Featured
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort welcomes Chef Christophe Marleix from world-renowned roster of Le Cordon Bleu
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort celebrates the newest addition to the resort’s acclaimed Guest Chef Series, welcoming Chef Christophe Marleix, Executive Chef of CORD by Le Cordon Bleu, the world’s leading network of Culinary Arts and Hotel Management institutes.
On April 6th and 7th, the St Regis Maldives Vommuli will welcome Chef Christophe Marleix, who will present a special one-time signature menu for lunch and dinner for hotel guests. Chef Christophe will curate a delectable 6-course menu featuring local produce and meticulously chosen ingredients. Meals will be prepared for the guests enjoyed in a paradise setting of pristine white sand beaches, tropical jungle, and mesmerising seascape views. Chef Christophe will implement an original and sensational dining affair that includes tempura vegetables, lentil hummus and crushed herbs; tuna tartar with confit shallots, avocado, mango and coriander; seafood stew with coconut, lime and ginger; and pressed chicken with bell pepper and shellfish sauce.
Chef Christophe brings with him a great deal of fine dining experience before joining CORD by Le Cordon Bleu, including executive head chef roles at The Grill at the Dorchester Hotel, part of Alain Ducasse’s Dorchester Collection, and Foile. His previous roles include Executive Sous Chef at Restaurant La Cour Jardin and Chef de Cuisine at three Michelin-starred Banqueting Plaza Athénée in Paris, Chef de Partie at two Michelin-starred fine dining Restaurant Jean Paul Jeunet in Jura and Commis Chef to Chef De Partie at the two Michelin-starred Restaurant Nicolas Le Bec at five star hotel La Cour des Loges in Lyon.
Drawing on Le Cordon Bleu’s unique heritage spanning over 125 years, CORD by Le Cordon Bleu is a unique dining concept based in the heart of the City of London, and the first restaurant from the prestigious network of culinary institutes to open in England’s capital city. The menus are masterfully designed by the expert chef team, spearheaded by Christophe Marleix and delivered with unparalleled attention to detail and a focus on delivering the best culinary experiences.
Marriott Bonvoy members will be able to bid on an exclusive lunch with hands on experience where guests will be able to learn directly from Chef Christophe in the making of a 3-course menu featuring mahi-mahi gravlax, grilled onions, dill and chilli sauce; cod, squid ink béarnaise, and mixed courgettes, and a dark chocolate trilogy. The experience for two also includes two nights in a Panoramic Overwater Villa with pool, daily breakfast at ALBA restaurant, 60-minute signature Iridium Touch spa treatment for two at the world-renowned Iridium Spa and a private guided snorkelling tour of the majestic reef surrounding the resort.
During his visit to the Maldives, Chef Christophe will spend a day at Maldives University where he will share his expertise with students. With over 20 years of experience in Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels, Chef Christophe brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to the classroom. His passion for cooking and dedication to using the finest ingredients will give students a unique perspective and the opportunity to learn from a world-renowned chef. The initiative pays homage to Marriott International’s Serve 360 program, which aims to create positive social and environmental impact. In line with Serve 360’s goals, the collaboration will provide valuable resources, educational opportunities, mentorship, and more for local students. The Marriott team is proud to be making a difference in their community and supporting the next generation of leaders.
“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to align with a prestigious institute like Le Cordon Bleu that holds such high international regard, that not only places an emphasis on skills, but on educational practices as well,” said Vincent Pauchon, general manager, of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. “Moreover, it’s a privilege to support the local community through this initiative with Chef Christophe. We’re proud to support Maldives University and to provide the opportunity to demonstrate a glimpse of his culinary skills to students and to our guests. His arrival furthers our allegiance to our guests by providing exclusive and unique experiences time after time.”
To learn more about The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort guest chef series and additional culinary talent to be announced through 2023, please visit: www.stregismaldives.com
Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi wins ‘Best Service’ at 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi, a renowned boutique resort in the Maldives celebrated for its Maldivian-inspired elegance, has received recognition at the 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.
This prestigious accolade honours outstanding quality across recommended properties worldwide and serves as a trusted benchmark for travellers and industry professionals alike. Coco Bodu Hithi was awarded the title of ‘Best Service’ by Condé Nast Johansens for its exceptional hospitality, which seamlessly blends serene surroundings with meticulous, personalised service.
