Male’, Maldives, 03 August 2024 – As Veligandu Maldives Resort Island prepares for its grand reopening in November 2024, anticipation is building for a transformed guest experience. Located in the picturesque North Ari Atoll, Veligandu has been a cherished destination for travelers seeking natural beauty, luxury accommodations, and exceptional hospitality. After a comprehensive renovation, the resort is set to reintroduce its offerings with enhanced luxury and modern dining experiences.
Chef Cristian Marino, the resort’s Culinary Consultant, brings over 20 years of global culinary expertise to Veligandu. With a career marked by prestigious awards such as ‘The Golden Q’ from Ospitalità Italiana and the ‘Silver Plate’ from the Accademia Italiana Della Cucina, Chef Marino’s influence promises to elevate the resort’s dining scene. His extensive experience includes roles at top hotels and restaurants worldwide, including Radisson Blu, InterContinental, Marriott, and Crown & Champa Resorts.
At Dhonveli, the resort’s beloved restaurant, Chef Marino has blended tradition with modern touches. The buffet has been upgraded with themed nights and interactive live cooking stations. New additions like a traditional tandoor oven and a custom-made pizza oven from Italy enhance the dining experience, offering authentic Indian flavors and Italian classics.
The breakfast offerings have also been revamped to include a diverse international buffet and a dedicated healthy corner featuring fresh fruit, smoothies, and whole grain cereals. This ensures guests can start their day with a nutritious and enjoyable meal.
Special dining experiences take advantage of Veligandu’s stunning 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.
