Food
Week of gastronomic excellence with Michelin-starred chef, Schubert Wines at JW Marriott Maldives Resort
Culinary enthusiasts can look forward to a week full of indulgence as JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa unveils an exclusive collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Bernd Bachofer and award-winning winemaker Kai Schubert. The much-anticipated collaboration will feature an exceptional gastronomy week in October, promising a fusion of flavours and exquisite wines set against the stunning backdrop of paradise.
Starting on October 2, the week will feature a series of events, including an exclusive dinner at RIHA paired with wines, a wine masterclass led by Kai Schubert, and a showcase dinner with a curated menu by renowned Michelin-starred chef Bernd Bachofer paired with Kai Schubert Wines.
Hailing from the distinguished Bachofer restaurant in Germany, Chef Bernd Bachofer’s culinary journey is a magnum opus of passion and innovation. His extensive travels across Asia, notably Japan and Korea, have infused his creations with a blend of French haute cuisine and diverse Asian influences.
Award-winning winemaker Kai Schubert’s story is one of cross-continental excellence. As a German expatriate, he ventured to New Zealand to establish the renowned boutique winery, Kai Schubert Wines. Kai’s wines, including his iconic Pinot Noir, have consistently ranked among the finest in New Zealand, making him a true visionary in the world of oenology.
Exclusive Collaboration between Chef Rohit Agarwal and Kai Schubert at RIHA
On October 2, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a scrumptious dinner in a private atmosphere at RIHA. Chef Rohit and Kai Schubert will showcase an exclusive collaboration with dishes from RIHA paired with selected Schubert Wines. Curated by Chef Rohit Agarwal, Chef de Partie at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, the menu is a blend of gourmet products such as foie gras, lobster, and wagyu beef, built around known and popular home-cooked dishes across India.
Wine Masterclass with a Winemaking Legend
Guests can experience a private masterclass on October 4 with Kai Schubert, who will share his exceptional wine production techniques and showcase his finest grapes. This exclusive experience will take place within the wine room of JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, allowing you to immerse yourself in the world of wines and elevate your appreciation for every sip.
Master Chef Meets Wine Visionary
On October 5 and 6, guests can look forward to an exceptional dining experience that showcases a limited-time menu crafted by renowned Michelin-starred chef Bernd Bachofer.
Embarking on a gastronomic journey, this menu seamlessly fuses the elegance of French haute cuisine with the captivating essence of diverse Asian influences.
Prepare your palate for a tantalising array of dishes, from langoustines in tempura batter with Thai basil gel and pak choi, to scallops with Japanese hollandaise and shiitake dim sum, and Wagyu short ribs with green curry, smoked potato cream, and yuzu melon. Adding a harmonious accompaniment to this culinary symphony, Kai Schubert, the visionary winemaker behind Kai Schubert Wines in New Zealand, has meticulously selected wine varieties to perfectly complement each course of this limited-time menu. This extraordinary dining experience will take place at the premium overwater restaurant Hashi, set under the starlit Maldivian skies, with a captivating entertainment backdrop that promises to make this occasion truly unforgettable.
“We are beyond excited to curate this exclusive collaboration featuring Michelin-starred chef Bernd Bachofer and winemaker Kai Schubert,” shares Mohit Dembla, Resort Manager of JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa. “This promises to be a week filled with gastronomic excellence and fine wines, and truly something all our guests can look forward to.”
Located on Vagaru Island, Shaviyani Atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa features 60 stylish villas, located both on the beach and overwater, all with private pools, spacious wooden decks with stunning views across the Indian Ocean and a wide array of amenities with personalised Thakuru (Butler) service. Eclectic dining experiences are offered throughout the resort’s five dining venues, three full service bars, a wine room which houses 1,200 wine collections and private beach dinners.
Reserve your stay today. Limited places are available. For reservations and further details contact jwmmaldivesreservations@marriott.com.
Cooking
Women at heart of kitchen: Milaidhoo Maldives marks International Women’s Day through gastronomy
At Milaidhoo Maldives, International Women’s Day is observed as more than a calendar occasion; it is recognised as a meaningful celebration of the women whose talent and dedication shape the character of the resort’s intimate island experience.
This year, Milaidhoo highlights not only the women across its wider team, but also the five female chefs who play an integral role within its kitchen brigade. Culinary artistry remains central to the Milaidhoo experience, reflecting both heritage and creativity. Across the resort’s collection of dining venues, from island-inspired fine dining to relaxed beachfront cuisine, food is presented as a narrative of place and people. Menus are conceived as inspiration rather than prescription, with chefs tailoring each dish and dining moment to the individual tastes and curiosities of guests.
On 8 March from 19.00, the resort’s female culinary team will take over the open kitchen at Shoreline Grill, hosting a specially curated International Women’s Day dinner. Designed and executed by five chefs, the evening brings together flavours drawn from their individual traditions and culinary perspectives. More than a dining event, the experience is intended as a moment of connection and shared celebration, reflecting the intimate gastronomic gatherings for which Milaidhoo is known.
