Connect with us

Food

Review: World Chocolate Day celebration at Kurumba Maldives

Published

on

As an exclusive guest invited to Kurumba Maldives’ celebration of World Chocolate Day, I had the pleasure of experiencing a delightful 4-course chocolate-themed menu. Set on the beautiful private island of Kurumba, this resort holds a special place in the history of Maldivian tourism, being the first private island resort to open its doors back in 1972.

The evening commenced with an enticing starter, the Poached Salmon with Manjari Chocolate Polenta. The combination of tender salmon, creamy polenta infused with Manjari chocolate, and the subtle sweetness of carrot puree and caramelized onions created a unique flavor profile. The surprising addition of white chocolate-dipped sea asparagus added a touch of elegance to the dish.

Next came the White Asparagus Cappuccino, a soup that blended the earthiness of white asparagus with a luxurious coconut foam and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The accompanying sunflower hazelnut crostini provided a delightful crunch, complementing the creamy texture of the soup. This creative combination showcased the chef’s ingenuity and ability to infuse chocolate into unexpected dishes.

The main course, Lamb Rump, was a true highlight of the evening. The succulent lamb, cooked to perfection, was accompanied by a medley of flavors and textures. The mint custard added a refreshing twist, while the crispy potato, stuffed morel mushrooms, baby carrots, beetroot, broccoli, and butter-poached white turnip created a vibrant and visually appealing plate. The bitter chocolate sauce brought a touch of richness to the dish, accentuating the savory flavors of the lamb.

To conclude the meal, the Kurumba Chocolate Fondue was a decadent and indulgent dessert. The combination of fresh strawberries, homemade marshmallows, orange cake, and toasted almond pavlova made for a delightful dipping experience. The richness of the chocolate fondue paired perfectly with the fruity and nutty accompaniments, providing a satisfying conclusion to the chocolate-themed feast.

Throughout the evening, the ambiance at Kurumba Maldives was enchanting. The resort’s commitment to providing a wide range of dining experiences was evident, with eight different restaurants, three bars, and a shisha lounge to choose from. This variety ensures that guests can find the perfect setting to suit their tastes and preferences. Whether you seek a romantic atmosphere for a honeymoon or a family-friendly environment, Kurumba has something for everyone.

In addition to the culinary delights, Kurumba offers a plethora of recreational activities and entertainment options, ensuring a well-rounded and memorable holiday experience. The natural beauty of the surroundings, combined with the vibrant atmosphere, creates the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure.

As I reflect on my experience celebrating World Chocolate Day at Kurumba Maldives, I can’t help but appreciate the resort’s dedication to providing exceptional hospitality and unique dining experiences. The thoughtfully crafted chocolate-themed menu showcased the Chef Ahmed Faisal and his team’s creativity and skill in integrating chocolate into each course. Combined with the resort’s idyllic location and a wide range of activities, Kurumba Maldives is indeed a paradise for those seeking a memorable vacation experience.

Continue Reading
1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Terry Mc Goldrick

    July 8, 2023 at 8:32 pm

    Who was the Chef who presented such glorious food at Kurumba Congratulations to him please give him a mention Good Luck Stay Safe 👍👌👊🇬🇧 Terry Mc Goldrick

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Cooking

Grégory Doyen brings his sweet artistry to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Published

on

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is continuing its acclaimed Tastemaker Series, a curated programme of exceptional collaborations with world-renowned chefs, artists, and creative visionaries, with the arrival of Chef Grégory Doyen, one of the most distinctive talents in contemporary pastry art.

Born in Burgundy, France, into a family of artists, Chef Doyen discovered his passion for pastry during childhood, turning his family kitchen into his first studio. A graduate of the prestigious École Nationale Supérieure de la Pâtisserie, his career spanning two decades has taken him through Michelin-starred kitchens and international stages, earning him recognition as a leading figure in modern patisserie.

Renowned for his sculptural desserts and refined French craftsmanship, Chef Doyen’s creations merge technical precision with emotional expression, transforming pastry into a form of edible art. His innovative approach has led to collaborations with some of the world’s most iconic luxury maisons—including Cartier, Marc Jacobs, La Prairie, Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Vacheron Constantin, and Hermès—alongside bespoke commissions for Range Rover and Vogue. Often described as the creator of fashion-desserts, he is celebrated for infusing haute couture sensibility into the timeless artistry of French patisserie.

Guests at The St. Regis Maldives are invited to immerse themselves in Chef Doyen’s world of delicate textures and visual poetry through a special festive programme. On 10 December, he will conduct an intimate pastry masterclass, offering participants rare insight into his creative process and sculptural finesse. That evening—and throughout the festive season—his desserts will take centre stage at ALBA, the resort’s signature dining venue, where a curated dessert collection will be presented daily from 10 December to 7 January, offering a decadent celebration of the holiday season.

