Cooking
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa presents world-class Omakase experience with Chef Fumio Yonezawa
An unparalleled gastronomic experience is set to unfold in the heart of the Indian Ocean as the luxurious JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa announces a spectacular collaboration with celebrated Japanese Chef Fumio Yonezawa. On October 28, 2025, guests will be invited to A Taste of No Code, an intimate one-night-only dining experience that brings his artistry to the Maldives for the first time. This event marks the debut of the TARO Japanese Chef Series with JW Marriott Maldives, curated by TARO – a Japan-based luxury travel media partner renowned for showcasing Japan’s most exclusive cultural, culinary, and creative experiences to global audiences.
Chef Yonezawa, the visionary behind Tokyo’s acclaimed No Code, is known for reimagining Japanese cuisine through a deeply personal and instinctive lens. He began his career at Ebisu’s pioneering Trattoria Il Boccalone before becoming the first Japanese sous chef at the Michelin-starred Jean-Georges in New York, where he trained under the eponymous master. In 2014, he returned to Japan as chef de cuisine for Jean-Georges Tokyo, and in 2022 launched No Code, a genre-defying Tokyo restaurant with no fixed menu, offering poetic, ever-evolving dining experiences rooted in seasonality and minimalism. With quiet confidence and bold creativity, Chef Yonezawa continues to shape the evolution of Japan’s fine dining scene. His signature Omakase style blends precision, innovation and sustainability, presenting gourmands a rare opportunity to savor his craft in the serene elegance of JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa.
On October 28, guests are invited to experience his signature Omakase style in an intimate five-course wine pairing dinner at the resort’s Wine Room, located in the heart of Aailaa. Home to more than 300 labels and 1,620 bottles, the Wine Room features a meticulously curated selection of Old and New World wines. Here, Chef Yonezawa will personally orchestrate a symphony of flavors, showcasing dishes that features fresh, locally sourced tuna and premium Wagyu. Each thoughtfully crafted plate will serve as a chapter in his culinary story—a masterful testament to his worldly perspective and creative skill.
As part of this collaboration, Marriott Bonvoy members will also have the chance to bid for an exclusive Marriott Bonvoy Moments: a Two-Night Culinary Experience with Chef Fumio Yonezawa and a Four-Night Stay at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa from October 26 to 30, 2025, for the bid winner and their guest. The experience begins with a JW Garden to Glass cocktail evening and an island-inspired welcome dinner with Chef Yonezawa. The journey’s highlight is his signature Omakase wine pairing dinner on October 27, personally presented by Chef Yonezawa in the Wine Room. The stay also includes two nights in an Overwater Pool Villa and two nights in a Beach Pool Villa, daily breakfast at Aailaa, a 50-minute Aromatherapy Ritual at the Spa by JW, and shared seaplane transfers from Velana International Airport—combining culinary discovery with indulgent relaxation in the Maldives.
“During my training years in New York, I was captivated by the artistry of weaving Eastern essence into Western cuisine. From that moment, I knew I wanted to create dishes that told such a story,” says Chef Fumio Yonezawa. “I am incredibly excited to bring No Code philosophy to the JW Marriott Maldives, presenting imaginative creations infused with local ingredients, crafted to surprise and delight, in a location that is truly paradise.”
“This collaboration with the masterfully creative Chef Yonezawa and TARO reflects our commitment to mindful luxury and culinary excellence,” says Mohit Dembla, General Manager. “We are thrilled to invite our guests to be wholly present for this journey, to connect with the story behind each dish, and to experience the thoughtful hospitality that defines our brand.”
Tucked away in the tranquil Shaviyani Atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is a multigenerational sanctuary where comfort, creativity, and exceptional service come together seamlessly. From curated experiences to thoughtful touches throughout, every stay is designed to inspire connection and lasting memories.
Members can bid for the once-in-a-lifetime Marriott Bonvoy Moments package from now until September 15, 2025 to discover modern Japanese gastronomy, world-class hospitality, and barefoot luxury, all in one extraordinary island escape.
Cooking
Belgian Chef Wout Bru to bring exclusive dining experiences to Meyyafushi, Fushifaru Maldives
Acclaimed Belgian chef Wout Bru will bring his distinctive culinary vision to the Maldives for an exclusive residency across Meyyafushi and Fushifaru Maldives from 31 October to 7 November 2026, featuring two special dining experiences in celebration of Meyyafushi’s first anniversary.
Renowned for his modern-classical culinary philosophy, Chef Wout combines contemporary techniques with Mediterranean influences, placing quality ingredients and their natural flavours at the heart of his cuisine. His distinguished career includes international recognition in France and Belgium, with Le Grand Verre receiving its first Michelin star in 2023.
Chef Wout will personally host an exclusive dinner at Bubble Underwater Restaurant at Meyyafushi Maldives on 2 November 2026, followed by a second dining experience at Raakani Restaurant at Fushifaru Maldives on 5 November 2026. Each dinner will take place on one evening only, featuring a specially curated menu by the chef. Both experiences will be open to in-house guests and outside visitors, including guests staying at the sister resort and those visiting from surrounding islands, subject to availability and advance reservations.
The residency will begin at Meyyafushi, a premium all-inclusive resort featuring 94 private-pool villas and suites and distinctive dining concepts, before continuing at Fushifaru, an award-winning boutique resort celebrated for its authentic Maldivian character, pristine beaches and vibrant marine life.
