Gastronomy
Culinary sensations at Coco Collection
Coco Collection provides guests a diverse array of culinary experiences across all our properties. Whether you are looking for a succulent seafood BBQ on the beach, a romantic meal for two over the water or a personalised dish tailor-made to your exact specifications, Coco Collection’s culinary team offers it all.
Coco Bodu Hithi
Situated on an idyllic island, just 40 minutes by speedboat from Malé, and surrounded by turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, the 5 star Coco Bodu Hithi resort promises the ultimate tropical island getaway.
Coco Bodu Hithi’s gourmet dining options are provided under the expertise and guidance of Executive Sous Chef, Indhika Prasanna. Born in Sri Lanka, Chef Indhika began his culinary career 20 years ago within the five star hotel and resort industry in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. As a member of the opening team for Coco Bodu Hithi, and having been a part of the Coco Collection family for 10 years now, he is a culinary asset especially with his signature dish of green pea soup and goat’s cheese stuffed bread.
The resort’s all day dining restaurant, AIR, offers a delectable breakfast and dinner buffet with dishes inspired by both the East and West, and the á la carte lunch is perfectly suited for the open air casual setting. Seafood lovers, who enjoy a hint of spice, will delight in AQUA, a romantic venue set over the crystal lagoon offering dishes infused with Southeast Asian flavours. Following a dip in the resort’s infinity pool, LATITUDE is the perfect place for a light lunch with a live chef cooking station offering wok prepared noodle and rice dishes; whilst also offering an á la carte menu featuring pizza and Japanese bento boxes as well as specialised cocktails and fresh juices. As the night falls, enjoy an unrivalled culinary experience at STARS offering haute cuisine with wines to match and a true gourmet journey with the restaurant’s degustation menu. Fitting for the holiday spirit, WINE LOFT is the perfect place for guests to savour a glass of wine and take in the beautiful view of our sunset at the venue’s unique ‘Wine Dinners’. Coco Bodu Hithi’s Japanese restaurant, TSUKI is a dining highlight, with eclectic offerings of Sushi, Sashimi and Tempura and the finest seafood, fresh fish and Wagyu beef. As an alternative, the resort’s Lobster & Seafood BBQ at Latitude Beach offers a beautiful and fulfilling dining experience, fitting perfectly with its Maldivian surroundings.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.
Located on the breath-taking island of Dhuni Kolhu, a 30 minute seaplane transfer from the capital, Malé; Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu has 98 charming Maldivian-inspired villas and offers luxurious living in an eco-friendly, tropical environment.
The warm service of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu’s staff, in combination with the array of culinary options available, ensures that guests receive delightful dining experiences throughout their stay. Cowrie Restaurant, located in the middle of the island, offers renowned buffet lunches, dinners and also is home to the delicious daily breakfast journey, with fresh pastries from the resort’s bakery. The Beach Bar is the perfect place to sit and sip a cocktail or mocktail and watch the sun set over the glistening ocean horizon. For freshly grilled meats and seafood including Indian Ocean Lobster and locally caught fish infused with local and Thai flavours, Cornus Restaurant & Grill is the ultimate venue and a hidden gem set within the island’s lush vegetation.
The resort’s Executive Sous Chef, Sumudu Surath Kadawata and his team create unique and unrivalled dining experiences, using the natural ambience and beauty of the island to their advantage. A unique evening spent enjoying dinner in the resort’s garden with handpicked, fresh ingredients or a private dinner featuring Chef Kadawata’s signature dish of pan roasted milk feed Veal tenderloin and minted risotto with mushroom ravioli, are just a selection of the special dining opportunities available to guests at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.
Shankhara Villas by Coco Collection
Situated in the picturesque village of Poste-la-Fayette on the East coast of Mauritius, Sankhara Villas by Coco Collection offers discerning travellers an authentic haven of tranquillity in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations.
When staying at Sankhara Villas guests are able to savour the fusion delights of Chef Arlando René. Guests are spoilt as Chef Arlando and his team create tailor-made dishes according to each guest’s preferences, always surprising and delighting them with the unique and delicious outcome. Specialising in fusion dishes and with over 15 years of experience, Chef Arlando celebrates his individual style and talents, creating unique dishes that are sure to never disappoint.
