Cooking
Three-star Michelin Chef, Sergio Herman brings Sergiology to Huvafen Fushi, Maldives

Maldives Promotion House – Sergio Herman, one of the world’s youngest generation of three-star Michelin Chef’s and Owner/ Restaurateur of Oud Sluis in the Netherlands will be at Huvafen Fushi from April 3rd – 6th, 2013 in collaboration with Per AQUUM’s renowned Dream Calendar.
Sergio, his celebrated Head Chef, Nick Bril, Huvafen Fushi’s Executive Chef, Daniel Johnson and the retreat’s award winning culinary team will draw inspiration from the Maldives and the region throughout a four day showcase which includes a market shopping experience for Sergio and Nick in Malé to source the best of the Maldives’ produce, a ‘live-cooking’ dinner experience in Salt, the retreat’s over-water, open-kitchen concept restaurant, an exclusive dinner in the retreat’s renowned underground wine cellar, Vinum, cited by Robb Report magazine as one of the ‘World’s Best Restaurants’ and the culinary journey concludes with a sandbank lunch prepared by Sergio and Huvafen Fushi guests for the children of the local Maldivian orphanage, Kudakudhinge Hiya. This unique Maldivian travelogue will be creatively documented by Creative Director and Photographer Sean Jesudasan on behalf of Huvafen Fushi and Per AQUUM.
Sergio Herman received his first Michelin star for Oud Sluis in 1995 and doubled it four years later. In 2005, he achieved the absolute pinnacle with a third star. Oud Sluis is ranked 20 out of 20 in the Gault Millau guide and is listed in The San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Sergio’s signature refreshing accents and delicate sours, mark his feather-light preparations highlighted in his latest food and art book titled, Sergiology. His ‘Magnum Opus’ that took more than two years and a large number of people, to create; ‘Sergiology is an ode to my family, my work and my interests, which are at the source of everything that has brought me so much success. I spent time in isolation, writing 60 recipes for this substantial volume. It is a book which portrays my most beautiful and most special moments, creations and people,‘ says Sergio. Culinary greats such as Heston Blumenthal, Rem Koolhaas and Anton Corbijn have also contributed to Sergiology which has a limited edition print run of only 2000 copies and are all numbered individually.
Creative Director, Photographer and TV Producer, Sean Jesudasan’s work has been used by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies (Washington), Hausenberg (Copenhagen), ESPN StarSports (Malaysia), Atos Origin (Hong Kong), The Tourism Board of Singapore and more. Influenced and inspired by Henri Cartier-Bresson and Annie Leibovitz, his strengths in natural lighting and composition, almost minilmalist in style all feature strongly in his work. Sean began his adventure with photography on the streets having lived in Canada, America, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Nepal and India and referring to himself as a ‘citizen of the world’, Sean is currently working on a personal documentary production based on the migration of people. Sean will be on island to document this culinary journey with Sergio and for the first time, taking the Dream Calendar ‘live’. Each day, Sean will be producing 5 – 10 minute videos of each experience which will be uploaded to the retreat’s YouTube channel immersing Huva-fans into the experience remotely.
Huvafen Fushi is located in the North Malé Atoll and enjoys a pristine private island setting featuring 44 naturally modern bungalows and pavilions, and is home to the world’s first underwater spa. Managing company Per AQUUM Retreats • Resorts • Residences is dedicated to delivering an experience beyond the highest expectations, while remaining dedicated to the sustainable development and resources of the Maldives.
For reservations, please email reservations@huvafenfushi.com, call +960 6644 222 or your preferred tour operator. Follow Huvafen Fushi on Facebook or Twitter @huvafenfushimv for live island updates.
Cooking
Local tastes take centre stage as Hard Rock Cafe’s World Burger Tour arrives in Maldives

Today, Hard Rock Cafe will kick off its annual World Burger Tour competition in celebration of Hard Rock International Founders’ Day. Hard Rock Cafe chefs from around the world were challenged to develop unique burger creations that showcase elements from their regional cultures and personal taste. These innovative recipes will be available exclusively for guests to try, including the Island Spiced Coconut & Curry Burger at Hard Rock Cafe Maldives, from June 14 through August 5. For example, guests at Hard Rock Cafe Rome can choose the Lasagna Burger with Ragu Bolognese and bechamel, those visiting Atlantic City can try the Jersey Shore Burger that features a house-made blueberry maple aioli and provolone.
Island Spiced Coconut & Curry Burger, developed by Chef Nikhil Gopinathan at Hard Rock Cafe Maldives, is made with two smashed & stacked beef burgers, seasoned and seared medium-well, layered with homemade Curry Mayo, arugula, coconut flakes, cucumber, tomato, provolone cheese, chimichurri cheese sauce, topped with shredded fried potato mixed with homemade Island Curry Powder and is inspired by the vibrant culinary traditions of the Maldives, melding local flavors and spices to create a truly tropical experience.
This year’s competition marks an exciting first for Hard Rock, with the addition of chef, content creator and brand partner Olivia Tiedemann as both a mentor and judge. She has worked closely with participating chefs throughout the competition, sharing her culinary expertise and burger-crafting techniques to help elevate each recipe.

