on 5 November 2026. Each dinner will take place on one evening only, featuring a specially curated menu by the chef. Both experiences will be open to in-house guests and outside visitors, including guests staying at the sister resort and those visiting from surrounding islands, subject to availability and advance reservations.
The residency will begin at Meyyafushi, a premium all-inclusive resort featuring 94 private-pool villas and suites and distinctive dining concepts, before continuing at Fushifaru, an award-winning boutique resort celebrated for its authentic Maldivian character, pristine beaches and vibrant marine life.
“Food has a unique way of bringing people together and creating memories that stay with us long after a journey ends. Welcoming Chef Wout Bru to our islands is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Meyyafushi’s first anniversary while further elevating the culinary experiences we offer across both resorts. We look forward to sharing these special occasions with our guests and creating memorable moments that reflect our commitment to exceptional hospitality,” said Ahmed Siaar, Cluster General Manager of Meyyafushi and Fushifaru Maldives.
Through this collaboration, both resorts aim to elevate their culinary offerings, create memorable guest experiences and celebrate the connection between exceptional gastronomy and the natural beauty of the Maldives.
Meyyafushi Maldives:
- Dinner date: 2 November 2026
- Venue: Bubble Underwater Restaurant
- Price: USD 450 net per person – 4 course wine pairing dinner
- Reservations: reservations@meyyafushi.com
- Website: www.meyyafushi.com
Fushifaru Maldives:
- Dinner date: 5 November 2026
- Venue: Raakani Restaurant
- Price: USD 300++ per person – 5 course Michelin dinner
- Reservations: reservations@fushifaru.com
- Website: www.fushifaru.com
Both dinners are available to in-house guests and outside visitors, including guests staying at the sister resort and those visiting from surrounding islands, subject to availability and advance reservations.
Cooking
Milaidhoo Maldives welcomes Chef JKP for culinary workshop, wine-pairing dinner
Milaidhoo Maldives is set to welcome award-winning chef James Knight-Paccheco, widely known as Chef JKP, on 11 and 12 December 2026 for two culinary events focusing on cooking techniques, culinary experiences and the exploration of new flavours.
On 11 December, Chef JKP will conduct a culinary workshop, offering guests the opportunity to cook alongside him, learn professional techniques and exchange ideas in the kitchen. The following evening, he will host a wine-pairing dinner featuring dishes prepared in his signature style, accompanied by wines selected by the resort’s resident sommelier to complement each course.
With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chef JKP has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels and restaurant projects across the UK and the Middle East. Throughout his career, he has worked alongside renowned chefs including Raymond Blanc, Gordon Ramsay and Michael Caines. He is also the creator and host of The Chef JKP Podcast, which has recorded more than 6.5 million downloads.
At Milaidhoo Maldives, the culinary experience draws inspiration from the island’s surroundings, Maldivian flavours and traditional cooking methods, combined with international influences introduced by the resort’s team of chefs. This approach encourages the exchange of culinary knowledge and techniques, allowing guests to explore local dishes, learn new cooking methods and engage with the chefs responsible for their dining experiences.
Located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Milaidhoo offers a setting where dining experiences focus on personalised service and interaction between guests and culinary professionals. Chef JKP’s visit is intended to provide guests with opportunities to engage directly with the visiting chef, gain insights into his approach to cooking and experience his culinary creations.
The culinary workshop will take place on 11 December 2026, followed by the wine-pairing dinner on 12 December 2026.
Cooking
The St. Regis Maldives to host Chef Alexander Herrmann for November culinary residency
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort welcomes the return of acclaimed German chef, restaurateur, television personality, and bestselling author Alexander Herrmann for an exclusive residency from November 19 to 23, 2026. As the visionary behind the two-Michelin-starred AURA by Alexander Herrmann & Tobias Bätz, Chef Herrmann will present a series of bespoke dining experiences that pay homage to culinary traditions through his innovative interpretation of contemporary gastronomy.
At the heart of the residency are two intimate six-course dinners personally curated by Chef Herrmann. The first will take place on November 19 at Decanter, the resort’s gold-toned underground wine cellar, followed by a second evening at The Whale Bar on November 23, set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. On November 20, guests are invited to join a masterclass at ALBA, where he will share the inspiration, techniques, and craftsmanship behind his acclaimed creations.
Chef Herrmann’s return is the latest chapter in the Tastemaker Series, which brings leading culinary talents to the island for intimate experiences shaped by individual craft, expertise, and passion. This residency takes on added significance as part of the resort’s 10th anniversary program, celebrating a decade of compelling gastronomy, meaningful moments, and personalized St. Regis service in the Maldives.
“As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of The St. Regis Maldives, we are delighted to welcome Chef Alexander Herrmann back to our island as part of our Tastemaker Series,” says Ozgur Cengiz, General Manager of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. “Over the past decade, we have remained dedicated to creating exceptional experiences that connect our guests with inspiring talents from around the world. Chef Herrmann’s return reflects this vision, bringing together extraordinary culinary expertise, the timeless beauty of the Maldives, and the bespoke service that defines the St. Regis experience.”
As part of this collaboration, Marriott Bonvoy members have the opportunity to bid on An Exquisite Culinary Escape with Chef Alexander Herrmann through Marriott Bonvoy Moments. The package includes a four-night stay for two guests in an Overwater Villa with Pool from November 19 to 23, 2026 with daily breakfast at ALBA, a private six-course wine-paired dinner hosted by Chef Alexander, a signature massage and the Blue Hole Hydrotherapy Pool experience at Iridium Spa. Round-trip seaplane transfers from Velana International Airport are also included, creating a seamless luxury journey from arrival to departure.
Set on its own private island in the pristine Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is a sanctuary defined by visionary design, timeless luxury, and the natural beauty of the Maldives. Its distinctive architecture that blends tropical modernism with inspirations drawn from the surrounding environment, while 77 elegantly appointed villas offer ocean vistas or serene tropical landscapes. Each stay is complimented by the signature St. Regis Butler Service, providing discreet and personalized attention to every detail.
Members can now bid on An Exquisite Culinary Escape with Chef Alexander Herrmann through October 22, 2026. For more information on Chef Alexander Herrmann’s Tastemaker Series residency and upcoming events, visit stregismaldives.com.
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