Cooking
Soneva Fushi unveils all-new food journeys at Shades of Green
Soneva Fushi, the award-winning barefoot luxury resort in the Maldives’ Baa Atoll, has revealed a seasonal selection of new menus at Shades of Green.
The plant-based dining experience is set within Soneva Fushi’s organic island gardens, taking diners on an immersive culinary journey that ignites all the senses.

The five new menus by Danish chef Carsten Kyster are based on the vibrant colours of freshly picked produce: Purple, Yellow, Orange, Red and Green.
They fuse the flavours and fragrant spices of Maldivian and South-east Asian cuisine with Chef Kyster’s Nordic heritage, prepared using traditional techniques such as smoking, salting, fermenting and pickling to let the ingredients shine.
Each colourful menu features six courses – Cleansing, Crispy, Raw, Grains, Fire, Sweets – with simple yet innovative dishes that showcase the finest seasonal vegetables, salads, fruit and herbs cultivated at Soneva Fushi.



Highlights include:
- Purple menu’s Cleansing hibiscus kombucha, blue potato chips and salted beetroots, and Crispy aubergine, with rouille, blue potatoes, prickly ash vinegar, amaranth, wild garden purslane and sweet basil flower; Raw pumpkin, orange beetroots, almond ricotta, leek ash, finger lime, garden flowers, carrot chips and herb soya on the Orange menu;
- Yellow menu’s Grain course, with triple-cooked carrot, fermented black garlic, Maldivian curry, coconut sour cream, black truffle and Japanese spring onions; Fire on the Green menu, with grilled pressed portobello mushroom, pea purée, salted lemons, raw asparagus, ramson flower, shitake, morels krapow and crispy holy basil; and,
- Red menu’s Sweets, with chocolate, beetroots, almond cake, porridge ice cream, raw sun choke, caramelised ginger and garden herbs.



Every meal at Shades of Green begins with a tour around Soneva Fushi’s gardens, inviting guests to find out more about the food featured on the menu. Surrounded by the vibrant colours and heady scents that fill the air, diners are seated at communal tables to inspire conversation with fellow guests and the Shades of Green chefs while they dine.
A focus on organic, plant-based dining is part of Soneva’s SLOW LIFE philosophy, which champions holistic wellbeing and a healthier, more sustainable way of living. Red meat has been almost completely removed from Soneva menus across its resorts in the Maldives and Thailand, and the use of dairy products and refined sugars and flours has been significantly reduced.

