Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has announced that Umami has been named Best Restaurant at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards 2026, recognising the restaurant’s Japanese-inspired Asian fusion cuisine, distinctive dining experiences and the people who bring them to life.

Meaning the “essence of deliciousness” in Japanese and recognised as the fifth taste, Umami brings together layers of flavour, craftsmanship and cultures in an intimate island setting. Japanese culinary precision sits at the heart of its approach, enriched by diverse Asian influences and contemporary expression.

Across the restaurant, the experience unfolds through the considered artistry of sushi and sashimi, charcoal-fired seafood, and the precision and engaging theatre of teppanyaki. At the adjoining Yakitori Bar, a more relaxed atmosphere complements the dining experience, while sake, mocktails and cocktails add another dimension to the journey.

Among Umami’s culinary signatures are lightly seared Maldivian tuna with Oscietra caviar and teriyaki sauce; Miso Gindara, with black cod marinated in miso for 24 hours; and Tajima Wagyu Beef Tenderloin MB 8–9 accompanied by seasonal vegetables and yakiniku sauce. The Taste of Umami experience can also be paired with a curated progression of premium Japanese sake selected to complement each course.

The People Behind Umami

At the heart of Umami is a 14-member culinary and service team from Indonesia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India, the Philippines and the Maldives. Their different cultures, experiences and perspectives contribute to one shared approach to hospitality, allowing Japanese culinary foundations to meet the creativity and flavours of Asia.

With the support of General Manager Thomas Weber, guided by Executive Chef Frank Wackerhagen and Director of Food & Beverage Danilo Paolella, the team shares a respect for Japanese craft and a commitment to creating dining experiences that feel personal, considered and connected to the island.

Leading Umami’s culinary direction is Chef de Cuisine Ronando A. Ramos, whose relationship with Japanese cuisine spans more than two decades. Beginning his career as a sushi cook in 2005, he developed his expertise in sushi and teppanyaki through years of experience in luxury resorts and Japanese dining. Today, he oversees the culinary direction of Umami and Yakitori Bar, from menu creation and food quality to the development of his kitchen team. His career has also been recognised through leadership and culinary awards, including a Top Three Silver Medal at the 14th Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge in 2018. More than two decades devoted to Japanese cuisine, Chef Ronando brings a deep command of sushi, teppanyaki and contemporary Japanese dining to Umami, paired with a leadership philosophy centred on consistency, mentorship and guest experience.

Alongside him, Japanese & Teppanyaki Sous Chef Agus Astawa brings a Balinese culinary foundation and a longstanding fascination with Japanese cuisine. His career has taken him between Bali and the Maldives, shaped by competition, leadership and mentorship. An early milestone came when he earned a Gold Medal in an appetizer competition, strengthening his appreciation for creativity, precision and presentation.

Through hands-on experience and the guidance of Chef Ronando, he deepened his understanding of Japanese fusion cuisine and teppanyaki, developing an approach that balances technical precision with the energy and engaging interaction of live cooking. Today, Chef Agus brings together Balinese warmth, Japanese craftsmanship and the expressive character of teppanyaki, transforming the counter into a place of both craft and connection.

For Chef Agus, food goes beyond what arrives on the plate. It becomes part of the memory a guest takes home.

In the dining room, Restaurant Manager and Certified Sake Sommelier Abdulla Saeed (Billy) brings more than 18 years of luxury hospitality experience, complemented by specialist knowledge in sake and wine curation, personalised recommendations and food pairing.

A WSET Level 2 holder and Certified Sake Sommelier through the Sake Sommelier Association, Abdulla has further enriched his understanding of provenance through first-hand journeys to Champagne, France in 2018 and Japan in 2022, exploring wine and sake at their source. These experiences inform an intuitive and distinctly personal style of service, allowing him to guide guests through pairings that complement the cuisine while adding another layer to the Umami experience.

Their commitment to craft continues through learning and exchange with other Hyatt properties in Asia Pacific. The team further refined its teppanyaki techniques through dedicated training with Chef Oscar Lau, Teppanyaki Chef from Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, who visited the resort to share his expertise and strengthen both technique and the interactive experience around the teppanyaki counter.

The Best Restaurant award celebrates what has come to define Umami: food with a clear point of view, craftsmanship with personality, thoughtful beverage experiences and hospitality that feels intuitive rather than formal.

