Featured
‘Great British Menu’ finalist to host food pop-up at Amilla Maldives Resort
Michelin Listed Restaurant Owner, Luke French, to cook local and sustainable cuisine for Maldives resort guests.
British restaurant, JÖRO, is set to pop up on the shores of Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences from October 13th to 23rd. It will overlap with Amilla’s upcoming one-day Food Festival on October 16th; part of the resort’s celebrations marking 50 years of tourism in the Maldives, which transformed the archipelago from a little-known developing country to a bucket list destination.
The owner of JÖRO, Luke French, appeared on BBC’s ‘Great British Menu’ in March 2022, and went on to win his region of Northeast & Yorkshire, reaching the final of the legendary cooking competition. He is inspired by local and sustainable ingredients, and during his 10-day residency as Guest Chef at Amilla, Luke will be exploring locally grown and foraged produce. They include Maldivian greens, breadfruit, coconuts and sustainable pole and line-caught fish.

Guests at Amilla will be treated to two gala dinners with a focus on farm-to-table and ‘eating lifestyle’ dishes. There will also be two cooking masterclasses where guests can learn culinary skills with Luke.
Luke garnered critical acclaim for JÖRO Restaurant in Sheffield, England, by combining the highest quality ingredients with cooking techniques from around the world to create award-winning Modern British, New Nordic and Asian dishes. It was listed in the Michelin Guide 2022.
Originally hailing from Cambridgeshire, his culinary career began at only 14, where, like many chefs, he began as a Kitchen Porter. Recognized for his talent, he was quickly promoted through the ranks and worked at some of the best restaurants in Cambridge, including the Michelin-starred Alimentum (now closed). Luke then set his sights on Asia, where he discovered the flavours and techniques which he was later able to showcase at his own restaurant.
After returning to the UK, Luke moved to Sheffield and soon after met his wife and business director, Stacey Sherwood. The pair launched JÖRO in December 2016, followed by street food concept restaurant, Konjö, in 2019 along with omakase counter restaurant, NAMA. They launched their boutique hotel, House of JÖRO, in 2021.

To find out more about Luke’s residency at Amilla, the Food Festival and other exciting events at Amilla, email stay@amilla.com.
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
Featured
World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.
The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.
InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.
Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.
The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.
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