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
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.
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