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LUX* South Ari Atoll hosts Super Chef competition to select team for Hotel Asia culinary challenge

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Chefs at LUX* South Ari Atoll showcased their skills on Sunday as they once again competed for a chance to represent the resort at the upcoming Hotel Asia International Culinary Challenge.

Titled LUX* Super Chef 2018, 10 chefs contested in the Hot Cold Kitchen category while two participated in the Pastry Kitchen category. Participants include Chef De Partie Mazanur Rahman, Commis I Junaddy Petrus, Chef De Partie Deanna Danisa Naidoo, Demi Chef De Partie Welmore Rolex Menguillo, Chef De Partie Marlon Clement Harridge, Chef De Partie Dinesh M Gunarathna M. Mudiyanselage, Commis I Ananda Setiawan, Commis I Parvesh Bisht, Commis I Sanatha Kumara Meegoda Kankanamga, Commis I Ravindra Singha Rana, Chef De Partie Jobelle Duejada Dela Roca, and Commis II Krishna Prasad Pandey.

Participants of LUX* Super Chef 2018 competition. PHOTO/ LUX*

Chef Krishna Prasad Pandey, whose dish also fetched the special Jury’s Award, was crowned the champion. Chef Dinesh M. Gunarathna M. Mudiyanselage secured the second spot as well as the Most Creative Award conferred by the jury, while Chef Welmore Rolex Menguillo finished third.

In addition to the chance to represent LUX* South Ari Atoll at the Hotel Asia International Culinary Challenge in September, the three were presented with cash prizes from the resort’s management as well as gifts such as tablets and smartphones from suppliers.

During the second edition of LUX* Super Chef competition held at the overwater East Market restaurant, contestants in the Hot Cold Kitchen category were given a black box containing 10 compulsory ingredients, including salmon, scallops, fennel seeds, tenderloin, cauliflower and potato amongst others, for the starter and the main course. For the contestants in the Pastry Kitchen category, compulsory ingredients for the dessert consisted of white chocolate, cream cheese, passion fruit, vanilla and sweet paprika powder, while they were allowed to use any ingredient of their choosing to make the bread.

A contestant during the LUX* Super Chef 2018 competition. PHOTO/ LUX*

All the contestants were given three and a half hours to plan, prepare and cook their two courses, with each asked to produce four plates per course; two for blind judging, one for the show table and one for the chef’s judging.

In addition to two chefs in the kitchen who analysed cooking techniques, hygiene and work flow on the spot, an eight-member judging panel was presented with the final dishes for blind judging based on taste, texture and presentation.

Jury members evaluate the dishes prepared during LUX* Super Chef 2018 competition. PHOTO/ LUX*

Jury members evaluate the dishes prepared during LUX* Super Chef 2018 competition. PHOTO/ LUX*

At the closing ceremony, General Manager Jonas Amstad hailed the enthusiasm shown by the team to successfully organise the competition for the second year. He stressed on the need to continuously improve individual skills of each team member.

“We are pleased to have hosted this event setting a benchmark for our group and other properties. We aim to take this to a higher level next year in which both properties of LUX* in the Maldives will participate. Our team is happy to share their talents. We will be sending the winners of this event to the Asia Culinary Challenge in August 2018,” Jonas said.

General Manager Jonas Amstad (R) poses for a photo with one of the winners of LUX* Super Chef 2018 competition. PHOTO/ LUX*

This year’s edition of the Hotel Asia exhibition is scheduled to be held from September 10-12 with the culinary challenge taking place from September 9-12 at the main Dharubaaruge convention centre in capital Male. The culinary challenge has established itself as the premier culinary event in the Maldives, attracting chefs from local and international resorts whose work and creativity are evaluated by experts, including celebrated chefs from the world over.

Cutting-edge designer villas and world-class dining can be found only a 30-minute seaplane flight away from the main Velana International Airport, making LUX* South Ari Atoll one of the most exciting resorts in the Maldives.

With 187 private villas dotted at the water’s edge along four kilometres of powder fine beach or perched on stilts above a crystal clear lagoon, these spacious pavilions and villas bring an entirely original vibe of coastal, beach house chic to the Maldives.

Excellent eating and drinking is always a cut above the rest at LUX*, and at LUX* South Ari Atoll, there is authentic South East Asian street food in the Maldives’ only over-the-water gourmet night market and world-class Chinese cuisine at East, along with the Japanese restaurant Umami, which offers live teppanyaki and dazzling selection of sakés.