The residency’s highlight will unfold on 11 December at Decanter, where Chef Doyen will collaborate with the resort’s Executive Chef for a six-course, four-hands wine-pairing dinner, showcasing a symphony of refined flavours and masterful artistry.

A testament to The St. Regis legacy of exceptional taste and global collaboration, the Tastemaker Series at The St. Regis Maldives unites leading talents from gastronomy, art, and design in one-of-a-kind experiences that celebrate creativity and craftsmanship amid the breathtaking surroundings of Vommuli Island. From Michelin-starred chefs to visionary mixologists and artisans, the series continues the St. Regis tradition of curating the extraordinary—where innovation, tradition, and indulgence converge in the most exquisite of island settings.

Continue Reading

Drink

Toast to heritage: JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING host Domaines Ott by Louis Roederer

Published

on

In October, JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING — two of the Maldives’ foremost luxury destinations — hosted Domaines Ott by Louis Roederer for an exclusive series of wine experiences.

The events, held on 1 October at JOALI Maldives and on 3 October at JOALI BEING, offered guests a rare insight into the heritage and craftsmanship of one of the world’s most esteemed winemaking houses.

The evenings were led by Jean François Ott, General Manager of Domaines Ott and fourth-generation custodian of the family estate. Under his guidance, guests embarked on a curated journey through fine rosés and champagnes, uncovering the artistry, legacy, and innovation that define Domaines Ott’s distinguished wines.

Established nearly 130 years ago, Domaines Ott has become a benchmark of Provençal winemaking, producing exceptional rosés, whites, and reds from the Côtes de Provence and Bandol appellations. Guided by a philosophy rooted in respect for terroir and family heritage, the house continues to set the standard for wines of depth and character.

Today, Domaines Ott’s vineyards are certified organic, though the estate’s sustainable ethos long predates formal certification. The artisanal viticultural approach initiated by founder Marcel Ott has endured across four generations, safeguarding the land and inspiring the creation of wines that reflect authenticity, vitality, and timeless quality.

At the helm of Domaines Ott, Jean François Ott has upheld a delicate balance between tradition and innovation. Under his leadership, the estate has achieved global recognition, including the title of European Winery of the Year 2022 by Wine Enthusiast. His philosophy evokes a deep connection to time and place: “Provence is a land of contrasts that offers itself to those who know how to listen and wait. Everything here invites us to reap the benefits of time — the ultimate luxury.”

The collaboration between JOALI and Domaines Ott reflected their shared values of artistry, sustainability, and transformative experience.

At JOALI Maldives, guests were treated to a four-course set menu paired with a curated selection of fine wines, blending gastronomy, design, and culture in an evening that embodied refined island luxury. At JOALI BEING, the celebration aligned with the resort’s philosophy of Well-Living, highlighting organic wines in harmony with nature and sustainability.

Guests savoured rare vintages alongside a five-course dining experience, with each glass revealing a story of heritage and innovation. Against the serene Maldivian backdrop, the evenings offered a journey of discovery — where the art of winemaking met the spirit of island living.

Continue Reading

Cooking

Journey Through the Vines: Dusit Thani Maldives launches two-night culinary collaboration

Published

on

Dusit Thani Maldives has announced ‘A Journey Through the Vines,’ a two-night wine dinner series presented in collaboration with Ilaria Felluga and Liquid Concept. The events will take place at the resort’s beachfront restaurant, Sea Grill.

On 25 October 2025, the programme will begin with the Old-World Wine Dinner. Guests will experience a curated multi-course menu paired with celebrated vintages from Europe’s renowned wine regions. The evening will highlight the enduring connection between Old World terroir and fine dining.

The second event, the Ilaria Felluga Wine Dinner, will be held on 27 October 2025. Hosted by Ilaria Felluga, sixth-generation leader of her family’s distinguished wineries and recognised by Forbes as an Italian Excellence Under 40, the evening will feature her family’s signature wines. Each vintage will be paired with a specially designed island-inspired menu that reflects both tradition and innovation.

Both dinners offer discerning travellers the opportunity to enjoy world-class wines alongside bespoke menus in the setting of Baa Atoll, complemented by the distinctive Thai-Maldivian hospitality of Dusit Thani Maldives.

Jean-Louis Ripoche, Area General Manager of Dusit Thani Maldives, commented: “We are proud to offer our guests the opportunity to savour two distinct wine journeys in the idyllic setting of Baa Atoll. Partnering with Ilaria Felluga and Liquid Concept allows us to showcase exceptional vintages alongside inspired cuisine, creating memorable evenings that celebrate both heritage and innovation.”

Situated within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Dusit Thani Maldives combines Thai heritage with Maldivian warmth, offering a strong sense of place. The Journey Through the Vines series reflects the resort’s commitment to delivering immersive culinary experiences for luxury travellers in the Maldives.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.