Gastronomy
Dine by Design at Jumeirah Vittaveli in the Maldives
Maldives.net.mv – Jumeirah Vittaveli, the idyllic resort in the Maldives located just a 20-minute boat ride from Male, is helping guests to further embrace the stunning surroundings with a new‘Dining by Design’ menu.
Far from the clutches of stressful city life, Jumeirah Vittaveli is nestled in a spot of outstanding sophistication, with every detail of a stay meticulously crafted to excite and indulge. Now, guests can go one step further in personalizing their stay by choosing exactly where they want to dine. Whether an exclusive cruise aboard a luxury boat, or an Aqua Dinner for diners to sink their toes into the cool waters of the main pool as they eat, discerning diners will be able to enjoy a unique location as personal chef and server cater to their every whim.
Even the menu is personalised to perfection. Upon booking, guests are able to meet with the chef to customize a menu based on preferences. Every occasion can be catered for, whether a Sunrise Breakfast on a secluded stretch of beach or an exquisite candlelit feast underneath the stars. A Romantic Dinner for two comes complete with beautiful flower turndown in your private villa and an intimate butler-drawn bath awaiting the couple’s return.
Those wanting to dine further afield can opt for a Sandbank Picnic or Dinner. The experience will begin with a journey on a traditional Maldivian dhoni to ensure seclusion. Once guests have arrived at their private sandbank, they can enjoy limitless snorkeling opportunities and a gourmet picnic hamper. Or, at an evening meal, survey the surroundings as personal chef and server ensure every happiness.
Whether for an intimate escape or an indulgent family retreat, Jumeirah Vittaveli offers unmatched diversity, subtle luxury and personalised exploration. The 5-star dive centre is a veritable hive of activity for canoeing, windsurfing and diving in one of the world’s most incredible coral reefs whilst the overwater Talise Spa offers an island escape. At every turn, unbeatable hospitality and five-star amenities combine to capture the very essence of indulgence.
Sandbank Picnic includes:
- A journey to a secluded sandbank on a traditional Maldivian dhoni
- Snorkeling opportunities
- Chef’s gourmet picnic hamper, complete with fine wines of your choice
- Available daily at a time of your choosing
- Reservation one day prior is essential as limited bookings are available
- Various price options available upon request
Sandbank Dinner includes:
- Personal chef and server on hand
- Private sandbank setup
- Available daily at a time of your choosing
- Reservation one day prior is essential as limited bookings are available
- Various price options available upon request
Poolside Dining includes:
- Candlelit set-up in the cool waters of the main pool
- Soothing sounds of the live band
- Available daily at a time of your choosing
- Reservation one day prior is essential as limited bookings are available
- $ 195 ++ per person for guests booked on Bed & Breakfast
- Guests booked on half or full board are entitled to a 25% discount of food only
Private Beach BBQ includes:
- Choice of romantic and intimate beachfront set-ups around the resort
- Beach BBQ
- Available daily at a time of your choosing
- Reservation one day prior is essential as limited bookings are available
- $ 250 ++ per person for guests booked on Bed & Breakfast
- Guests booked on half or full board are entitled to a 25% discount of food only
Sunrise Breakfast includes:
- Sunrise set-up
- Gourmet breakfast
- Available daily at a time of your choosing
- Reservation one day prior is essential as limited bookings are available
- $ 65 ++ per person without champagne
- $ 90 ++ per person with a glass of Moet & Chandon champagne
Romantic Dinner includes:
- Candlelit set-up for meal
- Flower turn-down in villa
- Butler-drawn bath in villa
- Available daily at a time of your choosing
- Reservation one day prior is essential as limited bookings are available
- $ 250 ++ per person for guests booked on Bed & Breakfast including a glass of Moet & Chandon
- Guests booked on half or full board are entitled to a 25% discount of food only
Cruise Dinner includes:
- Dinner on board your own private luxury cruiser
- Capacity for up to six persons
- Available daily at a time of your choosing
- Reservation one day prior is essential as limited bookings are available
- Various price options available upon request
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Drink
Lily Beach announces guest bartender residency featuring Vyacheslav Kasitsyn
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced an exclusive guest bartender residency featuring Vyacheslav Kasitsyn, one of the most prominent figures in Moscow’s contemporary bar scene, from 2nd to 10th May 2026.
Vyacheslav is the Bar Manager of The Carlton Lounge & Bar at The Carlton, Moscow, one of the city’s most sophisticated social destinations. He began his career at the award-winning City Space Bar, recognised both in Russia and internationally, before contributing to a number of standout bar and restaurant projects at Lucky Group.
Renowned for crafting modern classics with precision and narrative depth, Vyacheslav’s cocktails reflect refined technique, contemporary elegance, and a strong sense of place. Each creation tells a story-balancing innovation with timeless style, elegance and style.
During his residency at Lily Beach, guests will experience a curated cocktail menu inspired by Moscow’s dynamic bar culture, reimagined within the island’s luxury setting. Exclusive evening showcases and limited-edition signatures will highlight his artistry.
This special collaboration underscores Lily Beach’s commitment to delivering elevated culinary and beverage experiences -where global expertise meets barefoot Maldivian luxury.
At Lily Beach the Platinum Plan seamlessly unites exceptional dining with premium inclusions, creating one of the Maldives’ most distinguished all-inclusive experiences. Guests indulge in diverse buffet and à la carte offerings across multiple restaurants, complemented by an extensive selection of premium wines, spirits, signature cocktails, and a replenished minibar. Elevating the culinary journey further, Les Turquoise d’Aqua proudly received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2024, underscoring the resort’s commitment to world-class wine curation. From elegant beachfront dinners to relaxed overwater settings, every moment is thoughtfully crafted to deliver refined flavour, variety, and effortless luxury.
For reservations and further information, please visit the resort’s website.
Cooking
Kandolhu Maldives announces culinary collaboration with Chef Fabrizio Zanetti
Following a season of culinary collaborations, Kandolhu Maldives has announced that Executive Chef Fabrizio Zanetti will visit the resort this October for a series of dining events.
The resort said the programme would offer guests an opportunity to experience Zanetti’s cuisine through a number of exclusive dining experiences.
Originally from St Moritz, Zanetti has led the kitchens at Hotel Suvretta House in St Moritz for more than a decade. The five-star Suvretta House, built in 1912 by Swiss hotelier Anton Bon, recently opened a new 4,670-square metre spa for the 2025-2026 winter season.
Zanetti has also worked at Michelin-starred establishments including Baur au Lac in Zurich and Savoy Grill in London. His work has been recognised with 17 points in the Gault-Millau Guide 2025 and the Mérite Culinaire Suisse award. In 2024, he was also named Gault-Millau Rising Star of the Year.
The collaboration at Kandolhu Maldives will begin on Wednesday, 14 October, with a three-course à la carte lunch at The Market.
A four-course dinner will follow on Saturday, 17 October, at Olive Restaurant. The evening will begin with a meet-and-greet with Chef Zanetti before dinner is served.
On Wednesday, 21 October, Olive Restaurant will also host a five-course Wine and Dine event, which will include a personal introduction from the chef.
Kandolhu Maldives said each evening event at Olive Restaurant would be limited to 22 guests, offering an intimate dining setting overlooking the Indian Ocean. The resort has encouraged guests to reserve early for the programme.
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