Gastronomy
Time-honoured tradition of ‘Festive Fruit Mixing’ celebrated at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives
As the holiday season approaches, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi gathered all its guests on the 19th of September to experience the rich tradition of ‘Rum Pot,’ a delightful and centuries-old practice of fermenting fruits to prepare for the festive season. This unique culinary journey promises to add a dash of nostalgia and a lot of flavours to your holiday celebrations at the luxury resort.
The ‘Rum Pot’ tradition, originating from Germany, has been carefully preserved and celebrated at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, a tropical paradise nestled in the Maldives. The resort’s talented culinary team has combined this time-honoured method with a tropical twist, offering guests a taste of paradise with every bite.
What is ‘Rum Pot’?
Rum Pot, which translates to “Rumtopf” in German, is a process of preserving various fruits by macerating them in rum and sugar, creating a deliciously boozy concoction. This delightful tradition is often passed down through generations, with each family adding different fruits throughout the year. By the time the holiday season arrives, the Rum Pot is ready to be used in festive cakes and desserts, infusing them with a unique, fruity, and spirited flavour.
At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, this age-old practice has been combined with the resort’s luxurious tropical setting, making it a delightful and memorable experience for guests from around the world.
“Our annual ‘Rum Pot’ preparations have become a cherished tradition at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi,” said Abdulla Atham, Resort Manager at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi. “We take great pride in preserving this culinary heritage and infusing it with the flavours of the Maldives. It’s not just about the delicious fruit, rum, and sugar; it’s about creating cherished memories and celebrating the holiday season in a unique way.”
Guests staying at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi during the festive season can savour this unique tradition in the form of mouthwatering festive cakes and desserts, expertly prepared by the resort’s culinary team. The Rum Pot-infused treats will be available throughout the holiday season, ensuring a memorable and indulgent experience for all.
Join us at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi to create lasting memories, savour the coming warmth of the holiday season, and experience the festive flavour of Rum Pot. Book your stay now and embark on a festive journey like no other.
To find out more about the upcoming festive offers and activities at Sun Siyam Resorts, or to book your stay, please visit https://www.sunsiyam.com/sun-siyam-iru-fushi/offers/ or contact us at book@sunsiyam.com.
Drink
W Maldives unveils The Wavemaker Edit with global talent collaborations
W Maldives has launched The Wavemaker Edit, a new ongoing series of curated collaborations with international talent, aimed at introducing a range of guest experiences across mixology, wellness, cuisine and music.
The series is designed as a rotating programme, with each edition bringing a different creative perspective to the resort. According to W Maldives, the initiative is intended to create a continuing calendar of experiences that combine social, cultural and wellness-led elements.
The first edition of The Wavemaker Edit will run from 3 to 14 June 2026 and will feature two themed chapters, titled Island Alchemy and The Restore Ritual.
Island Alchemy will focus on mixology. On 3 June, Kwok will lead a guest shift at SIP, presenting three cocktails that explore contrast and balance, including a bespoke creation inspired by the Maldives. The collaboration will continue on 6 June at WET Deck, where a poolside day party will feature a curated cocktail menu.
The second chapter, The Restore Ritual, will centre on wellness and movement in recognition of Global Wellness Day. Led by Mumbai-based yoga and movement educator Samiksha Shetty, the programme will include sessions focused on breathwork, mindfulness and alignment-based practice.
The wellness programme will include Sunset Yoga sessions at FIRE Beach on 12 and 14 June, as well as a morning meditation session at AWAY Spa on 13 June. The main event within this chapter will take place on 13 June, when guests will be able to join a Sunset Yoga session aboard the Horizon Yacht. This bookable experience will also include healthy refreshments and a 60-minute massage at AWAY Spa.
W Maldives said future editions of The Wavemaker Edit will expand into culinary, music and art-led experiences under a number of themed series, including Flavors Unscripted, Sound Wave and Make A Scene.
Commenting on the launch, General Manager Amila Handunwala said the initiative reflects the resort’s approach to continuously evolving the guest experience through collaborations with international talent.
