Gastronomy
Medium Rare Restaurant at Beach House Iruveli presented with “Award of Excellence” by Wine Spectator
Maldives.net.mv – Located on a remote island in the midst of Haa Alif atoll, The Beach House Iruveli is a Maldivian treasure shaped by its stunning natural setting. Long recognised as an idyllic haven of luxury and relaxation, The Beach House has now been acknowledged as one of the world’s leading food and wine destinations, with its signature restaurant Medium Rare recently awarded the 2013 “Award of Excellence” by Wine Spectator, USA.
Presented to restaurants with winning combinations of fine food and wine, the Award of Excellence is an internationally recognised accolade, created by one of the most celebrated wine magazines in the world. Specialising in a selection of local seafood and fine meats, Medium Rare is led by Chef Shanmuganathan Marimuthu, a gastronomical expert with over 21 years of experience working in five star kitchens. He is joined by Resident Sommelier Stanley whose previous work has included Chief Sommelier posts at the Hyatt Regency Incheon, Taj Exotica Maldives and Banyan Tree Seoul and it this particular pairing of creative talents that has been credited as the special ingredient that won this award.
The Award of Excellence joins a host of recognition for Chef Shan, who is known for his signature style of fusing regional twists with traditional cuisine and has previously been awarded the Park Hyatt Malt Pairing City Trail award in 2012 and Sous Chef (UAE) Chef of the Year’s in 2008. Currently Sommelier Stanley’s extensive wine list at Beach House Iruveli carries over 380 labels with both Old World classics from France, Italy and Spain and New World wonders. Sommelier Stanley personally develops the collection and ensures there is always a diverse selection of labels and different wine making styles on offer.
“We’re proud to offer guests a variety of wine related events during their stay at the resort including bespoke wine tasting sessions and a spectacular Italian themed ‘Cantinetta Experience’ in our underground wine cellar. The culinary vision that Chef Shan brings to Medium Rare is certain to help guide future wine programmes here at Beach House Iruveli forward” commented Sommelier Stanley.
On Medium Rare evolving under the direction of Chef Shan, Sommelier Stanley comments “He inspires not only the culinary team but also me in terms of discovering the marriage between the dishes and wines. Working together, our pairing focuses on parallel flavours, aromas and divergent notes in order to achieve perfect harmony to accompany the culinary art from the kitchen”.
Chef Shan says of the award, “Working at Medium Rare has been a dream; based on a beautiful beachfront on one of the most beautiful areas of the Maldives – every day is like waking up in paradise. But getting to enjoy this job and for Sommelier Stanley and I to be awarded with such a prestigious award for doing it is unbelievable. I am delighted that we have brought the Spectator’s stamp of approval to our perfect island, and hope that it is the first of many.”
Launching next month, Sommelier Stanley will be hosting Gastrology with Chef Shan, a progressive four-course wine matching dinner which takes guests on a journey throughout a number of the resort’s dining outlets . Starting with canapés and Champagne, Sommelier Stanley will unveil some of his favourite tipples in the Wine Cellar before leading guests to the Asian inspired Saffron Restaurant for entrées. The gourmet adventure will continue at Medium Rare for Iruveli’s signature main course before finishing at Salt Water with a chocoholic buffet.
Gastrology will launch in September 2013 and will be available for groups of six or above.
Cooking
Michelin-starred French chef Maye Cissoko brings ‘Art of the Chef’ to Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, the flagship resort within Sun Siyam’s Luxury Collection portfolio in the Maldives, has announced an exclusive culinary collaboration with acclaimed Michelin Star French Chef Maye Cissoko this July. In celebration of Bastille Day, the resort will host two exceptional dining experiences under the theme “Art of the Chef”, taking place on 22 and 27 July, where refined gastronomy, fine wine, and refined living come together.
Chef Maye is the chef and owner of the historic 105-year-old Maison Burnel in the Vosges region of France, which he beautifully renovated and earn a Michelin star just six months later. The chef, an alumnus of the prestigious Institut Paul Bocuse, brings experience to the island including his time with the renowned Barrière Group. The chef loves seasonality, fresh sourcing, and à la minute cooking. His menus heavily feature territorial, rustic elements from the Vosges like wild mushrooms, and local herbs paired with highly refined execution.
Working in harmony with the resort’s Executive Chef, Putu Wijana, he will present two distinguished evenings of fine wine pairings, featuring one of his favourite ingredients, fresh scallops.
- Art of the Chef, Cellar Dinner | Wednesday, 22 July | Cellar Dining at Flavours: An intimate, refined evening of gastronomy at the resort’s newly renovated French restaurant. The menu features Scallop Carpaccio with leek essence and pike roe, Spider Crab with smoked haddock espuma, local reef fish enhanced with caviar and katsuobushi sauce, and a delicate French strawberry tartlet.
- Art of the Chef, Sublime Festin | Monday, 27 July | Elevated Beachside Dining at Islander’s Grill: A sophisticated beachfront experience showcasing scallops in a green herb and truffle crust, Maldivian sea bass gravlax, local lobster with vegetable ravioli and artichoke purée served with a slow-simmered seafood bisque, and a decadent Guanaja chocolate entremet with mango-lime chutney.
The resident sommelier, Sunil Kumar, will feature exceptional wines from diverse regions of France, thoughtfully selected to pair with each dish.

