Connect with us

Featured

Soneva Jani appoints Kiichi Okabe as Grand Masterchef

Published

on

Soneva Jani has hired Japanese Chef Kiichi Okabe in the role of Grand Masterchef.

Before joining Soneva Jani full time, Chef Okabe was the Executive Chef of Shoukouwa, which earned two Michelin stars in 2016.

Chef Okabe currently hosts private dining experiences at So Imaginative, the private celebration room at Soneva Jani for 20 people, where his menu fuses Japanese delicacies with Maldivian ingredients. Diners can expect dishes like baked Indian Ocean tooth fish marinated in Saikyo miso from Kyoto and raw shrimp from Hokkaido with yuzu flavoured seaweed and Soneva caviar.

Chef Kiichi Okabe’s career started in Ebisu, Tokyo, and whilst learning from the best he perfected his skills in Japanese and international cuisine. His first ever job was at 18, where he started as a chef in a kaiseki restaurant, where he worked at night, whilst in the day he was a sports trainer. Okabe then moved to Los Angeles to work in a three Michelin-starred French restaurant, before moving on to work in Las Vegas at Sushi Roku where he was the Executive Head Sushi Chef.

Okabe went on to Dubai as the Head Chef at Okku, which was named the ‘Best Japanese Restaurant in Dubai’ three years running. After this, he moved back to the US to work at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino as Kuro’s Executive Sushi Chef.

From there, he took up the role of Executive Chef of Shoukouwa, a two-starred Japanese restaurant in Singapore that features a menu from Sapporo. At Shoukouwa, fresh fish, seafood and produce are flown in daily to Singapore from Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market.

In 2018, Chef Okabe opened Sushi Ryu in Kuala Lumpur, which he still owns. His dishes are crafted using seasonal produce from Japan and premium ingredients like caviar, uni and truffles to capture the exquisite flavours of his native cuisine.

Chef Okabe is known for being a sushi mastermind bursting with personality and culinary talent, as well as a passion not just for Japanese food – any food and all that goes with it. After he ended his time at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, he went back to Japan to further hone his culinary skills as well as take part in cutting edge food research. Chef Okabe firmly believes in the Japanese philosophy of Omotenashi, which means to wholeheartedly look after one’s guests. He believes that food made with happiness makes his customers happy, improves their wellbeing and fills them with good energy.

Opened in December 2016, Soneva Jani is Soneva’s newest property and the world-leading luxury hotel group’s second resort in the Maldives.

Soneva Jani is located on the island of Medhufaru within a 5.6 kilometre lagoon in the Noonu atoll, and has uninterrupted ocean views in all directions. The lagoon is 35 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport and one hour by speedboat from Soneva Fushi.

Meaning ‘wisdom’ in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani currently comprises 24 overwater villas and one island villa, with additional villas to be built in phase two. Five islands encircle the lagoon, each one with soft white sands and covered in rich tropical vegetation. Four of the five islands will remain untouched, making Soneva Jani the lowest density development in the Maldives. The overwater villas are spaced across the expansive lagoon, offering privacy and extensive views over the Maldives’ turquoise waters. The island villas will be tucked into the lush greenery, providing the ultimate privacy, and all within steps of the beach.

Soneva Jani’s main guest facilities are located at The Gathering, the heart of the overwater villas. This dramatic three story structure is home to the main dining outlets, in addition to the Soneva Spa, library, retail area and wine cellar. It is located next to the Maldives’ first overwater Observatory.

Facilities on the island include the overwater Cinema Paradiso, the Eco Centro Waste-to-Wealth centre, organic gardens, tennis courts, water sports champa and Zuhair’s Beach on a desert island in the lagoon.

Featured

Celebrate love in paradise: magical Valentine’s Day at Canareef Resort Maldives

Published

on

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, connection, and the creation of lasting memories. Few places offer a more romantic setting than the pristine shores of the Maldives. Canareef Resort Maldives is curating an unforgettable Valentine’s Day experience, featuring a magical beach dinner under the stars, alongside special spa and photography offers to enhance a romantic getaway.

To elevate relaxation during the Valentine’s period, Canareef Resort Maldives is offering exclusive spa experiences:

  • Complimentary Head or Foot Massage: Guests who book a one-hour couples massage will receive a complimentary 30-minute head or foot massage to further unwind together.
  • Extended Relaxation: Those who choose the “Couples Harmony” package, a two-hour experience, will receive an extra hour at no additional cost. This three-hour indulgence includes a one-hour massage, a one-hour body scrub, and a one-hour natural facial, leaving couples feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

To commemorate a romantic escape, Canareef Resort Maldives is offering a special Valentine’s Day photography package:

  • Valentine’s Special Photo Offer: A professional photoshoot captures the essence of love in a 20-minute session at a picturesque location. The package includes 10 beautifully edited photos as cherished keepsakes, priced at $85++ (plus taxes and service charge). Bookings open on February 7th, with the offer valid until February 14th.

On Wednesday, February 14th, 2025, guests can indulge in a specially curated Valentine’s Dinner on the beach, designed to delight the senses.

The evening begins with ‘Let’s Fire’, featuring succulent prawns with asparagus salad, providing a light yet flavourful start to the meal. This is followed by a comforting Cream of Mushroom Soup, setting the stage for the upcoming courses. A Lemon Mint Sorbet palate cleanser refreshes the taste buds before the “Burning Passion” main course selection.

