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Vakkaru Maldives to host ‘Going Beyond Chocolate’ experience with Harrods London’s Alistair Birt
Vakkaru Maldives has announced plans to open its shores to Alistair Birt, Head Pastry Chef of Harrods London, in October.
Guests on the island from October 22-25 will be in for a treat as they embark on a journey to discover this ancient food of the Gods with Alistair through a series of experiences curated exclusively for Vakkaru Maldives. From “Bean-To-Bar Chocolate Masterclasses” and “Cacao Cocktails” overlooking the Maldivian sunset, to a “Chocolate Degustation” and an afternoon in the sun with Alistair’s “Chocolate Ice Cream Pop-up Parlour”, Vakkaru Maldives will transform into an immersive chocolate playground for guests of all ages.
As an Ambassador for Cacao Barry — a gourmet brand of the Barry Callebaut group, which is a world-renowned chocolate producer for professionals since 1842 — Alistair will be using Cacao Barry chocolates and the recently discovered ruby chocolate by Barry Callebaut — the first new type of chocolate in 80 years — for this exclusive island experience.
Alistair’s rise in the culinary world began in 2010 when he won the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts’ Annual Awards of Excellence. During his time with renowned British chocolatier William Curley, Alistair rose through the ranks to become Head Chocolatier and went on to represent the UK at the 2015 World Chocolate Masters Final. In 2015, Alistair was awarded the coveted Acorn Award — a 30 under 30 award for individuals making waves in the hospitality industry.
In 2016, Alistair joined Harrods, the world-famous department store in Knightsbridge, London, as Head Pastry Chef. He oversees a large talented pastry team and multiple award-winning outlets. He is heavily involved in the continued roll out of Harrods’ new food strategy and the historic food halls redevelopment programme where he completely redeveloped over 200 lines of bakery and patisserie items.
Now successfully training and coaching his own team into competitions, Alistair is developing the next generation of young chocolatiers and pastry chefs. Very recently, one of his protégés at Harrods, Benjamin Dufour, won the 2019 UK & Ireland Junior Chocolate Masters competition under his coaching.
October 22: Bean-To-Bar Chocolate Masterclass at Vakkaru Reserve
Hosted in an intimate setting at Vakkaru Reserve — the resort’s wine cellar surrounded by rare and vintage wine — this very exclusive masterclass by Alistair will take guests on a journey through the origins of chocolate from around the world; from the preparation of the beans in the cocoa plantations to the roasting of cacao beans. Guests will also learn about conching — a process where cacao butter is mixed under heat into a fine chocolate liquor — and tempering — a crucial step to achieve the perfect gloss and shininess of chocolate.

Throughout the masterclass, guests will also learn more about Cacao Barry’s commitment to “Thriving Nature”, a sustainability programme addressing the challenges facing the cocoa industry where the brand is on a mission to become carbon neutral by 2025 by creating enough of an impact to offset its carbon footprint. Cacao Barry’s goal is also to become forest neutral by that time by eradicating deforestation in the supply chain and participating in reforestation efforts in cocoa-producing areas.
Its core range, Purete, is how Cacao Barry best expresses this commitment where 100 per cent of its cocoa is sourced sustainably and is traceable. For every kilo of Pureté sold, a premium goes towards training farmers to protect plantations and increase their income in partnership with the Cocoa Horizons Foundation.

Ending the masterclass on a sweet note, Alistair will work with each guest to create their very own personalised chocolate truffles using Cacao Barry’s line of Origins: the Mexique 66 per cent Origin Dark Chocolate Couverture, the Tanzanie 75 per cent Origin Dark Chocolate Couverture, and the Ghana 40 per cent Milk Chocolate Couverture.
October 23: Cacao Cocktails at Lagoon Bar
Whilst overlooking a surreal Maldivian sunset at the resort, sip on chocolate-infused cocktails like the “Cocoa Old Fashioned” made with cocoa nib-infused whiskey, bitters, sugar and a twist of orange, or the “White Chocolate Pina Colada” made with Cacao Barry’s Zéphyr 34 per cent White Chocolate, white rum, coconut cream and pineapple, or take the plunge with the “Plantation Fever” made from chocolate liquor, dark rum, lime juice and chipotle syrup cocktail.
Guests will also have the option of trying Alistair’s take on the classic Margarita with his “Frozen Chocolate Margarita”, a cocktail laced with delicious chocolate liquor, tequila, cream, orange and lime.
Also on the list will be the refreshing “Chilled Mint Chocolate”, made with Cacao Barry’s Tanzanie 75 per cent Origin Dark Chocolate Couverture, mint infused milk and vanilla, making it the perfect mocktail for members of the resort’s Parrotfish Club – Vakkaru’s exclusive club for very special guests between the ages of 3 and 12.

