Upcoming events

From 3–5 April 2026, The Nautilus Maldives welcomes Switzerland’s renowned State Chef Gregor Zimmermann, Executive Chef of Bern’s legendary Bellevue Palace, for an intimate Easter culinary residency. Guests will enjoy two exclusive gourmet evenings at Zeytoun, where Swiss Alpine flavors meet the treasures of the Maldives, alongside a hands-on Chocolate Masterclass exploring the art and heritage of Swiss chocolate.

Zimmermann’s creations will also feature during Nautilus Rising at Naiboli Beach, offering a prelude to Easter festivities infused with artistry and island spirit. A member of Le Club des Chefs des Chefs, Zimmermann has cooked for presidents, royalty, and international delegations, earning the Officier du Mérite Agricole for his culinary mastery.

His cuisine blends clarity, emotion, and tradition, reinterpreting Swiss recipes in a modern, soulful style. “Gregor Zimmermann combines precision with emotion—exactly what we cherish at The Nautilus: freedom, authenticity, and unforgettable experiences,” says Adan Gomez, General Manager.

Set within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this residency offers unhurried moments where Swiss craftsmanship meets Maldivian serenity—no schedules, no scripts, just extraordinary experiences on your own terms.

Kandolhu Maldives is delighted to announce its next culinary collaboration with celebrated Lima-born chef Claudia Canessa, taking place from 30 April to 4 May 2026. Over five days, guests will be invited to discover the bold, expressive flavours of Peruvian cuisine, interpreted through Chef Canessa’s refined, contemporary lens.

Best known for her acclaimed restaurant Amaru in St. Moritz, Chef Canessa has earned international recognition for blending the soul of Peruvian cooking with the elegance and restraint of Swiss gastronomy. Her culinary philosophy draws from South American traditions, the precision of Japanese techniques, and the vibrant influences of Mexican flavours, resulting in dishes that are layered, aromatic, and perfectly balanced.

During her residency at Kandolhu, Chef Canessa will present a selection of her most celebrated creations, including her signature ceviche interpretations, Tuna Chicano with lemon zest, and a refined salmon tiradito with yuzu ponzu. Each dish reflects her mastery of spice, acidity, and texture—bold yet never overpowering.

The programme includes daily Special Peruvian Lunches at Ato Roa from 30 April to 3 May, with two intimate seatings per day, followed by a four-course surprise dinner at Olive Restaurant on 4 May, limited to just 14 guests.

Set against Kandolhu’s idyllic island backdrop, the residency promises an immersive gastronomic journey that elevates the resort’s culinary offering while offering guests a rare opportunity to engage with one of Peru’s most dynamic chefs.

From 10–14 March 2026, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives welcomes renowned mixologist Dirk Hany, host and co-owner of Zurich’s award-winning Bar am Wasser, for a week-long series of masterclasses, bar takeovers, and immersive cocktail experiences.

Highlights include:

• Masterclass at Umami – explore Hany’s techniques and signature creations.
• Sunset Takeovers at Mirus Bar – enjoy refined cocktails in an elevated island setting.
• The Shack Sundowner – seaside cocktails paired with curated bites and ocean views.
• Sapor in Tavola Pairing Dinner – cocktail and gourmet cuisine journey at Pibati Sul Mare.

This exclusive programme blends world-class mixology with Alila’s thoughtful luxury, offering guests an immersive, flavourful, and memorable island experience.

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi unveils its 24 Hour Premium All Inclusive Dine Around, offering guests a luxurious culinary journey across 15 distinctive venues. Highlights include:

• Signature Restaurants Reimagined – Italian at Trio, French fine dining at Flavours, Southeast Asian at Bamboo, Maldivian seafood at Islander’s Grill, and bespoke Teppanyaki experiences.
• Curated Drinks & Pairings – over 66 premium wines and champagnes, sommelier-led tastings, and specialty beverage experiences.
• Lifestyle & Leisure – Sun Siyam Beach Club, Waters Edge 24-hour access, wellness rituals, meditation, Pilates, and guided cultural and underwater excursions.
• Seamless Luxury – exclusive airport lounge access, personal butler service, and thoughtfully curated arrival experiences.

