Food
JA Manafaru brings back Japanese flames with Teppanyaki Grill

After a four-year hiatus this most exciting of dining experiences makes a comeback to JA Manafaru’s island paradise. The culinary team has employed a brand new, highly skilled master chef who is set to slice, dice and juggle before the very eyes of 12 lucky resort guests three nights per week from February 1st.
After winning “Best Culinary Resort” award from TTM in 2023, Executive Chef Moosa Nazeer is excited to introduce The Teppanyaki Experience, offering a delectable menu starting with traditional miso soup before a selection of tempting entrées are presented including Nori Tempura Taco’s. Diners can then choose from the best seafood the Indian Ocean has to offer or a choice of meat from the resorts carefully selected Ethical Meat programme including Cape Grim beef and Hazeldene’s Chicken.
JA Manafaru introduced this program in 2023 to cater to the growing demand of travellers to know where their food comes from and that animals are treated humanely during the rearing process.
This programme is just one part of the resort’s new sustainability and wellness initiatives. One of these programs, Wellness Your Way, which launched at the resort in 2023 with a gala dinner on World Food Day, 18th November, also features in the Teppanyaki Experience. As with all six restaurants on offer at this 5-star Maldives island, there are dedicated versions of the menu catering to Vegan/Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Dairy Free and low carb eating lifestyles so all guests can enjoy the live cooking action at the Teppan grill.
Chef Moosa Nazeer commented “I am beyond thrilled to reintroduce our Teppanyaki at JA Manafaru. This was previously one of our most popular dining experiences and we have taken the hiatus to refine and develop our offering and we can’t wait to see our guests enjoying this once again”.
Cooking
Michelin-starred Chef Iside De Cesare joins The St. Regis Maldives for exclusive culinary experience

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, an exclusive luxury retreat situated on a private natural island, has partnered with Michelin-starred Chef Iside De Cesare to provide Marriott Bonvoy members with an exceptional culinary experience.
Through the exclusive Marriott Bonvoy Moments program, members have the opportunity to bid on a five-night stay for two in an overwater villa from March 25-30, 2025. This extraordinary package includes a private six-course dinner with wine pairings, curated by Chef Iside De Cesare, allowing guests to savour her Michelin-starred cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Additionally, the package offers a daily breakfast with breathtaking views of the Maldivian waves, a signature spa treatment, and a Blue Hole hydrotherapy pool experience at the award-winning Iridium Spa, along with return seaplane transfers.
Chef Iside De Cesare is a distinguished Italian culinary expert renowned for her Michelin-starred restaurant, La Parolina, located in Trevinano. Her cuisine strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savoury, emphasising seasonality, simplicity, and the use of high-quality, local ingredients. Her expertly crafted dishes reflect a dedication to innovation while remaining rooted in traditional Italian flavours. With a strong commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and sustainability, her philosophy aligns seamlessly with The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort’s dedication to refined dining, sophisticated indulgence, and environmental conservation.
Upon arrival, the winning bidder will be welcomed at a special reception and introduced to the serene surroundings of the resort. On March 27, guests will embark on a culinary journey with Chef Iside De Cesare, experiencing her exquisite creations and a unique interpretation of Italian cuisine. Marriott Bonvoy members are invited to bid for a chance to indulge in Chef Iside De Cesare’s Michelin-starred cuisine while enjoying an unparalleled luxury escape at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort.
Featured
Savour love and flavour at Coco Bodu Hithi’s culinary events this February

Coco Bodu Hithi, an authentic Maldivian retreat set in the crystal-clear waters of Malé Atoll, presents a gourmet getaway with a newly curated culinary journey designed for romance and indulgence.
Visitors can experience global flavours and exceptional wines from Bodegas Familia Zuccardi as Coco Bodu Hithi marks the beginning of the love season on 8 February. Zuccardi, known for its dedication to quality and sustainability, consistently produces award-winning wines that reflect the essence of Mendoza’s terroir. The winery has been recognised as a leader in the industry, securing the #1 ranking by ‘World’s Best Vineyards’ in 2019, 2020, and 2021, and earning a place in the Hall of Fame in 2022.
On 14 February, couples are invited to celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Eternal Shores Valentine’s Beach Barbecue. This special evening offers an opportunity to enjoy a carefully curated beachside barbecue under the stars, creating an unforgettable and intimate experience.
Throughout the year, the island hosts Michelin-starred chefs, celebrity talents, exclusive wine dinners, and unique dining experiences. This February, food enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting lineup, including the Art-of-Fire Culinary Journey from 24 to 26 February, featuring renowned Chef Jord Althuizen, celebrated for his Whole Hog BBQ. Guests will have the chance to savour a range of exceptional culinary offerings during their stay.
During this romantic season, visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of intimate experiences. The ‘From the Heart’ offerings include some of the island’s most enchanting activities, such as a private five-course dinner under the stars in a secluded pergola, a sunset cruise around the island, or a stay in a Beach Villa with Pool. This beachfront retreat provides the perfect blend of privacy and comfort, ensuring an elevated romantic escape.
Renowned for its romantic ambiance, the island has been recognised as the Best Luxury Honeymoon Resort in the Maldives by the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards 2024 and named among the Top 50 Honeymoon Resorts in the World by Weddings & Honeymoons Magazine in 2024.
Travellers looking to experience this Maldivian paradise can take advantage of the Coco Summer Escape offer, which includes a 40% discount and a complimentary meal plan upgrade, enhancing their stay at Coco Bodu Hithi.
Featured
Janice Wong brings edible art to OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

For those with a refined sweet tooth and a love for the Maldives, THE OZEN COLLECTION has announced an exclusive collaboration with celebrated pastry virtuoso Janice Wong. The renowned chef will be present at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO from 24th to 26th April 2025, transforming the island into a hub of culinary innovation. Guests will have the opportunity to experience bespoke dessert creations, interactive workshops, and captivating chocolate installations.
During her residency, Chef Wong will unveil her signature edible chocolate wall art—an impressive three-metre-tall masterpiece crafted from sustainably sourced chocolate. Designed to reflect the Maldives’ vibrant marine ecosystem, the installation will feature intricate coral-inspired designs, with 100 ‘reef-like’ cavities containing hand-painted bonbons for guests to enjoy. In addition to this centrepiece, she will host live dessert stations at the resort’s overwater venues, offering delicacies such as Yuzu Meringue Clouds and Salted Caramel Lava Spheres, carefully paired with sommelier-selected dessert wines.
On 24th April, a four-hands gourmet dinner at the underwater restaurant M6m will showcase a collaboration between Chef Wong and OZEN LIFE MAADHOO’s Executive Chef Alok. This exclusive event, limited to just 40 guests, will present a dessert degustation menu that reimagines Maldivian flavours through modernist techniques and locally sourced ingredients.
Younger guests will also have the chance to explore their creativity through daily chocolate art workshops, where Chef Wong will guide families in crafting edible masterpieces using chocolate crayons, rice paper, and miniature canvases. Each child will leave with a personalised creation and a keepsake brochure detailing the week’s activities.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Chef Wong expressed her inspiration from the Maldives’ natural beauty. She noted that her goal at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is to blur the lines between art, nature, and gastronomy, creating lasting impressions both on the palate and in memory.
All experiences will be seamlessly integrated into the resort’s INDULGENCE™ Plan, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the festivities. From sunset bonbon tastings to private consultations with Chef Wong, the programme exemplifies THE OZEN COLLECTION’s commitment to Refined Elegance, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
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