Additionally, the resort was recently recognised in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, cementing its position as a leader in luxury travel. Offering a thoughtfully curated guest experience, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to set itself apart within the industry.
The resort also excels in culinary innovation, boasting four exceptional restaurants. Renowned Michelin-starred chefs frequently collaborate with Group Culinary Director and Michelin-starred chef Martin Cahill to craft exquisite dining experiences, reflecting Coco Bodu Hithi’s unwavering commitment to service excellence and world-class gastronomy.
Drink
Cocktail art meets tropical bliss: Tao Zrafi transforms Oaga Art Resort’s Sobi Bar
Oaga Art Resort has transformed its Sobi Bar into a Mixology Garden, showcasing a collaboration with internationally acclaimed Beverage Artist and Netflix’s ‘Drink Masters’ finalist, Tao Zrafi.
Far from the typical poolside bar, the revamped Sobi Bar offers a unique experience where artistic cocktails take centre stage. Standard drinks are replaced with Tao Zrafi’s creations, which expertly blend local Maldivian flavours with surprising twists, providing a sensory journey for visitors.
Each cocktail at Sobi Bar is a testament to Tao Zrafi’s creativity. His exclusive menu combines stunning visual presentation with complex, delightful flavours, elevating the drink experience into an art form.
The Mixology Garden caters to diverse tastes. In addition to Tao Zrafi’s signature creations, Sobi Bar offers a curated selection of international gins and artisanal beers, ensuring every guest finds the perfect beverage to suit their preferences.
To commemorate the launch of the Mixology Garden, Oaga Art Resort is hosting several special events:
- Cocktail Masterclasses (November 29 and December 6): Guests can learn from Tao Zrafi himself, discovering the secrets behind his innovative cocktails.
- The Grand Unveiling (December 5): This evening celebration features Tao’s signature cocktails, a buffet, live music, interactive mural painting, and spectacular fire shows. Guests can enjoy a sunset soiree combining art, music, and unforgettable flavours.
Sneak peeks of Tao Zrafi’s creations are available on Oaga Art Resort’s social media platforms, offering a teaser of the enchanting cocktails awaiting guests at Sobi Bar.
Whether seeking relaxation, artistic inspiration, or an elevated cocktail experience, the Mixology Garden at Sobi Bar promises something extraordinary. With its blend of stunning flavors, unique atmosphere, and unforgettable events, Oaga Art Resort ensures every visitor leaves with cherished memories of paradise.
Featured
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa announces exclusive collaboration with Maldivian
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, a luxury destination located in the pristine Haa Alifu Atoll of the Maldives, has announced its exclusive partnership with Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, for all seaplane and domestic flight transfers. Starting from November 1st, 2024, this collaboration aims to provide guests with unparalleled convenience and seamless travel to the resort, ensuring daily service, with additional transfers available depending on the season.
The resort is known for its spacious villas, exceptional privacy, a wide array of experiences, world-class amenities, and personalised service, all set in a lush, natural island paradise. With Maldivian as its exclusive seaplane transfer partner, guests can enjoy a direct, swift, and scenic journey from Velana International Airport to the resort’s doorstep.
Ahmed Hafeez, Managing Director of Lily Hotels, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Maldivian to elevate our guests’ arrival and departure experience. This collaboration ensures a smooth and luxurious transition, allowing guests to begin their unforgettable holiday the moment they step off the plane.”
Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, guests are welcomed by the resort’s dedicated airport representatives, who escort them to the exclusive Lily Hotels Lounge at the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal. Here, they can relax and enjoy panoramic views, complimentary refreshments, and Wi-Fi while awaiting their transfer.
In addition to seaplane transfers, Maldivian will also manage domestic flight transfers for guests who prefer this alternative. This comprehensive approach highlights Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa’s commitment to providing flexible and convenient travel solutions.
The partnership with Maldivian also positions the resort for future growth, particularly with the upcoming upgrade of Hanimaadhoo International Airport. This development is expected to enhance accessibility and offer more travel options for the resort’s clientele. The collaboration is anticipated to generate increased interest in the less-explored northern Maldives, an area known for its untouched natural beauty and more tranquil, underwater experiences.
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