October 24: Chocolate Degustation at Vakkaru Reserve
Hosted by Alistair and Island Sommelier Stefanie Weisner, Alistair’s chocolate degustation menu is an experience for the senses with three bespoke chocolate desserts.
Starting off the dinner with some of Vakkaru Reserve’s signature dishes, Alistair’s desserts will then begin with “The Vakkaru”, a playful take on the coconut with a Maldivian mango compote centre to celebrate his week at Vakkaru, made using Cacao Barry’s Mexico Origin 66 per cent Dark Couverture Chocolate paired with a dessert wine. It will be followed by the Chocolate Moelleux Tart, a heart-warming chocolate moelleux tart made using Cacao Barry’s Tanzanie 75 per cent Origin Dark Chocolate Couverture, Maldivian chilli and spice-roasted pineapple, and served with a light sparkling wine.

Alistair will end the indulgent night with his take on a classic British dessert – a ruby Eton Mess. The ruby is a completely new taste and colour for chocolate, born from the ruby cocoa bean – to achieve an intense pink colour with no additional colourants or fruit flavourings. Presented live on the table, in billowing curls of mist from dry ice, the Ruby Eton Mess promises a sensorial high for the epic end to an extraordinary dinner.
October 25: Chocolate Ice Cream Pop-up Parlour by the Pool
A limited-edition collection of Alistair’s bespoke chocolate ice cream will be made fresh on the island using ingredients from the resort’s organic farm. In an interactive and immersive experience, guests will be able to create their very own ice cream flavour using a combination of a very special chocolates.

This 2019, Vakkaru kicked off its collection of curated, ultra-immersive and cherishable guest experiences in partnership with guest experiences specialist, The Magnolia Creative Collaborations. The debut experience in August features Pilates pioneer Yasmin Karachiwala, who is fondly referred to as the “fitness guru to the stars”.
Guests can watch out for more experiences from culinary greats, wellness mentors and scent experts, as well as luxurious fashion collaborations and exquisite artisanal pop-ups. Through these experiences, Vakkaru Maldives aims to inspire guests to create timeless memories, effortlessly.
Located in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa atoll and accessible by a 25-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport, Vakkaru is a secluded tropical island resort blessed with timeless ocean views, white sandy beaches and nurtured by nature. The resort offers guests a holistic approach to unassuming luxury and unforgettable experiences. Drawing on the rich traditions of the locale, design elements are focused on traditional Maldivian style and fused with the finest natural elements. The result is the creation of amazing spaces for guests to connect with each other and the environment around them.
Whether travelling on a romantic break or with family and friends, the resort offers a superlative choice of accommodation types, including family rooms. Each of the 125 beach and overwater villas and suites have a natural aesthetic and sense of privacy.
An indulgent selection of dining choices await guests in four restaurants and two bars, with several ingredients hand-picked from the island’s very own organic farm. The beachfront Amaany restaurant specialises in international cuisine, and serves breakfast and dinner. Isoletta overlooks the garden and specialises in Italian cuisine, while Vakku is a beach restaurant that specialises in international cuisine and serves dinner. Overlooking the garden, Onu specialises in Asian cuisine and serves dinner.
Extensive Parrot Fish Club facilities offer tailored activities for children aged between three and 12 years. Indoor play and activity areas have been designed to capture the imagination, and the outdoor exploration space features a children’s pool.
To experience “Going Beyond Chocolate” with Alistair Birt, guests can book Vakkaru’s Beach Villas starting from USD 533++ or Over Water Villas starting from USD 612++ per night including breakfast for two persons. For reservations and general information, please visit vakkarumaldives.com or contact reservations@vakkarumaldives.com.
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NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort launches Caravela dining concept
NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort has announced the grand opening of Caravela, its signature fine dining restaurant, welcoming distinguished guests to an extraordinary culinary voyage that redefines gastronomy in the Maldives.

The launch was marked by a memorable and elegant opening evening, graced by guest of honour Loredana Groza, one of Romania’s most celebrated and influential artists. Renowned internationally for her iconic music career, enduring cultural impact, and dynamic stage presence, Loredana brought a touch of glamour and prestige to the occasion, elevating the celebration into a truly remarkable event.

