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Six metres below and above in Maldives with two Michelin-starred Chef Paco Roncero
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas and sister property Niyama Private Islands Maldives are going to host an exclusive lunch and dinner with two Michelin-starred Chef, Paco Roncero, where guests can experience first-hand his celebrated gastronomic flair in August.
A name synonymous with avant-garde Spanish cuisine, Chef Paco Roncero weaves his masterful command of advanced cooking techniques with bursting creativity and innate sensibility. His two Michelin stars and three Soles Repsol portray his inquisitive mind and capacity for gastronomical innovation.
Bringing his brand of culinary exploration for the first time to the Maldives, sublime dining experiences beckon both at Anantara Kihavah and Niyama Private Islands; six metres below and above the Indian Ocean.
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
Dinner at SEA – Aug 2
Exclusive to 14 guests, the culinary journey begins with a dinner six metres under sea.
Perched at the edge of the island’s famed house reef, SEA is the resort’s award-winning underwater restaurant and wine cellar, home to over 450 labels and vintages dating from the 17th century.
Inspired by the richness of the ocean, an eight-course degustation menu will feature Chef Paco’s creations including White Chocolate and Cardamon ‘Doughnut’ with Foie Gras, Seabass Ceviche in ‘Tiger’s Milk’, and Lobster with Olive Oil and Pink Pomelo Essence.
Paired with distinguished wines orchestrated by the Wine Guru, savour this experience whilst luxuriating in panoramic views of nocturnal marine life at play amongst vibrant corals.
Lunch at FIRE – Aug 3
The second showcase of Chef Paco’s culinary finesse takes place at the dramatic over water setting of FIRE.
Enveloped by all shades of endless blue vistas, 14 diners can expect theatrical flair served alongside a gourmet six-course lunch featuring dishes such as Tartar of Tuna, Caviar and Anchovy, Lobster Gazpacho with Basil Perfume and Slow-cooked Confit Lamb Shoulder with Lemon Puree.
Situated within the Baa Atoll in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve teeming with rich marine life, discover an idyllic Indian Ocean retreat at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas.
Nestled among lush vegetation, 80 spacious private pool sanctuaries and cool open spaces culminate in the ultimate tranquil paradise.
Passionate about bringing story collecting travellers closer to the natural, cultural and historic allures of this fascinating island, the resort offers a diverse array of land-based, overwater and underwater activities for fitness fanatics, foodies, spa and wellness aficionados, families and couples alike.
Niyama Private Islands Maldives
Chef Paco will present an exciting menu of flamboyant dishes paired with fine wines, firstly perched over the ocean at Edge and then six metres below the surface at Subsix.
Dinner at Edge – Aug 9
Half a kilometre from shore, a speedboat takes guests to Edge, the resort’s signature fine-dining restaurant.
Showcasing the succulent seafood found in and around the Maldives, Edge specialises in creating contemporary culinary masterpieces.
Guests joining Chef Paco’s one-off dinner at Edge will delight in dishes including Salmon Tartar, The Garden of Paco Roncero, and to wrap up, Rhubarb Soup with tomato and kumquat confit.
Lunch at Subsix – Aug 10
Six metres below Edge, the underwater playground of Subsix hosts guests for Champagne breakfasts, subaquatic lunches and weekly glow parties, with aquatic-themed décor and surrounding views of the reef and marine life.
Chef Paco’s special lunch journey includes Spanish Tortilla of the 21st century and Lobster with extra virgin olive oil and pink grapefruit soup. For those with a sweet tooth, the menu finale is Orange Sorbet with Pedro Ximenez and virgin olive oil.
Chef Paco’s cuisine shines through in these menus, all of which start with one of Paco’s famed dishes, ‘Taster of Olive Oil from Ancient Olive Trees’.
Niyama Private Islands offers a collection of 134 villas, suites and pavilions, located over a turquoise lagoon and dotted along the beaches of two islands – Play and Chill, which are connected by a bridge.
The laid-back resort offers an abundance of space and privacy and a multitude of experiences tailored to adventurous honeymooners, active couples and style-savvy families.
Cooking class with Chef Paco
Guests at Niyama Private Islands will also have the opportunity to join a cooking class with Chef Paco and learn how to recreate some of his gourmet treats at home.
Taking place on the morning of August 11, this class will feature a three-course menu of Paco’s classics.
Cooking
Michelin-starred Chef Karim Khouani to lead culinary residency at Sirru Fen Fushi
Sirru Fen Fushi–Private Lagoon Resort, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, continues its celebrated Sirru Icons Series with an exclusive culinary residency by acclaimed French chef Karim Khouani from 28 to 30 October 2026.
Chef Karim, a two-time Michelin-starred chef and recipient of four Falstaff forks, is recognised as one of the most exciting figures in contemporary Nordic gastronomy. Born in Marseille and now based in Copenhagen, where he is the owner and creative force behind Restaurant Texture, Karim has built an international reputation for combining the elegance of French haute cuisine with the purity, seasonality, and restraint of Nordic cooking.
Drawing on more than three decades of fine-dining experience and a career that has taken him through some of Europe’s most respected Michelin-starred kitchens, Chef Karim’s culinary philosophy is rooted in exceptional ingredients, technical precision, and a deep respect for flavour. His distinctive style, shaped by French, Mediterranean, and Nordic influences, has earned him recognition among discerning diners and critics alike.
Set within the tranquil surroundings of Sirru Fen Fushi’s natural island and one of the Maldives’ largest natural lagoons, the residency offers guests a rare opportunity to experience the cuisine of a celebrated Michelin-starred chef in an intimate and inspiring setting.