Cooking
Sirru Fen Fushi announces Michelin series collaboration with Chef Karim Khouani for Easter 2026
This Easter holiday, Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort is set to welcome acclaimed two-Michelin-starred chef Karim Khouani, Culinary Director of Textures Copenhagen, for an exclusive gastronomic collaboration as part of the resort’s celebrated Michelin Series.
Rooted in French culinary heritage and refined through a distinctly Nordic lens, Chef Karim’s cuisine is a study in seasonality, restraint, and quiet mastery, blending classical foundations and contemporary expression. Against the turquoise backdrop of the Shaviyani Atoll, guests are invited to experience his artistry through two exceptional dining events on 29 March and 1 April.
29 March 2026: Two Chefs, One Table — Four-Hands Dinner
Chef Karim Khouani joins Sirru Fen Fushi’s Executive Chef Girish Sharma for an intimate four-hands collaboration at Azure. In this singular evening, Mediterranean warmth meets island vibrancy as two culinary philosophies converge. Expect refined technique, expressive flavours, and a menu that celebrates craftsmanship, creativity, and cultural dialogue — set within the chic bohemian ambience overlooking the Indian Ocean.
1 April 2026: Chef Karim’s Signature Experience — Four-Course Dinner
For one exclusive evening, Chef Karim presents a four-course menu showcasing his signature dishes from Textures Copenhagen. Guided by the seasons and elevated with Nordic precision, each course reflects his belief that “great cooking begins when you stop trying to impress and start trying to understand.” The experience promises understated elegance, layered storytelling, and deeply expressive flavour combinations.
Born and raised in the sun-soaked city of Marseille, Chef Karim’s earliest culinary memories were formed in his grandmother’s kitchen, a place where generosity, simplicity, and respect for ingredients shaped his lifelong philosophy.
His career spans over three decades across some of Europe’s most distinguished kitchens, including time working under the renowned British chef Marco Pierre White. Love later brought him to Sweden, where he opened Restaurant Ambience in Malmö, earning a Michelin star in 2015, followed by Restaurant Sture, which received its Michelin star just three months after opening.
Today, Chef Karim leads the team at Textures Copenhagen, a contemporary fine-dining restaurant known for its refined French cuisine interpreted through Scandinavian seasonality and minimalism. At Textures, classical technique meets Nordic ingredients, creating a dining experience defined by purity, balance, and thoughtful creativity. Beyond the plate, Chef Karim is celebrated for cultivating a collaborative kitchen culture built on mentorship, respect, and quiet excellence.
The Michelin Series at Sirru Fen Fushi continues to unite globally celebrated culinary visionaries with the island’s own creative spirit — delivering immersive dining journeys in one of the world’s most extraordinary settings.
For further information and reservations, please visit sirrufenfushi.com or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.
Drink
Award-winning mixologist Dirk Hany brings Bar am Wasser to Alila Kothaifaru Maldives
A magical moment is unfolding on the shores of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives as the resort collaborates exclusively with the acclaimed mixologist Dirk Hany, Host and Co-Owner of the award-winning Bar am Wasser in Zurich, Switzerland. From 10 to 14 March 2026, the celebrated “doctor cocktail” brings his signature craftsmanship to the shores of the Indian Ocean for a curated series of masterclasses, sunset sessions, and immersive bar takeovers.
Set against the tranquil beauty of the Maldives, the multi-day programme will unfold across the resort’s distinctive dining venues, blending world-class mixology with Alila’s philosophy of thoughtful luxury and meaningful connection. Guests can expect an inspired journey through Dirk Hany’s refined cocktail artistry — where precision, creativity, and storytelling converge in every pour.
The experience begins with an intimate masterclass at Umami, offering guests the opportunity to explore the techniques and philosophies behind Hany’s award-winning creations. This is followed by sunset bar takeovers at Mirus Bar, where his signature cocktails will be showcased in a relaxed yet elevated island setting.
A highlight of the week includes The Shack Sundowner — an indulgent seaside experience designed to pair masterfully crafted cocktails with curated bites, framed by sweeping ocean views. The celebration culminates in the Sapor in Tavola pairing dinner at Pibati Sul Mare, where Dirk Hany’s cocktails will be thoughtfully matched with elevated cuisine in a sensory dining journey that reflects both innovation and balance.
