Male’, Maldives, 03 August 2024 – Veligandu Maldives Resort Island is set to reopen its doors in November 2024, bringing a new level of luxury and culinary excellence to the picturesque North Ari Atoll. The resort, known for its natural beauty and exceptional hospitality, has undergone a comprehensive renovation to offer guests an even more refined and modern experience.
Chef Cristian Marino, the resort’s Culinary Consultant, brings over two decades of global culinary expertise to Veligandu. Chef Marino has earned prestigious awards such as ‘The Golden Q’ from Ospitalità Italiana and the ‘Silver Plate’ from the Accademia Italiana della Cucina. His distinguished career includes roles at renowned hotels and restaurants like Radisson Blu, InterContinental, Marriott, and Crown & Champa Resorts, ensuring that his influence will elevate the resort’s dining scene.
At Dhonveli, the resort’s beloved restaurant, Chef Marino has seamlessly integrated tradition with modern touches. The buffet has been enhanced with themed nights and interactive live cooking stations. New additions, such as a traditional tandoor oven and a custom-made pizza oven from Italy, add authentic Indian flavors and Italian classics to the dining experience.
The breakfast menu has been revamped to include a diverse international buffet and a dedicated healthy corner featuring fresh fruit, smoothies, and whole grain cereals. This ensures guests start their day with a nutritious and enjoyable meal.
Special dining experiences take full advantage of Veligandu’s breathtaking natural surroundings. Guests can enjoy private beach dinners, serene garden settings, and full moonlit meals, each designed to create unforgettable moments.
Raalhu Restaurant, focusing on luxury dining, features a menu that highlights fresh seafood and premium meats, crafted to offer a memorable culinary journey. Madivaru Restaurant & Teppanyaki Grill introduces a fusion of Mediterranean and Asian flavors with an interactive Teppanyaki experience, inspired by the historic Silk Road.
The Champagne Pavilion offers a refined setting for relaxation, perfect for sunset aperitifs with fine champagne, freshly shucked oysters, and tropical fruit, alongside a selection of fine wines and artisanal cheeses.
Chef Marino’s approach, influenced by his books ‘The 10 Rules of the Chef in the Modern Era’ and ‘The Healthy Italian Chef,’ emphasizes leadership, creativity, and wellness. This philosophy is reflected in Veligandu’s new menus, where culinary excellence and health-conscious choices are harmoniously integrated.
As Veligandu Maldives Resort Island enters this new chapter, Chef Marino’s culinary vision promises to provide guests with an exceptional dining experience that honors the resort’s legacy while embracing innovation.