When it opened in 1995, Soneva Fushi set the standard for all desert island hideaways in the Maldives. Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the award-winning resort combines barefoot luxury with rare, one-of-a-kind experiences and a mindful approach to sustainability.
Remote yet accessible, the resort is a 30-minute seaplane flight from the Maldives’ capital, Malé, or a 15-minute seaplane flight from Maafaru International Airport in the Noonu Atoll.
Ranging in size from one to nine bedrooms, the 63 private island villas are hidden among dense rainforest, each just steps from the beach. Most have their own pools, and all feature vast living spaces and views towards the sunrise or sunset.
Eight one- and two-bedroom Water Retreats are accessed via a winding boardwalk on the south-eastern side of the island. Among the largest of their kind in the world, each overwater villa has a spacious terrace with a private pool and water slide into the ocean, and all have a retractable roof over the master bedroom so guests can sleep under star-lit skies.
All Soneva Fushi villas come with a Barefoot Butler, offering a personalised service 24/7.
Magical experiences are designed to create unforgettable memories. Guests can explore the constellations with the resident astronomer at the Observatory or watch a classic movie at the open-air Cinema Paradiso. They can join the expert Marine Biologist on a guided snorkelling expedition to the vibrant house reef, swim with manta rays in Hanifaru Bay, picnic on a deserted sandbank, or try the art of glassblowing with renowned artists at the Maldives’ only hot glass studio.
Nine dining destinations, both on the island and at the over-water Out of the Blue, offer a tempting array of cuisines for every taste, alongside an ever-changing line-up of Michelin-starred guest chefs through the Soneva Stars calendar.
Guests can also visit the Bar and Wine Cellar, with more than 500 varieties curated from some of the world’s top wineries, or indulge at the complimentary chocolate, ice cream and cheese and charcuterie parlours.
The Den is a playground for children’s imaginations, with two pools, a water slide and rooms for dressing up, Lego, music and more, overseen by qualified childminders. Older children and teens can also learn during their stay with Soneva Academy, which offers a range of fascinating courses, including the marine life of the Maldives and the Adventure of the Corbin, an ancient shipwreck.
Cooking
JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll launches dining series featuring Chef Stéphan Paroche
JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island has introduced an exclusive dining series beginning May 13, 2026, featuring Michelin-starred Chef Stéphan Paroche, bringing his contemporary culinary philosophy to the Maldives through a refined exploration of balance, seasonality, and soulful gastronomy.
Originally from Digne-les-Bains in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in France, Chef Stéphan developed an early appreciation for ingredient-driven cuisine through his family’s hospitality roots. He later refined his craft across acclaimed European kitchens, shaping a disciplined yet expressive approach to modern dining. Guided by precision and restraint, his philosophy celebrates the purity of seasonal ingredients, allowing each creation to unfold with intention, harmony, and depth.
The three-evening culinary series will unfold across the resort’s signature venues, each offering a distinct interpretation of the chef’s culinary identity. On May 13 and 16, Veyo will present a seafood-led dining experience inspired by the surrounding Indian Ocean, where the locally sourced catches are elevated through contemporary French techniques and elegant simplicity. On May 15, Pure will host an immersive vegetarian tasting menu centered on vibrant produce, showcasing a thoughtful interplay of texture, nourishment, and natural balance. Chef Stéphan Paroche will also be curating a special menu for Pure as the resort further enhances the offerings at the restaurant.
Designed to be intimate and immersive, each evening invites guests to connect with the story behind every composition. Rooted in mindful craftsmanship and understated sophistication, the experience reflects a seamless harmony between culinary artistry and soulful wellbeing, a philosophy deeply aligned with the spirit of JW Marriott.
This collaboration further reflects JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort’s continued commitment to curating elevated gastronomic experiences through partnerships with internationally recognized culinary talents, strengthening its position as a destination for meaningful luxury and refined dining in the Maldives.
“We are delighted to welcome Chef Stéphan Paroche to the resort,” said Srikanth Devarapalli, General Manager of JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort. “His philosophy rooted in precision, balance, and respect approach to cuisine defined by precision, clarity, and respect for ingredients beautifully complements our vision of creating enriching culinary journeys that nourish both palate and soul.”
With limited seating available, advance reservations are highly recommended. For more information, visit the resort’s website.
Cooking
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort to host Marriott Luxury Dining Series 2026
Marriott International has announced the return of its Luxury Dining Series for a third edition, with The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort set to host the Maldives chapter of the regional culinary initiative from August 25 to 30, 2026.
The 2026 edition of the series is organised under the theme “Across the Table”, focusing on shared dining experiences, cultural storytelling, and culinary exchange across Asia Pacific. According to Marriott International, the programme aims to bring together chefs, guests, and destinations through immersive dining events designed around connection and hospitality.
The Maldives event at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort forms part of a wider regional series spanning six destinations, including Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Luminara voyage across Japan.
Marriott International said the series will feature “world-class chefs and cultural storytellers” who will collaborate to create curated dining experiences that go beyond traditional restaurant settings. The company noted that chefs participating in the programme will engage directly with guests, presenting dishes designed for sharing while highlighting local ingredients, culinary traditions, and destination-driven narratives.
In addition to the dining events, Marriott International will introduce exclusive stay packages linked to the series. These packages will be available only during the Luxury Dining Series and are intended to combine culinary experiences with destination-focused stays across participating properties.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort’s inclusion in the programme further positions the Maldives as a destination for luxury gastronomy and experiential travel, while reinforcing Marriott International’s focus on high-end culinary programming across its luxury portfolio.
Further details on chefs, menus, and programming are expected to be announced in the coming months.
Cooking
Michelin-starred chef Jérôme Banctel to headline Escapade Gourmande Maldives 2026
Constance Hotels & Resorts has announced the return of Escapade Gourmande in the Maldives from 17 to 21 August 2026, an exclusive gastronomic series designed to enhance the guest experience across its two Maldivian properties, Constance Moofushi and Constance Halaveli.
This year’s edition brings together an outstanding trio of talents: three-Michelin-starred French chef Jérôme Banctel, South African winemaker Donovan Rall of Rall Wines, and Italian pastry chef Cesare Murzilli, who also took part in the 19th edition of Constance Festival Culinaire in Mauritius. Together, they will deliver a curated programme of culinary moments, reinforcing Constance Hotels & Resorts’positioning in luxury and gastronomic excellence.
The programme will unfold across both resorts, offering a series of immersive and high-value guest experiences. Constance Moofushi, known for its all-inclusive wine offering and recognised for Best All Inclusive Wine List, will bring a relaxed island spirit to the programme, while Constance Halaveli, recognised as one of the Maldives’ leading gastronomic addresses, will provide the backdrop for a programme shaped by haute cuisine and the exceptional range of its wine cellar, featuring over 22,500 bottles across more than 1,600 references.

Programme details are shared for information purposes and may be adjusted closer to the event.
Constance Moofushi:
- 17/08: Sommelier Masterclass hosted by Donovan Rall
- 17/08: Sand bank tasting / aperitif cocktail with Wines from Donovan Rall
- 18/08: Wine Dinner orchestrated by Jerome Banctel & Cesare Murzilli, paired with Wines from Donovan Rall
Constance Halaveli:
- 20/08: Sand bank tasting
- 21/08: Breakfast by Cesare Murzilli
- 21/08: Sommelier Masterclass hosted by Donovan Rall
- 21/08: Wine Dinner orchestrated by Jerome Banctel & Cesare Murzilli paired with Wines from Donovan Rall
By bringing together internationally acclaimed culinary and wine talents in the unique setting of the Maldives, Constance Hotels & Resorts continues to curate distinctive experiences for discerning travellers, while also strengthening internal expertise through dedicated masterclasses led by Donovan Rall for Constance Hotels & Resorts’ sommeliers.
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