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
Celebration
Mindful festive escape: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa focuses on connection and renewal
This festive season, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa will welcome guests to a celebration of warmth, wonder and mindful connection. From 19 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, the resort will transform into a serene island sanctuary where nature, gastronomy and meaningful experiences come together in harmony.
Situated in one of the most untouched atolls of the Maldives, Huvadhu Atoll, Hadahaa embodies a refined simplicity that showcases the beauty of the natural world. Throughout the festive period, guests are invited to slow down, reconnect and rediscover the joy of being fully present, surrounded by turquoise waters, lush island greenery and Maldivian hospitality.
“The festive season at Hadahaa is more than a celebration — it’s a homecoming,” said Anshul Sharma, General Manager of Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa. “It’s a time to reflect, to celebrate togetherness and to embrace the island’s timeless rhythm where nature and joy coexist effortlessly.”
Highlights of the Festive Season:
- Holiday splendour and timeless traditions – From the twinkling lights of the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony to the New Year’s Eve Countdown by the Beach, each event is shaped by the understated elegance that defines Park Hyatt. Familiar festive traditions are reinterpreted with authentic island touches, creating celebrations that feel both comforting and renewed.
- Beneath the holiday surface – Adventure enthusiasts will be able to join Festive Snorkelling and Diving excursions, Turtle Quests and an Exclusive Christmas Night Dive. Each marine experience offers a deeper connection to the ocean’s vibrant ecosystem, enhanced by the festive spirit of exploration.
- Season of renewal – Guests can restore body and mind with holistic spa journeys at The Vidhun Spa, featuring Ayurveda-inspired treatments, island botanicals and festive rituals designed to support inner balance. The resort will also host Dr Jyoti Kodwani, founder of The Sacred Chakras, for a month-long Festive Wellness Residency offering transformative healing therapies.
- Festive flavours and family moments – From Barefoot BBQs by the Bay to elevated treehouse dining beneath the stars, dining experiences are designed to become lasting memories. Younger guests can take part in creative workshops, treasure hunts and Santa’s seaside arrival, ensuring special moments for families and guests of all ages.
This year, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa’s festive programme captures the essence of renewal and joy, celebrating life’s simplest pleasures with a blend of sophistication and soul.
Awards
Ifuru Island Maldives wins Best Luxury Beach Property at Seven Stars Awards 2025
Ifuru Island Maldives has been named Best Luxury Beach Property at the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards 2025, held in Portugal. The recognition highlights the resort’s commitment to redefining barefoot luxury, delivering exceptional guest experiences and showcasing authentic Maldivian hospitality.
The Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards, often described as the “Oscars of Luxury”, honour only the most outstanding properties and brands worldwide. Receiving this accolade positions Ifuru Island Maldives among the world’s leading destinations, recognised for its focus on service excellence, innovation and guest satisfaction.
“We are deeply honoured to receive this award,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “It reflects the passion and dedication of our incredible All Star team, who create memorable experiences for our guests every single day. This win not only celebrates our property but also the spirit of the Maldives — warm, genuine and unforgettable.”
Located in the pristine Raa Atoll, Ifuru Island Maldives offers a blend of barefoot elegance and meaningful connection. The resort’s premium all-inclusive concept, world-class dining and vibrant experiences are designed to immerse guests in the joy and beauty of island life.
This global recognition further strengthens Ifuru Island Maldives’ reputation as one of the country’s most inspiring luxury destinations, where each moment is crafted with care, creativity and authenticity.
Awards
Multiple wins for JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll at World Luxury Travel Awards 2025
JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort is celebrating its success at the 2025 World Luxury Travel Awards, where it has been honoured with multiple titles, including Luxury Beach Resort and Luxury Villa Resort. These accolades reaffirm its position as one of the world’s distinguished luxury destinations and highlight the resort’s dedication to exceptional service, innovative design and memorable guest experiences in the heart of the Indian Ocean.
Nestled in the Emboodhu Finolhu lagoon, just 15 minutes from Velana International Airport, the five-star resort received further prestigious recognition across several categories, strengthening its reputation as a premier luxury destination in the region. The resort was named Best Luxury New Resort in the Indian Ocean, Best Luxury Family Beach Resort in the Maldives, and Best Luxury Island Resort as a Global Winner.
Complementing the resort’s success, Spa by JW also achieved international acclaim, receiving three awards that underscore its harmonious blend of tranquillity, contemporary innovation and exceptional design. The spa was recognised for Best Interior Design in the Indian Ocean, Best Luxury Oceanview Spa in the Indian Ocean, and Best Luxury Overwater Spa as a Global Winner.
“These honours reflect our team’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences and personalised service to every guest,” said Srikanth Devarapalli, General Manager of JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort. “At our resort, modern luxury is complemented by authentic Maldivian warmth, where every detail — from design to service — is thoughtfully crafted to create memorable moments and meaningful connections.”
JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort offers a serene island escape with expansive overwater and beach pool villas, world-class dining and the award-winning Spa by JW, where guests are invited to unwind in complete serenity while enjoying panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
Established in 2006, the World Luxury Travel Awards celebrate excellence across all sectors of the luxury travel and tourism industry. The recognition of JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort among this year’s global winners further reinforces its status as one of the world’s leaders in luxury hospitality.
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