Awards
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives’ Umami wins Best Restaurant at TTM Awards 2026
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.
Awards
The Standard, Maldives wins Best Family Resort title at Global Destination Awards
The Standard, Maldives has been named Best Family Resort in the Maldives at the Global Destination Awards by World Fashion Channel, recognising the resort’s distinctive approach to family travel, where island adventures, meaningful connections, and experiences for all ages come together in an unforgettable setting.
The award was presented during the Global Destination Awards ceremony held in Moscow, Russia, bringing together leading hospitality brands, travel professionals, lifestyle media, and industry figures from around the world. The annual awards celebrate destinations and travel experiences that continue to make an impact on the international hospitality landscape.

Located in the idyllic Raa Atoll, The Standard, Maldives offers a fresh take on family-friendly island escapes. While couples, groups of friends, and solo travellers all find their own rhythm on the island, families are equally at home with a wide range of experiences designed to bring generations together.

From spacious two-bedroom villas and family-friendly dining venues to thoughtfully curated activities for younger guests, the resort offers countless opportunities for both shared adventures and individual exploration. The Lil’ Shark Kids Club features a daily program designed to keep children engaged and entertained, while experiences such as snorkelling excursions, marine discovery sessions, sushi-making classes, soda-making workshops, water sports, beach games, and outdoor activities encourage families to connect and create lasting memories together. Adding to the family-friendly experience, the recently introduced Teen Arcade Lounge provides a dedicated space tailored for teenage guests. Equipped with popular gaming consoles and interactive entertainment, it offers a fun retreat where teens can unwind, socialise, and enjoy their own downtime, whether taking a break from the tropical sun or simply seeking a little independence during their island stay.

Beyond family-focused activities, guests can experience The Standard’s signature mix of relaxation, entertainment, and connection through six distinct dining venues, The Standard Spa, wellness programming, and a lively calendar of seasonal events and celebrations. As one of the Maldives’ most social island escapes, the resort is known for bringing guests together through signature experiences such as Not Your Standard Bingo Night and Music Quiz, both of which have become guest favourites at Todis Bar. These playful, interactive events often see families, couples, and friends gathering in the same space to connect, share laughs, and create memorable moments together. Combined with a diverse offering of dining, wellness, recreation, and cultural experiences, the resort provides something for every generation, making it an ideal destination for families travelling together.

The recognition also highlights the resort’s commitment to creating an environment where families can reconnect away from everyday routines. Whether enjoying time by the beach, exploring the surrounding ocean, sharing meals, or celebrating special occasions, guests are invited to experience the Maldives in a way that feels both engaging and effortlessly relaxed.
Covering contemporary trends in fashion, beauty, travel, technology, and lifestyle, World Fashion Channel is recognized for its coverage of major industry events and influential personalities. The international television network also serves as an official media partner of Moscow Fashion Week and other leading fashion and lifestyle events.

Receiving the title of Best Family Resort in the Maldives further strengthens The Standard, Maldives’ position as one of the destination’s most dynamic island resorts, offering experiences that bring together adventure, wellness, dining, and family connection in one extraordinary setting.
Awards
OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI celebrates retention of MICHELIN Key
In the rarefied realm of the MICHELIN Key, with nearly 500 bestowed worldwide across a multitude of extraordinary properties, true distinction is found not in abundance, but in scarcity. OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI is counted among just 15 resorts in the Maldives to receive this coveted honour, a distinction that speaks volumes about its unwavering commitment to excellence.
While international hospitality superpowers have long staked their claim on the Maldives, there remains room for something more intimate, a vision both all-encompassing and uncompromising. THE OZEN COLLECTION, an exclusive luxury brand within the island nation, has nurtured a flagship that stands shoulder to shoulder with the most recognisable names in the region. OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI commands its own private island and lagoon in the South Malé Atoll, where a curated collection of suites, villas, pavilions, and RESERVES redefines the art of refined Maldivian living.

The MICHELIN Key serves as a powerful endorsement of the brand’s philosophy of refined elegance, one where every aspect of the guest journey is meticulously curated, from the moment of arrival to the final farewell. At its heart lies the signature RESERVE™ Plan, a comprehensive paradigm of all-encompassing indulgence that ensures a seamless continuum of bespoke experiences: unlimited gourmet dining across multiple specialty restaurants, a curated selection of premium international beverages, and the dedicated service of a private Hiyani butler who anticipates every desire with discreet precision.

