Featured
Christian Adrian Garcia appointed Executive Chef at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives
A culinary specialist and seasoned professional hailing from Argentina, Chef Christian Adrian Garcia brings in a wealth of knowledge and expertise to fill his role as the Executive Chef at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives.
Chef Christian grew up as a third culture individual, with a significant amount of his time spent between Argentina, Spain, and Italy. He graduated from the “Unión de Chefs Argentinos” and has hence worked in the Spanish cities of Valencia, Barcelona, and Ibiza.
More recently, Chef Christian ventured around the Middle East and Africa, where he worked in places like Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Zanzibar. His outstanding performance has garnered him a nomination as The Best Chef in Saudi Arabia by the much-acclaimed “Chaîne des Rotisseurs.”
Chef Christian perfected the various techniques used in Mediterranean and Asian cuisines during his tenure at Altea, Alicante. He brought them together to enhance his use of Brazilian ingredients to create exquisite cuisine served in contemporary style, made using international techniques.
Morgan Martinello, the General Manager at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, who also hails from an extensive background of expertise in food and beverage, said, “We are pleased to have Chef Christian on board and welcome him wholeheartedly to the Kuda Villingili family. We trust that the culinary expertise he brings with him will take Kuda Villingili’s gastronomic experience to a whole new level.”
Chef Christian expressed, “I am excited to be in the Maldives and be part of this team, especially this property. Kuda Villingili already offers an expansive culinary journey, with cuisines extending from East to Asia, the Mediterranean to Italian, Arabic, and all the way to Japanese-Peruvian dishes, which is a speciality of my homeland. Along with Mr. Morgan, an Italian national with vast knowledge in food and beverage, I am certain we can achieve magical new heights by combining our knowledge in this field. I cannot wait to have our guests experience the amazing gastronomic journey at Kuda Villingili.”
The resort is a 30-minute speedboat journey away from the airport and offers 7 unique dining experiences, a 150 m expansive pool, and 96 spacious open-plan villas with a 180-degree view of the turquoise to the azure lagoon. Guests can expect to have their time and space be redefined while enjoying a game of tennis, going surfing right from the shores, or soaking in the charms at Kuda Villingili.
Awards
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo wins triple honours at World Luxury Awards 2025
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has received three titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, named Luxury Adults Only Resort, Luxury Island Resort, and Luxury Cultural Resort in the Indian Ocean.
The awards highlight the brand’s focus on locally rooted hospitality, with stays shaped by place, service and community. The resort presents Maldivian culture through curated experiences, pairing contemporary comforts with island traditions.
Positioned as an adults-only retreat, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo integrates culinary influences and cultural programming to offer guests a stay informed by the rhythm of local life and delivered with consistent service standards.
“These awards are a true reflection of our team’s passion for creating experiences that feel both local and memorable. Every detail, from the design to the service, is guided by the authenticity that defines Mercure. We are grateful to our guests for being part of this journey,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, honouring properties that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and celebrate diversity across the travel sector.
Awards
Hat-trick for Pullman Maldives Maamutaa at 2025 World Luxury Awards
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has received three honours at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, securing titles for Best Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel, Best Luxury Wellness Hotel, and Best Luxury Family Hotel in the Indian Ocean.
The awards underscore the resort’s approach to experience-led hospitality, combining design, wellbeing and guest engagement. The recognition also reflects Pullman’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, which sit at the centre of the brand’s strategy.
Since opening, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has developed an all-inclusive offering that brings together adventure, wellness and a close connection to the natural environment. Its portfolio includes an underwater villa, wellness concepts and family-oriented experiences.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition at the 2025 World Luxury Awards. These awards celebrate the heart of what we do—creating inspiring moments for every guest, whether they come to reconnect, recharge, or simply play. This achievement belongs to our incredible team, whose passion and dedication make Pullman Maldives Maamutaa what it is today,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, highlighting hotels that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and demonstrate innovation in service and design.
Featured
Halloween at Sun Siyam Iru Veli turns fantasy, not fright
Sun Siyam Iru Veli marked Halloween with a one-day island celebration, “Whimsy Over Wicked,” reimagining the tradition of fright as a fairytale of fantasy on 31 October. The programme invited guests of all ages to immerse themselves in themed workshops, entertainment, and dining experiences designed to encourage creativity and the joy of make-believe.
At the Turtle Kidz Club, children joined a full-house Pumpkin Workshop, decorating pumpkins with gemstones, bright colours, and playful patterns. As the sun set over Fresh Water Beach, the festivities shifted to a Masquerade Evening, where guests enjoyed island beats and signature cocktails and mocktails against a golden horizon. The celebration continued at Turtle Beach with a Beach BBQ Dinner, presenting a Halloween-inspired menu in a storybook setting with live music by the sea.
The night concluded with a private “Cinema Under the Stars” screening, offering an open-air experience that captured the spirit of the occasion.
Through “Whimsy Over Wicked,” Sun Siyam Iru Veli highlighted creativity, connection, and the island’s natural setting. Guests departed with memories shaped by laughter, imagination, and a shared celebration under the Maldivian night sky.
-
Cooking1 week agoAtmosphere Core, BBM to host Michelin-starred events with Chef Pasquale Palamaro
-
Meditation1 week agoJW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, Soulful Feasts by Stephanie Zubiri announce Thanksgiving wellness retreat
-
News6 days agoAutograph Collection Hotels debuts in Maldives with The Halcyon Private Isles: Signature retreat of individuality, immersion
-
Awards1 week agoSO/ Maldives shines bright with 3 wins at 2025 Global Awards Season
-
Awards1 week agoBanyan Tree Vabbinfaru celebrated as a top 4 resort in Indian Ocean by Condé Nast Traveler 2025
-
News1 week agoVelaa Private Island introduces newly redesigned Kuredhi Residence by Winch Design
-
Drink1 week agoConstance Moofushi Maldives celebrates fine wine excellence with Creation Wines
-
Awards7 days agoCentara Mirage Lagoon Maldives wins top family hotel honour at Little Steps Family Travel Awards


