Following his first visit earlier this year, award-winning Danish chef Jesper Koch returns to Vakkaru Maldives from 26 October to 5 November 2026, bringing the next chapter of his collaboration with the resort directly to guests.

Chef Jesper first visited Vakkaru in July, spending nearly two weeks working closely with the resort’s culinary and service teams. Centred on knowledge sharing and collaboration, his time on the island laid the foundation for this autumn’s programme and a series of dining experiences created for guests.

At the heart of his second visit will be three five-course tasting-menu evenings on 29 October, 1 November and 3 November, held at Vakkaru Reserve, the resort’s award-winning wine cellar. Home to one of the Maldives’ most exceptional wine collections, Vakkaru Reserve spans 680 Old and New World labels and has been recognised with Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence for six consecutive years.

Working alongside the resort’s culinary team, Chef Jesper will bring together his Danish and Nordic culinary roots with the flavours and character of the Maldives, incorporating local ingredients, produce from Vakkaru’s Organic Farm, locally sourced seafood and regional influences where they naturally complement each dish. Separate wine and non-alcoholic pairing options are also being developed to accompany the menus.

The programme will begin on 27 October with a cocktail reception, offering guests the opportunity to meet Chef Jesper and welcome him back to the island before the series of dinners begins.

For Chef Jesper, his return is an opportunity to build on the connection established in July. “My first visit gave me the opportunity to spend time with the team, exchange ideas and experience the spirit of Vakkaru first-hand. Returning now feels like a natural continuation of what we started. I am looking forward to being back in the kitchen and, most importantly, to sharing our work with guests through these dinners.”

Teddy Susanto Wiryawan, General Manager of Vakkaru Maldives, added: “Chef Jesper’s first visit allowed us to establish a strong connection and lay the foundations for this collaboration. His return now brings that work to our guests. These evenings will offer them the chance to experience his distinctive approach to cooking and discover what can emerge when two culinary teams come together with a shared passion for hospitality.”

Regarded as one of Denmark’s most influential gastronomic figures, Chef Jesper brings more than three decades of experience spanning hospitality, gastronomy and entrepreneurship. He is known for combining Nordic culinary traditions with contemporary techniques and a distinctive approach to flavour.

His career has earned him wide recognition, including leading Restaurant Syttende to Michelin recognition, being named Danish Chef of the Year, representing Denmark at the Bocuse d’Or competition, receiving an Honorary Diploma from the Danish Gastronomic Academy, and being recognised as “Chef’s Chef” by the Danish Gastronomy Foundation. He is also widely known as a long-standing judge on the Danish edition of MasterChef.

Set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Vakkaru Maldives continues to bring new perspectives to its dining experiences through collaborations with leading culinary talent from around the world. Chef Jesper’s return marks the next stage of a partnership that began with an exchange of ideas and now comes to life at the table.

For further information about the resort, please visit vakkarumaldives.com or contact reservations@vakkarumaldives.com to make a reservation.

VARU by Atmosphere has unveiled the Kaagé Progressive Maldivian Cookbook, bringing the flavours and culinary heritage of the Maldives to life through an immersive new experience. As part of the island experience, guests can enjoy private cooking masterclasses, offering a hands-on connection to authentic local flavours and the opportunity to take home the beautiful cookbook as a memento.

At Kaagé, the award-winning speciality restaurant, guests embark on a culinary journey through the history and traditions of the Maldivian islands. Time-honoured local recipes are paired with modern culinary techniques, allowing the distinctive flavours of the Maldives to be recreated in kitchens around the world.

Held on 20th August, the exclusive cookbook launch event brought together journalists, culinary influencers and resort guests, who joined the resort’s chef team for an interactive masterclass. The session explored local ingredients including skipjack tuna, coconut and fiery Scotch bonnet chillies, offering participants an authentic taste of Maldivian culinary traditions.

“These immersive cooking classes are now a permanent part of your resort experience. Kaagé is a tribute to the vibrant culinary identity of the Maldives,” says Maurice Van Den Bosch, General Manager at VARU by Atmosphere. “Through our cookbook and masterclasses, we invite you to connect deeply with island culture. We look forward to sharing these traditions with you.”

VARU by Atmosphere is a naturally Maldivian island escape in North Malé Atoll, just a 45-minute speedboat journey from Malé. Blending authentic Maldivian culture with contemporary elegance, the resort offers an intimate island experience centred around warm hospitality, vibrant dining, wellness and immersive experiences. From its distinctive overwater villas and unique overwater cellar to its island-inspired cuisine and commitment to sustainability, VARU by Atmosphere celebrates the essence of the Maldives while offering a refined and relaxed tropical retreat.

The Kaagé Progressive Maldivian Cookbook is available exclusively to participants of cooking masterclass. To discover more or reserve your spot, visit www.varu-atmosphere.com or contact reservations@varu-atmosphere.com.

SUSHISAMBA Dubai, the multi-award-winning dining destination perched 51 floors above The Palm Jumeirah, is taking its renowned energy to the shores of the Indian Ocean. From Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27 September 2026, SUSHISAMBA Dubai arrives at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands for an exclusive three-night pop-up at EAU Bar, spotlighting Dubai’s thriving hospitality scene on an international stage.

Highlighting Dubai’s status as a global dining capital, this island takeover brings together two powerhouses of luxury hospitality. Running nightly from 7PM to 10PM with two dinner seatings, the pop-up features a curated dining experience led by Brand Chef Kitak Lee, brought to life by live performances from SUSHISAMBA’s iconic samba dancers, a signature element that made the venue one of Dubai’s most sought-after spots, for an unforgettable celebration by the sea.

Set against the pristine oceanfront backdrop of EAU Bar at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, a ultra-luxury resort known for its legendary Aris Meeha service, immersive Maldivian traditions, and world-class epicurean offerings across its island destinations, guests will experience SUSHISAMBA’s signature blend of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian culture. The exclusive pop-up will feature a bespoke menu of signature dishes crafted with the highest standards of culinary artistry, complemented by SUSHISAMBA’s bar team serving craft cocktails infused with exotic ingredients.

“This collaboration marks an exciting milestone as we take the electric spirit and culinary excellence of SUSHISAMBA Dubai to one of the world’s most spectacular luxury destinations,” said Brand Chef Kitak Lee. “We look forward to bringing our signature blend of flavours, theatrical energy, and world- class hospitality to EAU Bar for three unforgettable nights.”

Whether dining under the stars or enjoying inventive mixology by the ocean, guests can expect an immersive journey defined by elevated dining, dynamic entertainment, and the unmistakable SUSHISAMBA spirit.

Event Details:

Venue: EAU Bar, at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

Dates: September 25–27 2026

Seating Schedule:

Friday, September 25:

• First Seating: 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
• Second Seating: 8:30 PM–10:30 PM

Saturday, September 26 & Sunday, September 27:

• First Seating: 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
• Second Seating: 8:30 PM–10:30 PM

For bookings and more information, please contact the reservations team at +960 400 0999 or maldives.reservations@ritzcarlton.com, or visit The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands website here.