Gastronomy
Medium Rare Restaurant at Beach House Iruveli presented with “Award of Excellence” by Wine Spectator
Maldives.net.mv – Located on a remote island in the midst of Haa Alif atoll, The Beach House Iruveli is a Maldivian treasure shaped by its stunning natural setting. Long recognised as an idyllic haven of luxury and relaxation, The Beach House has now been acknowledged as one of the world’s leading food and wine destinations, with its signature restaurant Medium Rare recently awarded the 2013 “Award of Excellence” by Wine Spectator, USA.
Presented to restaurants with winning combinations of fine food and wine, the Award of Excellence is an internationally recognised accolade, created by one of the most celebrated wine magazines in the world. Specialising in a selection of local seafood and fine meats, Medium Rare is led by Chef Shanmuganathan Marimuthu, a gastronomical expert with over 21 years of experience working in five star kitchens. He is joined by Resident Sommelier Stanley whose previous work has included Chief Sommelier posts at the Hyatt Regency Incheon, Taj Exotica Maldives and Banyan Tree Seoul and it this particular pairing of creative talents that has been credited as the special ingredient that won this award.
The Award of Excellence joins a host of recognition for Chef Shan, who is known for his signature style of fusing regional twists with traditional cuisine and has previously been awarded the Park Hyatt Malt Pairing City Trail award in 2012 and Sous Chef (UAE) Chef of the Year’s in 2008. Currently Sommelier Stanley’s extensive wine list at Beach House Iruveli carries over 380 labels with both Old World classics from France, Italy and Spain and New World wonders. Sommelier Stanley personally develops the collection and ensures there is always a diverse selection of labels and different wine making styles on offer.
“We’re proud to offer guests a variety of wine related events during their stay at the resort including bespoke wine tasting sessions and a spectacular Italian themed ‘Cantinetta Experience’ in our underground wine cellar. The culinary vision that Chef Shan brings to Medium Rare is certain to help guide future wine programmes here at Beach House Iruveli forward” commented Sommelier Stanley.
On Medium Rare evolving under the direction of Chef Shan, Sommelier Stanley comments “He inspires not only the culinary team but also me in terms of discovering the marriage between the dishes and wines. Working together, our pairing focuses on parallel flavours, aromas and divergent notes in order to achieve perfect harmony to accompany the culinary art from the kitchen”.
Chef Shan says of the award, “Working at Medium Rare has been a dream; based on a beautiful beachfront on one of the most beautiful areas of the Maldives – every day is like waking up in paradise. But getting to enjoy this job and for Sommelier Stanley and I to be awarded with such a prestigious award for doing it is unbelievable. I am delighted that we have brought the Spectator’s stamp of approval to our perfect island, and hope that it is the first of many.”
Launching next month, Sommelier Stanley will be hosting Gastrology with Chef Shan, a progressive four-course wine matching dinner which takes guests on a journey throughout a number of the resort’s dining outlets . Starting with canapés and Champagne, Sommelier Stanley will unveil some of his favourite tipples in the Wine Cellar before leading guests to the Asian inspired Saffron Restaurant for entrées. The gourmet adventure will continue at Medium Rare for Iruveli’s signature main course before finishing at Salt Water with a chocoholic buffet.
Gastrology will launch in September 2013 and will be available for groups of six or above.
Cooking
Women at heart of kitchen: Milaidhoo Maldives marks International Women’s Day through gastronomy
At Milaidhoo Maldives, International Women’s Day is observed as more than a calendar occasion; it is recognised as a meaningful celebration of the women whose talent and dedication shape the character of the resort’s intimate island experience.
This year, Milaidhoo highlights not only the women across its wider team, but also the five female chefs who play an integral role within its kitchen brigade. Culinary artistry remains central to the Milaidhoo experience, reflecting both heritage and creativity. Across the resort’s collection of dining venues, from island-inspired fine dining to relaxed beachfront cuisine, food is presented as a narrative of place and people. Menus are conceived as inspiration rather than prescription, with chefs tailoring each dish and dining moment to the individual tastes and curiosities of guests.
On 8 March from 19.00, the resort’s female culinary team will take over the open kitchen at Shoreline Grill, hosting a specially curated International Women’s Day dinner. Designed and executed by five chefs, the evening brings together flavours drawn from their individual traditions and culinary perspectives. More than a dining event, the experience is intended as a moment of connection and shared celebration, reflecting the intimate gastronomic gatherings for which Milaidhoo is known.
International Women’s Day Menu (Available at Shoreline Grill – Sunday 8 March from 19.00):
- Sate Lilit: Balinese seafood satay, gently spiced and grilled over charcoal, served with warm peanut sauce – Chef Bintang, Indonesia
- Pumpkin & Coconut Velouté: Roasted pumpkin soup with toasted pumpkin seeds, curry leaf oil and crisp garlic croutons – Chef Saaha, Maldives
- Curry-Poached Maldivian Coral Lobster: Locally sourced lobster with drumstick mashuni and coconut–passionfruit dressing – Chef Michelle, Maldives
- Thai A5 Wagyu Striploin: A5 Wagyu with confit lotus root, green papaya salad and Thai coconut red curry reduction – Chef Prew, Thailand
- Baobab & Chocolate Harmony: Baobab mousse, dark chocolate crémeux, peanut crumble, caramelised pineapple and mango gel – Chef Yemuria, Zimbabwe
Each dish reflects a personal culinary story, drawing inspiration from the charcoal grills of Indonesia and the spice markets of Thailand to the flavours of Zimbabwe and the rich culinary heritage of the Maldives. Together, the menu celebrates diversity and the shared pleasure of dining.
