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
Grégory Doyen brings his sweet artistry to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is continuing its acclaimed Tastemaker Series, a curated programme of exceptional collaborations with world-renowned chefs, artists, and creative visionaries, with the arrival of Chef Grégory Doyen, one of the most distinctive talents in contemporary pastry art.
Born in Burgundy, France, into a family of artists, Chef Doyen discovered his passion for pastry during childhood, turning his family kitchen into his first studio. A graduate of the prestigious École Nationale Supérieure de la Pâtisserie, his career spanning two decades has taken him through Michelin-starred kitchens and international stages, earning him recognition as a leading figure in modern patisserie.
Renowned for his sculptural desserts and refined French craftsmanship, Chef Doyen’s creations merge technical precision with emotional expression, transforming pastry into a form of edible art. His innovative approach has led to collaborations with some of the world’s most iconic luxury maisons—including Cartier, Marc Jacobs, La Prairie, Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Vacheron Constantin, and Hermès—alongside bespoke commissions for Range Rover and Vogue. Often described as the creator of fashion-desserts, he is celebrated for infusing haute couture sensibility into the timeless artistry of French patisserie.
Guests at The St. Regis Maldives are invited to immerse themselves in Chef Doyen’s world of delicate textures and visual poetry through a special festive programme. On 10 December, he will conduct an intimate pastry masterclass, offering participants rare insight into his creative process and sculptural finesse. That evening—and throughout the festive season—his desserts will take centre stage at ALBA, the resort’s signature dining venue, where a curated dessert collection will be presented daily from 10 December to 7 January, offering a decadent celebration of the holiday season.
The residency’s highlight will unfold on 11 December at Decanter, where Chef Doyen will collaborate with the resort’s Executive Chef for a six-course, four-hands wine-pairing dinner, showcasing a symphony of refined flavours and masterful artistry.
A testament to The St. Regis legacy of exceptional taste and global collaboration, the Tastemaker Series at The St. Regis Maldives unites leading talents from gastronomy, art, and design in one-of-a-kind experiences that celebrate creativity and craftsmanship amid the breathtaking surroundings of Vommuli Island. From Michelin-starred chefs to visionary mixologists and artisans, the series continues the St. Regis tradition of curating the extraordinary—where innovation, tradition, and indulgence converge in the most exquisite of island settings.
Drink
Toast to heritage: JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING host Domaines Ott by Louis Roederer

In October, JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING — two of the Maldives’ foremost luxury destinations — hosted Domaines Ott by Louis Roederer for an exclusive series of wine experiences.
The events, held on 1 October at JOALI Maldives and on 3 October at JOALI BEING, offered guests a rare insight into the heritage and craftsmanship of one of the world’s most esteemed winemaking houses.
The evenings were led by Jean François Ott, General Manager of Domaines Ott and fourth-generation custodian of the family estate. Under his guidance, guests embarked on a curated journey through fine rosés and champagnes, uncovering the artistry, legacy, and innovation that define Domaines Ott’s distinguished wines.
Established nearly 130 years ago, Domaines Ott has become a benchmark of Provençal winemaking, producing exceptional rosés, whites, and reds from the Côtes de Provence and Bandol appellations. Guided by a philosophy rooted in respect for terroir and family heritage, the house continues to set the standard for wines of depth and character.
Today, Domaines Ott’s vineyards are certified organic, though the estate’s sustainable ethos long predates formal certification. The artisanal viticultural approach initiated by founder Marcel Ott has endured across four generations, safeguarding the land and inspiring the creation of wines that reflect authenticity, vitality, and timeless quality.
At the helm of Domaines Ott, Jean François Ott has upheld a delicate balance between tradition and innovation. Under his leadership, the estate has achieved global recognition, including the title of European Winery of the Year 2022 by Wine Enthusiast. His philosophy evokes a deep connection to time and place: “Provence is a land of contrasts that offers itself to those who know how to listen and wait. Everything here invites us to reap the benefits of time — the ultimate luxury.”
The collaboration between JOALI and Domaines Ott reflected their shared values of artistry, sustainability, and transformative experience.
At JOALI Maldives, guests were treated to a four-course set menu paired with a curated selection of fine wines, blending gastronomy, design, and culture in an evening that embodied refined island luxury. At JOALI BEING, the celebration aligned with the resort’s philosophy of Well-Living, highlighting organic wines in harmony with nature and sustainability.
Guests savoured rare vintages alongside a five-course dining experience, with each glass revealing a story of heritage and innovation. Against the serene Maldivian backdrop, the evenings offered a journey of discovery — where the art of winemaking met the spirit of island living.
Drink
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island welcomes world-class vintner Kai Schubert to Ithaa

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island will welcome internationally acclaimed winemaker Kai Schubert, co-founder of Schubert Wines in New Zealand, for an exclusive wine dinner at the resort’s iconic Ithaa Undersea Restaurant on Monday, 6 October 2025.
Renowned for producing world-class Pinot Noir and an exceptional portfolio of wines, Schubert Wines has earned a place on prestigious wine lists worldwide. Schubert’s visit presents Maldivian wine enthusiasts and resort guests with a rare opportunity to engage with a distinguished vintner whilst enjoying an extraordinary culinary experience.
The evening will showcase a specially curated five-course gourmet menu, each dish thoughtfully paired with Schubert Wines to highlight their elegance and complexity. Guests will be guided through the pairings by Schubert himself, gaining personal insights into his winemaking philosophy and journey.

With the breathtaking underwater setting of Ithaa providing a remarkable backdrop, the dinner promises an unforgettable occasion that brings together fine cuisine, distinguished wines and one of the most unique dining environments in the Maldives.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island forms part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest loyalty programme for Hilton’s 24 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members booking directly through preferred Hilton channels enjoy instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows nearly any combination of Points and money to be used for bookings, exclusive member discounts unavailable elsewhere, and complimentary standard Wi-Fi. Members also benefit from contactless technology via the Hilton Honors mobile app, enabling digital check-in, room selection, and room access through Digital Key.
-
Action1 week ago
Maldives welcomes first PADI TecRec Dive Center
-
News1 week ago
Bandos Maldives achieves Green Globe Certification
-
News1 week ago
‘Haunted Elegance’ at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo: Adults-only Halloween under the stars
-
News1 week ago
‘Secrets of the Haunted Manor’: Addams family-inspired Halloween at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa
-
Awards1 week ago
Hulhule Island Hotel wins South Asia’s Leading Airport Hotel at SATA 2025
-
Featured6 days ago
Shangri-La Villingili Resort reopening announced for December 2025
-
News1 week ago
Madifushi Private Island named Best New Resort at SATA 2025
-
Featured6 days ago
Minor Hotels to reopen NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort in December 2025