Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives celebrated International Chefs Day 2024 under the theme ‘Growing Great Chefs,’ honouring the remarkable talent and creativity of chefs who are shaping the future of culinary experiences in hospitality. The event, held on October 20th and 21st, brought together the resort’s culinary team and offered guests a series of activities that emphasised the joy of cooking and showcased the global diversity of cuisine.

The celebration began with a cake-cutting ceremony that united chefs, team members, and guests in recognition of the dedication and expertise of the culinary team. Festivities continued with a variety of activities for children, including doughnut-hanging challenges and cookie decoration sessions, designed to ignite the imagination of future chefs. Meanwhile, adults engaged in exciting games like the beer challenge and an omelette-making competition, demonstrating both speed and culinary skill.

A special raffle draw offered participants the chance to win exciting prizes, adding to the festive atmosphere of Chef’s Day. The event culminated in a World Street Food Market buffet dinner on October 21st at the resort’s Sunrise Beach, where guests embarked on a culinary journey around the globe. Each chef, representing a different nationality, showcased their homeland’s signature dishes at food stalls. Guests enjoyed a diverse selection of flavours, from sizzling Asian street food to aromatic African and Middle Eastern dishes, as well as comforting Maldivian classics, celebrating the spirit of culinary diversity and innovation.

General Manager Hassan Adil reflected on the event and its theme during his opening remarks: “At Sun Siyam Olhuveli, we believe in transforming culinary experiences in hospitality by empowering our chefs to push boundaries, embrace diversity, and craft exceptional dishes that bring joy to our guests. Growing great chefs isn’t just about teaching culinary skills; it’s about nurturing passion, creativity, and a deep respect for food.”

The two-day event brought together the vibrant culinary talents of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, offering guests a memorable experience that blended culture, creativity, and a shared love for food. With ‘Growing Great Chefs’ at its core, Sun Siyam Olhuveli reaffirmed its commitment to culinary excellence and the continuous development of its talented chefs.

Dusit Thani Maldives has announced its recognition in several prestigious categories at the 2024 World Luxury Awards. These accolades reflect the resort’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences, sustainability, and luxury while consistently exceeding guest expectations.

Award-Winning Achievements for Dusit Thani Maldives:

• Luxury Family Hotel – Regional
• Luxury Sustainable Hotel – Regional
• Luxury Wedding Hotel – Continent

These accolades highlight Dusit Thani Maldives’ dedication to providing outstanding family experiences, eco-friendly practices, and unforgettable wedding celebrations, all set against the backdrop of the stunning Maldivian landscape.

Devarana Wellness at Dusit Thani Maldives also earned esteemed recognition, being awarded:

• Luxury Resort Spa – Continent
• Luxury Spa Resort – Regional
• Luxury Sustainable Spa – Continent

These awards are a testament to the exceptional wellness services provided by Devarana Wellness, where holistic well-being, sustainability, and luxury come together to offer guests transformative spa experiences.

Benjarong at Dusit Thani Maldives, the resort’s signature Thai restaurant, also triumphed with:

• Health & Wellness Cuisine – Continent
• Luxury Resort Restaurant – Continent
• Thai Cuisine – Continent

These recognitions highlight Benjarong’s outstanding culinary excellence, where health-conscious dining meets the finest in Thai cuisine, delivering an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Khun Jean-Louis, the Area General Manager for Maldives, expressed gratitude for these honours, stating that the resort is deeply grateful for these recognitions and extends heartfelt thanks to its valued guests. Their support and feedback inspire the team to continually raise the bar. He also commended the dedicated staff, whose passion and hard work have made these achievements possible.

Dusit Thani Maldives remains committed to delivering the very best in hospitality, ensuring each guest experience is defined by luxury, sustainability, and the warmth of renowned Thai hospitality.

JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, a luxurious multi-generational retreat known for its world-class culinary experiences, invites guests to embark on a bespoke three-day culinary journey from November 17 to 19, 2024. The experience will be led by acclaimed Chef Kelvin Cheung of Jun’s Dubai, whose innovative approach to third-culture cuisine has earned him numerous accolades, including recognition in the Michelin Guide Dubai, MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants, Gault & Millau UAE, and the prestigious title of What’s On Dubai’s 2024 Chef of the Year. As a pioneer of Third Culture Food, Chef Kelvin has transformed the culinary landscape at Jun’s, one of the Middle East’s most unique dining concepts.

Celebrated for his inventive fusion of global flavours and a strong emphasis on sustainability, Chef Kelvin Cheung will collaborate with the resort to craft a series of curated dining experiences that embody both his culinary philosophy and the resort’s commitment to mindful, eco-conscious gastronomy. This partnership highlights the use of locally sourced ingredients, including fresh produce from the JW Garden, and incorporates zero-waste cooking techniques, resulting in health-conscious menus that promote wellness and inclusive dining.

“Food has always been about connection for me—whether bridging flavours, cultures, or people. I’m excited to bring my perspective on food and wellness to JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, where we’ll explore flavours while focusing on sustainability and mindful eating,” Chef Kelvin remarked.

The culinary journey will commence on November 17 with an exquisite five-course dinner at Kaashi, the resort’s treetop restaurant, which offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Chef Kelvin will fuse Indian, Thai, and Chinese flavours with dishes such as Pani Puri, Tom Yum, and Char Siu Wagyu Short Rib—an homage to his third-culture heritage. On the second evening, guests will dine at the overwater Hashi/Shio, where another five-course menu will feature groundbreaking dishes, each telling a story of global fusion and creativity.

The final day of the event will see Chef Kelvin leading an interactive zero-waste cooking class at Aailaa, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant. Guests will learn how to craft delicious dishes while minimising food waste, with a special focus on using fresh herbs and ingredients from the JW Garden.

“We are delighted to welcome Chef Kelvin Cheung to showcase his culinary artistry at our resort. His philosophy of blending diverse culinary traditions while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and wellness perfectly aligns with our vision for creating exceptional dining experiences for our guests,” said Mohit Dembla, General Manager of JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa.

Chef Kelvin’s collaboration with JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa promises a unique culinary celebration where wellness, sustainability, and world-class gastronomy come together amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives.