News
Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives celebrates culinary excellence on World Chefs Day

Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives celebrated the talents of its illustrious chefs on International Chef’s Day 2023, which is celebrated on 19th October of every year. This special occasion is a testament to the resort’s commitment to culinary excellence and the diverse talents that contribute to the unique gastronomic experience offered to guests who visit the resort from around the world.
Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives is not just a tropical paradise; it is a melting pot of culinary creations and traditions. The resort boasts a dynamic team of chefs hailing from different corners of the world, each bringing a unique set of skills and flavors to the table. This International Chef’s Day, the resort takes pride in the rich tapestry of backgrounds that make up its culinary team, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives and skills converge to create an unparalleled dining experience.
At the heart of their culinary philosophy is the belief that food has the power to transcend borders and unite people. The kitchen at Grand Park Kodhipparu is not just a space for cooking; it’s a canvas where their talented chefs create culinary delights and masterpieces that reflect the beauty of global diversity. The dedicated team of chefs also demonstrates a sense of camaraderie and teamwork whilst also promoting peace and harmony in the workplace, celebrating the differences that make them stronger as a team.
The concept behind this year’s theme “Growing Great Chefs” is focused on inspiring children and youth to form a sense of curiosity and interest in the culinary world and the joys of cooking. So, Grand Park Kodhipparu chefs hope to infuse their love for this profession through their culinary creations and share this experience with their guests. The hope is to also leave an impact on any young guests who will also be part of this experience and nurture in them the potential of becoming future culinary experts.
As part of the International Chefs’ Day festivities, guests at the resort can embark on a culinary journey. The resort’s diverse team of chefs will showcase their skills and passion through a series of special menus featuring signature dishes. From the spicy flavors of Southeast Asia to the delicate tastes of Europe, guests will have the opportunity to savor a symphony of international cuisines without leaving the shores of this breathtaking Maldivian paradise.
“We are thrilled to celebrate International Chef’s Day 2023 at our resort as we champion cultural diversity and the wealth of knowledge and experience that each chef brings to the table,” says Raymond Tan, Executive Chef at Grand Park Kodhipparu. “Our team is like a family, and this celebration is a tribute to the shared love for food that binds us together. ‘Growing Great Chefs’ is not just a theme; it’s a commitment to nurturing the talents within our kitchen as well as for everyone who stays with us. To be able to inspire everyone through a culinary approach is always a delight and we are looking forward to it.”
Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives invites everyone to join in the celebration of International Chefs Day 2023. Through the language of food, they seek to convey the message that diversity is a strength, and together, everyone can create a world where the flavors of unity and collaboration prevail.
For reservations and more information visit: https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/north-male- atoll/grand-park-kodhipparu-maldives/
Drink
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort to host wine dinner with Ilaria Felluga of Marco Felluga

This October, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will host an extraordinary celebration of Italian winemaking excellence as Ilaria Felluga, sixth-generation winemaker and steward of the renowned Marco Felluga and Russiz Superiore estates, visits the Maldives for an intimate two-night Wine Dinner on October 24 and 25, 2025.
Guests will be invited on a journey through the Collio wine region, discovering a thoughtfully curated selection of exceptional vintages that reflect generations of craftsmanship and a deep respect for tradition. Each wine, produced through meticulous methods and certified sustainable practices, embodies the Felluga family’s enduring dedication to authenticity and excellence.

The exclusive dinners will take place in Decanter, the resort’s celebrated underground wine cellar, one of the few of its kind in the Maldives, renowned for its rare vintages and intimate setting. Within this elegant venue, The St. Regis Maldives’ culinary team will present a bespoke menu designed to complement the artistry of Collio wines, while Felluga shares insights from her family’s storied vineyards, offering a rare glimpse into their heritage and innovation.
This collaboration highlights the resort’s commitment to culinary distinction. Guests can also explore six distinctive dining venues, including ALBA, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant overlooking the sea; Orientale, known for its Pan-Asian creations; and T•Pan, a modern Japanese Kaiseki experience. Elevated tapas and cocktails await at The Whale Bar, while Crust & Craft offers al fresco seaside dining with a focus on premium meats and seafood.
Set against the pristine beauty of Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is acclaimed for curating immersive cultural and gastronomic experiences. Partnering with one of Italy’s most respected wine dynasties reflects its dedication to offering guests exclusive access to the world’s finest culinary traditions.
For discerning travelers and wine connoisseurs, this event promises more than an exquisite tasting. It is an invitation to experience a celebrated wine legacy in the unparalleled setting of a Maldivian paradise.
Featured
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives unveils ‘Spooky Tropical Halloween’

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has announced its Halloween programme for 2025, titled ‘Spooky Tropical Halloween’. The celebrations will take place from 28 October to 1 November, transforming the island into a Halloween-themed destination that combines the tropical setting of the Maldives with seasonal festivities.
The programme is designed to offer activities for both adults and children. On 31 October, adults can begin the evening with Haunted Cocktails at the Raalhu Bar, featuring themed drinks served against the backdrop of the sunset. This will be followed by the Spectacular Buffet Halloween Dinner at The Restaurant, showcasing a range of Halloween-inspired dishes and desserts. The night will conclude with The Halloween Spirit DJ Night at The Bar, offering music and entertainment alongside shisha under the stars.
Children will be able to join the Spooky Under the Sea adventure at the Kuda Fiyo Kids Club, running throughout the week from 28 October to 1 November. Activities will include crafts such as Shark Creation and Ghost Jellyfish making, a Spooky Story Circle, a Sea Monster Treasure Hunt, Trick-or-Treat, and Halloween costume making. The programme is intended to combine creativity with playful seasonal themes.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, said: “Halloween at Kuda Villingili promises something spine-tingling for everyone, from our little explorers enjoying a spooky under-the-sea adventure to adults indulging in a thrilling tropical Halloween experience. This year’s theme allows us to create an atmosphere that is both exciting and enchanting, offering guests a uniquely memorable way to celebrate the holiday in our tropical paradise.”
The resort has stated that the Halloween celebrations aim to provide a range of events and crafts within an atmosphere that balances seasonal themes with the resort’s luxury environment, ensuring a memorable experience for all guests.
Excursions
Experience ocean encounters: Manta Month at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has announced the return of Manta Month this September, following the success of last year’s initiative. Now established as an annual programme, the celebration offers guests of all ages the opportunity to engage with the ocean while supporting marine conservation, with a particular focus on the manta ray.
Throughout the month, guests are invited to take part in guided excursions to known manta hotspots, led by the resort’s experienced team, who share insights into manta behaviour and conservation. Awareness talks highlight the story of a manta rescued near the island, serving as a reminder of the resort’s continuing efforts to protect marine life. Children can enjoy manta-themed arts and crafts as well as beach games, while the wider community will join reef and island clean-up activities, with collected waste repurposed into manta sculptures. In addition, proceeds from manta pendant sales at the resort’s retail boutique will be donated to The Manta Trust, extending support for research and protection initiatives.
Located close to several of the Maldives’ top ten dive sites, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives places importance on the wellbeing of the ocean and its ecosystems, a priority shared by both guests and staff. The resort’s sustainability initiatives are aligned with IHG’s purpose, True Hospitality for Good, through its Journey to Tomorrow programme, which supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrates a commitment to long-term environmental protection.
Commenting on the event, Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, said: “What started as a special event last year has now grown into an annual month-long celebration. Kandooma Manta Month is not just about seeing these magnificent creatures up close, but about creating meaningful experiences that inspire awareness, responsibility, and care for our ocean environment.”
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