A Global Culinary Journey: Michelin Star Chefs Return to Anantara Veli Maldives
Wednesday 15th of January 2025
Anantara Veli Maldives Resort has announced the return of its Around The World Michelin Star Guest Chef Series for 2025. This year’s series promises a series of unforgettable culinary experiences, with a particular focus on sustainability. The resort, renowned for its luxurious setting and world-class dining, has partnered with top Michelin-star chefs from around the world, each bringing their own innovative approach to sustainable cuisine.
Aligning with the resort’s strong commitment to eco-friendly practices, the guest chefs will incorporate sustainable elements into their menus. This includes using ingredients sourced from the resort’s Chef’s Garden, highlighting the catch of the day, and creating zero-waste dishes. These initiatives are in line with the resort's overall dedication to minimizing its environmental impact.
Chef Francis Purification, the Culinary Director of Anantara Veli Maldives, reflected on the success of the inaugural series, sharing how Chef Gary Foulkes of Angler Restaurant had prepared a remarkable wahoo dish, utilizing every part of the fish, even crafting a rich bouillabaisse from its bones. Inspired by this experience, Chef Francis has challenged the 2025 chefs to bring their own creative, sustainable ideas to the table.
“The Maldives presents unique challenges when it comes to sustainability, as many ingredients need to be imported. However, we have a passionate purchasing team working with suppliers who share our sustainability goals,” Chef Francis said.
The 2025 series will kick off on February 27 with the arrival of Chef Michelle Goh and Chef Pongcharn “Top” Russell from Mia Restaurant in Bangkok. The culinary duo will introduce a menu combining modern European cuisine with Asian influences, offering a fresh take on global flavors.
On March 13, Chef Melvin Chou from Terra Tokyo Italian in Singapore will showcase his fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisines, combining seasonal ingredients with inventive techniques. Chef Oli Marlow, from Roganic Hong Kong, will follow on April 17, focusing on his commitment to zero-waste cooking, a key component of his culinary philosophy.
May will bring Chef Victor Liong of Lee Ho Fook in Melbourne, who will highlight Chinese cuisine, drawing on his expertise and Malaysian heritage. On June 5, Chef Arnaud Dunand of Maison Dunand in Bangkok will present his refined French dishes, further adding to the global culinary showcase.
In July, Chef Ricki Weston of The Dining Room at Whatley Manor will bring his British culinary expertise to the resort, followed by Chef Adam Smith of Woven by Adam Smith in Ascot on September 4.
The series will conclude in October with Chef Simon Hulstone of The Elephant in Torquay, returning for his second appearance after a successful showing in 2024. Known for his creative, sustainable dishes, Chef Hulstone is excited to collaborate again with Anantara’s culinary team. Finally, Chef Jeremy Gillon, renowned as the “vegetable whisperer,” will return on December 4, bringing a menu centered around sustainable and innovative vegetable-based dishes.
Chef Francis Purification sees the Around The World series as a valuable opportunity for both guests and the resort’s culinary team. “Over the last two series, our chefs have had the privilege of working alongside world-renowned talents, gaining exposure to new techniques and creative perspectives,” he said.
Each evening of the series will be an exclusive dining experience at the resort’s Japanese restaurant, Origami. With just 24 guests per event, the series promises intimate, curated menus paired with fine wines for a truly unforgettable experience.
By blending luxury, sustainability, and the artistry of Michelin-starred chefs, Anantara Veli Maldives is set to once again offer guests a truly remarkable culinary journey in 2025.