Gastronomy
Monte Vibiano are Masters of Food & Wine at Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
Maldives.net.mv – Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, has announced that the next ‘Masters of Food and Wine’ offering will be in collaboration with the prestigious Italian winery and olive oil production house, Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio. Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa’s Masters of Food & Wine events are an interactive, culinary and beverage experience for guests to discover, learn and sample some the finest products from around the world.
On the 21 September 2013, Lorenzo Fasola Bologna, CEO of Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio will host a special 3-course lunch and 4-course dinner, whereby guests can enjoy dishes made with Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio’s unfiltered extra virgin olive oil. During lunch and dinner guests can also engage in an interactive seminar with Lorenzo about Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio which is the first, and currently only, carbon neutral vineyard and olive oil producer in the world and was awarded the 2010 Foreign Press Association’s “Premio Gruppo del Gusto” Award in addition to being nominated in 2008 as the best olive oil in the world by the International ARMONIA Olive Oil Competition.
The 3-course lunch menu comprises a modern twist on the Caprese Salad; Grilled Reef Fish with oven dried tomatoes, fennel and pickled mushrooms; followed by Pannacotta with olive oil and thyme. The 4-course dinner menu includes Gazpacho with eggplant caviar served with a tomato and olive oil sorbet; Red Snapper served with courgette spaghetti, seared scallop, chorizo with purple basil pesto; Lemon Sorbet with balsamic and olive oil; Lamb Loin served with chick peas, confit tomatoes, artichokes and goat’s cheese; finishing with an intense Chocolate Mousse served with olive oil, maldon salt and Italian bread sticks.
Park Hyatt Hadahaa, is a 5 star hotel in Maldives and is located in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, one of the largest and deepest natural atolls in the world. Hadahaa is untouched, unspoilt and authentic Maldives with a 360-degree pristine white beach.
Located 400 kilometres south of the capital Malé, and 56 kilometers north of the equator, the resort is pure paradise for those exploring the stunning coral reef, which completely rings the island. It is surrounded by more than 150 uninhabited islands and is more than 10 kilometers from the nearest inhabited island, and subsequently has one of the most abundant and healthiest house reefs in the world.
Hadahaa offers sleek and contemporary accommodation designed by SCDA Architects of Singapore, which includes 50 luxury villas, including 14 Park Water Villas each with private deck and offering un-interrupted views over the Maldivian horizon. The Vidhun Spa uses the traditional Maldivian healing benefits of Dhivehibey, guests can also enjoy diving in the Maldives with the resident Marine Biologist or relaxing in the beach cabana’s, before dining in bare foot luxury at the Island Grill. Maldivian now flies five times daily to the new Kooddoo Airport in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, reducing the internal journey time to Hadahaa by nearly half, now just 1 hour from Male.
Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio is owned by the Fasola Bologna family and is located in Umbria, Italy. Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio produces Wine, Olive Oil, unfiltered Olive Oil and Infused Oils. Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio has won numerous awards including the prestigious “Premio Impresa Ambiente” award, the highest recognition for Italian private and public companies that focus on Sustainable Development, Environmental Issues and Social Responsibility. Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio uses state of the art technology and is the first 0 green-house emissions farm in Italy.
Food
OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi invites guests to break fast island-style this Ramadan
OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi invites guests, residents, and visitors to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan with meaningful Iftar gatherings, just a short 15-minute speedboat journey from Velana International Airport. Designed for colleagues, friends, and families to come together in a relaxed island setting, the resort offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere to share the blessings of the season over a thoughtfully curated Iftar spread.
Hosted daily throughout Ramadan, from 18th February to 19th March at Element X restaurant from 06:00 — 07:15 PM, the Iftar experience features an extensive buffet showcasing traditional Maldivian flavours alongside popular regional favourites. Guests can enjoy juice, dates, mixed dry fruits and nuts, yoghurt, Maldivian short eats, a selection of main courses, and desserts, offering a wholesome and festive dining experience in the spirit of Ramadan.
The experience is well suited for corporate gatherings and family groups, with special packages available for group reservations, and guests are encouraged to confirm their bookings at least 24 hours in advance. Convenient speedboat transfers make the island easily accessible for those joining the evening gathering.
