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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef Maldives Spotlights Its Culinary Maestro Executive Chef Nitin and His Gut Healing Thali Dinner Experience

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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef,  renowned for its naturally playful ambiance and exceptional hospitality, proudly shines a spotlight on its esteemed Executive Chef Nitin and his special gut healing and immunity boosting Thali Dinner Experience

With an impressive tenure of three years with the Vilu Reef resort team, Chef Nitin has continuously elevated culinary experiences, setting new standards of excellence. Chef Nitin’s culinary prowess extends beyond accolades, as demonstrated by his unique approach to crafting a special Thali dinner experience that showcases North Indian cuisines, combining authenticity and health.

The Thali incorporates a unique blend of Indian and herb spices, including turmeric, ginger, garlic, cumin, black pepper, coriander, clove, mac, cinnamon, fenugreek, asafetida, ashwagandha, cow desi ghee, saffron, cardamom, and more. This combination not only boosts immunity but is also beneficial for the intestine and gut. This dinner experience, carefully curated with meticulously chosen ingredients, reflects Chef Nitin’s belief in the Spice Health Concept, emphasizing the overall health benefits of each component.

Chef Nitin shares, “Our special Thali dinner is more than a meal; it’s a journey for your healthy intestine. We believe in using a combination of Indian and other unique herb spices to boost immunity, promote gut health, and enhance overall well-being.”

The special Thali dinner is available at The Spice restaurant every Wednesday for USD90 per person and it includes:

Table Amenities – A Journey for Your Healthy Intestine:

  1. Pineapple Relish: Rich in antioxidants and bromelain enzyme, aiding in heart health and reducing inflammation.
  2. Beetroot, Clove Fruit Vinegar Chutney: High in fiber, promoting the growth of good bacteria in the gut, and containing good sugars for internal healing.
  3. Black Garlic Yoghurt: With prebiotic properties, stimulating appetite and contributing to gut health.

Amuse Bouche: Regenerate Your Body

  1. Gluten-Free Pani Puri with 03 Different Shots
  2. Tangy Green Apple and Mint Water: Rich in Vitamins A & C, acting as antioxidants to prevent cancer cell formation.
  3. Beetroot and Basil Water: Anti-inflammatory properties for rejuvenation.
  4. Young Turmeric Water: Antioxidant-rich, aiding the body in combating inflammation.

Even after more than two decades in the industry, Chef Nitin’s unwavering passion for food and service remains palpable, creating an atmosphere where his love for the culinary arts is almost tangible. Chef Nitin graciously extends beyond the confines of his kitchen to engage with guests at each restaurant in Vilu Reef, actively seeking their feedback to ensure a delightful dining experience for everyone in his restaurant. His warm and friendly demeanour shines through as he provides personalized attention to guests with special requests, consistently delivering with a joyful spirit. Chef Nitin’s passion is evident not only in his culinary creations but also in his generous willingness to share his recipes with guests. With a genuine concern for customer feedback, he embraces opportunities for improvement, continuously striving to elevate and refine his cuisines for the utmost satisfaction of his guests.

Hailing from a distinguished career that spans across the culinary landscapes of Germany, France, U.S.A, Canada, Italy, Mexico, Jamaica, Maldives, and Thailand, Chef Nitin’s global culinary odyssey has bestowed upon him a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

Chef Nitin’s journey is punctuated by prestigious accolades, including the title of the 2nd Best Chef in the India Chapter at the Bocuse d’Or 2012 World Chef’s Championship. His commitment to culinary excellence is evident through his participation in workshops with luminaries like the revered French 3 Michelin stars Chef George Blanc. Additionally, his collaborations with Italian 2 Michelin star Chef Fabrizio Marino and German 2 Michelin star Chef Gassner Rainer further highlight his dedication to the craft.

A proud member of the Indian Federation of Culinary Association and a certified trainer from Carlson Hotel Worldwide, Chef Nitin’s influence extends beyond his culinary prowess. His commitment to innovation and excellence is complemented by a passion for nurturing talent, making him not only a Head Chef but a dynamic force within the Sun Siyam Vilu Reef family.

For three years, Chef Nitin has been the guiding force behind our culinary endeavors, elevating the resort’s dining experiences to unparalleled levels. His leadership and dedication have truly made a lasting mark, shaping Sun Siyam Vilu Reef as a beacon of culinary brilliance.

