Cooking
Soneva launches Tastemakers film series on culinary team

Renowned for its one-of-a-kind dining experiences, Soneva is inviting guests to meet the Tastemakers – the dedicated, international line-up of skilled chefs and sommeliers who create culinary magic every day at Soneva’s world-leading luxury resorts in Maldives.
Premiering on July 16 and running until early December, the new Tastemakers film series will introduce members of the talented food and beverage teams across Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani as well as Soneva Kiri in Thailand. It offers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into everyday life in Soneva’s bustling kitchens, as well as a fascinating insight into each Tastemakers’ personal journey, cooking style and gastronomic philosophy.
What makes a Soneva dinner an experience that will be remembered for a lifetime? It is a combination of the passion of some of the world’s best chefs and sommeliers working hand-in-hand with expert gardeners, fishermen and suppliers who provide the finest and freshest ingredients available.
Meet the Tastemakers – the individuals who together create a unique and unexpected dining experience that will take your breath away.
Chef Benz is the Thai chef named after her father’s favourite brand of car. Discovered by Soneva founders Sonu and Eva, Chef Benz’s unmatched ability to craft exquisite Thai dishes from even the humblest local ingredients has earned her a reputation as one of the country’s most innovative cooking talents.
Discover the intricate craftsmanship of guest chef Kenji Gyoten, scheduled to grace the kitchens of Soneva Fushi throughout 2019 and 2020. Renowned for mastering the ancient hontaegashi hand-flipping technique, he is the youngest Michelin-starred sushi chef in Japan, and one of only four Japanese chefs to be awarded a coveted three Michelin stars. Watching Chef Gyoten prepare sushi is comparable to a choreographed dance. The result is sushi that is so complex and so sophisticated it is a truly rare culinary experience.
From Soneva Fushi, find out more about one of the resort’s most-loved characters. Wearing a smile brighter than the morning sun, Sira has been serving up breakfast at Mihiree Mitha for more than two decades, and is famed for his mouth-watering hoppers, a breakfast treat from his Sri Lankan homeland.
Chef Sobah is proud of his Maldivian heritage. He is known for putting his own contemporary twist on Maldivian recipes handed down by his mother and grandmother. His original restaurant, Sobah’s, located on a deserted island near Soneva Fushi was the first resort restaurant in the Maldives to exclusively offer Maldivian delicacies. Chef Sobah now delights diners at Out of the Blue by Sobah with modern Japanese fare using fish caught fresh from the ocean that day.
Chef David knew the first time that he walked through the doors of a professional kitchen that he had found his place. From an early age he set his sights on working in the best kitchens in the world. To this day, he claims to have never worked a day in his life – his kitchen is his home and cooking is his passion.
Chef Priyantha is head chef at The Crab Shack at Soneva Jani, possibly the most romantic restaurant in the world. He grew up on a diet of lagoon crabs in Sri Lanka and now serves a menu inspired by the family recipes of Soneva chefs.
“Tell me who you are and I’ll tell you what you drink.”
Take a voyage of wine discovery with Soneva sommeliers whose expertise covers the globe and the rich history of wine.
Join Chef Ansari and his team as they take you on a gastronomical journey around the world. The menu provides a guide but the real magic happens when the chefs and guests meet, allowing the chefs to use their creativity and passion to produce a meal that will be remembered forever.
Chef Jenefer grew up foraging around her rural home in the Philippines. Her sense of adventure has never left her and now she uses her knowledge of botany and her skills as a chef to present plant-based dishes that look like works of art.
From humble beginnings, Chef Ravi used his wits and his charm to persuade those around him to teach him to cook. He has since worked in some of the best restaurants in the world. Visiting his restaurant Down to Earth is like walking into a family home where you will be greeted with a smile, a warm welcome and exquisite food cooked from the heart.
Chef Kichii Okabe blends Japanese tradition with an informality and playfulness that charms his guests. A Japanese grand master chef with a Michelin star heritage, he is on a mission to make people happy, and he knows good food makes people happy.
World-leading luxury resort operator Soneva runs two resorts in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani.
In 1995, the award-winning luxury resort Soneva Fushi set the standard for all desert island barefoot luxury hideaways in the Maldives. Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi pairs Robinson Crusoe fantasy with intelligent luxury.
Sixty-two private villas with their own stretch of beach are hidden among dense foliage within touching distance of a pristine coral reef. Intuitive service is provided by Mr./Ms. Friday butlers.
Highlights include the open-air Cinema Paradiso, counting Saturn’s rings in the high-tech Observatory, the home-made chocolate and ice cream rooms, five hundred wines to choose from, six different restaurants and countless destination dining options. In November 2015, Soneva launched a floating villa concept, Soneva in Aqua, a treasure trove children’s Den and a multi-purpose facility encompasses a glass gallery, boutique and studio where guests can learn the art of glass blowing.
If the experiences are magical, the philosophy is simple: No news, no shoes. No pretensions either.
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.
To discover more about these chefs and to watch the rest of Soneva’s Tastemaker series, visit https://www.soneva.com/the-tastemakers/
Cooking
Chocolate, spirits, and gourmet pairings with Patrick Gelencser at Niyama Private Islands Maldives

