Cooking
LONU at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO: New age Maldivian concept

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO announces a new addition to its inspiring gourmet concept restaurants, with LONU – a New Age Maldivian Concept. This new speciality restaurant, a part of the resort’s INDULGENCE Plan, embraces the bounty of the Indian Ocean.
Spread along the peaceful north eastern beach of Maadhoo island, LONU replaces the resort’s R.A.W outlet. The restaurant’s menu boasts age-old traditional recipes, reimagined as sophisticated small plates, perfect for a flavourful afternoon meal.

Lonu means ‘salt’ in Dhivehi—every dish here is creatively woven around this star ingredient and complemented by fresh native herbs and indigenous spices. The local character is enhanced by heartfelt Maldivian touches like the use of sustainable clay ware and handcrafted wooden plates.
Exquisite island favourites on the menu include Masroshi (stuffed tuna bread), Masmirus Prawn Wrap, and Kanamadhu Cake (sea salt almond cake). These eclectic dishes are paired with a curated list of organic rose wines alongside traditional beverages such as Khiru Chai, toddy, and mocktails infused with local spices.
Executing this authentic experience is Chef Abdulla Rameez, the Maldivian Specialty Chef at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO. His passion lies in bringing delectable organic dishes to life that celebrate indigenous cuisine.

Beyond gastronomy, guests will be immersed in an engaging, multisensory cultural experience. On the soulful menu are live cooking sessions and interactions with the local chef. A display of a Maldivian Spice Box allows guests to explore and understand the ingredients in close detail. Charming storytelling brings alive the archipelago’s rich history and culture. Guests carry away with them colourful sarongs and spice boxes, along with an unforgettable slice of Maldivian life.
Henar Gil Rios, General Manager of OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, says, “LONU, our newest restaurant is one of the Maldives’ most unique dining experiences. From flavourful, island-harvested salt crystals to herbs handpicked from the Kitchen Garden. Guests relish island specialities made with 100% locally sourced ingredients, in this lively beach restaurant with sparkling turquoise-blue lagoon views.
THE OZEN COLLECTION creates timeless sanctuaries that exude tranquillity and inspiration. An abundance of sophisticated experiences seamlessly blended with a grand sense of space and design, tailored wellness journeys and an enriching culture set apart the brand’s two resorts in the Maldives.
OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, the first resort under this brand, opened in July 2016. THE OZEN COLLECTION’s success story continues in the Maldives with the addition of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, launched in December 2020. OZEN SECLUDED TANGALLE takes the brand to the south coast of Sri Lanka and is scheduled to be launched in 2023.
Websites: OZEN LIFE MAADHOO / OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI
Cooking
Sirru Fen Fushi unveils exclusive dining series with Michelin-starred talent

Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, a secluded sanctuary in the north of the Maldives, will launch The Michelin Series this October, an exclusive celebration of gastronomy that brings some of the world’s most renowned chefs to the turquoise waters of Shaviyani Atoll. The event will give guests a rare opportunity to enjoy a unique dining experience led by internationally distinguished culinary talents.
The Michelin Series will debut with a line-up featuring Chef Tristan Brandt, Chef Valentino Cassanelli, and Chef Jean-Philippe Blondet. Together with the resort’s Executive Chef Girish Sharma, they will create exclusive four-hand dinners and multi-course signature menus at Azure. Guests will be able to watch the chefs bring their creations to life in the open kitchen, set against the turquoise sea in a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere.
This series forms part of the resort’s Sirru Icon Series, a curated programme of high-profile collaborations across gastronomy, fitness, wellness, astronomy and more. Each collaboration is designed to immerse guests in experiences that inspire and engage.
Chef Tristan Brandt will appear on 28 and 30 October 2025. Known for his contemporary French cuisine infused with international influences, Brandt is the culinary mind behind the one Michelin-starred Tambourine Room in Miami Beach. His residency will include both a collaborative four-hands dinner with Chef Girish and a standalone four-course menu showcasing his signature style.
Chef Valentino Cassanelli will follow on 8 and 10 December 2025. Head Chef of the Michelin-starred Lux Lucis at Principe Forte dei Marmi in Italy, Cassanelli is recognised for his modern interpretation of Tuscan cuisine. His residency will feature a four-hands dinner with Chef Girish, offering a journey through Tuscan flavours elevated with creativity.
On 3 January 2026, Chef Jean-Philippe Blondet, Chef Patron at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester in London, will present his philosophy of seasonal, ingredient-driven haute cuisine. In collaboration with Chef Girish, he will lead a one-night dining experience at Sirru Fen Fushi.
Executive Chef Girish Sharma described the vision behind the series as an effort to create more than just dinners, but experiences that celebrate craftsmanship, culture and connection. He emphasised that working alongside such esteemed chefs would allow the team to design menus that surprise and inspire, leaving lasting memories in one of the world’s most remarkable settings.
Cooking
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa presents world-class Omakase experience with Chef Fumio Yonezawa

