News
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef Maldives Spotlights Its Culinary Maestro Executive Chef Nitin and His Gut Healing Thali Dinner Experience
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:
- Pineapple Relish: Rich in antioxidants and bromelain enzyme, aiding in heart health and reducing inflammation.
- Beetroot, Clove Fruit Vinegar Chutney: High in fiber, promoting the growth of good bacteria in the gut, and containing good sugars for internal healing.
- Black Garlic Yoghurt: With prebiotic properties, stimulating appetite and contributing to gut health.
Amuse Bouche: Regenerate Your Body
- Gluten-Free Pani Puri with 03 Different Shots
- Tangy Green Apple and Mint Water: Rich in Vitamins A & C, acting as antioxidants to prevent cancer cell formation.
- Beetroot and Basil Water: Anti-inflammatory properties for rejuvenation.
- 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.
Family
Kandooma Maldives invites families to Easter island celebrations
Swap traditional Easter routines for barefoot island celebrations as Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives unveils a vibrant Easter programme designed for families seeking adventure, connection and memorable island moments.
Set on a lush private island surrounded by turquoise lagoons and powder-white beaches, the resort’s Easter festivities blend family adventures, island experiences and indulgent dining in true Maldivian style.
“Easter is a wonderful time for families to come together and create special memories,” said Sharon Garrett, Director of Marketing & Sustainability at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. “Our Easter programme has been designed to capture the spirit of the season while embracing the relaxed island lifestyle that makes the Maldives such a special place to celebrate.”
Guests can enjoy a week of fun-filled activities for all ages, from beach games, snorkelling adventures and creative craft sessions to relaxing spa rituals and sunset cocktails by the ocean. Younger guests will be happily entertained at the Kandoo Kids’ Club, where a dedicated Easter programme offers plenty of excitement for little explorers.
The highlight of the celebrations will be the Easter Sunday Dinner Buffet at Kandooma Café, a festive island feast bringing families together around a table filled with global flavours.
Guests can savour traditional Easter favourites from the carving station, vibrant salads and international cuisine, alongside chef-prepared dishes from live cooking stations. A dedicated Kids’ Corner ensures younger diners have their own fun selections, while a spectacular dessert spread, including Kandooma Café’s famous chocolate fountain and live crêpe station, provides a sweet finale to the evening.
Families planning an Easter holiday can choose from a range of holiday packages, including the resort’s popular All-Inclusive offer and a Family Getaway package packed with added extras for parents and children alike. More details can be found here.
The resort’s Easter Brochure outlines the full programme of island adventures and special experiences, including the Kandoo Kids’ Club Easter activities. View Easter Brochure here.
Located in the South Malé Atoll, just a 45-minute speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is renowned for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear lagoon and some of the Maldives’ best scuba diving experiences.
Accommodation ranges from garden and beach villas to spacious two-storey beach houses and overwater villas, offering options ideal for couples, families and groups. Guests can enjoy six dining venues, a vibrant activities programme and wellness experiences at Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala.
For more information, please visit: www.maldives.holidayinnresorts.com.
Action
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives expands sustainability efforts with coral restoration
The vibrant coral reefs surrounding Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives play a vital role in sustaining the island’s rich marine biodiversity. Recognising the growing threats faced by coral ecosystems worldwide, the resort has introduced a coral restoration initiative aimed at supporting the long-term recovery of its house reef.
Coral reefs are among the most sensitive and fragile ecosystems on the planet and are increasingly affected by environmental stressors such as rising ocean temperatures, coral bleaching, and human activity. These ecosystems not only support thousands of marine species but also play a crucial role in maintaining ocean health and protecting coastlines.

As part of its ongoing sustainability efforts, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has taken proactive steps to assist reef regeneration through a structured coral restoration programme. The initiative recently saw the installation of 25 coral frames, each carefully planted with coral fragments collected from naturally broken corals found within the surrounding lagoon and reef areas.
Over time, these fragments will grow and fuse with one another, gradually forming new coral colonies that contribute to rebuilding the reef structure. As the corals mature, they create shelter and feeding grounds for a wide variety of marine life, helping restore the ecological balance of the reef ecosystem.

The restoration project also serves as an important platform for raising awareness among guests and team members about the importance of marine conservation. By nurturing these coral frames and monitoring their progress, the resort contributes to strengthening the resilience of its surrounding reef while supporting broader efforts to safeguard the Maldives’ underwater ecosystems.
Family
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives introduces ‘Easter by the Tides’ programme
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives invites guests to embrace the spirit of renewal with “Easter by the Tides,” a thoughtfully curated island celebration inspired by the rhythms of the ocean and the joy of togetherness. Set against the tranquil beauty of the Indian Ocean, the festivities blend culinary artistry, nature-led exploration, wellness rituals, and family-friendly experiences designed to create meaningful moments throughout the Easter season.
Rooted in Alila’s philosophy of purposeful living and connection to nature, the celebration unfolds through a series of immersive activities that encourage guests to slow down, reconnect, and experience the island in new and inspiring ways.

Guests can begin their days with mindful wellness sessions such as Tai Chi Breathing and morning yoga overlooking the sea, while marine-led experiences including coral planting and guided snorkeling invite them to discover the vibrant underwater world surrounding the resort.
Families and younger guests can also take part in playful Easter traditions with a tropical twist, including a snorkeling Easter egg hunt set within the island’s turquoise lagoon — a joyful moment of discovery that blends festive fun with the beauty of the ocean environment.
Culinary experiences form a highlight of the celebration, with special themed dining moments and sweet creations by World Champion Pastry Chef Rolf Mürner from Switzerland. Guests will have the opportunity to witness the artistry behind his celebrated chocolate craftsmanship and indulge in imaginative desserts inspired by the spirit of Easter.

“At Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, Easter is a meaningful time to celebrate renewal, connection, and shared moments in a setting shaped by nature,” said Thomas Weber, General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives. “With ‘Easter by the Tides,’ our team has created experiences that reflect the beauty and rhythm of island life while inviting guests to embrace the season with a sense of joy and discovery.”
The celebration is complemented by distinctive dining experiences across the resort’s restaurants, including a special Boat-to-Table BBQ at Seasalt, where fresh flavours and island-inspired cuisine take centre stage.

“Our culinary team wanted to capture the essence of Easter through creativity, craftsmanship, and flavour,” said Frank Wackerhagen, Executive Chef of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives. “From Chef Rolf Mürner’s exquisite chocolate creations to our Easter-themed dining experiences by the sea, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to create moments of delight for our guests.”
Blending nature, gastronomy, wellness, and family traditions, Easter by the Tides invites guests to celebrate the season in a way that feels both vibrant and serene — where every moment unfolds in harmony with the gentle rhythm of island life.
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