Renowned master chocolatier Patrick Gelencser will bring a touch of indulgence to Niyama Private Islands Maldives, hosting exclusive tasting sessions from February 21-25, 2025.
Born into a legacy of chocolate craftsmanship, Gelencser represents the third generation of the esteemed House of Gelencser. As one of only 15 chocolatiers in France specialising in bean-to-bar production, he has received numerous international accolades. His meticulously crafted creations are so exceptional that they are showcased in a chocolate museum in the Loire Valley, as well as in nearly half a dozen boutiques.
Guests at Niyama will have the rare opportunity to witness Gelencser’s artistry firsthand as he curates a series of tasting experiences set against the resort’s breathtaking backdrops.
- Single-Origin Chocolate & Rum: The terroir of the cocoa bean influences its flavour, resulting in creamy, fruity, citrusy, or nutty notes. Guests will explore the origins of Gelencser’s single-origin chocolates, expertly paired with the finest Caribbean and South American rums, in a setting like no other—perched half a kilometre out to sea amidst the sunset.
- Ganache, Praline & Whiskey: A masterful contrast of textures awaits with smooth, creamy ganache and nutty, complex pralines, complemented by a premium selection of whiskeys. This refined post-dinner experience will be hosted at the heart of the island of Chill.
- Tapas, Chocolate, Wine & Port: For the grand finale, guests will embark on a full gastronomic journey, surrounded by lush tropical beauty. The experience begins with tapas and wine, followed by a curated selection of chocolates and port, personally presented by Gelencser to an intimate gathering of 12 guests.
“We are thrilled to host rarefied events such as these, led by masters of their craft like Patrick Gelencser,” says Thierry Vergnault, Executive Chef of Niyama. “We take great pride in our culinary offerings, creating spectacular experiences found nowhere else, and look forward to hosting many more.”
Cooking
Unforgettable underwater dining experience: Chef Yim Jung-sik at Conrad Maldives

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is set to host an extraordinary gastronomic event featuring Chef Yim Jung-sik, a celebrated pioneer of modern Korean fine dining. On February 13 and 14, 2025, Chef Yim will take over Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, showcasing his innovative approach to Korean cuisine. His restaurant, Jungsik New York, made history in December 2024 by becoming the first Korean establishment in the United States to earn three MICHELIN stars.
Located five meters beneath sea level, Ithaa Undersea Restaurant is the world’s first undersea dining venue, offering an exclusive experience for just 14 guests. With panoramic views of vibrant coral gardens and marine life, the setting enhances the dining experience with breathtaking scenery.
This exclusive multi-course event will present a fusion of artistry and nature, blending Chef Yim’s avant-garde flavours with the stunning backdrop of the Maldivian waters. Every aspect, from meticulously curated ingredients to Ithaa’s surreal ambiance, is designed to transcend traditional dining and deliver a moment of pure culinary excellence.
For two nights only, attendees will have the opportunity to witness the convergence of modern Korean gastronomy and the unparalleled beauty of an underwater setting.
Limited seating is available for this once-in-a-lifetime event.
Cooking
Michelin-starred Chef Iside De Cesare joins The St. Regis Maldives for exclusive culinary experience

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, an exclusive luxury retreat situated on a private natural island, has partnered with Michelin-starred Chef Iside De Cesare to provide Marriott Bonvoy members with an exceptional culinary experience.
Through the exclusive Marriott Bonvoy Moments program, members have the opportunity to bid on a five-night stay for two in an overwater villa from March 25-30, 2025. This extraordinary package includes a private six-course dinner with wine pairings, curated by Chef Iside De Cesare, allowing guests to savour her Michelin-starred cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Additionally, the package offers a daily breakfast with breathtaking views of the Maldivian waves, a signature spa treatment, and a Blue Hole hydrotherapy pool experience at the award-winning Iridium Spa, along with return seaplane transfers.
Chef Iside De Cesare is a distinguished Italian culinary expert renowned for her Michelin-starred restaurant, La Parolina, located in Trevinano. Her cuisine strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savoury, emphasising seasonality, simplicity, and the use of high-quality, local ingredients. Her expertly crafted dishes reflect a dedication to innovation while remaining rooted in traditional Italian flavours. With a strong commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and sustainability, her philosophy aligns seamlessly with The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort’s dedication to refined dining, sophisticated indulgence, and environmental conservation.
Upon arrival, the winning bidder will be welcomed at a special reception and introduced to the serene surroundings of the resort. On March 27, guests will embark on a culinary journey with Chef Iside De Cesare, experiencing her exquisite creations and a unique interpretation of Italian cuisine. Marriott Bonvoy members are invited to bid for a chance to indulge in Chef Iside De Cesare’s Michelin-starred cuisine while enjoying an unparalleled luxury escape at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort.
-
Featured1 week ago
Janice Wong brings edible art to OZEN LIFE MAADHOO
-
Cooking1 week ago
Celebrity Chef Jord Althuizen brings his BBQ mastery to Coco Bodu Hithi
-
Featured1 week ago
JW Marriott’s latest Maldivian retreat opens in Kaafu Atoll
-
Culture7 days ago
Echoes of tradition: timeless rhythm of Boduberu at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives
-
Action7 days ago
Siyam World welcomes Javier Saviola for youth football extravaganza
-
Cooking6 days ago
Michelin-starred Chef Iside De Cesare joins The St. Regis Maldives for exclusive culinary experience
-
Local4 days ago
Dhiraagu to host Fuvahmulah Run 2025; registrations now open
-
Featured6 days ago
Savour love and flavour at Coco Bodu Hithi’s culinary events this February