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Maldivian taste arrives in Bamberg, Germany

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Bamberg, a picturesque town in Germany, has recently become home to a new and exciting culinary experience. Annexx, a restaurant that specializes in Maldivian and international cuisine, has captured the attention of locals and tourists alike. We had the opportunity to talk with AJ Moosa, the proprietor of Annexx, to discuss his vision and the unique flavors he brings to the table.

AJ, a seasoned restaurateur with over a decade of experience in Bamberg, is no stranger to the city’s gastronomic scene. However, his latest venture is a departure from the traditional German fare that dominates the culinary landscape. AJ, who hails from the Maldives, noticed the immense popularity of his home country among German tourists but realized that not everyone could travel there to experience its vibrant flavors firsthand.

Driven by a desire to bridge this gap and share a taste of the Maldives with the local community, AJ opened Annexx. The restaurant has quickly gained popularity, attracting both Maldivian food enthusiasts and curious diners seeking something new and exotic. AJ’s ultimate goal is to recreate the authentic flavors of the Maldives and transport his guests to the idyllic islands through their taste buds.

During our conversation, AJ highlighted the overwhelming demand for Maldivian food at Annexx. One particular dish, a curry served with fragrant rice, has become a favorite among patrons. The curry, prepared using AJ’s mother’s cherished recipe, exudes aromatic spices and rich flavors that epitomize the essence of Maldivian cuisine. The dish’s popularity serves as a testament to AJ’s dedication to authenticity and his commitment to bringing the true taste of the Maldives to Bamberg.

AJ’s culinary journey began in the Maldives, where he started as a waiter in luxury resorts. Immersed in the world of fine dining, he developed a deep appreciation for the art of gastronomy. AJ’s passion for the industry led him to broaden his horizons, and he soon found himself managing restaurants in Hong Kong. However, it was his wife’s German heritage that ultimately brought him to Bamberg.

To hone his skills and expand his knowledge, AJ pursued a degree at the prestigious Swiss Hotel School, Glion Institute of Higher Education. Armed with a solid foundation in hospitality and a profound understanding of international cuisines, he was ready to embark on his culinary endeavors in Germany. His experience managing restaurants in Bamberg for over a decade provided him with valuable insights into the local dining scene and allowed him to establish a loyal customer base.

With Annexx, AJ has managed to create a unique and enchanting dining experience in Bamberg. By offering a glimpse into the vibrant culinary traditions of the Maldives, he has not only satisfied the cravings of Maldivian food enthusiasts but also introduced locals and tourists to an entirely new world of flavors. The success of Annexx stands as a testament to AJ’s passion, dedication, and his ability to bring a slice of paradise to the heart of Germany.

Photos courtesy Annex and Adelheid Wagner

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Reethi Faru Resort reveals festive line-up of dining, entertainment and island experiences

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Reethi Faru Resort has welcomed the festive season with its annual Fruit Mixing Ceremony, marking the beginning of a programme of celebrations, activities and experiences for guests visiting the resort during the Christmas and New Year period.

The resort has prepared a series of festive events and activities catering to guests of different ages and interests. Families will have the opportunity to participate in Christmas tree decorating, creative workshops and gingerbread house making, while couples can enjoy evening walks along beaches decorated with festive lights.

The festive programme will include a Christmas dinner and a New Year’s Eve gala, followed by a DJ party to welcome 2027. Guests will also be able to participate in coral planting activities alongside a marine biologist, providing an opportunity to learn about the island’s marine ecosystem and contribute to conservation efforts.

For guests seeking relaxation, the resort will offer yoga sessions and spa treatments, while those interested in outdoor activities can participate in water sports, island excursions, sports challenges and PADI diving experiences conducted by certified instructors.

Other events scheduled during the festive period include Reethi Faru Resort’s anniversary celebration, a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the arrival of Santa Claus. The programme will also feature live music, Maldivian cultural performances, outdoor movie nights and a selection of dining experiences.

According to the resort, the festive programme has been designed to bring together traditional Christmas and New Year celebrations with activities that highlight the Maldives’ natural environment and cultural heritage.

Through its combination of festive events, recreational activities, marine conservation initiatives and dining experiences, Reethi Faru Resort aims to provide guests with opportunities to celebrate the holiday season while experiencing island life in the Maldives.

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Condé Nast Traveler names .Here Baa Atoll among Indian Ocean’s top resorts

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.Here Baa Atoll, a private island retreat in the Maldives, has been named the No. 6 Resort in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.

The annual Readers’ Choice Awards recognise hotels, resorts, destinations, airlines and other travel experiences based on votes submitted by Condé Nast Traveler readers.

The recognition places .Here Baa Atoll among the highest-ranked resorts in the Indian Ocean and comes during a milestone year for the property.

Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll comprises nine residences spread across two natural islands, Somewhere and Nowhere.

Somewhere features seven three- and four-bedroom residences extending from the beach towards the lagoon and designed for families and groups travelling together. Each residence offers indoor and outdoor living spaces, multiple pools, private dining and personalised Roohu service. Guests are transferred directly to their residence by private speedboat, avoiding a conventional lobby and check-in process.

Condé Nast Traveler has previously highlighted the resort for its emphasis on privacy, its beach-to-lagoon residences and its discreet approach to luxury.

The resort experience also includes Nowhere Private Island, which is reserved exclusively for a single group at a time. The island features a five-bedroom Presidential Residence and a three-bedroom Lagoon Residence, providing eight bedrooms and 3,329 square metres of private living space, supported by dedicated service and individually curated experiences.

The Readers’ Choice Award follows several other recognitions received by .Here Baa Atoll during 2026. The resort was included in the Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2026, with the publication highlighting its residences and design. It has also received international recognition for its architecture and design, alongside creative collaborators Kulör Group, Muza Lab and Topo Design Studio.

Elina Adiyan, Resident Manager of .Here Baa Atoll, said: “To be recognised by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler so early in our journey is incredibly meaningful. .Here was created around a simple idea: to give guests extraordinary space, genuine privacy and the freedom to experience the Maldives entirely on their own terms. This recognition belongs equally to our team, whose care and dedication bring that vision to life every day. We are deeply grateful to everyone who voted for us.”

The latest recognition adds to .Here Baa Atoll’s growing international profile within the luxury travel sector, with the resort positioning privacy, spacious accommodation, design and personalised service at the centre of its guest experience.

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Reethi Faru Resort celebrates culinary team’s success at Hotel Asia and FHAM

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Reethi Faru Resort has announced three medal wins by members of its culinary team at the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge and the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge.

At the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge, Chef Rohit Kabdal received a Gold Medal in the Decorated Cake category, recognising his work in cake design, presentation and technical execution.

Chef Abhishek Sharma also represented Reethi Faru Resort at the competition, earning a Bronze Medal in the Hot Cooking Fish category.

At the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge, Chef Mayank Bijalwan secured a Silver Medal in the Dress the Cake category, adding a third medal to the resort’s recent culinary achievements.

The results highlight the range of skills within Reethi Faru Resort’s culinary team, spanning pastry, cake presentation and hot kitchen techniques.

According to the resort, participation in professional culinary competitions provides its chefs with opportunities to develop their skills, exchange knowledge and test their abilities alongside other industry professionals.

The achievements also form part of Reethi Faru Resort’s wider focus on dining and guest experience, with its culinary team involved across the resort’s restaurants and food and beverage offerings.

Reethi Faru Resort congratulated Kabdal, Bijalwan and Sharma on their respective achievements, describing the results as recognition of their commitment, technical ability and creativity.

The three medals add to the resort’s recent culinary accolades and reflect its continued emphasis on professional development within its kitchen team.

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