Cooking
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi partners with renowned Chef Dave Pynt to elevate Maldives culinary experience
Hilton’s iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand has announced the launch of its exclusive barbecue grill restaurant, The Ledge by Dave Pynt at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.
Chef Dave Pynt is the culinary mastermind behind Singapore’s Burnt Ends restaurant, which has been awarded one Michelin star and most recently ranked No. 10 on the San Pellegrino Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants List 2019.
“In line with Waldorf Astoria’s pioneering legacy of culinary excellence and innovation, Dave Pynt’s unrivalled style of cooking is set to deliver an unparalleled dining experience for our guests at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. An expert in his field, Dave brings an innovative spin to food preparation, a unique flavour and a distinct ambience,” Daniel Welk, Vice President of Luxury and Lifestyle for Asia Pacific at Hilton, was quoted in a statement, as saying.

King Crab and Garlic Brown Butter. PHOTO/ WALDORF ASTORIA

(R-L) Hokey Pokey Sundae, Guyana Swizzle, and Umeshu. PHOTO/ WALDORF ASTORIA
The Ledge will feature Dave Pynt’s signature custom-built four-ton dual cavity oven and elevation grills fired by sustainable Jarrah wood – enabling the use of various techniques including smoking, slow roasting, hot roasting, baking and grilling. It will be a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch of poolside favorites during the day and the place to go for the finest cut of succulent, wood-fired meats and fine wine in the evening.
“We are excited to launch this restaurant with Waldorf Astoria in the Maldives. Our style of food and service is the perfect fit for dining by the pool and beach, against a stunning Maldivian backdrop,” Dave Pynt said.

Steak Frities, Fish and Chips. PHOTO/ WALDORF ASTORIA

Grissini and Ikura. PHOTO/ WALDORF ASTORIA
Highlights at The Ledge by Dave Pynt include:
- Dry Aged OP Rib: a 45-day, dry-aged beef rib
- Lobster Roll, a brioche bun stuffed with freshly grilled lobster and lobster aioli
- Local Grouper, a grilled whole grouper served with a fresh cucumber and yuzu salad and a green sauce
“We are delighted to bring Waldorf Astoria’s illustrious heritage of personal service and culinary expertise to the Maldives. Through exceptional dining concepts like The Ledge by Dave Pynt, we look forward to transforming the Maldives experience for our guests and ensure they leave with memories that last a lifetime,” Etienne Dalançon, General Manager at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, said.

