Food
Reethi Beach Resort triumphs with ten medals and two special awards at FHAM Global Culinary Challenge & Exhibition
Reethi Beach Resort has celebrated its remarkable achievements at the Global Culinary Challenge & Exhibition organized by Food and Hospitality Asia Maldives (FHAM). The event took place from May 8 to May 10, 2023, at Hulhumalé Central Park, and featured 110 stalls representing more than 50 local and international companies from the food and hospitality industry.
The culinary challenge featured more than 600 participants from 11 countries competing in 21 categories, including over 500 participants representing 120 resorts in the Maldives. The event was a huge success, and Reethi Beach Resort is proud to have been part of it.
The chefs from Reethi Beach Resort showcased their culinary skills and won a total of ten medals and two special awards at the event. The following are the awards won by the chefs from Reethi Beach Resort:
- R.A. Sisira Kumara, Fruit & Vegetable Carving – Gold Medal 1st Place & Most Outstanding Artist from Competition
- Wijethungage Shehan Maduwantha, Lamb Hot Cooking, Gold Medal
- Rubin Star, Beef Hot Cooking, Gold Medal
- Wijethungage Shehan Maduwantha, Vegetarian Main Course, Silver Medal
- Mangala Madusanka Weerasingha, Dress the Cake (Pastry), Silver Medal
- Wijethungage Shehan Maduwantha, Poultry – Hot Cooking, Silver Medal
- Anarul Sekh, Lamb Hot Cooking – Silver Medal
- Ibrahim Maahil Mukthaar, The Young Chef Main Course and Dessert, Bronze Medal
- T.D. Dishan Diluka, Lamb Hot Cooking – Bronze Medal
- Anarul Sekh, Poultry – Hot Cooking, Bronze Medal
- T.D. Dishan Diluka, Seafood – Hot Cooking, Merit
- Anarul Sekh, Beef Hot Cooking, Merit
These remarkable achievements are a testament to the expertise, dedication, and creativity of the culinary team at Reethi Beach Resort. Their commitment to delivering unparalleled dining experiences for guests is evident in their exceptional culinary skills and unwavering passion for their craft.
Last year, under the guidance of Executive Chef Farish Mukhthar, Reethi Beach Resort participated in the Hotel Asia International Culinary Challenge 2022 and secured seven medals in seven categories. The resort’s culinary team has consistently showcased their exemplary skills and dedication to crafting flavorful cuisines that enhance the gastronomical experiences of guests.
Reethi Beach Resort remains committed to providing its guests with the finest culinary offerings. The resort’s diverse range of restaurants offers a tantalizing selection of international and local cuisine, prepared by the best chefs in the Maldives. The team’s recent achievements further reinforce the resort’s position as a culinary destination of choice for discerning travelers.
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.
Drink
St. Regis Maldives Vommuli welcomes Glynn Purnell for Tastemaker Series
Glynn Purnell, the Michelin-starred chef, restaurateur and television personality known as “The Yummy Brummie”, will bring his modern British cooking to the Indian Ocean this April as part of the Tastemaker Series at St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort.
With a career spanning more than 35 years, two Michelin-starred restaurants and a long-standing presence on British television, Purnell’s residency will take place from 3 to 6 April. His ingredient-led approach will be presented through a curated programme that includes a signature tasting dinner, an intimate cooking class and a closing experience hosted at The Whale Bar, offering guests the opportunity to engage with his cuisine in an informal setting.
Purnell began his culinary career at the age of 14 through a hotel kitchen work placement before refining his skills at the Metropole Hotel and at Simpson’s Restaurant, where he contributed to the restaurant’s first Michelin star. His professional training also includes working alongside chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Gary Rhodes and Claude Bosi, as well as experience in Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe. Purnell later made history by earning Birmingham’s first Michelin star for Jessica’s in 2005, followed by a Michelin star for Purnell’s, which the restaurant has retained since 2009.
In addition to his restaurant work, Purnell is a well-known figure on British television. He has won Great British Menu twice and has returned to the programme as a mentor. His television appearances also include Saturday Kitchen, and he co-presented My Kitchen Rules UK alongside Rachel Allen on Channel 4.
Recognised for combining technical precision with an approachable style, Purnell’s residency forms part of the St. Regis Maldives’ 2026 Tastemaker Series, a programme designed to showcase international culinary talent through immersive guest experiences. His emphasis on seasonal, responsibly sourced ingredients and sustainable practices aligns with the resort’s broader commitment to considered luxury and culinary quality.
Set on Vommuli Island, the residency offers guests the opportunity to experience contemporary British gastronomy in a distinctive island setting, with rare access to one of the UK’s most influential chefs.
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