A First-of-Its-Kind Culinary Concept
Caravela stands as a pioneering concept in the Maldives, as the first restaurant to seamlessly fuse Spanish and Maldivian cuisines into a cohesive and immersive fine-dining experience.
Inspired by the legendary maritime voyages that once connected Spain to the Indian Ocean, the restaurant draws its name and spirit from the historic caravels that charted these routes. The concept is built around a symbolic culinary journey, where flavours, ingredients, and techniques converge to tell a story of exploration, trade, and cultural exchange.

A Menu That Tells a Story
At the heart of Caravela lies a meticulously crafted multi-course tasting experience, where each dish represents a chapter in a historic voyage. The menu blends Iberian culinary heritage with the richness of Maldivian ingredients and local seafood, reflecting the evolution of flavours shaped by centuries of maritime discovery.

Caravela will ultimately present three distinct tasting menus, each inspired by the great routes of the Age of Discovery:
- The Atlantic voyages along the coast of Africa
- The Pacific crossings to the Americas and Asia
- The Indian Ocean route connecting Africa, Arabia, India, and the Maldives

Each menu unfolds as a chronological culinary journey, inviting guests to experience the spirit of exploration in sequence, much like the navigators who first charted these paths.
The current experience is presented as a seven-course degustation menu, thoughtfully curated to deliver depth, balance, and storytelling in every plate.

An Immersive Dining Experience
More than a restaurant, Caravela is conceived as an immersive narrative experience.
“We are building a bridge between two worlds that have shared a profound connection to the sea for centuries,” shares the resort’s leadership team. “This is not simply dinner. It is a living time capsule. From nautical map-inspired menus to curated storytelling woven into each course, guests are invited to relive the journeys of the São Cristóvão, Santa María, and São Gabriel, all while dining beneath the Maldivian stars.”

With limited seating and an intimate setting, the experience is designed to engage all senses, combining gastronomy, history, and atmosphere into a singular, unforgettable evening.
The Wine Pairing: A Journey in the Glass
Complementing the culinary narrative is a carefully curated wine pairing, designed to mirror the historic trade routes that defined the Age of Discovery.

From the crisp and expressive Cavas of Spain to the bold, structured reds of Stellenbosch, each selection reflects a stage of the journey, creating a parallel exploration in the glass that enhances and elevates the storytelling on the plate.
A New Benchmark in Maldivian Dining
With its innovative concept, refined execution, and strong narrative foundation, Caravela is poised to become one of the most distinctive and sought-after dining experiences in the Maldives.

Blending education, storytelling, and world-class cuisine, it offers guests far more than a meal. It delivers a voyage across time, cultures, and oceans.
As Caravela opens its doors, it sets a new benchmark for experiential dining, inviting guests to embark on a journey where Spanish passion meets Maldivian soul, and every course tells a story worth remembering.
For more information or bookings, please visit the resort’s website.
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The Standard, Maldives introduces Onda with Mediterranean-inspired menu
The wait is over. The Standard, Maldives is set to celebrate the opening of Onda, a bold new Mediterranean dining destination redefining island dining, on 5 April 2026.
Designed for sharing, lingering, and celebrating, Onda brings a fresh rhythm to the island’s culinary scene, blending vibrant flavours with The Standard’s signature approach: elevated, expressive, and never overdone. Named after the Italian word for wave, Onda captures a sense of movement, flow, and effortless energy.

From the moment guests arrive, the restaurant invites them to let go of convention and lean into a dining experience that feels vibrant, relaxed, and deeply connected to its surroundings. This is Mediterranean cuisine stripped of pretence: bold, fresh, soulful, and designed to be shared.

A Concept Rooted in Flow and Freedom
Onda was conceived as an antidote to traditional resort dining. There are no rigid rituals here, no formal stiffness, just the pleasure of great food, good company, and a front-row seat to the Indian Ocean. The concept is built around the idea of flow: the flow of waves, of conversation, of plates moving effortlessly from kitchen to table.

“Onda is a pure expression of The Standard’s playful, unconventional spirit,” says Justin Swart, General Manager of The Standard, Maldives. “We didn’t want to create another ‘fine-dining’ restaurant. We wanted something alive, a place that feels exciting, approachable, and rooted in flavour. Our ambition is for Onda to be recognised as the best Mediterranean restaurant in the region, delivering not just incredible food, but an experience that’s energetic, flowing, and full of life.”

Guests can savour a selection of fresh creations, including Bouillabaisse Scampi, offering a harmonious balance of umami depth and the freshness of the sea; Red Snapper Crudo with Citrus and Daikon, highlighting the purity of Maldivian waters with subtle Mediterranean accents; and Wahoo Carpaccio with Black Pepper and Tomato, a familiar classic reimagined with vibrant simplicity and restraint. Each plate reflects a collective commitment to generosity, balance, and pleasure.

