Gastronomy
Hulhule Island Hotel wins Best Culinary Establishment again at the Culinary Challenge 2016
Maldives Olympians along with Mr. Utkarsh Faujdar – General Manager, HIH and the Winners of Best Culinary Establishment – 2016
Maldives.net.mv – Come August and we are in for Culinary Competitions at Maldives. However, the Culinary Team at HIH remains quality focussed round the year to be able to win laurels in these competitions. It keeps abreast with the ever changing trends in food and beverage industry, challenging their own previously set benchmarks and creative skills.
This year has been no different for HIH Culinary Team. At the recently concluded FHAM Culinary Challenge, Hulhule Island Hotel bagged the most prestigious award of the ‘Best Culinary Establishment – 2016’.
Team Hulhule Island Hotel’s tally of winning medals in various categories was extremely impressive with a total of 4 Top Honours’ Trophies, 5 Gold Medals, 9 Silver Medals, 18 Bronze Medals and a plethora of Return Tickets, Certificates, Cash Prizes and goodies.
This being the 7th time Hulhule Island Hotel, Maldives was adjudged the ‘Best Culinary Establishment’ in Maldives, is a testament to the exceptional quality of food and beverage offered.
To celebrate the success of these achievements at the Culinary Challenge, commemorating the 16th Anniversary of HIH and aligning it with the participation of Maldives in the recently concluded Rio Olympics, a special function was organized at the Ballroom of HIH on August 30, 2016. The dignitaries gracing the occasion were the national heroes who represented the Maldives at the Olympics – Mr. Hassan Saaid, excelled at 2015 Indian Ocean Island Games & 2016 South Asian Games and Ms. Aminath Shajan, excelled at the South Asian Games & is the current national record holder in swimming. Mr. Marzooq, General Secretary of Maldives Olympic Committee and Mr. Ismail Farhan, the National Swimming Coach were also in attendance.
It was indeed motivating for the enthusiastic team of HIH to hear from these national heroes on being successful in their career. Mr. Hassan Saaid, Maldives National Athlete at Rio Olympics said, ‘If you have a goal set in mind and if you work hard for that, there is no way you cannot reach that goal. Hard work and focus is important’. Ms. Aminath Shajan, Maldives National Swimmer at Rio Olympics said, ‘There is no shortcut to success! You have to put in a lot of effort with the focus of what you are to achieve’. Mr. Marzooq gave an emotional speech on how struggle and hard work leads to success while thanking HIH for inviting, recognizing and encouraging the Maldives Olympic Squad.
Mr. Utkarsh Faujdar, General Manager HIH congratulated the Culinary Challenge Winners and addressed the entire Team HIH to seek inspiration from the Olympians present, he thanked and congratulated the Maldives Olympic Squad as well. Apart from Mementos presented to the Maldives Olympic Squad, Mr. Utkarsh Faujdar offered Mr. Saaid and Ms. Shajan with complimentary dinner vouchers for Thursday weekend buffet at the signature restaurant Uduvilaa and membership of swimming pool and gymnasium at HIH.
The celebration ended on an equally enjoyable note with Maldivian short-eats, Sharubath on offer and loads of casual interaction and selfies between the celebrity Olympians of Maldives and the jubilant Team HIH.
Photo courtesy Hulhule Island Hotel. Seated (L to R): Mr. Ravi – Executive Chef, HIH, Mr. Mare’ – General Secretary, Maldives Olympic Committee, Mr. Hassan Saaid – Olympian representing Maldives, Mr. Utkarsh Faujdar – GM, HIH, Ms. Aminath Shajan – Olympian representing Maldives, Mr. Ismail Farhan – National Swimming Coach & Mr. K.K. Bajpai – F&B Manager, HIH
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.
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.
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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