Connect with us

Featured

Best chefs revealed at FHAM Culinary Challenge, celebrating culinary excellence

Published

on

The highly anticipated “Culinary Challenge” at the FHAM exhibition has concluded, and the victors have emerged, basking in the glory of their culinary accomplishments.

A special ceremony held at the MNU auditorium today served as the backdrop for the presentation of certificates, awards, and prizes to the winners. The ceremony witnessed the recognition of the top three chefs in 20 distinct categories, along with the designation of the second runner-up, first runner-up, and category winner for each respective section.

The diverse array of categories showcased the exceptional talents of the participating chefs. This year’s challenge encompassed Creative Bread Display, Artistic Pastry Showpiece, Wedding Cake Structure, Plated Appetizers, Plated Three Course Meal, and Fruit and Vegetable Carving, among others.

Individual categories saw chefs from various resorts engaging in fierce competition, while group categories witnessed the participation of national teams from 11 countries across the region.

An impressive contingent of approximately 600 chefs hailing from 120 resorts took part in this year’s culinary challenge, truly elevating the event to unprecedented levels of culinary excellence and innovation.

The following are the exceptional chefs who claimed the coveted titles in this year’s competition:

  • Most Outstanding Artist: R.A. Sisira Kumara from Reethi Beach Maldives showcased unparalleled creativity and skill in his craft.
  • Best Pastry Chef: Rajandran of Royal Island Resort left an indelible mark with his exquisite pastry creations, securing the coveted title.
  • Best Maldivian Chef: Ajwad Abdul Wahhab, representing JOALI Maldives, emerged victorious, highlighting the culinary expertise deeply rooted in the Maldivian heritage.
  • Best Chef: Dushantha Chamara Gunasekara, from Maldives Inflight Catering, outshined his competitors, earning the distinction of being the finest chef in the competition.
  • Most Outstanding Culinary Organization: Cinnamon Velifushi remarkable culinary organization was recognized as the epitome of excellence in the culinary industry.
  • Most Outstanding National Team: The Emirates Culinary Guild showcased remarkable teamwork and culinary prowess, securing the esteemed title in the group category.

The FHAM Culinary Challenge enjoys the endorsement of the esteemed Chefs Guild of Maldives and the Chefs Guild of Sri Lanka, cementing its status as a prominent culinary event that celebrates the artistry and passion of chefs from around the globe.

Photos courtesy FHAM and Mihaaru

Featured

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo marks global wellness initiative with three-day celebration

Published

on

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort has announced a series of complimentary and signature wellness experiences to mark World Wellness Weekend, scheduled for the third week of September 2025. The programme is designed around Westin’s five Pillars of Well-Being — Feel Well, Eat Well, Sleep Well, Move Well, and Play Well — encouraging guests to restore, move, and connect in the natural surroundings of the Maldives.

The activities commence on Friday, 19 September, with a game of water volleyball, combining light-hearted competition with physical activity under the Maldivian sun. As evening falls, the practice of Yoga Nidra will be held, guiding participants into a state of conscious rest and restoration.

On Saturday, 20 September, the agenda features Craft Your Glow, a workshop where guests create body scrubs using natural ingredients and tropical botanicals. The day continues with runWestin, an invigorating sunset beach run that highlights the benefits of movement and outdoor exercise.

The programme concludes on Sunday, 21 September, with Sunrise Yoga at the resort’s Yoga Pavilion. This gentle morning practice harmonises breath and movement, offering a balanced start to the day. Later, a Massage Workshop will provide guided techniques for easing tension in the head, neck, and shoulders, offering couples and individuals alike skills they can apply beyond their stay.

Situated in Baa Atoll, the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort integrates its well-being philosophy across the guest experience. The resort positions World Wellness Weekend as more than a schedule of events, presenting it instead as an opportunity to embrace mindful living, movement, and rest.

Guests considering a stay may also opt for the ‘Earn, Eat, Enjoy; package, which includes breakfast for two adults and two children, a resort credit of USD 70, and a range of complimentary wellness activities to enhance their island experience.