Guests can choose from three exquisite main course options:

  • Seafood Medley: A symphony of ocean flavours, served with crispy vegetable salad and heart-shaped roasted pumpkin garlic butter.
  • Fillet of Beef Tournedos: Tender, perfectly cooked beef accompanied by seasonal vegetables and heart-shaped fondant potatoes with hollandaise sauce.
  • Spinach and Ricotta Tortellini: A vegetarian delight, featuring delicate pasta in a white wine and basil cream sauce.

The evening concludes with “Consuming Love”, a decadent raspberry cheesecake with strawberry coulis and a Valentine’s chocolate fortifier, accompanied by tea or coffee.

This enchanting dining experience is priced at USD 85 per person, inclusive of taxes and service charge. To enhance the romantic ambiance, each couple will receive a complimentary rose and a glass of champagne.

Valentine’s Day at Canareef Resort Maldives is more than just a dinner; it is an experience. It offers an opportunity to create cherished moments against the stunning Maldivian backdrop, under a canopy of stars, with the soothing sound of waves in the background. It is a celebration of unique connections in an idyllic setting, ensuring an unforgettable romantic escape.

Continue Reading

Featured

Unforgettable love stories begin at Ifuru Island Maldives

Published

on

Ifuru Island Maldives offers the ultimate romantic escape, featuring 147 luxurious beach suites and villas designed for couples seeking a modern and elegant retreat. Ideal for honeymoons, weddings, proposals, or peaceful getaways, the resort provides a secluded and picturesque haven where every detail is meticulously crafted to create unforgettable moments. From private ‘kissing spots’ and exclusive romantic packages to curated wedding offers and exceptional deals, Ifuru Island Maldives caters to every couple’s desires. In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, the resort aims to inspire couples, whether they are planning significant milestones or simply enjoying each other’s company.

The Love in Paradise Package at Ifuru Island Maldives allows couples to create lasting memories with an ultimate romantic getaway. Offering luxurious upgrades, exclusive dining experiences, and thoughtful touches, this package sets the perfect stage for love. Highlights include:

  • Romantic Dining: Floating breakfasts, canapés & cocktails, private dinners, and sunset cocktails.
  • Couples’ Indulgences: A spa treatment, bubble bath setups, and romantic turn-downs.
  • Memorable Moments: Private sunset cruises, lagoon dives, art classes, and photo sessions.
  • Adventure Awaits: Complimentary water sports and snorkelling gear.
  • Special Perks: $100 resort credit per person and bespoke keepsakes.

Ifuru Island Maldives offers couples the opportunity to experience their dream wedding with its Free Wedding Package, which includes a range of complimentary features designed to create an unforgettable celebration. This package ensures that every detail is carefully arranged, allowing couples to relax and enjoy their special day. Package highlights include signature cocktails, a dedicated wedding planner, a private and elegantly styled wedding venue, a wedding cake, a bridal bouquet, and thoughtful touches such as a unique villa turn-down and a decorated buggy ride to the ceremony. From a scenic venue to intimate details, this package transforms a wedding into an extraordinary event in one of the world’s most romantic destinations.

The package is available for bookings on the Exclusively Yours Premium All-Inclusive plan between 1 May 2025 and 30 September 2025, with a minimum stay of seven nights required.

Visitors to Ifuru Island Maldives can discover charming ‘kissing spots’ scattered throughout the island, thoughtfully designed to create dreamy, picture-perfect moments. These special locations provide guests with the opportunity to capture memories in stunning natural settings, with the breathtaking turquoise waters serving as a picturesque backdrop.

Continue Reading

Featured

AMRA Skincare arrives at Javvu Spa, Amilla Maldives

Published

on

Javvu Spa at Amilla Maldives introduces an elevated realm of rejuvenation with the launch of AMRA, a renowned skincare line rooted in nature and refined by science. This carefully curated collection has been seamlessly integrated into the spa’s bespoke treatments, reflecting Amilla’s dedication to mindful well-being and sustainability.

Blending the healing properties of the island’s indigenous ingredients with AMRA’s advanced formulations, the AMRA Signature treatments at Amilla Maldives are designed to leave guests feeling renewed and deeply nurtured. Among the highlights is The Amilla Signature Journey by AMRA, which features gold and vitamin C exfoliation, a green caviar rhassoul mask, a 24kt gold stone massage, and a gold and green caviar facial—offering relaxation, skin refinement, and deep hydration (USD 570, 180 minutes). Additionally, the AMRA Olfactory Sound Bath Experience provides a restorative sense of balance through a combination of cleansing foot rituals, aura misting, personalised facial and hair treatments, sound baths, and chakra massage (USD 590, 180 minutes).

To ensure that each treatment aligns with AMRA’s philosophy, the therapists at Javvu Spa have undergone an immersive training program led by AMRA experts. This hands-on experience has deepened their understanding of AMRA’s innovative techniques and unique formulations, equipping them to deliver personalised, transformative treatments.

Narelle McDougall, General Manager of Amilla, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership, stating, “With AMRA as our skincare partner, we are very excited about the variety of face and body treatments we will be offering our guests. The introduction of AMRA complements our ethos of creating serene, nurturing experiences that reflect the natural beauty of Amilla and the surrounding ocean.”

Each AMRA product is crafted using rare botanicals, precious minerals, and pure oils, designed to nourish the skin and soothe the soul. This harmonious blend of nature and innovation aligns with Amilla’s commitment to preserving the island’s tranquil surroundings while offering memorable moments of connection and care.

Guests are invited to explore the new offerings at Javvu Spa, where every treatment serves as a sensory journey—an opportunity to pause, unwind, and reconnect.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.