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Review: World Chocolate Day celebration at Kurumba Maldives

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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.

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1 Comment

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  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

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Atmosphere Core, BBM to host Michelin-starred events with Chef Pasquale Palamaro

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Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, a brand by the international hospitality company Atmosphere Core, presents “Mediterranean Soul, Maldivian Heart”, a culinary series in November 2025 that brings international expertise to the Maldives. Italian One-Michelin-Star Chef Pasquale Palamaro will host events at RAAYA by Atmosphere, VARU by Atmosphere, and in Malé City, where Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) will run a special masterclass session for the country’s culinary professionals. The series gives travellers and hospitality professionals a chance to connect, collaborate, and share their love of food.

Chef Pasquale Palamaro, celebrated for his artistry at Indaco Restaurant in Amalfi, Italy, shares, “Cooking, to me, is a dialogue with nature — an art of transforming simplicity into beauty. Bringing Indaco’s spirit to the Maldives is an opportunity to merge two coasts and two cultures through taste, technique, and emotion.”

At RAAYA by Atmosphere, on 18th and 19th November, guests will savour specially curated harvest-to-table-to-soul experiences. On the first day, hands-on farm activities, introduce guests to the cultivation of local produce, followed by a five-course dinner at Seb’s Farm showcasing freshest seasonal ingredients. The following day, guests can participate in a masterclass led by Chef Pasquale, learning firsthand the techniques and philosophy behind his creations, before enjoying an exquisite five-course dinner at The Village restaurant.

Following the RAAYA experience, Chef Pasquale will host an exclusive Culinary Masterclass organized by Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) on 24th November at Hulhule Island Hotel (HIH). The event will bring together 100 chefs from leading resorts and restaurants across the Maldives for an immersive, learning experience. Participation will be on a registered, first-come, first-served basis, ensuring dedicated interaction and focused learning from the Michelin-starred chef himself.

As the authorised distributor of world-class hospitality brands, BBM continues to drive culinary innovation and professional development in the Maldives through its signature Masterclass Series, empowering local talent and strengthening industry standards.

Over at VARU by Atmosphere, it’s all about a feast for the senses that honours sustainability, storytelling of the rich Maldivian fishing tradition, and culinary artistry. Guests can indulge in a 4-Hands Dinner at speciality restaurant Kaagé on 27th November, recently recognised as winner of the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2025 for the fifth consecutive year, followed by a masterclass and five-course dinner at the overwater restaurant NÜ on 28th November.

Known for transforming fresh coastal ingredients and garden produce into refined, soulful dishes, Chef Pasquale brings a culinary philosophy shaped by innovation, sustainability, and respect for nature. His approach mirrors Atmosphere Core’s commitment to ethical gastronomy. “All our island resorts have long been recognised for their culinary offerings,” says Anupam Banerjee, Vice President, Food & Beverage, Atmosphere Core. “Through Chef Pasquale’s artistry and our island-inspired ethos, we are crafting an evocative dialogue between Mediterranean and Maldivian gastronomies that not only captivates the palate but also champions environmental stewardship and celebrates the cultural richness of both regions”.

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Maldives secures spot in Condé Nast Traveller’s top 10 countries for food

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The Maldives has been ranked among the Top 10 Countries for Food in the World in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, securing the 10th position with a score of 94.55.

The prestigious annual list, curated from thousands of reader votes worldwide, celebrates destinations that have delighted travellers with their culinary offerings and dining experiences. This year’s results highlight the Maldives’ growing global reputation not only as a luxury holiday destination, but also as a rising culinary powerhouse.

Condé Nast Traveller writes: “The Maldives is abundant with dreamy island resorts, all of which have their own even dreamier restaurants. It’s not every day that you glide straight onto the supper table, but at Soneva Fushi, your journey to its treetop private dining space involves a breathtaking, 200-metre zipline. Plus, with most of the gorgeous Maldives hotels offering extensive all-inclusive packages, there’s never a moment spare to go hungry. Scattered across almost 1,200 beautiful coral islands, the Maldives is a master of all things seafood, so expect the catch of the day to make an appearance in breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. Don’t worry if a tuna flatbread doesn’t excite your morning taste buds either, as the myriad of coconut, mango, and papaya trees here make a wonderful fruit salad too.”

The recognition places the Maldives alongside globally celebrated culinary destinations such as Italy, Japan, and France, reaffirming its unique appeal where world-class dining meets unparalleled natural beauty. From underwater restaurants and treetop tables to island-inspired tasting menus, Maldivian resorts continue to innovate in gastronomy — blending international techniques with local ingredients such as reef fish, coconut, and tropical fruits.

Resorts such as The Nautilus Maldives, Soneva Fushi, JOALI Maldives, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, and Velaa Private Island have become synonymous with exceptional dining experiences that redefine island cuisine. Many of these properties feature Michelin-starred collaborations, sustainable sourcing practices, and culinary concepts that celebrate both global diversity and Maldivian heritage.

The Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards remain one of the most respected benchmarks of excellence in the travel industry, reflecting the opinions of discerning travellers around the world.

The full list of Best Countries for Food in the World 2025 can be found on Condé Nast Traveller’s official website.

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Atmosphere Kanifushi concludes Just Veg Festival with media showcase, culinary celebrations

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Atmosphere Kanifushi recently wrapped up the fifth edition of its much-anticipated Just Veg Festival, a bold celebration of plant-based gastronomy led by acclaimed Italian Chef Fabrizio Marino. Held from 3rd to 9th October, the week-long festival attracted international media from Spain, India, the GCC, and Italy, who experienced the resort’s unique blend of culinary creativity, wellness, and adventure.

“Plant-based cuisine is not just a trend. It’s a way to create vibrant, memorable experiences that nourish both body and soul. At Atmosphere Kanifushi, we have the perfect canvas to innovate and inspire guests with bold flavours and thoughtful dishes,” said Chef Fabrizio Marino.

The visiting journalists enjoyed a curated experience featuring a plant-based cooking session with Chef Fabrizio, specialty dinners, rejuvenating treatments at ESSENS Wellness and Spa, and exciting island activities, all culminating in a gala dinner at the ‘JUST VEG’ restaurant, the first vegetarian restaurant in the Maldives hosted by Chef Fabrizio. The festival also introduced new plant-based dishes to the menu, which were met with enthusiasm and are poised to become guest favourites.

“At Atmosphere Kanifushi, we believe that true hospitality goes beyond beautiful surroundings. It’s about creating moments of genuine warmth and connection. Events like the Just Veg Festival allow us to showcase not just our culinary creativity, but the heartfelt service that defines every guest experience. Our dedicated team takes pride in delivering world-class hospitality with care and authenticity, ensuring each guest feels truly at home. It’s this spirit that continues to set us apart and keeps our guests returning year after year,” said Sanjay Rajiv, Resort Manager at Atmosphere Kanifushi.

Celebrating its fifth year, the Just Veg Festival has become a standout event on the global culinary calendar, reinforcing Atmosphere Kanifushi’s position as a pioneer of experiential luxury and sustainable dining in the Maldives.

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