“We are very proud to see Umami recognised as Best Restaurant at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards 2026. This award reflects the passion and consistency of our culinary and service team, from the precise execution of each dish to the variety and considered presentation of our sake, mocktails and cocktails. Most importantly, it recognises the experience our team creates for our guests: personal, engaging and memorable. Seeing guests connect with the food, enjoy the interaction at the teppanyaki counter and discover new flavours through our dishes and drinks is what makes Umami truly rewarding. This recognition belongs to every member of the team whose skill, creativity and genuine hospitality bring the restaurant to life each day,” says Thomas Weber, General Manager.

Different Origins. Distinct Flavours. One Table.

Japan inspires the craft. Asia brings the flavours and perspectives. The Maldives lends its setting and spirit of hospitality. Umami brings them together.

For more information or to discover the resort’s dining experiences, visit www.alilakothaifarumaldives.com.

Kuredhivaru Resort and Spa has been recognised with two TTM Awards 2026, receiving Best Beach Villa Resort 2026 and Best Culinary Resort 2026. The recognition highlights two important parts of the Kuredhivaru experience, from its beachfront villas and natural surroundings to its diverse culinary offering.

The TTM Awards 2026, organised by Travel Trade Maldives, recognise outstanding resorts and tourism businesses across the Maldives. The awards celebrate excellence across categories including villas, dining, wellness and guest experiences, bringing together recognition from the Maldives travel and hospitality industry.

The Best Culinary Resort 2026 award recognises the variety and care behind Kuredhivaru’s dining experiences. Across the resort, guests can explore different cuisines, flavours and settings, from fresh seafood and Japanese-inspired dishes to international favourites, wine pairings and personalised destination dining.

Each dining experience has its own character, with a focus on quality ingredients and considered menus. Together, they make food an important part of the Kuredhivaru stay and offer guests different ways to experience the flavours of the Maldives and beyond.

The Best Beach Villa Resort 2026 recognition reflects Kuredhivaru’s approach to creating private and comfortable beachfront stays. Set along the white-sand shores of Noonu Atoll, the resort’s beach villas offer private pools, direct access to the beach and views across the IndianOcean. The experience brings together space, privacy and the natural beauty of the island, supported by attentive service. Set along the white-sand shores of Noonu Atoll, the villas offer direct beach access and private pools, bringing the natural beauty of the island into everyday resort living.

The latest recognition builds on Kuredhivaru’s previous TTM achievements, including Best Culinary Resort 2024 and Best Beach Resort 2023, reflecting the continued work of the teams across the resort.

Together, Best Culinary Resort 2026 and Best Beach Villa Resort 2026 capture two defining sides of Kuredhivaru: dining that turns every meal into part of the island experience, and beachfront villas that put the Indian Ocean at the heart of the stay. It is a proud recognition of the team behind both, and of the guests and travel partners who continue to choose Kuredhivaru.

Zipline Maldives, the first island-to-island zipline in the Maldives, has received the Global Excellence Award for “World’s Most Beautiful Zipline – Maldives” at the Global Brand Awards 2026.

The recognition was presented as part of Season 2 of the Global Brand Awards, Sri Lanka Chapter. The certificate of achievement was presented to Ibrahim Asim of Vahmaafushi Picnic Island, recognising the project’s contribution and performance.

Located in South Malé Atoll, Zipline Maldives connects Maafushi with neighbouring Vahmaafushi, taking riders across 428 metres of open ocean between the two islands. The attraction, which opened earlier this year, introduced an island-to-island zipline experience to the Maldives and has added a new adventure tourism offering to the country’s local island sector.

The ride takes approximately 45 to 60 seconds and operates on two parallel lines, allowing two people to travel side by side. According to Zipline Maldives, more than 2,000 riders from over 50 countries have used the attraction since its launch.

The experience begins in Maafushi and crosses the lagoon to Vahmaafushi. A standard booking includes the 428-metre zipline ride, safety briefing and equipment, a return speedboat transfer, a welcome drink and access to Vahmaafushi Island. The attraction is open to riders aged six and above, subject to a weight range of 40 to 110 kilograms and operating conditions.

Vahmaafushi was developed as an experience-focused island close to Maafushi, combining the zipline with beach visits, dining, private celebrations and other island activities. Located around two minutes from Maafushi by boat, the island forms part of efforts to expand the range of experiences available to visitors staying in one of the Maldives’ largest local tourism destinations.

The zipline was introduced commercially in May 2026, with its operators positioning the over-ocean crossing as a new attraction for tourists and residents. Its location near Maafushi also allows visitors staying in the wider South Malé Atoll area to incorporate the activity into day excursions.

The Global Excellence Award marks an international recognition for the attraction within months of its opening, as local tourism operators continue to introduce experience-based activities alongside the Maldives’ established accommodation and marine tourism offerings.