Cooking
Le Méridien Maldives Resort launches Culinary Season 2022

Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa’s ‘Culinary Season’ is set to launch the resort’s premier dining programme, showcasing some of the best dishes, beverages and dining experiences from all around the world. From Michelin star awarded chefs, award-winning to trendsetters, the resort is set to invite chefs, baristas and mixologists from the world’s top restaurants and bars to offer their unique talents, signature dishes and delicious mixes.
Culinary Season 2022 is packed with industry heavyweights and a diverse range of unique experiences for the resort guests. From elegant multi-course fine dining, rustic beachside barbecues, master classes, to intimate private dining experiences, the Culinary Season offers one-of-a-kind menus and gastronomic journeys. This season, the resort has already confirmed the arrival of Rafael Gomes from Itacoa, Benjamin Padrón from Licorería Limantour, Fabrizio Aquè an Illy Master Barista, and Walter Ishizuka.
A master of inventive cuisine, the young Brazilian and Michelin Star chef Rafael Gomes is known for generous and fined gastronomic voyages, expect a nourishing journey abundant with fresh herbs and spices. Starting his career in the United States, he has ventured onto Alaska, Asia, Europe and in particular Paris, and has established himself as a global chef and cooked for some of the best restaurants in the world such as Mirazur and GrandCoeur. Chef Gomes currently runs his own restaurant, Itacoa, a culmination of his experiences, providing accessible cuisine full of flavours. He will be at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa from 3-6 May and would be hosting two multi-course dinners, a beach barbecue and an exclusive dining experience at the resort’s private island, Bodu Finolhu.
Hailing from Licorería Limantour the world’s top 6 bar on the list of ‘World’s 50 Best Bars’, Benjamin Padrón is a legend among the global bar landscape. The successful innovator and entrepreneur have kept Licorería Limantour on top of the mixology world and paved the way to the modern cocktails trends. Visiting between 12-14 May, Benjamin will not only be crafting his signature mixes by the beach, but he will also be pairing his creations at exclusive dinners and set to make Bodu Island the best bar in the world for one spectacular evening.
Following Benjamin, the month of June will be dedicated to coffee with Fabrizio Aquè visiting Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa. Aquè is an illy Master Barista having graduated from illy’s own Università del Caffè (University of Coffee) and is responsible for training baristas within the Asia Pacific region. So the resort’s guests are in for a treat under the capable hands of Aquè from 6-10 June and learn to brew or simply enjoy the best of Aquè’s signature drinks.
Having trained in his hometown Lyon/France, Chef Walter Ishizuka is renowned for his gastronomic heritage build over at some of the best restaurants in Paris. To start, he worked for four years at Lyon’s famous 3 Michelin starred restaurant owned by Paul Bocuse. Next three and a half years at the Hotel Ritz’ 2 Michelin starred restaurant L’Espadon in Paris. During this time Walter Ishizuka spent time travelling and showcasing the beautiful craft of French cuisine around the world. Walter will be taking over the kitchen of the resort’s signature Japanese-French fusion restaurant Tabemasu in a series of Omakase dinners between 11-13 of July.
The Culinary Season of Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa will be announcing more legends of the restaurant & bar world in the upcoming months, along with exclusive stay packages to enjoy time with these masters of their craft.
For further information or to make a reservation, please visit www.lemeridien-maldives.com.
Cooking
Michelin-Star magic: Chef Igles Corelli to host exclusive culinary week at Lily Beach Resort

Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announce an exclusive culinary collaboration with renowned Italian chef and Gambero Rosso TV personality, Michelin-Star Chef Igles Corelli. This special event will take place from 11th to 18th August 2025, bringing Corelli’s award-winning expertise and distinctive culinary philosophy to the Maldives for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Chef Igles Corelli rose to national and international prominence during the 1980s and 1990s as the head chef of the legendary Il Trigabolo in Ferrara, where he earned two Michelin stars and played a pivotal role in ushering in a new era of Italian cuisine. He later founded La Locanda della Tamerice, which earned another Michelin star, and served as executive chef of Atman, further solidifying his reputation for innovation and excellence in the culinary world.
In 2012, Chef Corelli introduced the concept of Circular Cooking on the Gambero Rosso Channel—a zero-waste culinary philosophy that aligns seamlessly with Lily Beach’s commitment to mindful, ingredient-focused cuisine.
Lily Beach is internationally celebrated for its pristine natural beauty, five-star hospitality, and world-class dining experiences. With a wide array of restaurants and bars, the resort offers something to please every palate—from refined à la carte dinners and vibrant live cooking stations to fresh, global cuisine served in relaxed, beachfront settings. Culinary highlights include gourmet international buffets at Lily Maa and signature overwater Asian fusion at Tamarind, each meal elevated by breathtaking ocean views and genuine Maldivian warmth.
During his stay, Chef Corelli will conduct a full-day training session with the resort’s in-house culinary team, culminating in a one-night-only Signature Dinner for guests. In addition, he will curate a daily ‘Dish of the Day’ featured on AQVA Restaurant’s lunch menu throughout the week.
This collaboration reflects Lily Beach’s ongoing dedication to providing exceptional gastronomic experiences. Guests will enjoy the rare opportunity to explore the artistry of a chef who has shaped the course of Italian cuisine and inspired generations of culinary professionals.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives’ South Ari Atoll, this culinary event promises a week of elevated dining, innovation, and unforgettable flavours.
Cooking
Ifuru Island Maldives’ Social House introduces authentic Indian Thali experience

Ifuru Island Maldives has unveiled its newest culinary journey: the Indian Thali at Social House. This signature dining experience pays homage to the vibrant flavours, diversity, and cultural warmth of Indian cuisine, reimagined in the heart of the Maldives.
Inspired by Ayurveda’s Six Taste Theory, the Indian Thali is designed to provide a perfectly balanced meal that nourishes both body and soul. Guests can savour an array of authentic dishes that reflect India’s culinary soul, presented with the modern flair and island elegance that define Ifuru Island.

The Thali includes a generous spread of delights such as Jhinga Laziz, Butter Chicken, Boti Masala, Dal Makhani, Palak Paneer, Chana Masala, Tomato Rasam, served alongside Jeera Rice, Paratha, Mango Chutney, Masala Onion, Papadum, and a decadent Gulab Jamun Cheesecake.
“Crafting this Indian Thali has been a labour of love,” says Nadedja Bouacha, Executive Chef at Ifuru Island Maldives. “Each element is carefully prepared to honour India’s diverse culinary heritage while offering our guests a rich, comforting, and authentic experience in a setting as extraordinary as our island.”
The Indian Thali is now available at Social House, the resort’s popular dining venue known for blending global flavors with local flair and laid-back luxury.
Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or a first-time explorer, the Indian Thali at Ifuru Island is a celebration of culture, taste, and mindful eating.
Cooking
Gluten-free, vegan baking takes centre stage in Maldives with BBM, IREKS

Renowned Master Baker Steven Selvamuthu from IREKS is currently in the Maldives, leading a specialised baking demo tour focused on gluten-free and vegan baked goods. The initiative, organised by Bestbuy Maldives (BBM), is running from May 3rd to 15th and is covering over 10 leading resorts along with professional bakers in Malé.
Through hands-on sessions and live demonstrations, Chef Steven is sharing innovative techniques and versatile recipes tailored to modern dietary trends, while also addressing real-world challenges faced by professional kitchens.
Sharing his experience so far, Chef Steven said: “The growing interest in gluten-free and vegan baking here is truly inspiring. Maldivian chefs are open-minded, eager to learn, and ready to embrace global trends without compromising on quality or flavour.”
This ongoing collaboration between IREKS and BBM reflects a shared commitment to professional development in the region’s foodservice industry. By introducing modern baking solutions and supporting skill-building at the grassroots level, the initiative is adding value to both local talent and resort kitchens.
A.V.S. Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer at BBM, added: “As consumer preferences evolve, we want to ensure that Maldivian chefs are equipped to meet those expectations with confidence. Our partnership with IREKS reflects BBM’s mission to bring world-class expertise and ingredients closer to the local culinary community.”
With rising demand for inclusive and health-conscious bakery options, the ongoing tour is playing a key role in empowering chefs across the Maldives to stay ahead in a rapidly shifting global food landscape.
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