Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) has donated a state-of-the-art model kitchen, named the ‘Studio of Culinary Excellence’, to the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies (FHTS) of The Maldives National University, with the facility officially opening today.

The Studio of Culinary Excellence is a modern, practical learning environment designed to provide students with hands-on exposure to the equipment, technology and working methods used in contemporary professional kitchens. Equipped with professional and industrial kitchen equipment as well as audiovisual facilities, the Studio will support practical culinary education, live demonstrations, chef masterclasses, workshops, industry training and knowledge-sharing.

The initiative was envisioned by Ismail Hilmy, Chairman and Managing Director of BBM, as part of BBM’s broader efforts to contribute to the long-term development of the Maldivian hospitality and culinary sectors. Rather than serving solely as a teaching kitchen, the Studio is intended to become an ongoing platform connecting culinary students with chefs, industry practitioners, emerging technologies and professional kitchen practices.

The project forms part of a series of BBM initiatives undertaken under its banner, “… because tomorrows start today”, reflecting the company’s belief that the strength of tomorrow’s hospitality industry depends on the investments made in people, skills and opportunities today.

“The Maldives has built one of the world’s most recognized hospitality industries, and its future will depend on the people we prepare today to lead it forward,” said AVS Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer of BBM. “It is an investment in young people, in practical education and in the future capability of our culinary industry. Through our ‘… because tomorrows start today’ initiatives, we want to create opportunities that connect students and professionals with knowledge, technology and international expertise. We hope that this Studio will continue to serve generations of students, chefs and hospitality professionals for many years to come.”

Speaking on the partnership, Dr Shehenaaz Adam, Vice Chancellor of The Maldives National University, said: “At The Maldives National University, we place great importance on ensuring that our students have opportunities to connect their academic learning with professional practice. For our students, the gap between the classroom and a working resort kitchen has always been the hardest one to close. The Studio of Culinary Excellence closes it. Our students will now train on the same equipment, to the same standards, that they will meet on their first day in the industry. We are grateful to BBM for a partnership that goes well beyond a donation, and we look forward to the Studio becoming a place where the university and the industry learn from each other, share knowledge and contribute to the continued development of the Maldivian hospitality sector.”

Michelin-Starred Chef Romain Dupeyre Leads Inaugural Masterclass

As part of the inaugural programme, BBM is welcoming Chef Romain Dupeyre, Executive Chef and Founder of Racines in Hong Kong, to the Maldives to conduct the Studio’s first masterclass as part of the opening programme on 20 September.

The masterclass will provide FHTS students with an opportunity to learn directly from a Michelin-starred chef and observe professional culinary techniques first-hand. Chefs from across the Maldivian hospitality industry will also participate in the masterclass on an invitation basis.

A native of Nice on the Mediterranean coast of southern France, Chef Dupeyre began his professional culinary journey at the age of 15 as an apprentice at the two-Michelin-starred La Chèvre d’Or. His career later took him through Ireland, Paris, Melbourne and Bangkok before he moved to Hong Kong in 2019, where he led the kitchen at Petrus at Island Shangri-La.

He founded Racines in November 2022, building the restaurant around the culinary traditions of southern France and the Mediterranean. Racines received its first MICHELIN star in 2024 and retained recognition in 2025 and 2026.

Chef Dupeyre’s cooking remains closely connected to his Provençal roots, including childhood dishes such as aioli and ratatouille, which Racines brings into a contemporary setting.

The masterclass reflects one of the central purposes of the Studio of Culinary Excellence: bringing international culinary expertise directly to Maldivian students and creating opportunities for knowledge exchange between students, chefs and industry professionals.

Investing in the People Behind Maldivian Hospitality

As a supplier and distributor serving resorts, hotels, restaurants and food-service businesses across the Maldives, BBM works closely with culinary teams and hospitality professionals throughout the country. The Studio extends this relationship beyond the company’s commercial activities into education and skills development.

