Featured
Noku Maldives appoints Mohammed Tarique Aziz as new Executive Chef
Noku Maldives has welcomed its new Executive Chef Mohammed Tarique Aziz.
Born and raised in West Bengal, India, he was inspired by his father’s willingness to cook for the family after his mother’s vision started to fail. During that time, his interest and desire for improvement led him to enrol into a hotel management college programme in India.
Upon graduation, Chef Tarique embarked on his first culinary journey at Le Meridien Hotel in Bangalore in 2006. He started off as a kitchen executive at the age of 21 and was promoted to Chef De Partie after two years of hard work. During this time, he had the opportunity to work alongside two decorated Michelin-starred chefs: Denial Chamnon, who was renowned for French cuisine, and popular Italian Chef Botrini.
Chef Tarique further challenged himself with his first overseas stint at the Cove Rotana Resort and Spa Res Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. As part of the pre-opening hotel team, he gained a lot of experience and honed his culinary and plating skills further.
Chef Tarique continued to undertake more roles in different hotels and resorts, and was promoted to the ranks of Sous Chef De Cuisine, Executive Sous Chef and Executive Chef De Cuisine.
During his tenure in the Middle East, Chef Tarique became an honorary member of various culinary associations like SR, Saudi Arabian Chefs Table Circle, and Workchefs WACS (World Association of Chef Societies). He also received “The Best Restaurant in Doha” award at the BBC Good Food – Middle East Awards in 2014. Amongst his esteemed guests served are members of the royal family of Saudi Arabia and Doha.
Even with 13 years of exposure in India, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Gambia and now Maldives, modern and classic French cuisine remains close to his heart.
“We are delighted to have Chef Tarique as the Executive Chef of Noku Maldives. I am very sure with his culinary expertise, guests will have their taste buds tantalise with the Asian, Maldivian, French cuisine that he will put together and made available to guests at Palms & Thari Restaurant,” Justin Heng, General Manager at Noku Maldives, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
Located on the island of Kuda Funafaru in the northern Noonu atoll, Noku Maldives is accessible by a scenic 45-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport.
Nestled amidst luscious tropical greenery and enveloped by a peaceful blue lagoon are 20 beach villas and 30 overwater villas. Each spacious unit is designed to offer utmost privacy and fitted with modern amenities to provide comfort. The refined elegance of each villa with its soft white hues and dark wood accents complement the beauty of nature seen through large bay windows and french doors.
The spacious beachfront Palms Restaurant serves up à la carte and buffet-style dining, while the menu of Thari Restaurant features elements of Thai, Japanese and Singaporean cuisine — flavourful tastes of the countries where Noku hotels are located in. The Palms Bar allows guests to indulge in refreshing cocktails that blend Eastern and Western influences. Guests can also have a thirst quenching beverage from the Thari Bar and lounge at the large main pool area.
Embracing nature is an integral aspect of the wellness programme at Noku Maldives. Rejuvenation begins with a beautiful garden walkway leading up to six double treatment suites with a relaxing view of the ocean. Each treatment room is thoughtfully designed as a sanctuary where stone and wooden accents achieve a deep sense of calm and relaxation. The wellness treatments use natural ingredients to enhance total wellbeing.
The pristine location of Noku Maldives houses a thriving marine ecosystem that includes dolphins, rays and populous fish diversity. Professional dive instructors at the resort’s dive centre will show guests the rich diversity of marine life suitable for all levels of experiences. Guests can also catch the light ocean breeze on a chartered catamaran, or feel the adrenaline rush while riding the waves on a jet ski or windsurfing activities.
Featured
Kuramathi Maldives announces private wellness programmes with Imron Zulfikar
Kuramathi Maldives has announced the arrival of esteemed holistic wellness practitioner Imron Zulfikar, who will undertake an exclusive residency at the resort from 15 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. During this period, guests will have the opportunity to participate in bespoke wellness experiences crafted by a recognised expert in integrative health.
Throughout his residency, Imron will conduct a series of private wellness sessions designed to restore balance, promote renewal, and enhance long-term wellbeing. His practice brings together ancient therapeutic traditions and contemporary fitness science, resulting in personalised programmes that support harmony, mobility, and emotional resilience. Signature offerings include:
- Watsu Water Healing Journey: A restorative treatment conducted in warm water, combining elements of shiatsu, massage, and gentle movement to release deep tension, soothe the nervous system, and foster a sense of tranquillity.
- Chakra Balance Therapy: A holistic session that aligns mind and body through crystal healing, guided meditation, and calming massage techniques.
- Meridian Deep Release Massage: A therapeutic blend of deep tissue massage and acupressure aimed at easing chronic tension, improving flexibility, and stimulating energy flow.
- Accu Glow Facial: A rejuvenating facial incorporating acupuncture and customised skincare to activate collagen production, detoxify the skin, and enhance natural luminosity.
- Oriental Slim Detox Massage: A treatment grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine, combining acupuncture and massage to promote lymphatic drainage and support detoxification.
Imron is an accomplished wellness lifestyle coach and holistic fitness specialist with more than ten years of experience in acupuncture, tension release therapies, yoga, Pilates, and personal training. His integrative methodology nurtures physical alignment, emotional balance, and overall vitality.
He has worked with numerous luxury resorts and an impressive roster of high-profile clients, including Serena Williams, Emma Watson, Richard Branson, and members of the UAE Royal Family. Celebrated for his intuitive approach and refined technique, Richard Branson has previously referred to Imron as having “golden hands.”