An unparalleled gastronomic experience is set to unfold in the heart of the Indian Ocean as the luxurious JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa announces a spectacular collaboration with celebrated Japanese Chef Fumio Yonezawa. On October 28, 2025, guests will be invited to A Taste of No Code, an intimate one-night-only dining experience that brings his artistry to the Maldives for the first time. This event marks the debut of the TARO Japanese Chef Series with JW Marriott Maldives, curated by TARO – a Japan-based luxury travel media partner renowned for showcasing Japan’s most exclusive cultural, culinary, and creative experiences to global audiences.
Chef Yonezawa, the visionary behind Tokyo’s acclaimed No Code, is known for reimagining Japanese cuisine through a deeply personal and instinctive lens. He began his career at Ebisu’s pioneering Trattoria Il Boccalone before becoming the first Japanese sous chef at the Michelin-starred Jean-Georges in New York, where he trained under the eponymous master. In 2014, he returned to Japan as chef de cuisine for Jean-Georges Tokyo, and in 2022 launched No Code, a genre-defying Tokyo restaurant with no fixed menu, offering poetic, ever-evolving dining experiences rooted in seasonality and minimalism. With quiet confidence and bold creativity, Chef Yonezawa continues to shape the evolution of Japan’s fine dining scene. His signature Omakase style blends precision, innovation and sustainability, presenting gourmands a rare opportunity to savor his craft in the serene elegance of JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa.
On October 28, guests are invited to experience his signature Omakase style in an intimate five-course wine pairing dinner at the resort’s Wine Room, located in the heart of Aailaa. Home to more than 300 labels and 1,620 bottles, the Wine Room features a meticulously curated selection of Old and New World wines. Here, Chef Yonezawa will personally orchestrate a symphony of flavors, showcasing dishes that features fresh, locally sourced tuna and premium Wagyu. Each thoughtfully crafted plate will serve as a chapter in his culinary story—a masterful testament to his worldly perspective and creative skill.
As part of this collaboration, Marriott Bonvoy members will also have the chance to bid for an exclusive Marriott Bonvoy Moments: a Two-Night Culinary Experience with Chef Fumio Yonezawa and a Four-Night Stay at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa from October 26 to 30, 2025, for the bid winner and their guest. The experience begins with a JW Garden to Glass cocktail evening and an island-inspired welcome dinner with Chef Yonezawa. The journey’s highlight is his signature Omakase wine pairing dinner on October 27, personally presented by Chef Yonezawa in the Wine Room. The stay also includes two nights in an Overwater Pool Villa and two nights in a Beach Pool Villa, daily breakfast at Aailaa, a 50-minute Aromatherapy Ritual at the Spa by JW, and shared seaplane transfers from Velana International Airport—combining culinary discovery with indulgent relaxation in the Maldives.
“During my training years in New York, I was captivated by the artistry of weaving Eastern essence into Western cuisine. From that moment, I knew I wanted to create dishes that told such a story,” says Chef Fumio Yonezawa. “I am incredibly excited to bring No Code philosophy to the JW Marriott Maldives, presenting imaginative creations infused with local ingredients, crafted to surprise and delight, in a location that is truly paradise.”
“This collaboration with the masterfully creative Chef Yonezawa and TARO reflects our commitment to mindful luxury and culinary excellence,” says Mohit Dembla, General Manager. “We are thrilled to invite our guests to be wholly present for this journey, to connect with the story behind each dish, and to experience the thoughtful hospitality that defines our brand.”
Tucked away in the tranquil Shaviyani Atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is a multigenerational sanctuary where comfort, creativity, and exceptional service come together seamlessly. From curated experiences to thoughtful touches throughout, every stay is designed to inspire connection and lasting memories.
Members can bid for the once-in-a-lifetime Marriott Bonvoy Moments package from now until September 15, 2025 to discover modern Japanese gastronomy, world-class hospitality, and barefoot luxury, all in one extraordinary island escape.
Cooking
Theme nights at Kula: The Standard, Maldives turns up the heat with gobal buffet glow-up

