Food
Week of gastronomic excellence with Michelin-starred chef, Schubert Wines at JW Marriott Maldives Resort
Culinary enthusiasts can look forward to a week full of indulgence as JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa unveils an exclusive collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Bernd Bachofer and award-winning winemaker Kai Schubert. The much-anticipated collaboration will feature an exceptional gastronomy week in October, promising a fusion of flavours and exquisite wines set against the stunning backdrop of paradise.
Starting on October 2, the week will feature a series of events, including an exclusive dinner at RIHA paired with wines, a wine masterclass led by Kai Schubert, and a showcase dinner with a curated menu by renowned Michelin-starred chef Bernd Bachofer paired with Kai Schubert Wines.
Hailing from the distinguished Bachofer restaurant in Germany, Chef Bernd Bachofer’s culinary journey is a magnum opus of passion and innovation. His extensive travels across Asia, notably Japan and Korea, have infused his creations with a blend of French haute cuisine and diverse Asian influences.
Award-winning winemaker Kai Schubert’s story is one of cross-continental excellence. As a German expatriate, he ventured to New Zealand to establish the renowned boutique winery, Kai Schubert Wines. Kai’s wines, including his iconic Pinot Noir, have consistently ranked among the finest in New Zealand, making him a true visionary in the world of oenology.
Exclusive Collaboration between Chef Rohit Agarwal and Kai Schubert at RIHA
On October 2, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a scrumptious dinner in a private atmosphere at RIHA. Chef Rohit and Kai Schubert will showcase an exclusive collaboration with dishes from RIHA paired with selected Schubert Wines. Curated by Chef Rohit Agarwal, Chef de Partie at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, the menu is a blend of gourmet products such as foie gras, lobster, and wagyu beef, built around known and popular home-cooked dishes across India.
Wine Masterclass with a Winemaking Legend
Guests can experience a private masterclass on October 4 with Kai Schubert, who will share his exceptional wine production techniques and showcase his finest grapes. This exclusive experience will take place within the wine room of JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, allowing you to immerse yourself in the world of wines and elevate your appreciation for every sip.
Master Chef Meets Wine Visionary
On October 5 and 6, guests can look forward to an exceptional dining experience that showcases a limited-time menu crafted by renowned Michelin-starred chef Bernd Bachofer.
Embarking on a gastronomic journey, this menu seamlessly fuses the elegance of French haute cuisine with the captivating essence of diverse Asian influences.
Prepare your palate for a tantalising array of dishes, from langoustines in tempura batter with Thai basil gel and pak choi, to scallops with Japanese hollandaise and shiitake dim sum, and Wagyu short ribs with green curry, smoked potato cream, and yuzu melon. Adding a harmonious accompaniment to this culinary symphony, Kai Schubert, the visionary winemaker behind Kai Schubert Wines in New Zealand, has meticulously selected wine varieties to perfectly complement each course of this limited-time menu. This extraordinary dining experience will take place at the premium overwater restaurant Hashi, set under the starlit Maldivian skies, with a captivating entertainment backdrop that promises to make this occasion truly unforgettable.
“We are beyond excited to curate this exclusive collaboration featuring Michelin-starred chef Bernd Bachofer and winemaker Kai Schubert,” shares Mohit Dembla, Resort Manager of JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa. “This promises to be a week filled with gastronomic excellence and fine wines, and truly something all our guests can look forward to.”
Located on Vagaru Island, Shaviyani Atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa features 60 stylish villas, located both on the beach and overwater, all with private pools, spacious wooden decks with stunning views across the Indian Ocean and a wide array of amenities with personalised Thakuru (Butler) service. Eclectic dining experiences are offered throughout the resort’s five dining venues, three full service bars, a wine room which houses 1,200 wine collections and private beach dinners.
Reserve your stay today. Limited places are available. For reservations and further details contact jwmmaldivesreservations@marriott.com.
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.
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