Six-Course Four Hands Dinner with Chef Karim Khouani and Chef Girish Sharma
On 28 October 2026, Chef Karim Khouani will join Sirru Fen Fushi’s Executive Chef Girish Sharma for an exclusive Six-Course Four Hands Dinner at Azure Restaurant.
Bringing together Chef Karim’s refined French-Nordic culinary philosophy with Chef Sharma’s globally inspired approach, the evening will showcase a carefully curated tasting menu celebrating craftsmanship, creativity, and exceptional ingredients. Set within Azure’s elegant overwater surroundings, guests will embark on a gastronomic journey that highlights the unique perspectives of both chefs through a series of beautifully composed dishes.

Chef Karim Khouani’s Signature Four-Course Dinner
On 30 October 2026, guests will have the opportunity to experience Chef Karim’s celebrated culinary style through an exclusive Four-Course Signature Dinner at Azure.
Thoughtfully designed to reflect his distinctive approach to contemporary gastronomy, the menu will showcase the harmonious balance between French culinary heritage and Nordic simplicity. Each course will highlight carefully selected ingredients, refined techniques, and the artistic presentation that have become hallmarks of Chef Karim’s cuisine.

As part of the Sirru Icons Series, the residency reflects Sirru Fen Fushi’s commitment to bringing internationally acclaimed talent to the Maldives, creating meaningful experiences that connect guests with exceptional people, cultures, and ideas.
Surrounded by white sandy beaches, vibrant marine life, and the natural beauty of Shaviyani Atoll, Sirru Fen Fushi offers a distinctive blend of luxury, discovery, and authentic island experiences. Chef Karim Khouani’s residency promises an unforgettable celebration of gastronomy in one of the Maldives’ most inspiring destinations.
For further information and reservations, please visit sirrufenfushi.com or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.
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Chef Jake Norman and Molly O’Donoghue join Niva Dhigali for November programme
Niva Dhigali Maldives will welcome visiting chef Jake Norman and British pickleball champion Molly O’Donoghue for a curated programme of island experiences this November, bringing together dining and active wellbeing in the Maldives.
Norman began his culinary career making pizza in the markets of Guadalajara, Mexico, before working in several London restaurants, including St John, Ottolenghi and Sabor. He now leads the kitchen at Updown Farmhouse in Kent, where his cooking focuses on seasonal ingredients, live-fire techniques and Mediterranean influences.
On 18 November, Norman will host an exclusive dinner at Faru, presenting a menu that combines Mediterranean flavours with influences from Mexico and the Middle East, while incorporating ingredients sourced from the Maldives.
The shared dining experience will feature Indian Ocean produce, grilled dishes and smoky flavours, with a menu designed to reflect the setting and encourage guests to dine at a relaxed pace.
The programme will also include pickleball sessions hosted by British champion Molly O’Donoghue. A national champion in mixed and women’s doubles, as well as a European champion in mixed doubles, O’Donoghue first discovered the sport while studying in Australia. She has since competed internationally and worked to introduce the sport to players around the world.
At Niva Dhigali, O’Donoghue will conduct beginner sessions and advanced coaching, giving guests of different skill levels the opportunity to learn, play and develop their technique.
Located in Raa Atoll, Niva Dhigali Maldives is surrounded by tropical vegetation, a lagoon and the Indian Ocean. The November programme, featuring Norman’s dining experience and O’Donoghue’s pickleball sessions, forms part of the resort’s approach to offering guest experiences centred on food, wellbeing and the island environment.
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Where every meal becomes a memory at Machchafushi Island Resort
At Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives by The Centara Collection, dining extends far beyond the restaurant. It unfolds as a sensory journey where place, flavour and emotion come together in perfect harmony. Surrounded by the shimmering waters of South Ari Atoll, every shoreline, every sunset and every tranquil stretch of sand becomes part of an immersive culinary landscape, shaped by the rhythm and beauty of the island.

Here, dining is reimagined as a collection of deeply personal encounters. From the romance of The Love Hut and the serenity of a shoreline champagne breakfast to the barefoot elegance of a private beach dinner beneath the stars, each experience has been thoughtfully created to celebrate meaningful moments in extraordinary surroundings.

While each occasion offers its own distinct character, together they form a seamless expression of the Machchafushi experience. Cuisine responds naturally to its setting, evolving with the changing light, the gentle ocean breeze and the atmosphere of each moment. Every detail is carefully considered, creating experiences that feel effortless, authentic and impossible to replicate elsewhere.

The Shoreline Breakfast welcomes the day with quiet celebration, where the ocean sets the pace and simplicity becomes the ultimate expression of island living. Intimate beachfront dining offers a more secluded experience, where refined cuisine is paired with the natural beauty of the shoreline and the gentle rhythm of the ocean. The Barefoot Beach Dinner embraces understated elegance, where exquisite dishes are enjoyed with the softness of sand beneath your feet and the stars overhead. At The Love Hut, thoughtfully curated dining becomes part of life’s most meaningful milestones, creating memories that linger long after the moment has passed.

Across every experience, the culinary philosophy remains beautifully consistent. Menus are intentionally refined and understated, allowing the setting, the occasion and the company to remain at the heart of each encounter. Every dish is designed to complement its surroundings rather than compete with them, creating a style of dining elevated through simplicity, authenticity and a genuine sense of place.

Together, these experiences define the essence of Machchafushi. They blur the boundaries between dining, celebration and island living, where every meal becomes part of a larger story shaped by nature and heartfelt hospitality. Here, the ocean is more than a backdrop; it is an integral part of the experience, influencing every flavour, every atmosphere and every lasting memory.
More than a collection of dining experiences, this is the spirit of Machchafushi expressed through cuisine. A destination where exceptional food, breathtaking surroundings and meaningful moments come together effortlessly, inviting every guest to become part of an unforgettable island story.
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