Kuramathi Maldives looks forward to offering guests this exceptional opportunity to engage in transformative, individually tailored wellness experiences during Imron’s residency.
Drink
Felice Capasso brings award-winning mixology to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli this February
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will host World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, Felice Capasso, for an exclusive Tastemaker Series collaboration from 4–5 February. The partnership further strengthens the resort’s position as a destination for discerning travellers seeking craftsmanship, cultural depth, and refined experiences.
Located on a private island in the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives has established a contemporary interpretation of island glamour. Its signature villas include some of the most coveted accommodations in the Indian Ocean, notably the John Jacob Astor Estate—one of the Maldives’ largest overwater residences—and the tranquil, beachfront Caroline Astor Estate. Each estate offers generous living spaces, expansive pools, and panoramic views, reflecting the resort’s dedication to elevated, residential-style luxury.
Within this sophisticated environment, The Whale Bar—an iconic overwater structure—will serve as the setting for Capasso’s arrival. As evening falls, the venue will adopt a vibrant Latin-inspired ambience, where guests will enjoy family-style small plates, bespoke cocktails, and rare vintages on tap while the sunset illuminates the lagoon. In this atmospheric setting, Capasso will unveil an exclusive cocktail menu for his bar takeover, blending classical technique with modern creativity.
On the following day, the resort will host an intimate Masterclass led by Capasso, centred on rum. The session will explore the spirit’s history, its regional expressions, and the narrative approach that distinguishes exceptional mixology. His expertise—rooted in precision, intuition, and storytelling—offers guests a rare opportunity to engage with a leading figure in the global bar industry.
This collaboration forms part of the resort’s ongoing Tastemaker Series, which brings influential creators and innovators to the island. By welcoming talents such as Felice Capasso, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to craft immersive, evocative experiences that embody the distinctive spirit of St. Regis.
Drink
Sun Siyam Olhuveli unveils Milano, Olive Bar and Crust & Flame on Dream Island
Sun Siyam Olhuveli has introduced three new dining and social venues on its Dream Island — Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame — each conceptualised by the award-winning Studio Sixty7. Together, the venues bring a contemporary expression of coastal European style to the Maldives, blending refined design, effortless island living, and a sense of community that positions Dream Island as the resort’s newest lifestyle and entertainment hub.
Milano – An Italian Soul with a Front-Row Kitchen
Milano celebrates the warmth and generosity of Italian dining, presented through a coastal aesthetic that feels both relaxed and refined. The open kitchen serves as the heart of the restaurant, where guests can watch chefs craft handmade pasta, simmer traditional sauces, and prepare wood-fired dishes. The experience is intimate and engaging, reflecting the sincerity of Italian cooking.
Studio Sixty7 designed the space with an olive-green palette, arched features, textured off-white plaster, linen drapery, and sculpted timber furnishings. Deep green crittall-style glazing adds a quiet elegance, while patterned floors create a gentle visual rhythm. As evening falls, woven pendant lights warm the room, making Milano ideal for leisurely lunches and romantic dinners. Every design detail balances Italian flair with Maldivian tranquillity.

Olive Bar – The New Entertainment Pulse
At the centre of Dream Island’s social energy, Olive Bar offers a refreshed take on family entertainment, hosting nightly performances from acoustic musicians and cultural acts to lively DJ sets. By day, it provides a relaxed lounge environment; by night, it transforms into a vibrant social hub.
The bar’s design embraces coastal openness, featuring timber shutters, adaptable lounge seating, abundant greenery, and natural textures that reflect Studio Sixty7’s craftsmanship-driven approach. Gentle ambient lighting completes the atmosphere, creating a welcoming setting for conversation, laughter, and shared experiences.

Crust & Flame – Casual, Beachside, and Comfort-Driven
Crust & Flame offers a relaxed beachside dining experience centred around artisanal brick-oven pizzas and contemporary light dishes. Its striking emerald-and-sage terrazzo pizza oven serves as the visual anchor of the venue, glowing subtly in natural light as chefs prepare fresh creations throughout the day.
Muted olive and white tiles, moss-toned upholstery, and dark timber seating create a coastal trattoria feel, while maintaining a distinctly Maldivian beach ambience — toes in the sand, ocean breeze drifting through the space, and a focus on simple, well-crafted comfort food.
Reflecting on the creative direction, Lee McNichol, Co-founder of Studio Sixty7, noted that the aim was to craft spaces that feel like a gentle exhale — warm, textured, softly lit, and subtly inspired by European coastal landscapes. Co-founder Jose Rivero added that the intention was to build venues that feel lived-in and soulful, where guests naturally settle into the experience rather than simply dine or watch a performance.
Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, commented: “Our vision for Dream Island was to create a place where guests immediately feel the rhythm of island life — relaxed, social, and full of positive energy. Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame each offer something distinct, yet together they form a cohesive atmosphere that encourages connection and enjoyment. It is Olhuveli at its most effortless and playful.”
With the launch of these venues, Dream Island evolves into a dynamic culinary and social destination where design, flavour, and ambience come together seamlessly. This development reflects Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s continued journey toward contemporary lifestyle hospitality, grounded in the warmth and authenticity of Maldivian service.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli now offers more than twenty restaurants and bars across its islands, ensuring an ever-diverse dining landscape shaped by creativity, global influence, and the joy of island living.
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