Kula, the breezy all-day dining spot at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, is doing what it does best: keeping things deliciously unpredictable. Starting Sunday, 3rd August, the team will be rolling out weekly theme nights that serve up serious flavor and curated vibes.
By day, Kula is your go-to for buffet-style bites with a side of ocean views and jungle-chic greenery. By night, it’s a full-on flavor parade, with chefs whipping a new theme menu for every day of the week. The daily-changing lineup globe-trots from India’s spice markets to Mexico’s street stalls, with pit stops in Italy, the Maldives and beyond. Expect open kitchens, live cooking stations and playful decorations to get you in the mood.
On Monday, ease in with a Peru-Mex Fiesta—a Latin mashup of Mexican, Peruvian and Caribbean flavors that hits every tropical note. Come Tuesday, it’s time for a wild ride through Asia’s finest street stalls, from India’s and Sri Lanka’s spices to Thailand’s tang and Indonesia’s sizzle. Wednesday is surf & turf territory: burger patties and sizzling kebabs cozied up next to net-fresh seafood in a BBQ showdown. Thursday goes full wok mode with stir-fried everything, plus fresh sushi and sashimi. Friday brings it back home with Maldivian Night where island-inspired salads, curries and seafood are served up by Kula’s team in traditional gear. And just when you think the week peaked, Taste of Italy rolls in on Saturday with pasta, pizza and risotto. Wrap it all up on Sunday with Fisherman’s Catch – net-fresh ocean bounty barbecued, poached or served as ceviche.
Nanda, Executive Chef at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, said: “Curating the new Kula theme nights was like creating a world tour through food. Each evening brings a fresh energy—whether it’s the fiery Latin vibes of Monday or the soulful taste of home on Maldivian Fridays. It’s more than just a buffet; it’s a culinary experience, meant to spark curiosity and conversation. We’ve layered in authentic flavors, live action stations, and a whole lot of heart.”
-
News1 week ago
NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort opens final days to book Endless Horizon Maldives Escape offer
-
Family1 week ago
The Nautilus Maldives launches children’s sustainability workshops in partnership with ecoBirdy
-
News1 week ago
Unforgettable sunsets of Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives
-
News1 week ago
Eight irresistible reasons to trade Winter for Maldives
-
Cooking1 week ago
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa presents world-class Omakase experience with Chef Fumio Yonezawa
-
News6 days ago
Barceló Nasandhura Malé celebrates World Photography Day with #PortraitsAtNasandhura
-
Business4 days ago
SATA 2025 announces partnerships; confirms Hotelier Maldives, Maldives Insider as Media Partners
-
Drink5 days ago
THE OZEN COLLECTION marks four years of partnership with Bodegas Viñátigo