For BBM, the opening of the Studio marks the beginning of an ongoing initiative rather than a one-off event. Through future masterclasses, workshops and industry collaborations, the company aims to establish the Studio of Culinary Excellence as a platform where the next generation of Maldivian culinary professionals can develop the skills and practical experience needed to pursue careers in one of the country’s most important industries.

BBM is a leading importer and distributor serving the Maldivian hospitality, food-service, retail and professional sectors. The company represents a portfolio of international brands and provides products and solutions to businesses across the Maldives.

Through its “… because tomorrows start today” philosophy, BBM supports initiatives focused on long-term industry development, professional growth and opportunities for the people and communities connected to the Maldivian hospitality sector.

Kuredhivaru Resort and Spa is set to welcome guests to a season of dining, family celebrations and island experiences, with a programme of events taking place from September through October.

The season begins with the Japanese Cocktail & Dining Experience on 26 September, featuring a six-course dinner inspired by the flavours of Japan and Peru. Guests can look forward to dishes including yellowfin tuna tartare, robata-grilled octopus, butter-poached lobster and slow-braised beef short rib, finished with a refreshing citrus dessert.

The dinner will be accompanied by cocktails created by award-winning Japanese bartender Norihiko Furuse, known for his creative and sustainable approach to mixology, bringing together Japanese spirits, seasonal fruits, local herbs and botanical ingredients.

On 3 October, Kuredhivaru will bring a taste of Germany to the Maldives with its annual Oktoberfest Celebration. Guests can enjoy Bavarian favourites including roast pork knuckle, beef goulash, German sausages, BBQ pork ribs and freshly baked pretzels, followed by classic desserts such as apple strudel, Black Forest cake and Bavarian cream. Live music and games will add to the festive atmosphere.

The celebrations continue with Halloween at Kuredhivaru from 30 to31 October, bringing two days of family-friendly activities, including Kids Club experiences, costume creations, the Rising Star Halloween Fashion Show, pumpkin carving, themed games, creative workshops and deliciously Halloween-inspired dining, and a few surprises lurking around every corner.

From the tiniest trick-or-treaters to grown-ups ready to join the fun, it’s Halloween island- style, full of imagination, laughter, sparkle and just the right amount of spooky!

With a mix of culinary experiences and seasonal celebrations, Kuredhivaru’s upcoming programme offers guests different ways to enjoy the island throughout the season.

For reservations or inquiries, guests are encouraged to contact the resort at Resort.Kuredhivaru.Reservations@ennismore.com or +960 656 3000.

Transformative luxury retreat Patina Maldives, Fari Islands unveils a new stage of The Perpetual Journey, its ongoing programme of art, culture, wellness and conscious dining experiences. Highlights from August to November include acclaimed multidisciplinary artist Shezad Dawood’s inaugural Patina Art Residency, a junior football camp led by FC Bayern Munich coach Jonas Caryot and a three-day Diwali celebration bringing together chef Atul Kochhar, mixologist Giancarlo Mancino and DJ Sakré.

The Perpetual Journey is Patina’s evolving programme of experiences designed to inspire couples, families and solo travellers to embrace connection, growth, wellbeing and nourishment at their own pace through collaborations with global and local guest talent.

Aishath Shuaila – Art Gallery Malé Collaboration, 22 September – 10 October

Developed in partnership with Art Gallery Malé, the rolling creators in residence programme at Patina Maldives’ Fari Art Atelier provides an ongoing international platform for contemporary Maldivian artists.

Following the success of Ahmed Khaleel’s residency in June and Hassan Najih’s residency in July, Patina Maldives will collaborate with Aishath Shuaila as part of its commitment to nurturing and showcasing local talent. Rather than simply displaying her paintings, the Fari Art Atelier will become Aishath’s working studio during the residency, allowing guests to encounter her work and creative process through an open-studio format, alongside workshops and informal exchanges.

Drawing on her love for nature and background in sustainable development, Aishath’s signature style uses vivid colours and bold brushstrokes to represent the patterns and textures found in the natural world. The resulting works encourage viewers to better understand and appreciate Maldivian flora and fauna.

