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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.
Cooking
Savour July: Exceptional dining awaits at Barceló Nasandhura Male

Located in the vibrant heart of Malé, Barceló Nasandhura is fast becoming a sought-after destination for dining, casual coffee catchups, and laid-back city experiences. This July, guests are invited to indulge in a series of exclusive promotions across the hotel’s distinctive food and beverage outlets, the perfect opportunity to discover what’s on offer.
At Oivaru, the hotel’s signature all-day dining restaurant located on the 3rd Floor, guests can treat themselves to an irresistible Chocolate Dessert Station, available during dinner service from 4th to 7th July only. A decadent addition to the renowned international buffet, it promises to satisfy every sweet tooth. To complement the dining experience, enjoy live music on selected evenings, creating the perfect atmosphere for a relaxed, flavorful night out.
To mark World Chocolate Day on 7th July, a special Chocolate Indulgence Station will be set up in the Nasandhura Lobby from 4 PM to 8 PM. Featuring free tastings and handcrafted desserts by the hotel’s renowned pastry chef, the experience is open to all guests and walk-ins. Guests can also purchase limited-edition treats while enjoying a beautifully styled chocolate-themed setup designed for sweet moments and social sharing.
Alimas Coffee Lounge is the ideal spot to escape the city heat. From 20th to 26th July, enjoy 10% off all ice creams, making it the perfect excuse to cool down with a sweet treat in style.
For those seeking elevated views and an unforgettable ambience, B.Heaven, the hotel’s rooftop lounge, offers signature mocktails and light bites, best savored with panoramic sunset vistas. On selected evenings, the energy rises with live DJ performances, making it the perfect setting to unwind, socialize, or celebrate under the stars.
This July, Barceló Nasandhura invites you to experience a taste of Malé’s most exciting culinary and social destination.
Cooking
Jumeirah Olhahali Island welcomes Shimmers’ Chef Emanuele for exclusive culinary residency this July

Jumeirah Olhahali Island has announced a culinary residency in collaboration with Chef Emanuele De Leo, Head Chef of the award-winning Shimmers at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam in Dubai. Taking place from 7 to 10 July 2025, this exclusive experience will bring the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean to the Maldives through a specially curated tasting-style menu.
Following a stint as Sous Chef at L’Olivo at Al Mahara, the two Michelin-starred restaurant at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, Chef Emanuele took up his position as Head Chef at Shimmers in 2023. There, he leads the kitchen, where his menu pays homage to his Sicilian heritage, while embracing bold, contemporary interpretations of classic Mediterranean cuisine. Under his direction, Shimmers has earned recognition from Gault&Millau UAE in 2025, a testament of the restaurant’s elevated dining experience and Chef Emanuele’s distinctive culinary vision. With a strong focus on seasonality, he draws inspiration from the freshest market produce, transforming each ingredient into flavour-driven, elegantly presented creations.

For his residency at Jumeirah Olhahali Island, Chef Emanuele has crafted a bespoke menu that fuses Greek influences with his Sicilian roots, showcasing refined coastal flavours and thoughtfully sourced seasonal ingredients. In true Shimmers fashion, the evening will be presented as a series of small, shareable plates, designed to bring guests together around the table. Highlights include a fresh cauliflower salad, zingy tuna tartare, and grilled octopus with Santorini fava. These are followed by indulgent mains such as slow-braised beef cheek paired with celery purée and red wine jus, alongside orzo with red prawns, lemon, and caviar. The experience concludes, with a duo of desserts: Greek yoghurt ice cream and orange crème brûlée, offering a refreshing and indulgent finale.
The exclusive dinner experience with Chef Emanuele is priced at USD 195 plus taxes per person. For more information or to reserve, visit the Jumeirah Olhahali Island website here.
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Local tastes take centre stage as Hard Rock Cafe’s World Burger Tour arrives in Maldives

Today, Hard Rock Cafe will kick off its annual World Burger Tour competition in celebration of Hard Rock International Founders’ Day. Hard Rock Cafe chefs from around the world were challenged to develop unique burger creations that showcase elements from their regional cultures and personal taste. These innovative recipes will be available exclusively for guests to try, including the Island Spiced Coconut & Curry Burger at Hard Rock Cafe Maldives, from June 14 through August 5. For example, guests at Hard Rock Cafe Rome can choose the Lasagna Burger with Ragu Bolognese and bechamel, those visiting Atlantic City can try the Jersey Shore Burger that features a house-made blueberry maple aioli and provolone.
Island Spiced Coconut & Curry Burger, developed by Chef Nikhil Gopinathan at Hard Rock Cafe Maldives, is made with two smashed & stacked beef burgers, seasoned and seared medium-well, layered with homemade Curry Mayo, arugula, coconut flakes, cucumber, tomato, provolone cheese, chimichurri cheese sauce, topped with shredded fried potato mixed with homemade Island Curry Powder and is inspired by the vibrant culinary traditions of the Maldives, melding local flavors and spices to create a truly tropical experience.
This year’s competition marks an exciting first for Hard Rock, with the addition of chef, content creator and brand partner Olivia Tiedemann as both a mentor and judge. She has worked closely with participating chefs throughout the competition, sharing her culinary expertise and burger-crafting techniques to help elevate each recipe.

“Working with these talented chefs from around the world has been incredibly fun. Each one brought such passion and creativity to their recipes, and I’m amazed by how they’ve transformed classic burger concepts with their unique local influences and personal stories,” said Olivia Tiedemann.
Based on Tiedemann’s input, sales performance and guests’ votes on social media, the top five burger recipes will be selected and announced later this summer. Then the five finalists will become available at Hard Rock Cafe locations globally for all fans to experience for a limited time before one final winner is selected.
“This is such a fun annual event where our chef gets to flex his creativity, and our guests get to try our new burger inspired by the vibrant culture of the Maldives for a limited time,” said Anna Melissa Olay, Manager – Hard Rock Cafe Maldives.
The first Hard Rock Cafe at Old Park Lane in London opened on June 14, 1971. Launching this competition on Founders’ Day celebrates how the brand has evolved over 54 years into an iconic entertainment, hospitality and lifestyle company with more than 300 Hard Rock Cafes and Rock Shops, Hotels, Resorts and Casinos worldwide.
Visit the cafe at The Marina at CROSSROADS Maldives to participate.
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