Awards

Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa receives global wellness award

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Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives has been awarded the Best Traditional Healing Spa 2026 title at the Luxuri Awards, recognising its consistent approach to wellness rooted in time-honoured practices and thoughtful guest care.

Set within the tranquil surroundings of Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, Mandara Spa has built a reputation for offering restorative experiences that draw on traditional Balinese healing techniques. The recognition reflects the team’s continued focus on creating a calm, unhurried environment where each treatment is delivered with care, precision, and attention to detail.

A secluded retreat within the island’s natural landscape in Meemu Atoll, the spa introduces a subtle touch of Bali through its open, calming design. Comprising four double treatment villas and a dedicated manicure and pedicure area, the space is designed to encourage guests to fully disconnect and unwind. The spa experience is shaped by a blend of signature Mandara Spa therapies and ELEMIS treatments, a British luxury skincare brand known for combining advanced scientific formulations with naturally derived ingredients.

This recognition at the Luxuri Awards 2026 highlights Mandara Spa’s ongoing commitment to delivering meaningful wellness experiences, while reinforcing Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ broader focus on thoughtful, experience-led hospitality across its Maldives portfolio.

For those looking to experience this award-winning wellness offering, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives is currently extending a seasonal offer with added travel benefits. Guests can enjoy complimentary round-trip domestic flight transfers on stays of seven nights or more, and complimentary one-way transfers for shorter stays. The offer is available for bookings made until 31 October 2026, with stay dates valid from 1 April 2026 to 31 October 2027.

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The Standard, Maldives introduces Onda with Mediterranean-inspired menu

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The wait is over. The Standard, Maldives is set to celebrate the opening of Onda, a bold new Mediterranean dining destination redefining island dining, on 5 April 2026.

Designed for sharing, lingering, and celebrating, Onda brings a fresh rhythm to the island’s culinary scene, blending vibrant flavours with The Standard’s signature approach: elevated, expressive, and never overdone. Named after the Italian word for wave, Onda captures a sense of movement, flow, and effortless energy.

From the moment guests arrive, the restaurant invites them to let go of convention and lean into a dining experience that feels vibrant, relaxed, and deeply connected to its surroundings. This is Mediterranean cuisine stripped of pretence: bold, fresh, soulful, and designed to be shared.

A Concept Rooted in Flow and Freedom

Onda was conceived as an antidote to traditional resort dining. There are no rigid rituals here, no formal stiffness, just the pleasure of great food, good company, and a front-row seat to the Indian Ocean. The concept is built around the idea of flow: the flow of waves, of conversation, of plates moving effortlessly from kitchen to table.

“Onda is a pure expression of The Standard’s playful, unconventional spirit,” says Justin Swart, General Manager of The Standard, Maldives. “We didn’t want to create another ‘fine-dining’ restaurant. We wanted something alive, a place that feels exciting, approachable, and rooted in flavour. Our ambition is for Onda to be recognised as the best Mediterranean restaurant in the region, delivering not just incredible food, but an experience that’s energetic, flowing, and full of life.”

Guests can savour a selection of fresh creations, including Bouillabaisse Scampi, offering a harmonious balance of umami depth and the freshness of the sea; Red Snapper Crudo with Citrus and Daikon, highlighting the purity of Maldivian waters with subtle Mediterranean accents; and Wahoo Carpaccio with Black Pepper and Tomato, a familiar classic reimagined with vibrant simplicity and restraint. Each plate reflects a collective commitment to generosity, balance, and pleasure.

Design Inspired by a Day at Sea

The design of Onda mirrors the feeling of being out on the water. Light, open, and breezy, the space is shaped by natural textures, fluid lines, and an effortless indoor-outdoor connection. Every element, from the seating layout to the ocean-facing views, is designed to draw guests into the surrounding seascape.

As daylight fades, Onda transitions seamlessly from sun-lit lunches to golden-hour dinners, with the ocean setting the pace. The atmosphere is elevated yet easy, striking a balance between refined design and relaxed island energy, a signature hallmark of The Standard brand.

The People Behind the Plate

At the heart of Onda is a belief that memorable dining is shaped not only by what is served, but by the people who bring it to life. From the kitchen to the floor, Onda is driven by a team united by craft, curiosity, and a shared respect for ingredients, tradition, and the rhythm of island life.

