|
|
|
You can get e-magazine links on WhatsApp. Click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anantara Veli to continue Michelin-Star Chef series
|
|
Tuesday, 13 October, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
|
|
Our Bureau, Mumbai
|
Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, owned by Ventive Hospitality and operated under the Anantara Hotels & Resorts brand, is set to continue its Around the World Michelin Star Guest Chef Series 2026 with culinary residencies by chefs Alena Solodovichenko and Cristina Bowerman in October and November, respectively.
The three-month programme, themed ‘Michelin Finesse Meets Sustainable Gastronomy’, features interactive cooking classes and curated dinners, bringing together international culinary talent, diverse cultural influences and sustainable dining practices.
Chef Niyati Rao, chef and co-founder of Mumbai-based Ekaa, concluded the third-quarter chapter of the series in September, bringing an Indian culinary perspective to the programme. The series will now enter its fourth-quarter phase during the Maldives’ high season, beginning with Ukrainian-born chef Alena Solodovichenko.
Drawing on her roots in Kyiv, Solodovichenko will combine her cultural heritage with contemporary European techniques and international culinary experience. Her residency will include a cooking class on October 21, followed by a specially curated dinner on October 22.
The programme will conclude in November with Chef Cristina Bowerman of Rome’s Michelin-starred Glass Hostaria. Known for her contemporary interpretation of Italian cuisine and the integration of international influences, Bowerman will bring her culinary philosophy and focus on sustainability to the resort. Her cooking class is scheduled for November 4, followed by a curated dinner on November 5.
Junior Wine Sommelier Kishore Bandaru will select wines to complement the menus and individual culinary styles presented by the guest chefs.
Sustainability is a central theme of the series, with visiting chefs encouraged to incorporate responsible sourcing, seasonal produce and conscious ingredient selection into their menus. The programme aims to connect each chef’s culinary identity with the Maldives’ distinctive natural environment.
The cooking classes will offer guests an opportunity to explore the techniques, ingredients and culinary philosophies behind each chef’s cuisine, while the dinners will provide an immersive dining experience showcasing their interpretations of the theme.
Commenting on the initiative, Ranjit Batra, chief executive officer, Ventive Hospitality Ltd, said the Maldives is an important part of the company’s international portfolio, comprising five resorts with a total of 515 keys.
He noted that food and beverage contributed 40% of Ventive Hospitality’s international hospitality revenue in Q1 FY27, highlighting the importance of distinctive culinary programmes in enhancing the guest experience.
According to Batra, the guest chef series brings together global culinary talent and diverse perspectives while placing sustainable gastronomy at its centre. The October and November residencies are expected to further strengthen the resort’s culinary offerings by combining international influences with destination-led dining experiences.
Through the 2026 series, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort aims to bring together fine dining, sustainability and cultural diversity, positioning gastronomy as an integral part of the luxury hospitality experience.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|