Gastronomy
BBM re-ignites culinary innovation with Master Baker Steven in Maldives
Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) and IREKS are bringing back Master Baker Steven Selvamuthu for another exceptional training session in the Maldives from April 20th to May 5th, 2024. This collaborative effort will focus on elevating the baking skills of chefs across the Resort and Horeca establishments, merging local talents with global best practices in baking.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with IREKS and bring Chef Steven back to the Maldives,” said Praval Kumar, HoD Marketing at BBM. “This event not only enhances the local talent but also introduces them to global best practices in baking. It’s a part of our continuing commitment to nurture and develop the culinary scene in the Maldives.”
Chef Steven Selvamuthu, with his globally renowned expertise and engaging teaching style, has become a pillar of knowledge and inspiration within the Maldivian chef community. His sessions are eagerly awaited each year, valued for both the skills they impart and the enthusiasm they ignite among participants. IREKS, revered globally for its high-quality baking solutions, continues to play a crucial role in this educational initiative, enjoying the trust and confidence of the local chefs for more than two decades.
IREKS, a renowned German multinational, is recognized worldwide for its expertise in developing innovative baking ingredients. Their products cater to a health-conscious and quality-driven generation, offering a wide range of high-quality bakery flours, baking improvers, specialty bread mixes, and confectionary mixes, including Gluten-Free and Vegan options. With a focus on sustainability, IREKS promotes a diverse array of organic baking improvers and mixes, exclusively sourcing raw materials from controlled organic cultivation. IREKS is also the leading brand supporting the ‘Bread and Pastry Display Challenge’ during the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge, May 2024. Their involvement in this prestigious event further showcases their commitment to fostering culinary excellence and innovation in the Maldives.
This year’s training sessions are set to delve into specialized topics, including popular areas such as Gluten-Free and Vegan baking options, catering to the evolving dietary preferences and health-conscious trends among consumers. Such sessions underscore BBM’s commitment to not only keeping pace with global culinary trends but also leading the way in bringing the best to Maldives.
BBM stands at the forefront of the Maldivian culinary supplies industry, partnering with global giants like Lactalis (Pauls), Lamb Weston, TWG Tea, American Specialty, San Benedetto, Mamee (chicken stock powder) and offering an expansive array of other products and ingredients. Beyond its role as a distributor, BBM is deeply invested in the culinary development of the region. Through regular training sessions, product demonstrations, and the exclusive ‘Masterclass’ series featuring Michelin Starred chefs, BBM continues to foster a vibrant culinary culture in the Maldives.
The upcoming sessions with Chef Steven are more than just training—they are a beacon for culinary excellence in the Maldives, drawing together the art and science of baking to inspire and elevate the skills of all participants. Despite the high demand and a fully booked calendar, BBM encourages resorts to inquire about possible demo slots. This flexibility reflects BBM’s commitment to inclusivity and its aim to spread culinary expertise across as many professionals as possible, enriching the overall gastronomic experience offered in the Maldives.
Drink
Lily Beach announces guest bartender residency featuring Vyacheslav Kasitsyn
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced an exclusive guest bartender residency featuring Vyacheslav Kasitsyn, one of the most prominent figures in Moscow’s contemporary bar scene, from 2nd to 10th May 2026.
Vyacheslav is the Bar Manager of The Carlton Lounge & Bar at The Carlton, Moscow, one of the city’s most sophisticated social destinations. He began his career at the award-winning City Space Bar, recognised both in Russia and internationally, before contributing to a number of standout bar and restaurant projects at Lucky Group.
Renowned for crafting modern classics with precision and narrative depth, Vyacheslav’s cocktails reflect refined technique, contemporary elegance, and a strong sense of place. Each creation tells a story-balancing innovation with timeless style, elegance and style.
During his residency at Lily Beach, guests will experience a curated cocktail menu inspired by Moscow’s dynamic bar culture, reimagined within the island’s luxury setting. Exclusive evening showcases and limited-edition signatures will highlight his artistry.
This special collaboration underscores Lily Beach’s commitment to delivering elevated culinary and beverage experiences -where global expertise meets barefoot Maldivian luxury.
At Lily Beach the Platinum Plan seamlessly unites exceptional dining with premium inclusions, creating one of the Maldives’ most distinguished all-inclusive experiences. Guests indulge in diverse buffet and à la carte offerings across multiple restaurants, complemented by an extensive selection of premium wines, spirits, signature cocktails, and a replenished minibar. Elevating the culinary journey further, Les Turquoise d’Aqua proudly received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2024, underscoring the resort’s commitment to world-class wine curation. From elegant beachfront dinners to relaxed overwater settings, every moment is thoughtfully crafted to deliver refined flavour, variety, and effortless luxury.
For reservations and further information, please visit the resort’s website.
Cooking
Kandolhu Maldives announces culinary collaboration with Chef Fabrizio Zanetti
Following a season of culinary collaborations, Kandolhu Maldives has announced that Executive Chef Fabrizio Zanetti will visit the resort this October for a series of dining events.
The resort said the programme would offer guests an opportunity to experience Zanetti’s cuisine through a number of exclusive dining experiences.
Originally from St Moritz, Zanetti has led the kitchens at Hotel Suvretta House in St Moritz for more than a decade. The five-star Suvretta House, built in 1912 by Swiss hotelier Anton Bon, recently opened a new 4,670-square metre spa for the 2025-2026 winter season.
Zanetti has also worked at Michelin-starred establishments including Baur au Lac in Zurich and Savoy Grill in London. His work has been recognised with 17 points in the Gault-Millau Guide 2025 and the Mérite Culinaire Suisse award. In 2024, he was also named Gault-Millau Rising Star of the Year.
The collaboration at Kandolhu Maldives will begin on Wednesday, 14 October, with a three-course à la carte lunch at The Market.
A four-course dinner will follow on Saturday, 17 October, at Olive Restaurant. The evening will begin with a meet-and-greet with Chef Zanetti before dinner is served.
On Wednesday, 21 October, Olive Restaurant will also host a five-course Wine and Dine event, which will include a personal introduction from the chef.
Kandolhu Maldives said each evening event at Olive Restaurant would be limited to 22 guests, offering an intimate dining setting overlooking the Indian Ocean. The resort has encouraged guests to reserve early for the programme.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
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