This prestigious collaboration highlights Sun Siyam Iru Fushi’s commitment to elevating the culinary experiences across its 15 restaurants and bars. Chef Maye will work alongside the resort’s Executive Chef, Putu Wijana, who brings 26 years of global luxury brand experience to lead the resort’s continued culinary evolution.
“Partnering with Chef Maye Cissoko allows us to weave the timeless precision of French gastronomy into our kitchens. These exclusive menus have been meticulously curated to reflect our deep commitment to offering a refined guest experience. Following the residency, selected signature dishes will also be integrated into our menus, giving future guests the opportunity to savour these exceptional creations,” highlighted Executive Chef Putu Wijana.
Drink
Asia’s top mixology talent to lead cocktail takeover at JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll
JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort invites guests to discover an immersive three-night cocktail journey this June, featuring acclaimed mixologist Navjot Singh. Taking place across the resort’s distinctive venues from June 17 to 19, 2026, the exclusive bar takeover will present a curated series of innovative tropical cocktail experiences inspired by island living, craftsmanship, and storytelling.
Led by Navjot Singh, Beverage Program Leader at Lair Bar, the experience brings one of Asia’s most celebrated contemporary cocktail programs to the Maldives. Recognised as No. 8 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025, Lair Bar is renowned for its innovative approach to mixology, blending luxury spirits, creativity, and immersive storytelling. Navjot himself was recently crowned World Class India 2025, cementing his reputation as one of the industry’s leading talents.
Joining him is Nakul Dev, Senior Bartender at LAIR BAR, whose creative approach is deeply inspired by the flavours and ingredients of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. With over six years of experience in hospitality and cocktails, Nakul is known for crafting ingredient-driven drinks that reflect the essence of the mountains and local produce from his hometown. His passion for flavour development and exploration of new techniques brings an additional layer of creativity and depth to the collaboration.

Set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean, the takeover will unfold across three distinct venues, each offering its own atmosphere and cocktail narrative. At Nikkei Bar, guests will enjoy an exclusive sunset activation where thoughtfully crafted cocktails elevate golden-hour moments with refined tropical flavours and interactive guest experiences. Wahoo Bar will host an elegant beachfront evening inspired by the serenity of the coast, pairing curated tropical cocktails with breathtaking sunset views and laid-back sophistication. The final experience will take place at JW Garden, where a “Garden to Glass” concept celebrates locally grown ingredients such as basil, lemongrass, and pandan, highlighting sustainability and creating an immersive journey.
“We are thrilled to welcome Navjot Singh to JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort for this exclusive guest bartender series,” said Srikanth Devarapalli, General Manager. “His expertise, creativity, and dedication to craft reflect our commitment to offering guests immersive moments that are aligned with our philosophy of contemporary luxury.”
Each cocktail hour has been carefully designed to reflect the spirit of the island through a contemporary lens, blending tropical influences with modern techniques and storytelling. Through this collaboration, JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort continues to elevate its culinary and beverage programming, offering guests meaningful and memorable experiences rooted in connection, discovery, and craftsmanship.
Learn more about JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort here.
Culture
Eid al-Adha at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort to feature Arabian BBQ and island experiences
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort invites guests to celebrate Eid al-Adha on 27 May 2026 with a thoughtfully curated collection of island experiences inspired by togetherness, reflection, wellbeing, and celebration. Set against the serene backdrop of the Indian Ocean, the resort’s Eid programme embraces the spirit of the occasion through beachfront dining, wellness journeys, artistic expression, and family moments designed for guests of all ages.
The evening’s celebrations will feature a special Management Cocktail at Café Umi Beach, welcoming guests to gather for sunset refreshments and relaxed island conversations by the shore. As the evening unfolds, guests may continue the celebration with the Arabian BBQ Beach Dinner, an atmospheric beachfront dining experience featuring Arabian-inspired flavours accompanied by live music, DJ entertainment, and a captivating fire performance beneath the stars.

For guests seeking moments of restoration and mindful wellbeing during the Eid holiday, AVI Spa will present a series of personalised wellness experiences led by visiting practitioner Dr Afsana Aradhana Ghyas. Designed to encourage balance, relaxation, and inner calm, the tailored holistic therapies offer a meaningful opportunity for guests to reconnect and recharge within the tranquillity of the island setting. Guests may also enjoy a complimentary 30-minute massage with selected facial or body therapy experiences throughout the celebration period.

Adding a creative dimension to the celebrations, the resort will also host a resin art experience inspired by ocean textures and Eid traditions. From live artistic showcases to interactive workshops, guests will have the opportunity to create handcrafted keepsakes reflecting the beauty and spirit of the occasion.
Families celebrating Eid at the resort can also look forward to a variety of island activities throughout the day, including a Middle Eastern breakfast experience, afternoon tea, beach games, and a special Eid pajama party for younger guests at Planet Trekkers.

Located in the heart of Raa Atoll, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is the Maldives’ first and only all-Club InterContinental resort, offering elevated island experiences through personalised service, curated dining, wellness, and meaningful family moments.
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