International Women’s Day Menu (Available at Shoreline Grill – Sunday 8 March from 19.00):
- Sate Lilit: Balinese seafood satay, gently spiced and grilled over charcoal, served with warm peanut sauce – Chef Bintang, Indonesia
- Pumpkin & Coconut Velouté: Roasted pumpkin soup with toasted pumpkin seeds, curry leaf oil and crisp garlic croutons – Chef Saaha, Maldives
- Curry-Poached Maldivian Coral Lobster: Locally sourced lobster with drumstick mashuni and coconut–passionfruit dressing – Chef Michelle, Maldives
- Thai A5 Wagyu Striploin: A5 Wagyu with confit lotus root, green papaya salad and Thai coconut red curry reduction – Chef Prew, Thailand
- Baobab & Chocolate Harmony: Baobab mousse, dark chocolate crémeux, peanut crumble, caramelised pineapple and mango gel – Chef Yemuria, Zimbabwe
Each dish reflects a personal culinary story, drawing inspiration from the charcoal grills of Indonesia and the spice markets of Thailand to the flavours of Zimbabwe and the rich culinary heritage of the Maldives. Together, the menu celebrates diversity and the shared pleasure of dining.
At Milaidhoo, meaningful luxury is defined through connection to place, tradition and people. This International Women’s Day, guests are invited to mark the occasion through an evening of exceptional gastronomy that honours the women at the heart of the Milaidhoo experience.
For reservations or further details on Milaidhoo’s culinary offerings, guests may visit the resort’s Culinary Experiences page or contact the reservations team at welcome@milaidhoo.com.
Drink
SO/ Maldives hosts tequila tasting and Lazuli Bar takeover for National Margarita Day
On 22nd February, in celebration of National Margarita Day, SO/ Maldives turns up the island energy with an exclusive Tequila Tasting, Margarita Experience and beachfront Bar Takeover reaffirming its position as the Maldives’ most modern lifestyle luxury brand. Vibrant, design-led and socially vibrant, SO/ Maldives transforms the occasion into more than a cocktail celebration it becomes a full-sensory journey set against turquoise waters and powder-soft white sands.
A Curated Tequila Journey with Adonai Reyna
Leading the experience is Adonai Reyna, MMI Spirits Ambassador and one of the region’s most decorated mixology talents. With 16 years of experience across Dubai’s most renowned venues and accolades including Winner Havana Club México, Top 25 World Class UAE, Silver Trophy CME UAE and Winner Crystal Head Vodka Mexico, Reyna brings world-class craftsmanship to the shores of the Maldives.
Guests will join him for an immersive tequila tasting experience that delves into the heritage of Mexico’s iconic agave spirit. From understanding the terroir and production secrets to discovering the nuanced flavour profiles of blanco, reposado and aged expressions, the tasting goes beyond the glass. It is a refined exploration of culture, craft and complexity a sensorial journey designed for modern luxury travellers.
The Lazuli Bar Takeover: Where Sunset Meets Spirit
As golden hour approaches, the celebration shifts to the iconic coloured pool bar at Lazuli Beach Club the social heart of the island. Framed by white sand beaches and endless ocean views, Lazuli delivers effortless barefoot sunset vibes with a Riviera-inspired twist.
Under glowing Maldivian skies, Adonai Reyna takes over the bar with a bespoke Margarita menu crafted using premium tequilas, fresh tropical ingredients and innovative mixology techniques. Each cocktail is a statement balancing authenticity with contemporary flair, perfectly aligned with SO/ Maldives’ fashion-forward aesthetic.
The coloured pool bar becomes the centre of attention, drawing guests together in a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere where music flows, cocktails sparkle and the shoreline becomes the ultimate dancefloor.
At SO/ Maldives, experiences are designed to blend global culture with island glamour. The National Margarita Day takeover is a natural extension of the brand’s identity vibrant, creative and unapologetically stylish.
Whether guests are tequila connoisseurs, sunset seekers or social explorers, 22nd February promises an unforgettable celebration where Mexican heritage meets Maldivian rhythm.
For more information or to book your perfect getaway, please visit so-maldives.com or contact so.maldives.reservations@so-hotels.com.
Drink
Provence comes to Maldives with Château Minuty dinner at Milaidhoo Maldives
Milaidhoo Maldives is hosting a wine pairing dinner celebrating Provençal elegance and gastronomy on 4 March 2026 at the resort’s Shoreline Grill. The evening will feature wines from Château Minuty and will be hosted by Sébastien Nore, Global Strategy and Export Director of Château Minuty, offering guests insight into the winery’s heritage and approach to fine winemaking.
Originally from Limousin, France, Nore brings extensive experience in the international beverage industry. His career includes roles with Kronenbourg Wineries and PepsiCo France, followed by senior leadership positions at Diageo and Baron Philippe de Rothschild. He has played a key role in expanding Château Minuty’s global presence and currently oversees the winery’s strategy, sales, communication and marketing, with a focus on innovation and the refined character of Provençal rosé.
During the dinner, guests will enjoy a curated selection of Château Minuty wines, paired with a bespoke menu created by the Shoreline Grill culinary team. The featured wines include:
- Château Minuty M de Minuty Rosé Magnum 1.5L – Artist Edition 2024
- Château Minuty Prestige Rosé 2024
- Château Minuty Rosé et Or 2024
- Château Minuty 281 2024
Beyond this event, the dinner reflects Milaidhoo Maldives’ wider commitment to gastronomy. The resort’s Gourmet Plan is designed for guests with a strong interest in food and wine, offering personalised, multi-course dining experiences throughout their stay. Each menu is crafted to highlight the relationship between carefully selected ingredients and complementary wines, with an emphasis on authenticity and balance.
The Château Minuty dinner marks the fourth wine-focused event hosted by Milaidhoo Maldives this year, underscoring the resort’s ongoing focus on curated culinary experiences. The evening is positioned as a sensory journey, combining refined flavours, thoughtful pairings and a convivial island setting.
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