W Maldives is positioning the series as part of its broader effort to offer more structured and experience-led programming for guests. In addition, the resort is promoting its Original Wavemaker package, which includes seaplane transfers and a half-board meal plan for two adults with a minimum stay of four nights.
Cooking
Patina Maldives announces opening of KANDU in June 2026
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, renowned for its progressive approach to dining that seamlessly weaves together art, culture, and gastronomy, has announced the opening of KANDU at Patina Maldives in June 2026, an experiential dining destination dedicated to a modern expression of Maldivian cuisine.
Named after the Dhivehi word for the ocean channels that connect the Maldives’ atolls, KANDU is conceived as a fluid passage between sea and table, where natural currents, cultural memory, and culinary craft converge. Rooted in the elemental relationship between land and water, the concept reflects a dynamic and evolving interpretation of the Maldives’ rich gastronomic heritage.
As the only venue within the Fari Islands devoted entirely to contemporary Maldivian cuisine, KANDU introduces a “Dhivehi Modern Ocean-to-Table” philosophy, bridging island traditions with refined, modern techniques. Drawing from generations of island cooking, from the quiet wisdom of grandmother recipes to the distinct flavours of each atoll, the experience unfolds as a culinary journey across the archipelago.
KANDU offers a multicourse tasting menu designed as a narrative map of the Maldives, with each course reflecting the character and ingredients of a specific atoll. Traditional staples such as coconut, tuna, breadfruit, and native herbs are reimagined with precision and creativity, offering a refined expression of Maldivian flavour shaped by regional memory and contemporary technique.
Guided by the Indian Ocean as a living larder, KANDU emphasises a deep connection to place through ethical sourcing and sustainability. The restaurant partners directly with local fishermen for daily catches, supporting local communities while minimising environmental impact.
The beverage program highlights fresh, tropical, and largely non-alcoholic creations, presenting modern interpretations of traditional drinks such as Raa, Sai, and Kashikeyo-inspired cocktails, alongside inventive serves like a Bilimagu Whisky Sour. A curated selection of wines further enhances the dining experience.
Designed to reflect the natural textures and tones of the Maldives, KANDU features warm, earthy materials, open-air seating, and artwork spotlighting collaborations with local artists. The ambiance is complemented by a relaxed yet cosmopolitan soundtrack of downtempo and ambient music infused with subtle Maldivian influences.
“Maldivian cuisine has always been deeply personal to me. With KANDU, we wanted to honour the flavours many of us grew up with and reframe them through a more contemporary lens. This is a menu shaped by memory, by the ocean, and by the incredible produce of our islands. It is a celebration of where we come from, and where Maldivian cuisine can go next,” says Abdulla Rifzan, Chef de Cuisine at KANDU, known to many as Rippe.
Bold yet thoughtful, KANDU offers a new perspective on destination dining, honoring the past while sharing the evolving story of Maldivian cuisine with the world.
Cooking
OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO unveils chef-led 9-Hands Dinner experience
OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO has announced a 9-Hands Dinner event scheduled to take place from 25 to 27 May, offering a curated dining experience as part of its guest programme.
The event will feature a multi-course menu developed by three chefs representing Egypt, Madeira and the Maldives. Each chef will present dishes reflecting their respective culinary backgrounds, combining different techniques and flavour profiles within a single dining concept.
The dinner is positioned as an interactive culinary experience, bringing together elements of storytelling and presentation alongside the menu. According to the resort, the concept is designed to highlight both innovation and traditional influences in cuisine.
The experience will be included within the resort’s plan for in-house guests, forming part of the overall stay offering.

Commenting on the event, General Manager Alain Trefois stated that the initiative reflects the resort’s focus on expanding guest experiences beyond standard dining formats. He noted that the event provides an opportunity for guests to engage with culinary presentation in a structured setting.
Anupam Banerjee, Vice President Food & Beverage at Atmosphere Core, said the collaboration brings together different culinary influences, combining regional ingredients and techniques into a single dining programme.
Located in North Malé Atoll, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO is known for its house reef and marine environment, offering a range of activities alongside its accommodation and dining options.
The resort has indicated that availability for the 9-Hands Dinner event will be limited, with advance booking recommended for guests wishing to attend.
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