Patina Art Residency: Shezad Dawood, 18 October – 8 November

Winner of the inaugural Patina Art Residency, London-based multidisciplinary artist Shezad Dawoodwill undertake extended fieldwork at Patina Maldives, deepening his practice that connects art, science and environmental advocacy. With more than a decade spent in dialogue with marine biologists and environmentalist, Shezad will take this time to explore the island’s environment and marine ecology to create a piece of work shaped by the 2025 Theme, Fluid Worlds, which invites artists to examine how boundaries shift and change, whether between cultures, ideas or elements.

Bayern Munich Football Camp, 25 – 29 October

Designed for young players aged six to 17, this exclusive camp takes place across five days with FC Bayern Munich’s Coach Jonas Caryot, blending expert coaching, small-group sessions, and up to five hours of focused training every day. With two days reserved for rest, the camp offers participants a rare opportunity to refine their football skills in the island’s serene setting.

Yakido by Yardbird Hong Kong, 6 – 10 October

Hong Kong-based modern izakaya and bar Yardbird brings its travelling Yakido concept to Brasa for two nights alongside a week of pop-ups and collaborations, including ALWAYS FRIENDS BY ALWAYS JOY on October 8; a pop- up at Veli Bar with Max Levy’s pizza project, MR. IKO; and a series of strength and mobility movement sessions led by Lindsay Jang.

Moments of Connection: Diwali

Chef Atul Kochhar, 7 – 9 November

Widely recognised as a pioneering figure in Indian fine dining, Atul Kochhar is the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star, receiving his first at Tamarind in 2001 and a second at Benares in 2007. With over 30 years in the culinary world, he brings a contemporary expression of India’s regional cuisine through bold flavours, refined technique and premium ingredients. For Diwali, Kochhar brings the culinary identity of Kanishka by Atul Kochhar, his acclaimed London restaurant, to Helios, presenting a special menu that reinterprets his signature contemporary Indian cuisine for the Maldivian setting.

Giancarlo Mancino

Internationally renowned bartender and the creative mind behind SeiBellissimi, a luxury sparkling bottled cocktail line, Giancarlo Mancino returns to Patina Maldives with a series of guest shifts and cocktail experiences.

Sakré

Bangalore-based producer, DJ and sound artist Sakré brings his genre-blurring approach to electronic music to Patina Maldives during Diwali. Drawing on ambient textures, lo-fi beats and South Indian cinematic influences, his immersive soundscapes offer a contemporary interpretation of India’s evolving music culture.

Patina Resonance: Visiting Practitioners

Jasmin Küster – Holistic Bodywork, 14 September – 14 October

Jasmin is a holistic therapist and aquatic bodyworker whose practice brings together Water Therapy, Chi Nei Tsang abdominal massage, fascia-focused Somatic Bodywork and other specialised treatments to encourage deep relaxation, release tension and restore balance between body, mind and emotions. Her approach focuses on deep relaxation, release and greater connection with the body, with each experience adapted to the individual.

Minako Saito – Japanese Wellness Innovator and Founder of Platinum Ritual Series, 15 October – 15 November

Minako Saito specialises in Japanese thermal therapy and women’s wellness counselling. She is the founder of the Platinum Ritual Series, a holistic treatment collection designed to calm the nervous system, encourage deep relaxation and restore inner balance. Each ritual combines gentle, deep-reaching warmth with therapeutic techniques to support harmony between body and mind. Guests can choose between rituals promoting relaxation and restorative sleep, a neuro-relaxing facial ritual, or women’s wellness-focused rituals that support hormonal balance, nervous system regulation, pelvic wellbeing and hip mobility.

Thalia Jones – Breathwork Practitioner and Holistic Therapist, 15 December – 15 January 2027

Thalia Jones returns to Patina Maldives, working with guests on personal transformation with her rounded approach that integrates the mind, body and soul. Through guided breathwork and holistic therapies, Thalia creates space for guests to pause, reconnect and develop a greater awareness of body and breath.

To book, email reservations.maldives@patinahotels.com, tel. +960 4000555, or visit patinahotels.com/maldives-fari-islands.