Continue Reading

Featured

SO/ Maldives to host three-day wellness retreat with Anna Kanyuk

Published

on

This September, SO/ Maldives will host SCULPT. STRETCH. SHINE., a three-day wellness retreat in collaboration with international wellness figure and founder of Top Stretching, Anna Kanyuk. The programme will take place in the setting of Emboodhoo Lagoon and aims to combine movement, mindfulness, and contemporary lifestyle elements within a luxury resort environment.

The retreat will span three days on the resort’s private island, offering participants a structured experience designed to support physical fitness, skincare, and overall wellbeing. Activities will include sunrise sessions on floating decks, evening programmes on the beach, and a series of workshops and classes delivered by Kanyuk and other experts.

Mornings will begin with workouts on the ocean-facing yoga deck, ranging from full-body flows and posture-focused core exercises to high-intensity cardio sessions. These will be followed by small-group workshops at the Pavilion at Hadaba, where participants can join sessions such as Kanyuk’s Facebuilding 101, skincare practices, and talks on nutrition, motivation, and lifestyle balance. In the evenings, activities will move to Lazuli Beach, where stretching, breathwork, and reflection will take place as the sun sets.

The retreat is designed not as a detox programme but as a curated approach to rebalancing and rejuvenation. Each session is intended to help participants enhance physical strength, improve skin health, and adopt practices to support mental clarity.

SO/ Maldives describes itself as a private-island fashion resort that combines avant-garde design with natural surroundings. Villas are located either overwater or within the island’s vegetation, with minimalist interiors, private pools, and wide lagoon or jungle views. Social and dining venues include Lazuli Beach Club, which offers a Mediterranean-inspired experience, and Hadaba, the resort’s signature Middle Eastern dining concept.

With its design-driven identity and wellness-focused philosophy, SO/ Maldives is positioning the retreat as an opportunity for guests to pursue wellbeing within a high-end leisure setting. SCULPT. STRETCH. SHINE. will be held as an intimate programme with limited participation available.

Continue Reading

Featured

Summer Island Maldives rewards guests with 10th anniversary holiday giveaway

Published

on

Summer Island Maldives is celebrating a decade of barefoot charm and Maldivian hospitality with the launch of a special 10th Anniversary Giveaway. The award-winning resort is offering one winner and a companion the opportunity to enjoy 10 nights in paradise, entirely complimentary.

The Grand Prize Includes:

  • Ten nights for two in a Water Villa
  • All-inclusive meals and beverages
  • Roundtrip speedboat transfers from Velana International Airport
  • A Serenity full-body massage for two at Firuma Spa by Serena
  • A 10-dive package per guest with Diverland Maldives, or an Open Water certification course for beginners
  • Curated experiences including a Beach BBQ Dinner, Sandbank Picnic, Sunset Cruise, and non-motorised water sports

“This anniversary marks a decade of incredible memories and meaningful connections with guests from around the world,” said Mohamed Thaufeeq, Resort Manager at Summer Island Maldives. “As a way of saying thank you, we are inviting our guests to join the celebration and have the chance to experience everything that makes Summer Island so special.”

To enter, participants are required to:

  • Follow @summer.island.maldives on Instagram
  • Like the giveaway post
  • Tag two friends in the comments (the tagged friends must also follow the page)
  • Share the post on their Instagram story and tag the resort (private account holders must send a screenshot of the tagged story)

Key Details:

  • Open to all nationalities aged 18 and above
  • Travel period: 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2026 (blackout dates apply and bookings are subject to availability)
  • International flights are not included
  • Winner will be announced on 1 October 2025 via Instagram
  • Prize is non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash

The giveaway reflects the resort’s ongoing commitment to offering authentic, joyful, and eco-conscious holiday experiences.

Located just 45 minutes by speedboat from Malé, Summer Island Maldives is managed by Kaimoo Resorts and Hotels. The resort is recognised for its relaxed barefoot philosophy, sustainability initiatives, and warm hospitality. Its accolades include the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2024 and the TUI Global Hotel Quality Awards in both 2024 and 2025.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.