News
W Maldives Welcomes It’s New Culinary Maestro: Executive Sous Chef Federico Belluco
Situated on the heart-shaped Fesdu Island and surrounded by one of the best house reefs in the country, the luxury playground W Maldives, is thrilled to announce the appointment of their new culinary maestro, Executive Sous Chef Federico Belluco. Bringing a dash of panache and a pinch of innovation, the new Executive Sous Chef is set to whisk guests away on a delectable journey, elevating the resort’s dining experience to new, tantalizing heights.
An Italian-born culinary maestro, Chef Federico has spent his entire career life honing his skills and experiences across Europe, Australia and Middle East. With an impressive culinary background, he has orchestrated culinary masterpieces in a number of Michelin-starred restaurants and five-star hotels across Italy, Spain, Germany and Middle East. Prior to gracing the Maldivian shores, Chef Federico lent his culinary prowess to the five-star Hilton The Pearl Hotel and Residences in Qatar, Doha.
In his new role as Executive Sous Chef at W Maldives, he is set to lead the kitchen brigade, curating a symphony of flavors not only complement the Maldivian beauty but also introduces a touch of European finesse. Guests can expect a menu that transcends borders, showcasing a culinary journey that spans continents.
“I am beyond thrilled to join the culinary stage and bringing my signature flavors that I have refined for the past years to W Maldives. I am determined to work together with the diverse talents and create a culinary symphony that resonates with the vibrant spirit of this luxury playground,” said Chef Federico.
In describing his approach to culinary artistry, he continued, “With every plate and dishes, I aim to tell a story, evoke emotions and take guests on a journey. I believe in crafting experiences that linger in the memory long after the last bite.” He also added, “I fell in love with the Maldives from the moment I arrived. The beauty of these islands inspires me and I am eager to blend the richness of the traditional European techniques with the freshness of local Maldivian ingredients. I am also excited to show what the evolution of both W Hotels brand and W Maldives would taste like.”
In a world where dining is an experience, Executive Sous Chef Federico Belluco promises a culinary spectacle that not only satisfies but leaves a lasting impression. Get ready for a menu that reads like a culinary novel, with chapters of delicious surprises and witty flavors that dance on the palate.
Featured
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa unveils family-focused Family Fun Summer package
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has introduced its Family Fun Summer offer, a family-focused package designed to encourage guests to spend time together through dining, leisure and recreational activities in a private island setting.
Located 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the resort is offering the package as a year-round experience, despite its summer branding. The programme is intended for families seeking a stay that combines accommodation, meals and activities in a single offering.
The experience includes daily breakfast at Feast, where guests can access buffet selections for adults and children. Lunch is served as a three-course beachside meal, while evenings include buffet dinners, à la carte options and access to the resort’s speciality restaurants.
As part of the package, adult guests receive a USD 45 dining credit per night, which can be used at selected outlets including Baan Thai and Sea Salt. The offer is designed to expand dining options within the resort’s full board arrangement.
The package also includes activities aimed at different age groups. Children have access to the Sheraton Adventure Club, while families can take part in pool activities, water sports, sunset dolphin cruises and guided snorkelling excursions.
For guests seeking wellness experiences, Shine Spa for Sheraton offers a range of treatments, with the package including 15 per cent savings on selected services. The resort has also introduced a spa experience designed for parent and child. Additional recreational options include sunrise beach yoga, as well as access to tennis and football facilities.
Other inclusions within the offer include a complimentary family photoshoot and dining benefits for children when eating with their parents.
Family Fun Summer is available for booking until 15 June 2026, for stays through to 20 December 2026. Through the package, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is presenting a family-oriented resort experience centred on dining, recreation and shared time together.
Featured
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau to mark Mother’s Day with wellness and dining offerings
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has announced a Mother’s Day programme centred on wellness, dining and family experiences, offering guests a range of activities designed to mark the occasion in Raa Atoll.
Set within the resort’s island setting, the programme will feature a series of experiences aimed at encouraging families to spend time together through relaxation, dining and shared activities.
At AVI Spa, the Mother’s Day offering will include signature treatments focused on rest and balance. Guests will also have access to holistic sessions led by visiting practitioner Dr Afsana Aradhana Ghyas, whose work focuses on integrative wellbeing and emotional balance.
Dining experiences will form a central part of the programme. These will include floating breakfasts served in private villas, interactive cooking sessions with the resort’s chefs, and private dining experiences ranging from sunset beach dinners to sandbank dining under the stars.
The resort will also offer family-focused activities for the occasion. These will include craft sessions for children, ocean-inspired guided art activities and a family photoshoot intended to capture the day’s experiences.
Through the Mother’s Day programme, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is presenting a combination of wellness, dining and family activities shaped around personal and shared experiences in a resort setting.
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.
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