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Maldivian-Indian fusion takes centre stage at LUX* South Ari Atoll with Chef Avinash Martins

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LUX* South Ari Atoll, a beloved resort from The Lux Collective in the Maldives, is set to host a unique culinary event in partnership with renowned Indian celebrity chef Avinash Martins. This exclusive three-day event will take place from 14 to 16 November 2024, right after the Diwali celebrations.

Chef Avinash Martins, known for his innovative and sustainable approach to cuisine, will bring his culinary expertise to the resort, blending Maldivian and Indian flavours. Named one of India’s Top Chefs 2023 by Culinary Culture and awarded Sustainable Chef of the Year at the Travel+Leisure India Delicious Dining Awards, Chef Avinash is celebrated for his creative use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. His restaurant, Cavatina by Avinash Martins, ranked #12 in Condé Nast Traveller India’s Top Restaurant Awards 2023, while C’est L’avi – Table in the Hills was recognised as Best Emerging Restaurant at the Travel+Leisure India Delicious Dining Awards 2024.

LUX* South Ari Atoll, an award-winning resort recently named Leading Food & Beverage Resort at the South Asian Travel Awards, is renowned for its diverse culinary offerings across eight restaurants. The collaboration between Chef Avinash and the resort’s culinary team promises an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Guests can enjoy a five-course chef’s table featuring a fusion of Maldivian and Indian cuisine at Senses, the resort’s open-air Indian restaurant, on 14 and 16 November. This fine-dining experience will include Goan-inspired dishes paired with select beverages. On 15 November, Chef Avinash will lead a masterclass at Amaa’s Kitchen, offering participants the opportunity to learn from the celebrity chef and take home valuable cooking tips.

In addition to its exceptional dining experiences, LUX* South Ari Atoll offers guests the chance to relax on a 1.8 km palm-lined beach with a variety of accommodations, including Beach Pavilions and the LUX* Villa. The resort features wellness activities like yoga, pilates, and fitness training, as well as water sports such as snorkelling, kayaking, and kite surfing. Two swimming pools and the LUX* ME Spa, which combines Eastern and Western treatments, further enhance the relaxation experience.

Located within the South Ari Marine Protected Area, the resort provides opportunities to explore marine life like sea turtles, manta rays, and whale sharks through guided tours, or experience underwater adventures with VR technology. Additional amenities include a Junk Art Studio, curated library, and a range of activities for all ages. The resort’s LUX* Keen On Green concept offers vegan-friendly dining options, while destination-inspired experiences like the Maldivian Night buffet and Amaa’s Kitchen provide a taste of local culture.

This collaboration highlights the shared dedication of Chef Avinash and LUX* South Ari Atoll to delivering culinary excellence and extraordinary guest experiences.

Awards

Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026

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Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.

The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.

The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.

Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.

The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.

Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.

Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.

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Cooking

Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day

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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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Awards

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives earns TUI Global Hotel Award recognition

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Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.

Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.

The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.

The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.

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