Beyond the cuisine, it is the atmosphere and human connection that define the Onda experience. Service is guided by The Standard’s signature human touch: warm, intuitive, and genuinely attuned to each guest. The team moves with ease and personality, creating an environment that feels welcoming, relaxed, and alive, where energy flows naturally from table to table.

Completing the experience is a carefully curated beverage programme that mirrors the same sense of freshness and flow, ensuring that the spirit of Onda extends seamlessly from the first sip to the final moment. Together, the people behind Onda create an experience that feels purposeful yet effortless, rooted in connection, shaped by care, and designed to be shared.

A New Benchmark for Island Dining

Onda marks a new chapter for The Standard, Maldives, one that challenges expectations and sets a fresh benchmark for contemporary island dining. Guests and visitors are warmly invited to take their place at the table, share in the rhythm of Mediterranean flavours, and experience dining that is designed to be savoured, celebrated, and enjoyed together.

Whether for an intimate evening or a lively gathering, Onda welcomes all who appreciate good food, great company, and moments that linger long after the last bite. The new wave of Mediterranean dining has arrived at The Standard, Maldives. And Onda is here to stay.

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Awards

COLOURS OF OBLU marks triple win in global guest-driven awards

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COLOURS OF OBLU celebrates a triple distinction as OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi have been honoured with the HolidayCheck Award 2026, recognising the resorts among the world’s best-rated accommodations based entirely on verified guest reviews, while OBLU SELECT Lobigili has been awarded the DERTOUR Red Star Quality Award 2025.

The recognition places Lobigili among the top 150 most popular hotels worldwide within the DERTOUR Group portfolio. DERTOUR, one of Germany’s leading tour operators, bases this award on direct guest feedback and booking performance, highlighting exceptional holiday quality and guest satisfaction.

The HolidayCheck Awards are among the most recognised accolades in the travel industry, honouring hotels and resorts worldwide that consistently receive outstanding guest feedback. Organised by HolidayCheck, one of the leading travel review platforms in Europe, properties recognised through the awards stand out for delivering exceptional holiday experiences, high service standards, and memorable stays for guests across global destinations.

OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, renowned for its thriving house reef and immersive diving experiences, achieved an impressive guest rating of 5.6 out of 6, reaffirming its status as one of the Maldives’ most loved island escapes. Guests praise its barefoot charm, warm hospitality, and easy access to vibrant marine life, while the resort’s ongoing coral restoration initiatives further enhance its commitment to preserving the rich underwater ecosystem, making it a favourite among nature lovers and underwater enthusiasts.

“We are honoured that OBLU NATURE Helengeli has been recognised with the HolidayCheck Award 2026. Known for its thriving house reef and authentic island charm, the resort offers guests a truly immersive Maldivian experience. This recognition from travellers is a testament to the dedication of our team and the unforgettable natural beauty that makes the island so special,” said Alain Trefois, General Manager, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO.

Meanwhile, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, just a short speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, achieved a strong guest rating of 5.4 out of 6, reflecting its growing appeal among families, couples, and groups. With its lively atmosphere, diverse dining, and value-driven offerings, the resort continues to attract travellers seeking fun, relaxation, and effortless island escapes.

In contrast, OBLU SELECT Lobigili offers a more refined, adults-only escape, designed for couples seeking privacy, romance, and elevated experiences, featuring the iconic ONLY BLU under ocean restaurant, further complementing the diverse appeal of the COLOURS OF OBLU portfolio.

“Receiving the Award is a proud moment for our team at Ailafushi. Alongside this, the recognition of Lobigili highlights our strong partnerships with German tour operators and our ability to consistently deliver experiences that appeals for this key market segment. Our goal has always been to create a vibrant and welcoming island escape where guests can relax, connect, and enjoy the Maldives in a fun and effortless way. This recognition, based on genuine guest feedback, means a great deal to us and reflects the passion our team brings to every guest experience,” added David Alan Burley, General Manager, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili.

Complementing these achievements, this recognition further underscores Atmosphere Core’s strong partnerships with German stakeholders and its ability to consistently deliver experiences that resonate with this discerning market. Together, these accolades reflect the dedication of the exceptional teams across the portfolio, whose commitment to genuine hospitality and attention to detail continues to elevate guest experiences.

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