Milaidhoo Maldives is set to host a truly exceptional culinary event on 19 and 22 May 2025 that no gastronome or connoisseur should miss. Renowned culinary artisan Chef Arron Rhodes, a global expert in the art of Texas BBQ, will join forces with Cluster Executive Chef, Ken Gundu for a two-evening gastronomic celebration that blends traditional smoking techniques with the refined dining experience of Milaidhoo Maldives.

Chef Arron Rhodes began his culinary journey at 17 with a stagiaire role at Michelin 2-star The Vineyard at Stockcross. His career spans prestigious kitchens like Michelin 3-star Hof van Cleve, Restaurant Andre in Singapore and Central Restaurant in Peru (ranked #1). He also helped open Edge, the world’s first underwater restaurant in the Maldives. Owner of Smoke & Barrel in Hong Kong, Arron has perfected Texas BBQ, offering signature dishes such as beef brisket, pulled pork and smoked beef tongue. His style combines bold flavours with fresh, natural ingredients, influenced by global experiences, including Peruvian street food and Chef Andre Chiang’s Octo philosophy.

Milaidhoo’s Azure Beach Restaurant and Shoreline Grill will host two exclusive dining events that showcase Chef Arron’s BBQ mastery in the luxurious surroundings of Milaidhoo, where barefoot informality is at its best.

American Pop-Up BBQ at Azure Beach (Casual and Interactive)

Guests will have the chance to indulge in a relaxed and interactive American BBQ experience set against the stunning backdrop of Azure Beach. Featuring the iconic Big Green Egg grill and Chef Arron’s underground pibil, this event offers an unforgettable smoky feast with rich, slow-cooked flavours. Exclusive cocktails will be specially crafted to complement the BBQ dishes, alongside a stone pizza oven and underground oven, adding a unique culinary twist.

Wine-Paired Dinner at Shoreline Grill (Refined and Elegant)

For a more sophisticated experience, the Shoreline Grill, Milaidhoo’s premier grill restaurant specialising in dry-aged meats, will present a refined wine-paired dinner. Guests will savour Chef Arron’s expertise in smoked meats and Texas BBQ, complemented by expertly selected fine wines. This elegant evening combines the best of Milaidhoo’s fine dining with Chef Arron’s world-class BBQ artistry for a memorable culinary experience.

Chef Arron’s global culinary influences, from Peruvian street food to the rich flavours of Texas BBQ, will be showcased in these exclusive dining events. Whether it is the relaxed pop-up BBQ or the elegant wine-paired dinner, both events promise a unique and extraordinary opportunity to experience the best of Chef Arron’s cuisine. Shoreline Grill, renowned for its expertise in fine cuts of meat and seafood, will offer the perfect setting for this world-class event, blending smoky BBQ flavours with fresh, local ingredients to create an unforgettable atmosphere.

This is more than just a culinary event – it is a celebration of Chef Arron’s passion and artistry, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the fusion of Texas BBQ with the pristine beauty of the Maldives. Do not miss the chance to indulge in this exceptional dining journey.

Book your stay now to indulge in this unforgettable culinary experience at Milaidhoo Maldives. For reservations and more information, please contact the resort at welcome@milaidhoo.com.

Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa unveils La Vie, a refreshed concept for its adults-only bar and pool, formerly known as Riviera Bar. Framed by breathtaking ocean views, La Vie embodies the French philosophy that “life is too short to drink bad wine,” offering a refined yet relaxed escape for guests to Savour The Good Life.

Nestled along the pristine shores of Thilamaafushi Island in the Lhaviyani Atoll, La Vie invites guests to indulge in a thoughtfully curated selection of rosé wines and rosé-inspired cocktails, perfectly capturing the vibrant essence of golden hour. Adding a touch of indulgence, the signature Sidecar Sorbet, a refreshing rosé-infused treat, offers a delicate balance of flavour and a cool escape from the tropical warmth.

At Le Méridien Maldives, every moment is worth savouring, from everyday connections to life’s most special celebrations. La Vie is an invitation to embrace the French joie de vivre and appreciate life’s simple pleasures. Whether lounging by the pool or soaking in the beachfront serenity with a crisp glass of Whispering Angel rosé, La Vie is a destination designed for leisurely indulgence.

For a more immersive experience, Rosé + Petit Plates introduces an experiential dining concept where bite-sized dishes are expertly crafted to pair with select rosé wines. Designed for sharing, this culinary journey encourages guests to discover a variety of flavours, from exquisite Gambas Al Pil, to sharing platters and Patatas Bravas with a signature twist — making each visit to La Vie a celebration of taste, connection, and discovery.

As the sun dips below the horizon, La Vie transforms into the ultimate golden hour retreat. Guests can sip on chilled rosé, soak in the stunning Maldivian sunset, and enjoy live music performances that set the tone for a sophisticated yet laid-back evening. Elevating the experience, exclusive happenings such as Sip & Paint sessions invite guests to unleash their creativity while enjoying handcrafted cocktails and curated offers.

Maintaining its adults-only exclusivity, La Vie provides a stylish yet effortless setting for guests to unwind and embrace the serene spirit of the Maldives. Whether seeking a tranquil afternoon or an enchanting evening under the stars, La Vie at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is where indulgence meets inspiration.

This summer, Le Méridien Maldives invites guests to embrace the season in an idyllic island setting. A tropical retreat where European elegance meets Maldivian charm, the resort caters to couples, families, and solo travellers alike, offering a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. From world- class diving and marine discoveries to exceptional dining and cultural experiences, every guest can find their own slice of paradise. Amidst it all, La Vie stands as the ultimate serene escape, inviting guests to slow down, sip, and savour every golden moment.

Danish chef Wassim Hallal will be hosting an exclusive residency at Soneva Fushi’s Flying Sauces from March 17 to May 12, 2025, bringing his two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Frederikshøj, to the world’s first fine dining zipline experience. As spring unfolds in the Maldives, guests will have the opportunity to soar along a 200-meter zipline route to reach an elevated dining platform, where breathtaking views, intuitive service, and Hallal’s masterful culinary creations await.

A pioneer of modern Nordic cuisine, Hallal’s passion for gastronomy has driven him to redefine fine dining in Denmark. His culinary journey began at a young age, leading him to refine his craft in some of Europe’s most prestigious kitchens. Under his leadership, Frederikshøj in Aarhus has earned two Michelin stars, recognized for its innovative approach, precision, and use of the finest seasonal ingredients.

During his highly anticipated spring residency at Soneva Fushi, Hallal will bring the essence of Frederikshøj to the Maldives, offering an unforgettable tasting experience that merges contemporary Nordic techniques with the island’s exceptional organic produce. His culinary philosophy pays tribute to the natural world, shaped by his environment and the evolving landscape of modern gastronomy. His style masterfully balances the refinement of French haute cuisine with the boundary-pushing creativity of New Nordic cooking, infused with global influences that drive his innovation.

At Frederikshøj, his commitment to excellence is evident in the meticulous selection of the finest local ingredients. A true culinary craftsman, he embraces experimentation, constantly redefining flavour, texture, and technique to create dishes that leave a lasting impression. Each plate serves as a canvas—an expression of creativity, refinement, and evolution—always seeking to push the boundaries of what is possible.

While in the Maldives, Hallal and his team will seamlessly blend Frederikshøj’s distinctive culinary ethos with Soneva Fushi’s organic seasonal produce, crafting a two-Michelin-starred dining experience designed to surprise, delight, and linger in the memories of guests long after the final course.