“Food has a unique way of bringing people together and creating memories that stay with us long after a journey ends. Welcoming Chef Wout Bru to our islands is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Meyyafushi’s first anniversary while further elevating the culinary experiences we offer across both resorts. We look forward to sharing these special occasions with our guests and creating memorable moments that reflect our commitment to exceptional hospitality,” said Ahmed Siaar, Cluster General Manager of Meyyafushi and Fushifaru Maldives.
Through this collaboration, both resorts aim to elevate their culinary offerings, create memorable guest experiences and celebrate the connection between exceptional gastronomy and the natural beauty of the Maldives.
Meyyafushi Maldives:
- Dinner date: 2 November 2026
- Venue: Bubble Underwater Restaurant
- Price: USD 450 net per person – 4 course wine pairing dinner
- Reservations: reservations@meyyafushi.com
- Website: www.meyyafushi.com
Fushifaru Maldives:
- Dinner date: 5 November 2026
- Venue: Raakani Restaurant
- Price: USD 300++ per person – 5 course Michelin dinner
- Reservations: reservations@fushifaru.com
- Website: www.fushifaru.com
Both dinners are available to in-house guests and outside visitors, including guests staying at the sister resort and those visiting from surrounding islands, subject to availability and advance reservations.
Cooking
Milaidhoo Maldives welcomes Chef JKP for culinary workshop, wine-pairing dinner
Milaidhoo Maldives is set to welcome award-winning chef James Knight-Paccheco, widely known as Chef JKP, on 11 and 12 December 2026 for two culinary events focusing on cooking techniques, culinary experiences and the exploration of new flavours.
On 11 December, Chef JKP will conduct a culinary workshop, offering guests the opportunity to cook alongside him, learn professional techniques and exchange ideas in the kitchen. The following evening, he will host a wine-pairing dinner featuring dishes prepared in his signature style, accompanied by wines selected by the resort’s resident sommelier to complement each course.
With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chef JKP has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels and restaurant projects across the UK and the Middle East. Throughout his career, he has worked alongside renowned chefs including Raymond Blanc, Gordon Ramsay and Michael Caines. He is also the creator and host of The Chef JKP Podcast, which has recorded more than 6.5 million downloads.
At Milaidhoo Maldives, the culinary experience draws inspiration from the island’s surroundings, Maldivian flavours and traditional cooking methods, combined with international influences introduced by the resort’s team of chefs. This approach encourages the exchange of culinary knowledge and techniques, allowing guests to explore local dishes, learn new cooking methods and engage with the chefs responsible for their dining experiences.
Located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Milaidhoo offers a setting where dining experiences focus on personalised service and interaction between guests and culinary professionals. Chef JKP’s visit is intended to provide guests with opportunities to engage directly with the visiting chef, gain insights into his approach to cooking and experience his culinary creations.
The culinary workshop will take place on 11 December 2026, followed by the wine-pairing dinner on 12 December 2026.
Cooking
The St. Regis Maldives to host Chef Alexander Herrmann for November culinary residency
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort welcomes the return of acclaimed German chef, restaurateur, television personality, and bestselling author Alexander Herrmann for an exclusive residency from November 19 to 23, 2026. As the visionary behind the two-Michelin-starred AURA by Alexander Herrmann & Tobias Bätz, Chef Herrmann will present a series of bespoke dining experiences that pay homage to culinary traditions through his innovative interpretation of contemporary gastronomy.
At the heart of the residency are two intimate six-course dinners personally curated by Chef Herrmann. The first will take place on November 19 at Decanter, the resort’s gold-toned underground wine cellar, followed by a second evening at The Whale Bar on November 23, set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. On November 20, guests are invited to join a masterclass at ALBA, where he will share the inspiration, techniques, and craftsmanship behind his acclaimed creations.
Chef Herrmann’s return is the latest chapter in the Tastemaker Series, which brings leading culinary talents to the island for intimate experiences shaped by individual craft, expertise, and passion. This residency takes on added significance as part of the resort’s 10th anniversary program, celebrating a decade of compelling gastronomy, meaningful moments, and personalized St. Regis service in the Maldives.
“As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of The St. Regis Maldives, we are delighted to welcome Chef Alexander Herrmann back to our island as part of our Tastemaker Series,” says Ozgur Cengiz, General Manager of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. “Over the past decade, we have remained dedicated to creating exceptional experiences that connect our guests with inspiring talents from around the world. Chef Herrmann’s return reflects this vision, bringing together extraordinary culinary expertise, the timeless beauty of the Maldives, and the bespoke service that defines the St. Regis experience.”
As part of this collaboration, Marriott Bonvoy members have the opportunity to bid on An Exquisite Culinary Escape with Chef Alexander Herrmann through Marriott Bonvoy Moments. The package includes a four-night stay for two guests in an Overwater Villa with Pool from November 19 to 23, 2026 with daily breakfast at ALBA, a private six-course wine-paired dinner hosted by Chef Alexander, a signature massage and the Blue Hole Hydrotherapy Pool experience at Iridium Spa. Round-trip seaplane transfers from Velana International Airport are also included, creating a seamless luxury journey from arrival to departure.
Set on its own private island in the pristine Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is a sanctuary defined by visionary design, timeless luxury, and the natural beauty of the Maldives. Its distinctive architecture that blends tropical modernism with inspirations drawn from the surrounding environment, while 77 elegantly appointed villas offer ocean vistas or serene tropical landscapes. Each stay is complimented by the signature St. Regis Butler Service, providing discreet and personalized attention to every detail.
Members can now bid on An Exquisite Culinary Escape with Chef Alexander Herrmann through October 22, 2026. For more information on Chef Alexander Herrmann’s Tastemaker Series residency and upcoming events, visit stregismaldives.com.
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