This Ramadan, gather your loved ones and share the joy of togetherness over a memorable island Iftar experience at OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi.
For details and bookings, please call +960 934 2685 / +960 934 2550, or email fbreservations.ailafushi@coloursofoblu.com.
Cooking
Baros Maldives’ The Lighthouse to present Duval-Leroy champagne pairing experience
Baros Maldives invites guests and discerning epicureans to an exclusive Champagne pairing dinner at The Lighthouse, the island’s iconic fine-dining restaurant, on 4 March 2026. Hosted for one evening only by Louis Duval-Leroy, family representative and Brand Ambassador of Maison Duval-Leroy, the intimate five-course experience celebrates the harmony between refined gastronomy and Champagne craftsmanship.
Perched above the Indian Ocean with panoramic ocean views, The Lighthouse is synonymous with Baros’ culinary philosophy. Long regarded as a benchmark for fine dining in the Maldives, the restaurant is known for its elegant setting, considered menus, and a focus on precision and technique. This one-night collaboration brings together Baros’ culinary team and the heritage of one of Champagne’s notable family-owned houses.
Founded in 1859, Maison Duval-Leroy is recognised for its Chardonnay-driven style, contemporary approach, and commitment to terroir and sustainability. Independent and family-owned for six generations, the House has been a pioneer in responsible viticulture, becoming the first Champagne house to achieve ISO 9002 certification in 1994, followed by Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne certification in 2015.
Representing the sixth generation, Louis Duval-Leroy brings both heritage and a modern perspective to the estate. With a background in business and extensive commercial experience, he has developed close relationships with chefs and sommeliers across the international fine-dining community. During the evening, he will personally guide guests through each cuvée, sharing insights into the philosophy, craftsmanship, and stories behind every Champagne.
The five-course menu has been carefully curated to complement the character of each pairing. Highlights include Smoked Goat Cheese Parfait with golden beets, paired with Duval-Leroy Brut Réserve; a Black Cod Mosaic matched with Brut Rosé Prestige Premier Cru; and a Lemon Meringue Tart served alongside Prestige Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs.
The Duval-Leroy Champagne Pairing Dinner offers an opportunity to experience Baros Maldives through destination dining, heritage Champagne, and an oceanfront setting.
With limited seating available, advance reservations are recommended. For bookings and enquiries, please contact +960 664 2672 or email reservations@baros.com.
Drink
St. Regis Maldives Vommuli welcomes Glynn Purnell for Tastemaker Series
Glynn Purnell, the Michelin-starred chef, restaurateur and television personality known as “The Yummy Brummie”, will bring his modern British cooking to the Indian Ocean this April as part of the Tastemaker Series at St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort.
With a career spanning more than 35 years, two Michelin-starred restaurants and a long-standing presence on British television, Purnell’s residency will take place from 3 to 6 April. His ingredient-led approach will be presented through a curated programme that includes a signature tasting dinner, an intimate cooking class and a closing experience hosted at The Whale Bar, offering guests the opportunity to engage with his cuisine in an informal setting.
Purnell began his culinary career at the age of 14 through a hotel kitchen work placement before refining his skills at the Metropole Hotel and at Simpson’s Restaurant, where he contributed to the restaurant’s first Michelin star. His professional training also includes working alongside chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Gary Rhodes and Claude Bosi, as well as experience in Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe. Purnell later made history by earning Birmingham’s first Michelin star for Jessica’s in 2005, followed by a Michelin star for Purnell’s, which the restaurant has retained since 2009.
In addition to his restaurant work, Purnell is a well-known figure on British television. He has won Great British Menu twice and has returned to the programme as a mentor. His television appearances also include Saturday Kitchen, and he co-presented My Kitchen Rules UK alongside Rachel Allen on Channel 4.
Recognised for combining technical precision with an approachable style, Purnell’s residency forms part of the St. Regis Maldives’ 2026 Tastemaker Series, a programme designed to showcase international culinary talent through immersive guest experiences. His emphasis on seasonal, responsibly sourced ingredients and sustainable practices aligns with the resort’s broader commitment to considered luxury and culinary quality.
Set on Vommuli Island, the residency offers guests the opportunity to experience contemporary British gastronomy in a distinctive island setting, with rare access to one of the UK’s most influential chefs.
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