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
Featured
Coco Collection brings conservation and low-waste living into resort experience
Coco Collection, a Maldivian-owned resort brand, has invited guests to experience a more conscious approach to luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi.
Across its two island resorts, Coco Collection has incorporated environmental responsibility into the guest experience through its Coco Cares philosophy. From nature-led experiences inspired by the islands’ ecosystems to culinary offerings based on fresh, locally grown ingredients, the resorts have been designed to reflect the natural setting of the Maldives while integrating sustainability into daily operations.
At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, this commitment is reflected in the Maldives’ veterinary-led Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, which is operated in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. As a founding partner of the facility, the resort provides care for injured sea turtles and supports marine conservation awareness. Since its establishment, the centre has treated and released 152 injured turtles, with a rehabilitation success rate of 60%. The resort also continues seagrass preservation efforts aimed at protecting marine habitats and supporting biodiversity in the surrounding waters.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu also applies low-waste practices, mindful sourcing, and resource-conscious operations across the resort. This approach extends to Coco Farm, where homegrown produce, handcrafted preserves, and garden-to-table dining experiences are used to bring local flavour and seasonality to the table.
At Coco Bodu Hithi, the same approach is reflected in its food and beverage offerings. To mark Earth Day, the resort has introduced a green-inspired cocktail experience focused on eco-conscious mixology, using fresh ingredients grown on the island.
The resort said its low-waste approach informs all aspects of the guest experience, with attention given to responsible resource use. From the choice of herbs and fruits to preparation and presentation, the offering is intended to reflect respect for the natural environment.
This approach also extends across the resort’s wider culinary programme, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients, house-made preserves, and dishes inspired by the Maldives’ natural produce. Through seasonal menus, conscious sourcing, and resource management, Coco Bodu Hithi aims to offer an experience that combines hospitality with environmental responsibility.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
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