Featured
Cora Cora Maldives appoints Umberto Piccolini as culinary director
Cora Cora Maldives is set to be the hottest new opening in the destination in 2021.
Opening on October 1, in the Raa Atoll, it is delighted to announce the appointment of its new culinary director, Umberto Piccolini, who will oversee the entire food and beverage operation at the new resort.
Piccolini is of Italian descent, graduated from the San Pellegrino Hotel Management School in the North of Italy.
Upon graduating, Piccolini developed his repertoire to provide an outstanding culinary experience and gained experience at The Ritz Carlton Sharm el Sheik, Dubai and Qatar and Anantara Thailand, Qatar and Sri Lanka.
Piccolini has extensive Maldivian knowledge, having worked at luxury brands such as Four Seasons Maldives, Anantara Maldives and most recently Crossroads Maldives.
With over 25 years’ experience in hotels and resorts across the globe and having gained an enviable reputation as an expert in the food and beverage sector, Piccolini is renowned for his professional culinary techniques, understanding of Maldivian cuisine and the creation of flavour combinations that impart original and innovative qualities to dishes.
He will lead a team of over 80, including an executive sous chef and will be responsible for the entire kitchen management including the sourcing of quality produce and will oversee the five exciting dining concepts:
- Sufra – From a unique breakfast display to an a la carte and buffet is a tribute to different kitchens on the old spice route
- Ginger Moon – An Asian restaurant offering the flavours of Asia’s legendary markets
- Teien – A Japanese restaurant that combines Teppanyaki, Sushi and Kushiyaki.
- Acquapazza – An Italian restaurant and beach club lifestyle concept serving meals and drinks throughout the day
- My Coffee – A 24-hour flow of craft coffees, Maldivian snacks, ice creams and drinks
“The appointment of Umberto Piccolini as culinary director is a genuine synergy and in line with the ethos of Cora Cora Maldives,” Martin Van Der Reijden, general manager at Cora Cora Maldives, said.
“With his extensive knowledge of the hospitality industry and worldwide wisdom and understanding of the luxury hotel sector, and extensive Maldivian experience chef Umberto Piccolini will be an asset to Cora Cora Maldives as we seek to find creative ways to offer our guests the best possible dining experiences, whilst catering for a variety of dietary requirements that embrace our wellness concept. We are looking forward to an exciting culinary journey ahead with chef Umberto Piccolini at the helm.”
In his role as culinary director, Piccolini will preside over a dedicated and talented team and will be responsible for the overall food and beverage development. He will devise innovative drinks and menus that reflect the freedom and creativity of the new luxury resort.
Cora Cora Maldives will consist of 100 villas, four restaurants, two bars, an extensive spa, watersports centre, gym, yoga pavilion, outdoor cinema, kids’ club and museum.
Located on Raa Maamigili in the Raa Atoll, it’s just 45 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport or 30 minutes by domestic flight followed by a 20-minute speedboat trip.
Cora Cora Maldives will replace the former Loama Resort at Maamigili, under new ownership and with a completely new design and concept.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
-
Cooking1 week agoSun Siyam Iru Fushi hosts Michelin-starred Chef Robin Pietsch
-
Cooking1 week agoKuredhivaru Resort & Spa introduces Secret Garden private dining concept
-
Action1 week agoRadisson Blu Maldives image shortlisted for Monaco environmental award
-
News1 week agoThe Standard Maldives targets Chinese market with new all-inclusive programme
-
Business1 week agoCoca-Cola Maldives launches World Cup-themed promotion
-
News1 week agoMilaidhoo Maldives welcomes visiting Thai healer for spa residency
-
News1 week agoBeneath and beyond the reef, Machchafushi Island tells a story of nature
-
Featured1 week agoOne year on: Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives marks milestone