At Milaidhoo, meaningful luxury is defined through connection to place, tradition and people. This International Women’s Day, guests are invited to mark the occasion through an evening of exceptional gastronomy that honours the women at the heart of the Milaidhoo experience.
For reservations or further details on Milaidhoo’s culinary offerings, guests may visit the resort’s Culinary Experiences page or contact the reservations team at welcome@milaidhoo.com.
Drink
SO/ Maldives hosts tequila tasting and Lazuli Bar takeover for National Margarita Day
On 22nd February, in celebration of National Margarita Day, SO/ Maldives turns up the island energy with an exclusive Tequila Tasting, Margarita Experience and beachfront Bar Takeover reaffirming its position as the Maldives’ most modern lifestyle luxury brand. Vibrant, design-led and socially vibrant, SO/ Maldives transforms the occasion into more than a cocktail celebration it becomes a full-sensory journey set against turquoise waters and powder-soft white sands.
A Curated Tequila Journey with Adonai Reyna
Leading the experience is Adonai Reyna, MMI Spirits Ambassador and one of the region’s most decorated mixology talents. With 16 years of experience across Dubai’s most renowned venues and accolades including Winner Havana Club México, Top 25 World Class UAE, Silver Trophy CME UAE and Winner Crystal Head Vodka Mexico, Reyna brings world-class craftsmanship to the shores of the Maldives.
Guests will join him for an immersive tequila tasting experience that delves into the heritage of Mexico’s iconic agave spirit. From understanding the terroir and production secrets to discovering the nuanced flavour profiles of blanco, reposado and aged expressions, the tasting goes beyond the glass. It is a refined exploration of culture, craft and complexity a sensorial journey designed for modern luxury travellers.
The Lazuli Bar Takeover: Where Sunset Meets Spirit
As golden hour approaches, the celebration shifts to the iconic coloured pool bar at Lazuli Beach Club the social heart of the island. Framed by white sand beaches and endless ocean views, Lazuli delivers effortless barefoot sunset vibes with a Riviera-inspired twist.
Under glowing Maldivian skies, Adonai Reyna takes over the bar with a bespoke Margarita menu crafted using premium tequilas, fresh tropical ingredients and innovative mixology techniques. Each cocktail is a statement balancing authenticity with contemporary flair, perfectly aligned with SO/ Maldives’ fashion-forward aesthetic.
The coloured pool bar becomes the centre of attention, drawing guests together in a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere where music flows, cocktails sparkle and the shoreline becomes the ultimate dancefloor.
At SO/ Maldives, experiences are designed to blend global culture with island glamour. The National Margarita Day takeover is a natural extension of the brand’s identity vibrant, creative and unapologetically stylish.
Whether guests are tequila connoisseurs, sunset seekers or social explorers, 22nd February promises an unforgettable celebration where Mexican heritage meets Maldivian rhythm.
For more information or to book your perfect getaway, please visit so-maldives.com or contact so.maldives.reservations@so-hotels.com.
Drink
Provence comes to Maldives with Château Minuty dinner at Milaidhoo Maldives
Milaidhoo Maldives is hosting a wine pairing dinner celebrating Provençal elegance and gastronomy on 4 March 2026 at the resort’s Shoreline Grill. The evening will feature wines from Château Minuty and will be hosted by Sébastien Nore, Global Strategy and Export Director of Château Minuty, offering guests insight into the winery’s heritage and approach to fine winemaking.
Originally from Limousin, France, Nore brings extensive experience in the international beverage industry. His career includes roles with Kronenbourg Wineries and PepsiCo France, followed by senior leadership positions at Diageo and Baron Philippe de Rothschild. He has played a key role in expanding Château Minuty’s global presence and currently oversees the winery’s strategy, sales, communication and marketing, with a focus on innovation and the refined character of Provençal rosé.
During the dinner, guests will enjoy a curated selection of Château Minuty wines, paired with a bespoke menu created by the Shoreline Grill culinary team. The featured wines include:
- Château Minuty M de Minuty Rosé Magnum 1.5L – Artist Edition 2024
- Château Minuty Prestige Rosé 2024
- Château Minuty Rosé et Or 2024
- Château Minuty 281 2024
Beyond this event, the dinner reflects Milaidhoo Maldives’ wider commitment to gastronomy. The resort’s Gourmet Plan is designed for guests with a strong interest in food and wine, offering personalised, multi-course dining experiences throughout their stay. Each menu is crafted to highlight the relationship between carefully selected ingredients and complementary wines, with an emphasis on authenticity and balance.
The Château Minuty dinner marks the fourth wine-focused event hosted by Milaidhoo Maldives this year, underscoring the resort’s ongoing focus on curated culinary experiences. The evening is positioned as a sensory journey, combining refined flavours, thoughtful pairings and a convivial island setting.
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