“At Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, we are committed to curating experiences that are both immersive and intentional,” said Thomas Weber, General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives. “Welcoming Dirk Hany to the island allows us to offer our guests a rare opportunity to engage with globally recognised mixology in a setting defined by serenity and natural beauty. This collaboration reflects our passion for craftsmanship, creativity, and meaningful moments.”
Danilo Paolella, Director of Food & Beverage added, “Dirk’s approach to mixology mirrors our own culinary philosophy — thoughtful, ingredient-driven, and rooted in storytelling. Each cocktail is designed not just to be enjoyed, but to be experienced. Bringing Bar am Wasser to Alila Kothaifaru Maldives allows us to elevate our beverage programme while creating distinctive encounters that resonate long after the final sip.”
Blending precision and artistry with the effortless rhythm of island life, the Bar am Wasser Takeover promises an unforgettable week of flavour, craft, and connection — where every cocktail tells a story, and every setting enhances the experience.
Cooking
Ifuru Island Maldives positions itself as leading culinary destination
Ifuru Island Maldives is positioning itself as one of the Maldives’ emerging culinary destinations, with dining experiences spread across six restaurants and four bars, all included under its Premium All Inclusive offering. The resort presents dining as a central part of the guest experience, encouraging exploration of flavours, textures, aromas and settings, complemented by ocean views and an open-air island atmosphere.
At the centre of the island’s dining offering is Social House, the all-day dining restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a lively and welcoming environment. Designed in line with the resort’s lifestyle concept, Social House encourages guests to interact, share tables and connect with one another while enjoying 12 rotating theme nights, globally inspired menus and interactive live cooking stations, making it a focal point of island life.

Palm Grill continues the culinary journey as a rustic steakhouse specialising in flame-grilled meats and fresh, locally sourced seafood. The open-grill concept allows guests to experience the sights, sounds and aromas of the kitchen, combining bold flavours with an intimate setting. Meanwhile, The Waterfront offers an overwater dining experience, where chefs prepare personalised dishes in front of guests, turning the cooking process itself into part of the dining experience.
The island’s relaxed and social atmosphere extends to Hubba Hubba and The Beach Club. During the day, Hubba Hubba serves as a poolside venue for cocktails and relaxation, while evenings feature DJs, music and social gatherings. The Beach Club is set along a prime stretch of shoreline, offering handcrafted cocktails and beachside music in a casual setting where guests can unwind with their feet in the sand.

More informal dining options are available at Poolside Pizza, the Ice Cream Tower and Ifuru Eats. Poolside Pizza serves freshly baked pizzas from a beachside oven, while the Ice Cream Tower by the main pool offers a range of ice cream selections throughout the day. For guests seeking late-night dining, Ifuru Eats provides in-villa delivery from 10:30 pm to 7:30 am, offering comfort food without leaving the privacy of their accommodation.
“Dining at Ifuru is meant to be easy, fun, and full of surprises,” says General Manager Marcel Sawyer. “With six restaurants and four bars under Premium All Inclusive, guests can explore different flavours, enjoy relaxed or elevated moments, and make every meal a memory. That’s the freedom we love to offer.”
For guests looking for a more elevated dining experience, Kai offers teppanyaki dining, where chefs prepare seafood, meats and vegetables in a live cooking performance. Through its range of dining venues and concepts, Ifuru Island Maldives aims to position itself not only as a resort destination, but as a location recognised for its evolving and experience-driven food culture.
-
News1 week agoThe Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands launches conservation programme for environmental observances
-
Cooking1 week agoWomen at heart of kitchen: Milaidhoo Maldives marks International Women’s Day through gastronomy
-
Action1 week agoAtmosphere Foundation launches annual dive training scholarship for Maldivians
-
Entertainment1 week ago‘One festival, every sense’: Fari Islands Festival announces August 2026 return
-
Drink1 week agoSO/ Maldives hosts tequila tasting and Lazuli Bar takeover for National Margarita Day
-
Family1 week agoEaster goes playful at The Standard, Maldives with week-long Angry Birds celebration
-
Awards7 days agoBandos Maldives earns Booking.com Traveller Review Award 2026
-
Featured1 week agoAncient banyan tree anchors spiritual experiences at Machchafushi Island Resort



