Kandolhu Maldives has announced its next culinary collaboration with Lima-born chef Claudia Canessa, with a special residency scheduled from 30 April to 4 May 2026. During this period, guests will have the opportunity to experience the flavours of Peru through a series of dining events curated by one of the country’s most recognised contemporary culinary figures.

Chef Canessa brings extensive experience and a distinctive culinary perspective to Kandolhu Island. She is best known for her work at Amaru in St. Moritz, a bespoke restaurant created specifically for her and designed by Luke Edward Hall, where she presents Peruvian cuisine shaped by Swiss restraint. Her cooking style is rooted in the traditions of Peru while incorporating refined techniques, earning international recognition for the balance and precision of her ceviche dishes.

Her cuisine reflects influences from South America, Japan and Mexico. Having lived in Switzerland for many years, Chef Canessa credits her adopted country with shaping her approach to harmony in cooking. She describes the evolution of her style as a journey towards symmetry, with Swiss culinary discipline refining her palate, particularly in the use of spices, allowing her to present bold flavours that remain measured and controlled.

Chef Canessa’s signature style is defined by layered aromatic flavours and careful use of spice. Her residency at Kandolhu will feature a selection of her most noted dishes, including Tuna Chicano with lemon zest and a salmon tiradito served with yuzu ponzu.

The collaboration is designed to offer guests a focused gastronomic experience, combining Chef Canessa’s culinary approach with the setting of Kandolhu Island.

The programme for the residency includes:

• Special Peruvian Lunch: Served daily at Ato Roa from Thursday, 30 April to Sunday, 3 May. Two seatings will be offered each day, with a maximum of seven guests per seating.
• Surprise Dinner Menu: The residency will conclude on Monday, 4 May, with a four-course surprise dinner menu at Olive Restaurant, limited to 14 guests.

The partnership is expected to enhance Kandolhu’s culinary offering, support its reputation for curated dining experiences, and introduce new creative influences to the resort’s culinary team.

This Valentine’s Day, The Standard, Maldives is inviting couples to celebrate love through a curated collection of romantic dining experiences set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Designed to encourage connection and indulgence, each experience combines refined cuisine, intimate settings and signature details that transform shared moments into lasting memories.

For couples seeking privacy and exclusivity, the Romantic Dinner at Baby Island offers a secluded escape on a private island setting. Guests are treated to a bespoke dining experience for two, accompanied by champagne and specially curated Valentine’s touches, all within an atmosphere that is personal, tranquil and understatedly romantic, creating an intimate celebration of love surrounded by nature.

The Private Dinner at Kula Beach provides an equally refined beachfront experience beneath the night sky. Set along the shoreline with the sound of the ocean in the background, the evening is designed to balance elegance and intimacy, creating a warm ambience that allows couples to immerse themselves fully in the moment. Advance reservations ensure exclusivity and a peaceful setting for this special occasion.

Valentine’s Day at The Standard, Maldives may also begin in relaxed island style with a Floating Breakfast served in the privacy of each villa. Carefully prepared and attractively presented, guests may choose from a range of breakfast options, from classic favourites and lighter wellness-inspired selections to a champagne-enhanced start to the day, offering a leisurely and indulgent morning together.

From private island dinners and starlit beachfront evenings to indulgent floating breakfasts, The Standard, Maldives has crafted Valentine’s Day experiences designed to be shared and savoured. Each moment reflects the resort’s signature blend of playful luxury and meaningful connection, inviting couples to celebrate love in a way that feels personal, immersive and memorable.

To further enhance the romantic escape, guests may complement their stay with The Standard, Maldives’ Premium All-Inclusive experience, offering seamless indulgence throughout the visit. With daily dining at selected restaurants, premium beverages, in-villa refreshments and curated resort experiences included, couples are free to focus on one another, enjoying a relaxed and immersive Valentine’s celebration in a tropical setting.

