Gastronomy
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives Earns “Best Culinary Establishment” in the 2015 Hotel Asia International Culinary Challenge
Maldives.net.mv – Dubbed as the ultimate culinary contest in Maldives, Holiday Inn Resort® Kandooma Maldives was crowned “Best Culinary Establishment” in the 2015 Hotel Asia International Culinary Challenge held at the Dharubaaruge Exhibition Hall, Male, Maldives.
The competition ran from 18th to 21st of September 2015, where we saw over 500 culinary chefs representing world class hotels and resorts nationwide.
The competition was judged by Alan Palmer, Project Director and Chief Judge, also a world renowned chef and honorary life member of the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS), along with a panel of internationally certified judges, global award-winning chefs, and recognized professionals from the culinary world.
The certificates issued at this competition are highly recognized worldwide and are treated as a major achievement in the eyes of the participants, reason why the resort’s delegation was just exultant and delighted not just for the team’s coveted recognition but also for their individual awards.
Holiday Inn Resort® Kandooma Maldives reaped an accumulated number of 20 medals, 7 golds, 7 silvers, and 6 bronzes. Being awarded the Best Culinary Establishment “Alan Palmer Challenge Trophy” among over 50 hotels and resorts was the highlight of their journey, as such this recognition is the most sought-after one.
The resort’s Executive Chef Vincent Tan said “We are delighted to have participated in a highly touted competition like this, I’m so proud of the team’s efforts, this show cases the culinary professionalism and the incredible talent the Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma has”.
Joseph Della Gatta, General Manager of the Holiday Inn Resort® Kandooma Maldives expressed “The challenge was a great opportunity for our team of chefs to demonstrate their culinary creativity, skill set, teamwork and camaraderie. Competing under immense time constraints to create a prized culinary delight is an absolutely fantastic achievement that we are all proud of”.
Holiday Inn Resort® Kandooma Maldives’ delegation includes chefs Tan Chang Hui, Mun Han, Kim Jaehyun, Min, Cam Nga, Vinh Co, Luat, Ronnel, Nalinda, Fan, CK, and Yu Shin, headed by Executive Chef Vincent Tan.
Cooking
Maagiri Hotel invites guests to celebrate Ramadan with daily Iftar
Maagiri Hotel has announced the availability of a daily Iftar experience throughout the holy month of Ramadan, inviting families, friends and corporate groups to gather and break their fast in a welcoming setting.
The Iftar buffet will be available every day during Ramadan and will feature a selection of traditional Ramadan dishes alongside international cuisine. Prepared by the hotel’s culinary team, the buffet will include local specialities, Middle Eastern favourites and a range of global offerings designed to cater to diverse preferences.
In addition to its daily Iftar service, Maagiri Hotel has introduced early booking benefits for corporate groups. Groups of 1 to 49 guests will be eligible for a 10 per cent discount, while groups of 50 guests and above will receive a 15 per cent discount. These corporate rates are available for bookings confirmed on or before 18 February.
The Ramadan Iftar programme reflects Maagiri Hotel’s focus on providing shared dining experiences centred on tradition, hospitality and togetherness during the holy month.
Guests and corporate organisers may make reservations or seek further information by calling 331 8484 or 722 8484, contacting the hotel via Viber on 722 8484, or emailing events@maagirihotel.com.
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.
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