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Discover taste of Bangkok’s Haoma at W Maldives this February

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The one Michelin-Star fine dining venue from Bangkok heads to the middle of the Indian Ocean for an exceptional pop-up at the luxury island playground

This February, W Maldives presents an inspiring collaboration with Haoma, a sustainable neo-Indian fine dining restaurant in Bangkok, which was recently awarded a Michelin Star and a Green Michelin Star in the 2023 Michelin Star Revelation, Thailand.

Chef Deepanker “DK” Khosla, along with the chefs at W Maldives will come together to orchestrate two unique events for guests at the resort to indulge in the Taste of Haoma, right in the middle of the heart-shaped island paradise of W Maldives. A showcase dinner at FISH, W Maldives’ signature dining venue, is scheduled for February 20, 2023 where guests will be presented an exclusive seven course tasting menu to sample and savour some of Haoma’s best dishes. The dinner experience is priced at USD 185++ per person for food, with an add-on of USD 155++ for liquid pairing. An exciting beachside grill themed lunch on February 22, 2023 promises to be a treat for the gourmands, as Chef DK and the W Maldives team put on an interactive culinary experience, with food being served from afternoon till late, along with liquid stations on the oceanfront. Guests will have the opportunity to pick their proteins to grill, interact with the chefs, groove to the beats of the DJ and sip on refreshing cocktails in this Beach BBQ priced at USD 155++ per person for food with USD 88++ per person for bottomless liquids.

Given Chef DK’s and W Maldives’ focus on sustainability and vegan cuisine, the menus for both events will feature local produce and fresh ingredients, reducing the carbon footprint, and will also include vegan friendly choices and Haoma’s signature desserts.

Guests looking to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience of Haoma in the middle of the Indian Ocean, can also book the “Taste of HAOMA” package at W Maldives, which includes a daily buffet breakfast at KITCHEN and return seaplane transfers, in addition to experiencing the Haoma showcase dinner on February 20 and the Haoma x W Maldives Beach BBQ  on February 22 inclusive of the beverage package for up to two guests. The stay package is valid for stays of minimum four nights, between February 18-24, 2023.  

Speaking on this unique collaboration, General Manager of W Maldives, Idu Ribeiro said, “In 2022 we hosted a series of successful Beverage & Food collaborations elevating our offerings for guests; from launching a pop-up menu with celebrity vegan Chef Priyanka Naik, to bringing down Revolver from Singapore and ace mixologist Bannie Kang for a What She Shakes cocktail series. In 2023, we want to continue to leverage off that momentum and showcase how W Maldives is the place to be for all things culinary and fine-dining – even on a “sandbank” in the middle of the ocean – this event with Haoma is the perfect way to kick that off this year. Haoma is all about cooking with sustainable and local produce, and at W Maldives this is something that’s very close to our hearts as well, and we’re keenly looking forward to this collaboration.”

Chef-proprietor Deepanker “DK” Khosla is as passionate about reimagining modern Indo-European cuisine as he is about achieving food sustainability. With a home in Thailand and roots in northern India, Chef DK has a natural penchant for connecting flavors and communities near and far. At Haoma, the restaurant showcases a bounty of traditional Indian culinary styles, while a big part of the magic derives from its very own fertile farm in the heart of Bangkok. Haoma began as a passion project that bloomed into a full-blown urban farm and restaurant in the bustling Thai capital. After a year of toiling in the earth, coaxing fish to adapt and grow in new waters, and experimenting through trials and errors to optimise the flavours of harvest, Chef DK unveiled restaurant Haoma in 2017, a breakthrough concept that works towards creating an ecosystem of food that can truly be called sustainable.

“We’re in the business of growing world-class, sustainable cuisine, cooking neo-Indian food,” said DK, whose thoughtful attention to environmentalism is evident in every morsel served and every inch of the elegant ambiance of Haoma. “Balance with nature is just as important as pleasing our diners at Haoma and bringing this experience and adapting it to the Maldives, working in collaboration with the chefs at W Maldives, is definitely going to be an experience to remember for me and for all the guests.”

Located a 25-minute seaplane ride from Male, W Maldives is a private island playground for those seeking exclusivity and appreciation of a luxury lifestyle brand. Home to one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, the five-star resort features 77 private escapes and suites: 27 on the beach and 50 over water. W Maldives boasts an overwater specialty restaurant FISH®; an all-day dining venue KITCHEN®; FIRE®, a barbecue restaurant on the beach; sunset and mixology bar SIP®; WET® pool bar and deck; and Maldivian pop-up café KADA.

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Atmosphere Core, BBM to host Michelin-starred events with Chef Pasquale Palamaro

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Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, a brand by the international hospitality company Atmosphere Core, presents “Mediterranean Soul, Maldivian Heart”, a culinary series in November 2025 that brings international expertise to the Maldives. Italian One-Michelin-Star Chef Pasquale Palamaro will host events at RAAYA by Atmosphere, VARU by Atmosphere, and in Malé City, where Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) will run a special masterclass session for the country’s culinary professionals. The series gives travellers and hospitality professionals a chance to connect, collaborate, and share their love of food.

Chef Pasquale Palamaro, celebrated for his artistry at Indaco Restaurant in Amalfi, Italy, shares, “Cooking, to me, is a dialogue with nature — an art of transforming simplicity into beauty. Bringing Indaco’s spirit to the Maldives is an opportunity to merge two coasts and two cultures through taste, technique, and emotion.”

At RAAYA by Atmosphere, on 18th and 19th November, guests will savour specially curated harvest-to-table-to-soul experiences. On the first day, hands-on farm activities, introduce guests to the cultivation of local produce, followed by a five-course dinner at Seb’s Farm showcasing freshest seasonal ingredients. The following day, guests can participate in a masterclass led by Chef Pasquale, learning firsthand the techniques and philosophy behind his creations, before enjoying an exquisite five-course dinner at The Village restaurant.