“Working with these talented chefs from around the world has been incredibly fun. Each one brought such passion and creativity to their recipes, and I’m amazed by how they’ve transformed classic burger concepts with their unique local influences and personal stories,” said Olivia Tiedemann.
Based on Tiedemann’s input, sales performance and guests’ votes on social media, the top five burger recipes will be selected and announced later this summer. Then the five finalists will become available at Hard Rock Cafe locations globally for all fans to experience for a limited time before one final winner is selected.
“This is such a fun annual event where our chef gets to flex his creativity, and our guests get to try our new burger inspired by the vibrant culture of the Maldives for a limited time,” said Anna Melissa Olay, Manager – Hard Rock Cafe Maldives.
The first Hard Rock Cafe at Old Park Lane in London opened on June 14, 1971. Launching this competition on Founders’ Day celebrates how the brand has evolved over 54 years into an iconic entertainment, hospitality and lifestyle company with more than 300 Hard Rock Cafes and Rock Shops, Hotels, Resorts and Casinos worldwide.
Visit the cafe at The Marina at CROSSROADS Maldives to participate.
Cooking
Intercontinental Maldives announces Tom Aikens as culinary star of 2025 festive season

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has announced a festive season residency by one of the world’s most acclaimed culinary talents — Chef Tom Aikens — who will bring his signature two-Michelin-starred brilliance to the Indian Ocean from 26 December 2025 to 6 January 2026.
This exclusive collaboration marks a milestone for the luxury resort as it continues to elevate its gastronomic credentials with globally renowned talent. Supported by the expert team of chefs at the resort, Tom Aikens will take over The Lighthouse, InterContinental Maldives’ signature and iconic overwater restaurant, for a series of fine-dining experiences curated especially for the festive season, alongside masterclasses and a once-in-a-lifetime private yacht dining event.
The guest programme, available to all guests booking for this festive season, includes:
- 28 & 29 December – Tasting Menu at The Lighthouse crafted by Chef Aikens, showcasing his devotion to seasonality and modern European finesse
- 29 December – Interactive Cooking Class at The Collective where guests can join Tom for an exclusive hands-on session to learn professional techniques and prepare one of his signature dishes
- 1 January – Private Yacht Dining Experience available for two guests to welcome the New Year in unforgettable style with an intimate dinner hosted by Tom on the resort’s private yacht, featuring specially curated menus beneath the stars
- 2 & 3 January – Tasting Menu at The Lighthouse – a brand-new selection for returning guests and new diners
- 6 January – Island-style Buffet Dinner at Café Umi with Live Stations featuring a special dish created and presented by Tom for the occasion
When asked about the residency, Tom Aikens said: “I am excited to be partnering with InterContinental Maldives for what promises to be one of my most exciting collaborations to date and can’t wait to share some of my signature dishes with guests.
“It’s so important to me that both the staff and guests receive just as much out of this experience as I will. I’m looking forward to working with the talented team there, teaching them new techniques and sharing my preparation methods.
“Cooking and working in such a breathtaking, idyllic Maldivian setting is always going to be an incredible experience, and I have no doubt this will be an unforgettable trip.”
Cooking
Michelin-Star magic: Chef Igles Corelli to host exclusive culinary week at Lily Beach Resort

Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announce an exclusive culinary collaboration with renowned Italian chef and Gambero Rosso TV personality, Michelin-Star Chef Igles Corelli. This special event will take place from 11th to 18th August 2025, bringing Corelli’s award-winning expertise and distinctive culinary philosophy to the Maldives for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Chef Igles Corelli rose to national and international prominence during the 1980s and 1990s as the head chef of the legendary Il Trigabolo in Ferrara, where he earned two Michelin stars and played a pivotal role in ushering in a new era of Italian cuisine. He later founded La Locanda della Tamerice, which earned another Michelin star, and served as executive chef of Atman, further solidifying his reputation for innovation and excellence in the culinary world.
In 2012, Chef Corelli introduced the concept of Circular Cooking on the Gambero Rosso Channel—a zero-waste culinary philosophy that aligns seamlessly with Lily Beach’s commitment to mindful, ingredient-focused cuisine.
Lily Beach is internationally celebrated for its pristine natural beauty, five-star hospitality, and world-class dining experiences. With a wide array of restaurants and bars, the resort offers something to please every palate—from refined à la carte dinners and vibrant live cooking stations to fresh, global cuisine served in relaxed, beachfront settings. Culinary highlights include gourmet international buffets at Lily Maa and signature overwater Asian fusion at Tamarind, each meal elevated by breathtaking ocean views and genuine Maldivian warmth.
During his stay, Chef Corelli will conduct a full-day training session with the resort’s in-house culinary team, culminating in a one-night-only Signature Dinner for guests. In addition, he will curate a daily ‘Dish of the Day’ featured on AQVA Restaurant’s lunch menu throughout the week.
This collaboration reflects Lily Beach’s ongoing dedication to providing exceptional gastronomic experiences. Guests will enjoy the rare opportunity to explore the artistry of a chef who has shaped the course of Italian cuisine and inspired generations of culinary professionals.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives’ South Ari Atoll, this culinary event promises a week of elevated dining, innovation, and unforgettable flavours.
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