Local lobster. PHOTO/ WALDORF ASTORIA

Local grouper. PHOTO/ WALDORF ASTORIA
Set to open on July 1, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, a 122 all-villa resort, is a short 30-minute yacht journey away from Velana International Airport and will offer the ultimate in space and exclusivity. Spanning three islands in South Male Atoll, the resort marks the return of Hilton’s iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts’ brand to the Maldives.
The resort will boast a total of 11 exceptional, specialty dining venues — the variety of which is a first in the Maldives. From elevated treetop-dining concept at Terra and exquisite food and wine pairings nestled amongst boulders at The Rock to authentic Middle Eastern cuisine at Yasmeen and impeccably prepared crispy Peking duck fresh out of the first wood-fired oven in the Maldives, guests will enjoy a plethora of world-class dining options at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.
For more information or to make reservations, please visit www.waldorfastoriamaldives.com or call +960-4-000300.
Cooking
Belgian Chef Wout Bru to bring exclusive dining experiences to Meyyafushi, Fushifaru Maldives
Acclaimed Belgian chef Wout Bru will bring his distinctive culinary vision to the Maldives for an exclusive residency across Meyyafushi and Fushifaru Maldives from 31 October to 7 November 2026, featuring two special dining experiences in celebration of Meyyafushi’s first anniversary.
Renowned for his modern-classical culinary philosophy, Chef Wout combines contemporary techniques with Mediterranean influences, placing quality ingredients and their natural flavours at the heart of his cuisine. His distinguished career includes international recognition in France and Belgium, with Le Grand Verre receiving its first Michelin star in 2023.
Chef Wout will personally host an exclusive dinner at Bubble Underwater Restaurant at Meyyafushi Maldives on 2 November 2026, followed by a second dining experience at Raakani Restaurant at Fushifaru Maldives on 5 November 2026. Each dinner will take place on one evening only, featuring a specially curated menu by the chef. Both experiences will be open to in-house guests and outside visitors, including guests staying at the sister resort and those visiting from surrounding islands, subject to availability and advance reservations.
The residency will begin at Meyyafushi, a premium all-inclusive resort featuring 94 private-pool villas and suites and distinctive dining concepts, before continuing at Fushifaru, an award-winning boutique resort celebrated for its authentic Maldivian character, pristine beaches and vibrant marine life.
“Food has a unique way of bringing people together and creating memories that stay with us long after a journey ends. Welcoming Chef Wout Bru to our islands is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Meyyafushi’s first anniversary while further elevating the culinary experiences we offer across both resorts. We look forward to sharing these special occasions with our guests and creating memorable moments that reflect our commitment to exceptional hospitality,” said Ahmed Siaar, Cluster General Manager of Meyyafushi and Fushifaru Maldives.
Through this collaboration, both resorts aim to elevate their culinary offerings, create memorable guest experiences and celebrate the connection between exceptional gastronomy and the natural beauty of the Maldives.
Meyyafushi Maldives:
- Dinner date: 2 November 2026
- Venue: Bubble Underwater Restaurant
- Price: USD 450 net per person – 4 course wine pairing dinner
- Reservations: reservations@meyyafushi.com
- Website: www.meyyafushi.com
Fushifaru Maldives:
- Dinner date: 5 November 2026
- Venue: Raakani Restaurant
- Price: USD 300++ per person – 5 course Michelin dinner
- Reservations: reservations@fushifaru.com
- Website: www.fushifaru.com
Both dinners are available to in-house guests and outside visitors, including guests staying at the sister resort and those visiting from surrounding islands, subject to availability and advance reservations.
Cooking
Milaidhoo Maldives welcomes Chef JKP for culinary workshop, wine-pairing dinner
Milaidhoo Maldives is set to welcome award-winning chef James Knight-Paccheco, widely known as Chef JKP, on 11 and 12 December 2026 for two culinary events focusing on cooking techniques, culinary experiences and the exploration of new flavours.
On 11 December, Chef JKP will conduct a culinary workshop, offering guests the opportunity to cook alongside him, learn professional techniques and exchange ideas in the kitchen. The following evening, he will host a wine-pairing dinner featuring dishes prepared in his signature style, accompanied by wines selected by the resort’s resident sommelier to complement each course.
With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chef JKP has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels and restaurant projects across the UK and the Middle East. Throughout his career, he has worked alongside renowned chefs including Raymond Blanc, Gordon Ramsay and Michael Caines. He is also the creator and host of The Chef JKP Podcast, which has recorded more than 6.5 million downloads.
At Milaidhoo Maldives, the culinary experience draws inspiration from the island’s surroundings, Maldivian flavours and traditional cooking methods, combined with international influences introduced by the resort’s team of chefs. This approach encourages the exchange of culinary knowledge and techniques, allowing guests to explore local dishes, learn new cooking methods and engage with the chefs responsible for their dining experiences.
Located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Milaidhoo offers a setting where dining experiences focus on personalised service and interaction between guests and culinary professionals. Chef JKP’s visit is intended to provide guests with opportunities to engage directly with the visiting chef, gain insights into his approach to cooking and experience his culinary creations.
The culinary workshop will take place on 11 December 2026, followed by the wine-pairing dinner on 12 December 2026.
Cooking
The St. Regis Maldives to host Chef Alexander Herrmann for November culinary residency
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort welcomes the return of acclaimed German chef, restaurateur, television personality, and bestselling author Alexander Herrmann for an exclusive residency from November 19 to 23, 2026. As the visionary behind the two-Michelin-starred AURA by Alexander Herrmann & Tobias Bätz, Chef Herrmann will present a series of bespoke dining experiences that pay homage to culinary traditions through his innovative interpretation of contemporary gastronomy.
At the heart of the residency are two intimate six-course dinners personally curated by Chef Herrmann. The first will take place on November 19 at Decanter, the resort’s gold-toned underground wine cellar, followed by a second evening at The Whale Bar on November 23, set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. On November 20, guests are invited to join a masterclass at ALBA, where he will share the inspiration, techniques, and craftsmanship behind his acclaimed creations.
Chef Herrmann’s return is the latest chapter in the Tastemaker Series, which brings leading culinary talents to the island for intimate experiences shaped by individual craft, expertise, and passion. This residency takes on added significance as part of the resort’s 10th anniversary program, celebrating a decade of compelling gastronomy, meaningful moments, and personalized St. Regis service in the Maldives.
“As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of The St. Regis Maldives, we are delighted to welcome Chef Alexander Herrmann back to our island as part of our Tastemaker Series,” says Ozgur Cengiz, General Manager of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. “Over the past decade, we have remained dedicated to creating exceptional experiences that connect our guests with inspiring talents from around the world. Chef Herrmann’s return reflects this vision, bringing together extraordinary culinary expertise, the timeless beauty of the Maldives, and the bespoke service that defines the St. Regis experience.”
As part of this collaboration, Marriott Bonvoy members have the opportunity to bid on An Exquisite Culinary Escape with Chef Alexander Herrmann through Marriott Bonvoy Moments. The package includes a four-night stay for two guests in an Overwater Villa with Pool from November 19 to 23, 2026 with daily breakfast at ALBA, a private six-course wine-paired dinner hosted by Chef Alexander, a signature massage and the Blue Hole Hydrotherapy Pool experience at Iridium Spa. Round-trip seaplane transfers from Velana International Airport are also included, creating a seamless luxury journey from arrival to departure.
Set on its own private island in the pristine Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is a sanctuary defined by visionary design, timeless luxury, and the natural beauty of the Maldives. Its distinctive architecture that blends tropical modernism with inspirations drawn from the surrounding environment, while 77 elegantly appointed villas offer ocean vistas or serene tropical landscapes. Each stay is complimented by the signature St. Regis Butler Service, providing discreet and personalized attention to every detail.
Members can now bid on An Exquisite Culinary Escape with Chef Alexander Herrmann through October 22, 2026. For more information on Chef Alexander Herrmann’s Tastemaker Series residency and upcoming events, visit stregismaldives.com.
-
News1 week agoVietjet to connect Maldives and Vietnam with new service via Sri Lanka
-
Action1 week agoMachchafushi Maldives brings Nikon photographers to South Ari Marine Protected Area
-
Awards1 week agoKandooma Maldives wins Leading Family Resort award at SATA 2026
-
Action1 week agoSun Siyam Iru Veli invites guests to explore Maldives’ underwater world
-
Awards1 week agoJA Manafaru earns place in 2026 MICHELIN Guide hotel selection
-
Lifestyle7 days agoFinolhu Maldives to host artist Yakov Khomich from 6 to 12 November
-
Awards7 days agoCoco Palm Dhuni Kolhu celebrates best GM award, eco-friendly resort at SATA 2026
-
Awards2 days agoCinnamon Maldives resorts celebrate triple win at SATA 2026