Beyond the table and the villa, the resort offers dedicated sanctuaries for wellbeing and connoisseurship. The award-winning ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa invites guests into transformative wellness journeys. Meanwhile, the exclusive CUVEÉ wine library, housing over 300 prestigious labels, offers a sophisticated enclave for curated tastings, where rare vintages and expert guidance converge.
Speaking on the recognition, Abnash Kumar, General Manager of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, remarked: “To retain the MICHELIN Key is a profound honour. It is not simply an award, it reflects the passion and dedication that our team brings to every guest, daily. It speaks to our commitment to creating experiences that go beyond expectation, where every detail matters, every moment is meaningful, and every guest feels genuinely seen. This recognition belongs to them, and to the guests who inspire us to keep raising the bar.”

Each element of the island converges to create something rare: a holiday that feels both boundless and intimately yours. As OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI looks ahead, it does so with quiet confidence, continuing to redefine what it means to experience the Maldives at its most extraordinary.
Awards
The Nautilus Maldives earns Two MICHELIN Keys in first year of inclusion
The Nautilus Maldives has announced its debut in The MICHELIN Guide’s global hotel selection with Two MICHELIN Keys, earning Two MICHELIN Keys in its first year of inclusion.
This remarkable achievement places The Nautilus among the world’s most exceptional hotels and represents a defining milestone for the independently spirited Maldivian hideaway. Described by The MICHELIN Guide as representing “an exceptional stay,” Two MICHELIN Keys recognise hotels that are truly unique, memorable and distinguished by their character, sense of place and consistently outstanding hospitality.
For The Nautilus, entering the MICHELIN Key selection with Two Keys is a powerful affirmation of the philosophy that has shaped the island since its inception: that true luxury is not defined by convention, but by liberation.
Set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, The Nautilus is an intimate collection of just 26 immensely private beach and ocean Houses and Residences. Conceived as a world of one’s own making, it offers the exclusivity of a private-island experience without requiring an island buyout. Here, every guest is invited to live entirely according to their own rhythm. There are no fixed check-in or check-out times, no prescribed schedules and no expectations of where—or when—anything should happen. Breakfast may be enjoyed at sunset, dinner can unfold on a deserted sandbank, and deeply personal experiences are created in the moment rather than selected from a predefined itinerary.
“To receive Two MICHELIN Keys in our first year of inclusion is an extraordinary honour for The Nautilus. It affirms the vision on which our island was founded: that true luxury is deeply personal and that the greatest privilege we can offer our guests is the freedom to live entirely on their own terms. This distinction is a reflection of our team who bring that vision to life each day. It is their genuine warmth, intuition and unwavering care that transform our philosophy of unscripted hospitality into something guests can truly feel. We are immensely proud of this milestone, and we will continue creating a world where time stands still, nothing is fixed and every guest is free to simply be,” said Philippe Cavory, General Manager, The Nautilus Maldives.
The MICHELIN Key distinction recognises hotels according to five universal criteria: excellence in architecture and interior design; quality and consistency of service; overall personality and character; value in relation to the experience; and a meaningful contribution to their setting.
At The Nautilus, these qualities take shape through an experience built around absolute freedom. Its spacious, bohemian-inspired Houses and Residences are conceived as personal sanctuaries, each with a separate living room, private pool and uninterrupted connection to the ocean. Dining is completely unscripted, allowing guests to enjoy what they wish, wherever and whenever they choose. Wellness journeys are shaped around individual needs, while encounters with Baa Atoll’s extraordinary marine environment foster a deeper appreciation of the natural world surrounding the island. More than a recognition of exceptional accommodation, the award celebrates a distinctive vision of hospitality, one that replaces formality with warmth, schedules with spontaneity and traditional service with something more instinctive, personal and human.
With Two MICHELIN Keys, The Nautilus joins a distinguished collection of hotels recognised by The MICHELIN Guide for delivering exceptional stays. Yet the spirit of the island remains beautifully unchanged: a private world where nothing is fixed, anything is possible and every moment belongs entirely to the guest.
To book, contact The Nautilus at hello@thenautilusmaldives.com or visit the resort’s website.
-
Featured1 week agoBaros Maldives sets festive calendar of dining, culture and marine experiences
-
Cooking1 week agoBBM’s Studio of Culinary Excellence to debut Masterclass programme with Chef Romain Dupeyre
-
Meditation1 week agoThe St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort to mark World Wellness Weekend with three-day celebration
-
Action1 week agoSoneva reveals star-studded calendar of residencies through end of 2026
-
Drink1 week agoTHE OZEN COLLECTION to host sixth Bodegas Viñátigo wine master class
-
News1 week agoGili Lankanfushi Maldives enhances Gili Lagoon Retreat with private island access
-
News1 week agoThree Marriott Bonvoy resorts in Maldives launch festive early bird offers
-
Insider Reviews1 week agoDiscovering The Machchafushi Universe through sight, sound, scent, touch and flavour