The programme blends culinary artistry, immersive island experiences, and intuitive service, setting a new benchmark for contemporary Maldivian luxury.

JOALI BEING announces an exclusive culinary residency with acclaimed Chef Kelvin Cheung, pioneer of Third Culture cuisine, from 18–22 February. Blending his Chinese heritage, North American upbringing, and French training, Chef Cheung crafts a journey of flavors reflecting balance, harmony, and meaning—perfectly aligned with Lunar New Year and JOALI BEING’s philosophy of well-being.

Guests can enjoy immersive dining experiences, interactive cooking classes, and signature Third Culture dinners, while children explore playful culinary workshops inspired by Chef Cheung’s approach. Using thoughtfully sourced local and global ingredients, the programme celebrates connection, creativity, and conscious living.

The residency forms part of JOALI BEING’s wider Lunar New Year celebrations, featuring festive dining, tea rituals, wellness activities, marine adventures, and island-wide gatherings for families and guests of all ages. Extended stays are available through the Residence Escape Offer, designed for unhurried living and meaningful shared moments.

Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, welcomes acclaimed Swiss chef Heiko Nieder for an exclusive gastronomic showcase as part of its 2026 Michelin Series. Celebrated for his creativity, precision, and refined technique, Chef Heiko is Culinary Director at The Dolder Grand in Zurich and a two-Michelin-starred chef with multiple GaultMillau accolades.

Signature Events:

• 14 Feb – Four-Hand Dinner: Chef Heiko joins Sirru Fen Fushi’s Executive Chef Girish Sharma for a collaborative Valentine’s and Lunar New Year dinner. Guests can expect inventive dishes blending Swiss and Maldivian influences.
• 18 Feb – Exclusive Dinner & Cooking Class: A rare opportunity for guests to learn directly from Chef Heiko, exploring his culinary philosophy and signature techniques.

About Chef Heiko Nieder:
Born in Germany, Chef Heiko trained across Europe, including Hamburg, Berlin, and Bonn. He founded THE EPICURE, The Dolder Grand’s internationally acclaimed gourmet festival, and has published two cookbooks, most recently Heiko Nieder – Private Dining (2025). His style combines daring creativity with refined precision, offering guests a unique haute cuisine experience.

The Michelin Series:
Sirru Fen Fushi’s Michelin Series is a curated calendar of culinary icons and global tastemakers, designed to immerse guests in extraordinary dining experiences, storytelling, and island reconnection through the art of food.

This December, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is delighted to welcome acclaimed British chef Tom Aikens for an exclusive festive culinary journey. Known for his innovative approach to modern British cuisine and as the youngest chef to earn two Michelin stars, Chef Tom will curate an unforgettable series of dining experiences over Christmas and New Year. Join us in celebrating the season with exceptional gastronomy inspired by his passion for sustainability, artistry, and the essence of fine dining.

Coco Bodu Hithi is set to ignite the festive season with the highly anticipated return of renowned Dutch chef Jord Althuizen from 27 to 29 December. Celebrated for his signature art-of-fire cooking style and bold, world-class flavours, Chef Jord brings his award-winning barbecue mastery back to the Maldives for an exclusive culinary experience. Known for earning the prestigious Whole Hog BBQ’er title and authoring multiple best-selling BBQ cookbooks, his return promises an elevated dining journey defined by creativity, refined technique, and vibrant flavours.

Guests will be invited to gather around communal tables to enjoy signature dishes crafted with freshly caught seafood and premium cuts sourced from around the world, blending international flair with Maldivian authenticity. Set against the timeless island charm of Coco Bodu Hithi, the festive celebrations extend beyond dining, offering live sunset music, festive mixology, wine tastings, wellness experiences, and curated island activities. Recognised among the top resorts in the Indian Ocean and celebrated for exceptional service and sustainability, Coco Bodu Hithi invites guests to celebrate, connect, and create unforgettable memories in a truly fiery festive escape.