Eri Maldives, an eco-chic lifestyle island resort nestled in the pristine North Malé Atoll, welcomes guests after a comprehensive rebranding and renovation. With a beautiful house reef, turquoise waters, swaying palms, and a philosophy rooted in barefoot simplicity, Eri invites guests to experience a vibrant, unhurried island escape where connection, cultural richness, wellness-focused experiences and eco-conscious island living meet.

Eri is easily reached by a 45-minute scenic speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport, or, for a more elevated arrival, a 15-minute seaplane journey with breathtaking views of the Malé Atoll. A naturally formed island, Eri offers an experience of true Maldivian authenticity. Guests can step from their villas, nestled within lush tropical vegetation, onto pristine, untouched beaches or into the vibrant house reef encircling the island, alive with colourful marine life.

Beyond Travel, Into Meaning – Authentic Cultural Immersion

At Eri, travel becomes nourishment for the soul. Every moment invites immersion in Maldivian rhythms, local art, dance, and cuisine, all seamlessly woven into island life. These experiences reveal a deeper story of place, culture, and care. Eri celebrates hyper-local wisdom through global values of sustainability, wellness, and connection, inviting guests to slow down, feel deeply, and live presently.

Signature Stays

Eri offers a collection of distinctive accommodation options designed for comfort, connection, and island ease. Beach Pool Villas feature private pools embraced by tropical greenery, offering a secluded slice of paradise. Beach Villas provide direct access to the shore and beautiful sunset views over the lagoon. For a more compact escape, Beach Studios are located on the ground floor, just moments from the sand, while Sky Studios on the upper level feature private balconies with sweeping lagoon views.

Flavours of the Island

Dining at Eri celebrates connection and good company. From all-day global and regional dining at Soul Kitchen, to tropical drinks and snacks at the Beach Shack, and handcrafted cocktails at Sip & Dip, the island resort offers both a Full Board Plus and All-Inclusive packages designed for every style of traveller.

Immersive Experiences

Discover the vibrant underwater world with Euro-Divers’ 5-star PADI dive centre, offering guided access to its worldclass house reef and over 30 renowned dive sites teeming with marine life. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or trying it for the first time, explore coral gardens and swim alongside reef sharks, turtles, and rays. Snorkelling adventures and adrenaline-filled watersports also await, making every day a new adventure in the turquoise embrace of the Indian Ocean.

For those seeking stillness, Eskape Spa invites you to slow down and reconnect. Nestled within lush foliage, this serene sanctuary offers holistic island rituals, ocean-inspired treatments, and deeply meditative experiences rooted in Maldivian tradition. Let every breath deepen in rhythm with the sea, as skilled therapists guide you on a sensory journey to rest, renew, and realign.

Celebrating Life’s Moments

Eri is designed for memory-making. From renewing vows with Maldivian Bodu Beru drummers to starlit destination dining on the beach, guests are invited to create moments stitched with the colours, flavours, and heart of the Maldives.

“Eri is a philosophy of authentically and simply experiencing the Maldives and living well,” said Haroon Mohamed, General Manager of Eri Maldives. “Our goal is to create moments that make guests feel cared for, understood, and transformed. We look forward to welcoming travellers from around the world to experience our unique blend of simplicity, connection, and authentic Maldivian spirit.”

Frederic Brohez, Chief Operating Officer of Pulse Hotels & Resorts, adds: “We are thrilled to expand our portfolio with Eri, an eco-chic lifestyle brand designed for the aware and eco-conscious traveller seeking an authentic Maldivian escape. Eri embodies our vision of sustainable island living – where design, community, and well-being come together in harmony.”

Eri invites guests to be among the first to experience its serene island sanctuary with an exclusive opening offer, with exceptional savings along with thoughtful inclusions. Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat or a tranquil getaway, this limited-time offer is the perfect opportunity to discover the art of island living — reimagined at Eri Maldives.

For more details, please visit www.erimaldives.com.