Cooking
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
Maagiri Hotel invites guests to celebrate Ramadan with daily Iftar
Maagiri Hotel has announced the availability of a daily Iftar experience throughout the holy month of Ramadan, inviting families, friends and corporate groups to gather and break their fast in a welcoming setting.
The Iftar buffet will be available every day during Ramadan and will feature a selection of traditional Ramadan dishes alongside international cuisine. Prepared by the hotel’s culinary team, the buffet will include local specialities, Middle Eastern favourites and a range of global offerings designed to cater to diverse preferences.
In addition to its daily Iftar service, Maagiri Hotel has introduced early booking benefits for corporate groups. Groups of 1 to 49 guests will be eligible for a 10 per cent discount, while groups of 50 guests and above will receive a 15 per cent discount. These corporate rates are available for bookings confirmed on or before 18 February.
The Ramadan Iftar programme reflects Maagiri Hotel’s focus on providing shared dining experiences centred on tradition, hospitality and togetherness during the holy month.
Guests and corporate organisers may make reservations or seek further information by calling 331 8484 or 722 8484, contacting the hotel via Viber on 722 8484, or emailing events@maagirihotel.com.
Cooking
Baros Maldives’ The Lighthouse to present Duval-Leroy champagne pairing experience
Baros Maldives invites guests and discerning epicureans to an exclusive Champagne pairing dinner at The Lighthouse, the island’s iconic fine-dining restaurant, on 4 March 2026. Hosted for one evening only by Louis Duval-Leroy, family representative and Brand Ambassador of Maison Duval-Leroy, the intimate five-course experience celebrates the harmony between refined gastronomy and Champagne craftsmanship.
Perched above the Indian Ocean with panoramic ocean views, The Lighthouse is synonymous with Baros’ culinary philosophy. Long regarded as a benchmark for fine dining in the Maldives, the restaurant is known for its elegant setting, considered menus, and a focus on precision and technique. This one-night collaboration brings together Baros’ culinary team and the heritage of one of Champagne’s notable family-owned houses.
Founded in 1859, Maison Duval-Leroy is recognised for its Chardonnay-driven style, contemporary approach, and commitment to terroir and sustainability. Independent and family-owned for six generations, the House has been a pioneer in responsible viticulture, becoming the first Champagne house to achieve ISO 9002 certification in 1994, followed by Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne certification in 2015.
Representing the sixth generation, Louis Duval-Leroy brings both heritage and a modern perspective to the estate. With a background in business and extensive commercial experience, he has developed close relationships with chefs and sommeliers across the international fine-dining community. During the evening, he will personally guide guests through each cuvée, sharing insights into the philosophy, craftsmanship, and stories behind every Champagne.
The five-course menu has been carefully curated to complement the character of each pairing. Highlights include Smoked Goat Cheese Parfait with golden beets, paired with Duval-Leroy Brut Réserve; a Black Cod Mosaic matched with Brut Rosé Prestige Premier Cru; and a Lemon Meringue Tart served alongside Prestige Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs.
The Duval-Leroy Champagne Pairing Dinner offers an opportunity to experience Baros Maldives through destination dining, heritage Champagne, and an oceanfront setting.
With limited seating available, advance reservations are recommended. For bookings and enquiries, please contact +960 664 2672 or email reservations@baros.com.
Cooking
Michelin-starred Chef Jaume collaborates with One&Only Reethi Rah’s TAPASAKE for four-hands dinner
TAPASAKE Maldives, the destination dining restaurant set in the private island of One&Only Reethi Rah, will be welcoming Michelin-starred Chef Jaume to serve an exclusive four-hands dinner at the iconic overwater restaurant alongside their resident Chef Ahmed Jameel.
The first of its kind since the inception of One&Only Reethi Rah, TAPASAKE Maldives features breathtaking ocean views, bold contemporary design, and dining experiences that unite the precision of Japan and the soul of the Mediterranean in a flowing exchange of flavour, texture, and culture. In addition to the original restaurant in the Maldives, TAPASAKE also operates in Dubai, Mauritius, and Montenegro.
The exclusive collaboration features the authentic and sophisticated artistry of Chef Jaume, originally from Mallorca and Head Chef of Béns d’Avall in Sóller, Spain, awarded one Michelin star since 2021 and a Michelin Green Star in 2023. Chef Jaume’s cuisine is deeply rooted in family tradition, cultural heritage, and the Mallorcan landscapes, and with his meticulous eye for detail and instinctive sense of harmony, Chef Jaume transforms local, seasonal produce into refined compositions that evoke memory, place, and authenticity. Chef Jaume will be collaborating with the restaurant’s Chef de Cuisine, Ahmed Jameel, a native of the Maldives whose culinary work is founded in balancing both traditional and contemporary Japanese techniques.

Set against the soothing backdrop of the azure Indian Ocean, the Four-Hands Dinner offers an exceptionally curated menu celebrating Chef Jaume and Chef Jameel’s quiet artistry, refined technique, and harmonious blend of Japanese and Mediterranean cuisines, with each dish shaped to honour the purity of ingredients and the emotional power of flavour.
“We are excited to collaborate with Chef Jaume on this exclusive dining experience,” says Jan B. Tibaldi, General Manager of One&Only Reethi Rah. “Paired with Chef Jameel’s refined techniques and Chef Jaume’s sophisticated creativity and philosophy grounded in a deep respect for nature, this Four-Hands Dinner offers an exceptional evening to celebrate the fusion of soulful cuisine against the spectacular backdrop of the Maldives.”
The dinner will be held exclusively on 18 February at TAPASAKE Maldives, which will be open from 7.30pm to 10.30pm.
For pre-bookings and more information, please email guest.information@oneandonlyreethirah.com or call +960 664 8800. For more information about the resort, please visit oneandonlyreethirah.com.
-
Culture1 week agoKuda Villingili presents family-focused Eid al-Fitr experience in Maldives
-
Cooking1 week agoMichelin-starred Chef Jaume collaborates with One&Only Reethi Rah’s TAPASAKE for four-hands dinner
-
Featured1 week agoSun Siyam Resorts marks Valentine’s season with multi-resort celebrations
-
Love1 week agoCOMO Cocoa Island, COMO Maalifushi unveil Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day celebrations
-
Featured1 week agoCoco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu curate distinct Valentine’s escapes
-
News7 days agoJW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa invites families to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr in island luxury
-
Featured5 days agoYear of the Horse celebrations across Sun Siyam’s Luxury, Privé and Lifestyle resorts
-
Action7 days agoInterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort launches ‘Swim with Nurse Sharks’ experience