While the resort has a PADI-certified dive centre, two infinity pools, a floodlit tennis court, a fitness centre and a renowned spa which hosts a wellness concierge and a menu of indulgent treatments, what sets the property apart from its neighbours are surprises, or better known as #ReasonstogoLUX. Designed to create lasting memories for guests, these ‘reasons’ can range from island-roasted coffee in Café LUX* to impromptu movie screenings at cinema paradise and the chance to hang your wishes on the Tree of Wishes.

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s dual celebration of Diwali and culinary artistry

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli is set to host two joyous celebrations on 20 October 2025, honouring both the Festival of Lights, Diwali, and International Chefs Day. The occasion will feature India’s renowned Chef Meghna alongside performances by Chandana Wickramasinghe and The Dancers’ Guild, Sri Lanka’s premier dance ensemble. Together, they will merge tradition and innovation, celebrating culinary artistry while showcasing the vibrant colours, flavours, and rhythms of South Asia in an unforgettable experience.

At the heart of the celebration is Chef Meghna, the acclaimed creator of Meghna’s Food Magic and one of India’s most beloved culinary personalities. With a following exceeding three million, she is celebrated for making everyday cooking engaging, healthy, and full of heart—from oil-free samosas to sugar-free cakes. For this special occasion, she will present a Diwali-inspired menu highlighting plant-based cuisine and sustainable food choices. During the day, Chef Meghna will also conduct an interactive cooking session, giving guests the opportunity to experience her creative approach and signature techniques first-hand.

As the evening unfolds, guests will be treated to a captivating performance by Chandana Wickramasinghe and The Dancers’ Guild. This acclaimed ensemble of 40 artists is known for fusing centuries-old Kandyan and folk traditions with contemporary choreography, creating performances that bridge cultures and tell powerful stories. Having enchanted audiences in more than 70 countries, the troupe will bring their artistry to Sun Siyam Olhuveli, transforming the stage into a vibrant celebration of movement, music, and soul.

Beyond the performances, the event embodies the spirit of connection—sharing moments, discovering flavours, and celebrating cultural harmony. Throughout the resort, guests can participate in rangoli art sessions, beachside games, and hands-on cooking activities designed for all ages, creating a festive atmosphere for families and friends alike. Meanwhile, the resort’s culinary team will engage in friendly competitions and team-building challenges that reflect their passion, creativity, and unity.

“As we celebrate Diwali and International Chefs Day, we’re celebrating more than food and art—we’re celebrating connection,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “This event is about coming together, exploring traditions, and creating memories that last.”

Guests are invited to immerse themselves in a day filled with creativity, taste, and tradition, and an evening alive with rhythm and culture—an experience where the magic of celebration and culinary excellence come together at Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

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

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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.

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Journey Through the Vines: Dusit Thani Maldives launches two-night culinary collaboration

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Dusit Thani Maldives has announced ‘A Journey Through the Vines,’ a two-night wine dinner series presented in collaboration with Ilaria Felluga and Liquid Concept. The events will take place at the resort’s beachfront restaurant, Sea Grill.

On 25 October 2025, the programme will begin with the Old-World Wine Dinner. Guests will experience a curated multi-course menu paired with celebrated vintages from Europe’s renowned wine regions. The evening will highlight the enduring connection between Old World terroir and fine dining.

The second event, the Ilaria Felluga Wine Dinner, will be held on 27 October 2025. Hosted by Ilaria Felluga, sixth-generation leader of her family’s distinguished wineries and recognised by Forbes as an Italian Excellence Under 40, the evening will feature her family’s signature wines. Each vintage will be paired with a specially designed island-inspired menu that reflects both tradition and innovation.

Both dinners offer discerning travellers the opportunity to enjoy world-class wines alongside bespoke menus in the setting of Baa Atoll, complemented by the distinctive Thai-Maldivian hospitality of Dusit Thani Maldives.

Jean-Louis Ripoche, Area General Manager of Dusit Thani Maldives, commented: “We are proud to offer our guests the opportunity to savour two distinct wine journeys in the idyllic setting of Baa Atoll. Partnering with Ilaria Felluga and Liquid Concept allows us to showcase exceptional vintages alongside inspired cuisine, creating memorable evenings that celebrate both heritage and innovation.”

Situated within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Dusit Thani Maldives combines Thai heritage with Maldivian warmth, offering a strong sense of place. The Journey Through the Vines series reflects the resort’s commitment to delivering immersive culinary experiences for luxury travellers in the Maldives.

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