Design Inspired by a Day at Sea
The design of Onda mirrors the feeling of being out on the water. Light, open, and breezy, the space is shaped by natural textures, fluid lines, and an effortless indoor-outdoor connection. Every element, from the seating layout to the ocean-facing views, is designed to draw guests into the surrounding seascape.
As daylight fades, Onda transitions seamlessly from sun-lit lunches to golden-hour dinners, with the ocean setting the pace. The atmosphere is elevated yet easy, striking a balance between refined design and relaxed island energy, a signature hallmark of The Standard brand.

The People Behind the Plate
At the heart of Onda is a belief that memorable dining is shaped not only by what is served, but by the people who bring it to life. From the kitchen to the floor, Onda is driven by a team united by craft, curiosity, and a shared respect for ingredients, tradition, and the rhythm of island life.
Beyond the cuisine, it is the atmosphere and human connection that define the Onda experience. Service is guided by The Standard’s signature human touch: warm, intuitive, and genuinely attuned to each guest. The team moves with ease and personality, creating an environment that feels welcoming, relaxed, and alive, where energy flows naturally from table to table.

Completing the experience is a carefully curated beverage programme that mirrors the same sense of freshness and flow, ensuring that the spirit of Onda extends seamlessly from the first sip to the final moment. Together, the people behind Onda create an experience that feels purposeful yet effortless, rooted in connection, shaped by care, and designed to be shared.
A New Benchmark for Island Dining
Onda marks a new chapter for The Standard, Maldives, one that challenges expectations and sets a fresh benchmark for contemporary island dining. Guests and visitors are warmly invited to take their place at the table, share in the rhythm of Mediterranean flavours, and experience dining that is designed to be savoured, celebrated, and enjoyed together.

Whether for an intimate evening or a lively gathering, Onda welcomes all who appreciate good food, great company, and moments that linger long after the last bite. The new wave of Mediterranean dining has arrived at The Standard, Maldives. And Onda is here to stay.
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The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives announces Easter residency by Chef Dimitry Eremeev
The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection, invites guests to experience Easter through a refined celebration of gastronomy, creativity, and island discovery. Set within the untouched beauty of Huvadhoo Atoll, the resort unveils a thoughtfully curated programme designed to inspire connection, indulgence, and a sense of wonder.
At the heart of the celebration is an exclusive residency by Chef Dimitry Eremeev, who will be in residence from 30 March to 6 April 2026. Bringing his distinctive culinary perspective to the island, Chef Dimitry introduces Alchemy of Flavours—a concept where each dish becomes a story, blending art, flavour, and technique into a journey that surprises and delights.
Chef Dimitry is a highly regarded culinary talent known for his expertise in both Pan-Asian and European cuisine. As part of the renowned Maison Dellos, he brings a refined approach shaped by diverse gastronomic influences, seamlessly combining eastern traditions with western techniques. His career includes experience at prestigious institutions such as the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation and the celebrated Café Pushkin, reflecting a deep understanding of global culinary trends and a commitment to excellence.
During his residency, guests can experience a series of curated culinary events beginning with Sunset Cocktails with Chef Dimitry, an intimate Easter prelude where guests meet the chef against the backdrop of Maldivian sunsets and gain insight into his culinary philosophy.
The celebrations continue with a Four-Hands Dinner at the Fire Pit, where Chef Dimitry collaborates with in-house Executive Chef Harpal Singh. Set beneath the stars, this open-air dining experience unfolds as a dynamic exchange of flavours, where smoke, spice, and storytelling create a memorable evening.
A Wine Dinner at the Private Dining Room (PDR) offers a more refined experience, pairing hand- selected wines with Chef Dimitry’s imaginative creations. Each course is designed to guide guests through a sensory journey of flavour, texture, and aroma.
Beyond the culinary programme, Easter at The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives embraces the spirit of island living through a diverse collection of experiences. From creative workshops and family- friendly moments to ocean adventures and opportunities for relaxation, the programme reflects the resort’s philosophy of curated individuality and meaningful connection.
The Easter programme encourages guests to discover the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Maldives through a thoughtfully designed series of experiences. From exploring vibrant house reefs and nearby uninhabited islands to engaging in creative and wellness activities, each moment is crafted to inspire a sense of wonder, celebration, and effortless indulgence in a truly secluded island setting.
For any reservations or inquiries, guests are encouraged to contact the resort at ak.mlehp.reservations@marriott.com or +960 682 8800
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