Following the RAAYA experience, Chef Pasquale will host an exclusive Culinary Masterclass organized by Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) on 24th November at Hulhule Island Hotel (HIH). The event will bring together 100 chefs from leading resorts and restaurants across the Maldives for an immersive, learning experience. Participation will be on a registered, first-come, first-served basis, ensuring dedicated interaction and focused learning from the Michelin-starred chef himself.

As the authorised distributor of world-class hospitality brands, BBM continues to drive culinary innovation and professional development in the Maldives through its signature Masterclass Series, empowering local talent and strengthening industry standards.

Over at VARU by Atmosphere, it’s all about a feast for the senses that honours sustainability, storytelling of the rich Maldivian fishing tradition, and culinary artistry. Guests can indulge in a 4-Hands Dinner at speciality restaurant Kaagé on 27th November, recently recognised as winner of the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2025 for the fifth consecutive year, followed by a masterclass and five-course dinner at the overwater restaurant NÜ on 28th November.

Known for transforming fresh coastal ingredients and garden produce into refined, soulful dishes, Chef Pasquale brings a culinary philosophy shaped by innovation, sustainability, and respect for nature. His approach mirrors Atmosphere Core’s commitment to ethical gastronomy. “All our island resorts have long been recognised for their culinary offerings,” says Anupam Banerjee, Vice President, Food & Beverage, Atmosphere Core. “Through Chef Pasquale’s artistry and our island-inspired ethos, we are crafting an evocative dialogue between Mediterranean and Maldivian gastronomies that not only captivates the palate but also champions environmental stewardship and celebrates the cultural richness of both regions”.

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Maldives secures spot in Condé Nast Traveller’s top 10 countries for food

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The Maldives has been ranked among the Top 10 Countries for Food in the World in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, securing the 10th position with a score of 94.55.

The prestigious annual list, curated from thousands of reader votes worldwide, celebrates destinations that have delighted travellers with their culinary offerings and dining experiences. This year’s results highlight the Maldives’ growing global reputation not only as a luxury holiday destination, but also as a rising culinary powerhouse.

Condé Nast Traveller writes: “The Maldives is abundant with dreamy island resorts, all of which have their own even dreamier restaurants. It’s not every day that you glide straight onto the supper table, but at Soneva Fushi, your journey to its treetop private dining space involves a breathtaking, 200-metre zipline. Plus, with most of the gorgeous Maldives hotels offering extensive all-inclusive packages, there’s never a moment spare to go hungry. Scattered across almost 1,200 beautiful coral islands, the Maldives is a master of all things seafood, so expect the catch of the day to make an appearance in breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. Don’t worry if a tuna flatbread doesn’t excite your morning taste buds either, as the myriad of coconut, mango, and papaya trees here make a wonderful fruit salad too.”

The recognition places the Maldives alongside globally celebrated culinary destinations such as Italy, Japan, and France, reaffirming its unique appeal where world-class dining meets unparalleled natural beauty. From underwater restaurants and treetop tables to island-inspired tasting menus, Maldivian resorts continue to innovate in gastronomy — blending international techniques with local ingredients such as reef fish, coconut, and tropical fruits.

Resorts such as The Nautilus Maldives, Soneva Fushi, JOALI Maldives, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, and Velaa Private Island have become synonymous with exceptional dining experiences that redefine island cuisine. Many of these properties feature Michelin-starred collaborations, sustainable sourcing practices, and culinary concepts that celebrate both global diversity and Maldivian heritage.

The Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards remain one of the most respected benchmarks of excellence in the travel industry, reflecting the opinions of discerning travellers around the world.

The full list of Best Countries for Food in the World 2025 can be found on Condé Nast Traveller’s official website.

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Atmosphere Kanifushi concludes Just Veg Festival with media showcase, culinary celebrations

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Atmosphere Kanifushi recently wrapped up the fifth edition of its much-anticipated Just Veg Festival, a bold celebration of plant-based gastronomy led by acclaimed Italian Chef Fabrizio Marino. Held from 3rd to 9th October, the week-long festival attracted international media from Spain, India, the GCC, and Italy, who experienced the resort’s unique blend of culinary creativity, wellness, and adventure.

“Plant-based cuisine is not just a trend. It’s a way to create vibrant, memorable experiences that nourish both body and soul. At Atmosphere Kanifushi, we have the perfect canvas to innovate and inspire guests with bold flavours and thoughtful dishes,” said Chef Fabrizio Marino.

The visiting journalists enjoyed a curated experience featuring a plant-based cooking session with Chef Fabrizio, specialty dinners, rejuvenating treatments at ESSENS Wellness and Spa, and exciting island activities, all culminating in a gala dinner at the ‘JUST VEG’ restaurant, the first vegetarian restaurant in the Maldives hosted by Chef Fabrizio. The festival also introduced new plant-based dishes to the menu, which were met with enthusiasm and are poised to become guest favourites.

“At Atmosphere Kanifushi, we believe that true hospitality goes beyond beautiful surroundings. It’s about creating moments of genuine warmth and connection. Events like the Just Veg Festival allow us to showcase not just our culinary creativity, but the heartfelt service that defines every guest experience. Our dedicated team takes pride in delivering world-class hospitality with care and authenticity, ensuring each guest feels truly at home. It’s this spirit that continues to set us apart and keeps our guests returning year after year,” said Sanjay Rajiv, Resort Manager at Atmosphere Kanifushi.

Celebrating its fifth year, the Just Veg Festival has become a standout event on the global culinary calendar, reinforcing Atmosphere Kanifushi’s position as a pioneer of experiential luxury and sustainable dining in the Maldives.

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